UMconnect 02-17-10

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Larry Latas, member of Lincoln First UMC, extends his thanks to truck driver James Taylor, as fellow First UMC member Tom Stanley gives Taylor a literal pat on the back. Taylor volunteered to pick up health kits that had been dropped off at locations across the state. He hauled nearly 17,000 health kits to the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. They will eventually be disbursed to Haiti.

United Methodists in Nebraska and Iowa collect nearly 17,000 health kits for Haiti relief efforts

The Nebraska United Methodist Health Kits for Haiti drive kicked off on Jan. 18 and ended on Feb. 8; over the three-week period, over 12,000 kits were dropped off at nine designated locations across the state. The Nebraska Conference also coordinated with the Iowa Conference to pick up any kits that remained from their own statewide collection, that hadn't already been sent on a truck or mailed directly. Their final tally was approximately 4,300 kits, bringing the total number to approximately 16,980.

"I want to express my profound gratefulness and my amazement at what has been accomplished," said the Rev. Lyle Schoen, the Nebraska Conference secretary for the General Board of Global Ministries, who was responsible for coordinating the drive. "I want to pass along my thanks to everyone, and to stress the importance of each and every kit."

James Taylor, on behalf of Soucie Trucking in Cambridge, Neb., volunteered to pick up the health kits at each location, and then deliver them to the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. He arrived in Baldwin on the morning of Friday, Feb. 12. The kits will ultimately be sent to Haiti; no shipments have been made from the depot to the country yet, UMCOR is awaiting improved transportation and a good distribution arrangement.

In addition to the health kits, the other urgent need in Haiti is for layette kits, which provide basic supplies for an infant's needs. The layette kit is valued at $35 per kit; its contents include cloth diapers, receiving blankets and gowns or sleepers. For a complete list, visit UMCOR's Web site, linked below.

Schoen also noted that, while Methodists led the effort, donations came from churches of many denominations and from individuals, making it a truly ecumenical and communitywide effort.

"It's so worthwhile to do this kind of work when the response across the state is so wonderful," he said.

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VIM group from Elmwood, Neb., help unload health kits at Sager Brown Depot

The Sager Brown Depot is the headquarters for UMCOR's relief supply operations. Approximately $4 million in supplies are shipped each year from the Baldwin, La., campus to disaster locations around the globe. More than 2,000 volunteers visit Sager Brown each year to help make these shipments happen. As it would happen, there was a team of seven United Methodists from Elmwood St. Paul UMC there to meet and help unload the semitrailer full of health kits from the Nebraska Conference on the morning of Friday, Feb. 12.

"We were surprised to see him [truck driver James Taylor] pull in, we'd been told it would be Monday before he arrived, so we were pleasantly surprised that we got to be there and help," said Carol Gewiss, one of the members of the group.

Gewiss also said that everyone in the group has been to Sager Brown at least once before, and two of the couples have been there numerous times. This was the fourth time for Dale and Karen Kunz, and the ninth consecutive year Walter and Carolyn Oehlerking have made the trip to Louisiana.
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Total Conference giving to Haiti relief tops $180,000

As of Feb. 17, 2010, Nebraska United Methodists have contributed $180,533.01 to the Haiti Emergency Advance. The Conference has also received $5,937.00 for material resources for UMCOR health kits, and $5,492.50 for shipping costs related to health kits.

A reminder that recent change to the tax code permits certain charitable contributions for Haiti relief made between Jan. 11, 2010, and March 1, 2010, to be deductible on 2009 individual tax returns. Visit the IRS Web site, linked below, for more details.
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One Great Hour of Sharing—March 14, 2010

When the first tremors of the earthquake in Haiti rocked that island nation, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) staff were already in the country, strategizing how United Methodists could help improve the lives of the people there. Their work is a direct result of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, which supports the operating expenses of those who bring healing and help in our name. It makes it possible, when we respond to an emergency like Haiti, to know that 100% of our gift goes directly to where the suffering is happening.

One Great Hour of Sharing is one of six churchwide Special Sundays scheduled for 2010, it will be observed on March 14. These "Special Sundays" are opportunities to share beyond our regular offerings. As stated on www.umcgiving.org, "When we give from the heart, we receive unexpected blessings--especially the joy of making a difference in someone's life."

