UMconnect 11-05-09

RETHINK CHURCH Conference on Nov. 13-14

Join the Nebraska Annual Conference for a two-day, Rethink Church Conference to hone in on your leadership skills and develop a Rethink Church strategy for your local church. This valuable experience will be held at Lexington First UMC, Lexington, Neb., located at 201 East 8th Street. The optional day begins Friday morning, Nov. 13, and will focus on leadership skills. Friday night and Saturday focus on Rethink Church strategies. Deadline for registration is Monday, Nov. 9.
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Update on Mission Share giving

Nebraska United Methodist congregations have supported Mission Share giving during the 2009 year at 56.59 percent as of Oct. 31, 2009. On the same date in 2008, churches had contributed 59.23 percent of the approved Funding Plan, and in 2007, 61.99 percent of the approved Funding Plan had been received. This represents a decrease over prior years and demonstrates the fact that significant contributions are necessary to