Click on the link below to read more about One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday, to order offering materials, including bulletin inserts, DVDs and music, or to donate now. Or call (888) 346-3862 to order envelopes and other resources so your congregation can participate in this churchwide offering; they will be sent at no cost to your church!

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Register now for Rethink Church at Springfield First UMC, March 19-20

Rethink Church, a conference on welcoming and evangelism, will be held on March 19 and 20, at Springfield First United Methodist Church, in Springfield, Neb. Workshop leaders Kathryn Witte and Lisa Maupin will bring fresh materials they acquired from recent trainings with United Methodist Communications in Nashville. Special guest Barbara Nissen will also join the training team. This event is the spring Laity Convocation for the Nebraska Conference, but don't let the name fool you—this conference is for pastors and laity working together to create spiritual excitement in their congregations.

Friday, March 19, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will be a training day for individuals who plan to commit to presenting the Rethink Church program to congregations in their district. Each participant will be asked to sign a covenant agreeing to teach Rethink Church at least twice in 2010.

On Friday evening, at 5 p.m., registration will begin for Rethink Church for congregations. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion and entertainment.

Saturday will begin with worship at 9 a.m., and include a full day of topics, such as Welcoming as a Lifestyle; Identity; Unique Characteristics of Seekers Ages 18-34; Discover/Design/Do; Children and Young People's Ministry, and more. The afternoon will include breakout sessions.

The cost to participate is $40 per person for 1 to 3 people, $125 for groups of 4 to 7 attending from the same congregation and $200 for 8 or more attending from the same congregation. Groups of 20 or more are asked to contact Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org to receive special pricing and to ensure that enough materials are available. Payment is due on the day of the event; make checks payable to Conference Treasurer.

Register online via the link below, or fill out the attached registration form and mail it to the Nebraska UM Conference Center, attn: Rethink Church Registration, 3333 Landmark Cir., Lincoln, NE 68504. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 16.

View the attached PDF for more information and to read what past participants have to say about Rethink Church.
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Dr. Marcia McFee

Register now for Marcia McFee workshop at Lincoln Trinity—April 16-17

Dr. Marcia McFee, author, professor, preacher, artist and worship designer and leader, will be presenting a workshop on creating dynamic worship for all churches at Lincoln Trinity United Methodist Church, 7130 Kentwell Lane, on April 16 and 17.

The evening of Friday, April 16, will feature worship and discussion with McFee from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday's events will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m.; there will be four sessions throughout the day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Among the session topics are "Creating Worship with Deep Soul" and "The Rhythms of Liturgy and Life." The workshop will conclude at 3:30 p.m. The complete schedule is attached below.

The cost for an individual to attend is $45; for teams of three or more the cost is $30. Lunch will be served. Register online via the link below or call Lincoln Trinity UMC at 402-435-2946. Registration is limited.

McFee will also be leading worship at Trinity UMC on Sunday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m., the general public is invited to attend.

McFee is committed to teaching the nuts and bolts of worship in an interactive, fun and inspiring way that enables anyone to return home and create a spirit-filled encounter with God for their church service. She has provided worship design and leadership at numerous national and regional gatherings, and also specializes in designing and leading conference worship. Most recently, she designed and led 22 worship services over a 10-day period for the international quadrennial General Conference of The United Methodist Church. To learn more about her, visit her Web site, linked below.
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Koni Purscell to lead workshop on "Reactivating the Inactive" at Oakland First UMC on March 27

Oakland First United Methodist Church and the Bell Creek Cluster is sponsoring a workshop on "Reactivating the Inactive" on Saturday, March 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Oakland First UMC. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Koni Purscell of the Rural Ministry Project.

The cost is $12 to attend, which covers the book Purscell will use during the training. There will also be a free-will offering to cover lunch costs.

Attendants will gather in the sanctuary, via the northwest door. The handicap accessible entrance is on the east side of the church. An elevator is also available from the basement through the west door. Please RSVP to Lana in the Oakland First UMC office at 402-685-5664.
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United Methodist Ministries to host a day of service on April 24

Your congregation is invited to "Change the World" on April 24. United Methodist Ministries (UMM) is hosting a day of service for youth and adults in the metro-Omaha area.

The day will begin at Hanscom Park United Methodist Church, 4444 Frances Street, with team check-in from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by a short gathering time. Teams will be assigned to specific local service agencies for hands-on mission work. The day will conclude by 3 p.m., following a closing worship time.

Two participation options are available. The first is "Global Youth Service Day" projects for youth grades 6-12; adult leaders are required for every five participating youth. The second option is "Impact Community" projects for adults 18 and over.

Transportation to service sites will be provided. Housing is available for teams outside the metro-Omaha area. Cost for participation is $15 per person, which includes a commemorative t-shirt and lunch.

Pre-registration is required. The registration form is provided below and is due by April 1. For more information, contact Lisa Maupin at 402.898.9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.

On April 24-25, 2010, all United Methodists are invited to participate in Change the World, a movement to connect United Methodists across the world in service on one weekend, locally and globally. More information will be forthcoming in UMconnect. Visit www.rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld.org to find out more about the campaign.
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Find-A-Church gives United Methodist churches free advertising

The redesigned Find-A-Church option on the United Methodist Church Web site provides United Methodist churches with a free online profile. Churches can share not only their address, phone number, and Web site information, but can also create a personalized snapshot of their congregation. It is a chance for churches of any size to build a positive image, present opportunities and attract newcomers at no charge.

Once you are on the "Find-A-Church" page, choose to update your church's information. There is even a tutorial to walk you through the steps if you need assistance. We encourage you to input as much information as possible, including photos. Perhaps instead of using a photo of your church building, you might use one showing one of your church's ministries in action. Take into consideration what will speak to people, and make them want to visit your church.

The Find-A-Church directory receives approximately 280,000 hits a month. By updating the Find-A-Church profile, churches can reach anyone searching for a church home. Many churches use Find-A-Church as their primary Web site and others view it as an extension to their church Web sites and direct traffic there.

If you have questions about updating your Find-A-Church information, contact United Methodist Communications at FAC@umc.org or 800-251-8140.
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Camp Comeca seeks new director—application deadline is Feb. 26

Camp Comeca and Retreat Center, a United Methodist Camp located near Cozad, Neb., is seeking a new camp director for ACA site approved ministry. Applicants should have experience running a camp, maintaining ACA accreditation, strong administrative and financial abilities, fund-raising and public relations experience and be spiritually grounded with a mature Christian faith. A complete job description is linked below.

Submit cover letter and resume to: NUMCC, attn: Jody Henderson, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln 68504, or e-mail jhenderson@umcneb.org. The application deadline is Feb. 26.
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Summer job opportunities at Camp Comeca

See the attached PDF for all the information to apply for the upcoming summer season at Camp Comeca.
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Camp Norwesca seeking program director/retreat host

Norwesca Camp and Retreat Center, a United Methodist, ACA-Accredited camp near Chadron, Neb., is seeking a year-round program director/retreat host. The position is full-time during the summer season and part-time during the retreat season.

This person will be responsible for training and supervision of summer staff, campers and program activities as well as providing hosting, programming and performing routine housekeeping tasks for fall, winter and spring retreat guests. We are looking for a faith-filled person with enthusiasm for serving others, a sound understanding of relational ministry and an ability to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Physical and emotional stamina, effective communication and organizational skills and an ability to exercise good judgment are essential. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

For more information and a complete job description, please visit www.norwesca.org or contact Camp Director Mollie Ronge at 308-432-3872 or norwesca@umcneb.org. Applications must be received by Friday, March 26, 2010. Position start date is May 1.
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Epworth Village needs Family Partners in Nebraska City and Lincoln

A Family Partner works with families within the home-setting, working on change services. Family Partners will model and evidence progress or lack of progress in the following areas: discipline, coping skills, social development, child development, parenting, community resources and other areas assigned by child welfare department. A Family Partner must possess a bachelor's degree in psychology, human development or a closely related social science field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree is preferred.

Applicants must also have:
-an ability to work independently and have good organizational skills
-excellent written and verbal communication skills
-a strong commitment to family-centered practice
-the ability to utilize Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
-Cannot be missing more than three points on driver's license.

If you are interested in applying, please contact Josh Stafursky at 402-362-3353.
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A group of Nebraskans were in Cuba Feb. 3-13 on a Volunteers in Mission trip.

Volunteers in Mission (VIM) group from Nebraska visits Cuba

A Volunteers in Mission group from the Nebraska Annual Conference recently visited Cuba, from Feb. 3-13. They were led by the Rev. Secundino Morales, Gateway District superintendent.

Morales said that the Methodist church in Cuba is one of the fastest growing churches in Latin America. In 2001, there were 9,000 members of the church; presently there are now 35,000 members. 60 percent of their members are under 40, and 90 percent of their pastors are under 35.

"The Methodist church in Cuba is a very charismatic church," said Morales. "They emphasize highly the gifts of the Holy Spirit."

Morales is hopeful that a delegation from the Nebraska Conference can visit Cuba in the near future.
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Register your team for United Methodist Ministries' Summer VIM experience

United Methodist Ministries (UMM) invites you to participate in one of their summer Volunteers in Mission (VIM) experiences by registering your VIM team today. Space is limited, so register now!

UMM, located in the metro-Omaha area, is an accredited VIM site that provides a unique experience to mission teams. Every summer hundreds of youth, adults and families partner with local agencies in Omaha to participate in hands-on mission and justice work. UMM believes strongly in providing tools and means to teams to make mission and justice happen in their own community.

Teams will participate in a number of experiences that connect mission and justice. Examples include community gardens, homeless shelters, emergency relief agencies, community centers and thrift stores. Through hands-on mission work teams will be educated in areas including: food security, issues surrounding homelessness, systemic issues of poverty, immigration issues, health issues and fair trade and economic justice. Length of mission experiences varies from 24 hours to five days.

Cost is $10 per person per day (additional $15 a night per person for lodging if required). This cost does not include food or entertainment activities. Groups are also asked to raise additional money/supplies as a part of the experience to support the agencies they visit.

To schedule your mission team, please contact Lisa Maupin at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.
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Save the Date—Youth Annual Conference 2010

The 2010 Youth Annual Conference (YAC) will be Tuesday, June 8 through Saturday, June 12, at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. YAC is open to any youth who have graduated from the eighth grade through graduating high school seniors. Each district is asked to send registrations for two (2) youth to represent their district as members of the Annual Conference.

This year's theme is "Our Way of Life," taken from the Apostle Paul's words to the community of faith in Corinth: "For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life."

During their time at YAC, participants will be discovering their God-given strengths and gifts. Each youth will take part in the "Strengths Finder" assessment created by the Gallup Organization, with the help of the Rev. Dr. Al Winseman, a United Methodist clergyman who is the Religious and Social Trends editor for Gallup. Winseman will help the youth understand what their strengths mean for their life and their ministry.

There will be plenty of free time, small groups for spiritual growth, and an entire day set aside to do mission and outreach in the Lincoln community.

Check-in begins at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, at Wesleyan. Attendees are asked to arrive no later than 2:45 p.m. The residence halls are located off of 53rd and Madison, on the north side of campus. The conference will end the morning of Saturday, June 12.

The registration form, health waiver and youth covenant can all be found on the Youth Ministries page of the Conference Web site, linked below. Contact the Rev. Michael Patzloff at 402-553-3312 for more information.
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Attendees listen to one of the speakers at Ecumencial Legislative Briefing Day at Lincoln Christ UMC on Feb. 13.

Ecumenical Legislative Day educated participants on variety of topics

Did you know that no legal means of immigration exists for low-skilled workers who don't have family already living in the United States? For those with family members living here, the backlog of applications means they will wait five to 22 years to see their relatives again if their applications for visas are granted. And while the USDA provides regulations regarding food safety for meat packing facilities, no legislation exists to regulate the "line" speed, protecting workers against injuries associated with speed. The immigration workshop at Ecumenical Legislative Day held on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Lincoln Christ UMC educated participants on these and several other issues affecting immigrants today.

At the state level, legislation aimed at reducing the number of undocumented workers could prove harmful to all members of the community. Two such bills include LB 699, a bill that would increase local police involvement with immigration services, and LB 966, which would expand the use of e-verify. LB 699 would allows police to submit the information of anyone arrested to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, increasing the risk of racial profiling for those who may "look foreign." All members of a community must feel comfortable working with police in order to maintain public safety. If undocumented workers are afraid to contact police when they witness a crime, our public safety is at risk. LB966 would expand the use of e-verify, a service used by employers to check Social Security numbers. This bill would require all employers to use the e-verify system, which is not set up to handle millions of requests and could potentially cause delays or problems for seniors receiving Social Security.

Just a few minutes of your time can make a world of difference to your neighbors. Here are a few starters:
1. Visit Nebraska Appleseed, www.neappleseed.org, to learn more about the issues that affect low-income and immigrant workers in Nebraska.
2. Help your family and friends to understand more about immigration. You can download a version of the immigration board game to play with your Bible study, Sunday school class or small group from www.nwfco.
3. For more in-depth adult study and discussion, download a six-week study for Nebraska United Methodists developed, in part, by two Micah Corps interns. Go to www.neappleseed.org and type Micah Corps in the search box.
4. Let state senators know that you want our police departments to focus on public safety, not immigration. For senators' contact information go to http://nebraskalegislature.gov/.
5. Plan to attend Ecumenical Legislative Day on Feb. 12, 2011!
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Kathy Pierce presents "Food and Faith" at the Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission at Camp Norwesca.

Summary of "Food and Faith" study held at 2010 Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission

Kathy Pierce presented a study on "Food and Faith" at the Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission that took place on Jan. 29-30, at Camp Norwesca.

This study focused on the many ways that food is a part of our worship and hospitality. Jesus broke bread and offered the cup to his disciples and said, "Do this in remembrance of me." Today, when we gather for celebrations or simple meetings, food is a large part of who we are and the hospitality we offer. The many wonderful types of fruit, breads, desserts, meat, vegetables and salads are a part of our gatherings. Every day the Lord bestows many good and wonderful things to delight His children and when we join together and bow our heads to give thanks, it is His pleasure to see us enjoy His creation.

Fasting and prayer are examples of other ways to honor Him. Man was created in the image of the Lord, making our bodies not our own, but His. For this reason, we need to care for our bodies and remember that what we put into them should honor Him. The many ways we pray and give thanks before a meal, whether we sing, have one person pray or offer a unison prayer, we bow together and remember that God blesses and gives us strength through food and faith.

The other study at MWSCM was on the ongoing civil war in the Darfur region of the Sudan, led by the Rev. Heidi McGinness of Christian Solidarity International. Visit the link below to read the summary of her presentation.
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Blue River District UMW sponsoring studies based on topics from Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission, on April 24

In keeping with the momentum created by the Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission held at Camp Norwesca in January, the Blue River District United Methodist Women are hosting their own "One-Day School" on Saturday, April 24, at First United Methodist Church, 2723 N 50th St., in Lincoln.

There are two studies being offered, one on the ongoing civil war in the Darfur region of the Sudan, and the other on how food is an integral part of our faith tradition.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with class running from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The cost of $8.50 includes coffee, breakfast pastries and lunch. Please pay at time of registration. To make a reservation, call Ruth Knight at 402-464-1572, or the church office at 402-466-1906. The registration deadline is April 20. As part of your registration please include your name, phone number and your choice of study, either The Sudan or Food and Faith.

Elevator access is available on the east side of the church; registration will be located in the lower level. Leaders include Rachel Bachenberg teaching the Sudan study and Yvonne Calvert teaching Food and Faith.
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United Methodist Men's 100 Club holding 21st annual scholarship dinner and auction on June 9

United Methodist Men's 100 Club will hold their annual scholarship dinner and auction on Wednesday, June 9, at Lincoln First United Methodist Church, at 5 p.m. First UMC is located at 2723 N. 50th St., in Lincoln.

Dinner will be prepared and served by the United Methodist Women of Lincoln First UMC. The gospel group 4 and a Chord will perform and there will be numerous items auctioned off throughout the night. One hundred percent of the auction proceeds will go towards scholarships for young men and women entering full-time Christian service. For a listing and photos of all of the items being auctioned, visit www.gpsold.com.

The cost to attend is $20 per person. To purchase a ticket, or to make a donation, contact Randy Fleming at auctioneer_32@msn.com or 402-210-4885. See the attached flyer for further details.
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Card shower for the Rev. Connie J. Buehler

The family of the Rev. Connie J. Buehler will be having a card shower to celebrate his 80th birthday on March 28. If you would like to send birthday wishes, please address your card to:

Rev. Connie J. Buehler
721 S. First Ave, Apt 225
Hastings, NE 68901-6604
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World Council of Churches promotes worldwide safe drinking water as Lenten focus

Please visit the Wash for Lent Web site and read the press release, provided below, to learn more about the World Council of Churches effort to provide water, sanitation and hygiene, known as the WASH program, to developing countries during the Lenten season. Any congregation should be able to utilize the resources and materials provided on the Web site in order to design a Lenten season of "Prayer, Study and Action."
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Wesley Ministry Network offers online courses

Do you wish you could deepen your faith, but are just too busy to attend a class or join a small group?

Get connected with Wesley Ministry Network online!

Through a partnership with The Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship, Wesley Ministry Network is beginning to offer its acclaimed lay education courses online. Three courses begin on Monday, Feb. 22: "Simply Christian," "Devotion to Jesus," and "Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth."

Each course features streaming video segments and online discussions with other students and experienced Wesley Ministry Network teachers. Courses are open to everyone, and CEUs are available for pastors.

Connect with other Christians to deepen your faith and grow in discipleship. For more information, or to register, visit the link below.

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Africa University graduate earns Ph.D. in U.S. and returns to native country

Dr. Walter Manyangarirwa, an Africa University graduate, recently earned his Ph.D. in Entomology at Clemson University in South Carolina. Unlike many other top African scientists, Dr. Manyangarirwa returned to his native country Zimbabwe with hopes of making a difference for the people by teaching at Africa University.

If you would like to read the full article, please follow the link below.
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Nigeria Orphanage students sing for Nigeria Area UMW revival

The Nigeria and Gwanten Provisional conferences held United Methodist Women revival meetings recently. The students from the orphanage sang a song during the event, as pictured at left.
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Information on work to protect prenatal care for expectant mothers in Nebraska

"The Social Principles" of The United Methodist Church state that "Health is a condition of physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being, and we view it as a responsibility—public and private. Health care is a basic human right." Yet thousands of expectant moms in Nebraska are at risk of losing access to Medicaid coverage and prenatal care. There has been much confusion and misinformation surrounding this issue.

Voices for Children in Nebraska, which is endorsed by our Risk-taking Mission and Justice Team, urges people to contact members of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee to ask them to act to protect prenatal care for expectant moms which has been shown to save babies lives and save the state money.

To find out more about this important issue and learn how to contact the Health and Human Services Committee members, click on the link below. At this link, you may also join the advoKID network to receive weekly updates about current legislature impacting the lives of children.

If you choose to take action, please inform Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries at rtmj.umc.nebraska@gmail.com so we can record these advocacy efforts within our conference.
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Faith communities pray for criminal justice reform as a part of National Day of Prayer on Feb. 7

Faith communities across the nation and as far away as Kenya and Iraq prayed last week for reform of U.S. criminal justice. Nearly 90 faith communities in 24 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Kenya and a U.S. service member in Iraq reported to the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) that they participated in the National Day of Prayer for Criminal Justice Reform, on Feb. 7.

Of the 88 churches reporting, 60 were United Methodist, according to Bill Mefford, GBCS director of Civil and Human Rights, who helped coordinate the effort. He said 118 persons on Facebook said they took part as well.

Besides United Methodist, other faith communities reporting included African Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Church of God in Christ, Congregational, Episcopal, Lutheran, Mennonite, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Unitarian, United Church of Christ and non-denominational. There were also several organizations whose ministry is criminal-justice-related.

"We had a good mix," Mefford said. He described the stories related to the prayer services as "compelling."

To read some of those stories and learn more about criminal justice reform, view the attached document. For further information about criminal justice system reform, contact Mefford at 202-488-5657 or bmefford@umc-gbcs.org.

The General Board of Church and Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. The board's primary areas of ministry are advocacy, education and leadership formation, United Nations and international affairs, and resourcing these areas for the more than 40,000 local churches of the denomination worldwide. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center at the United Nations.
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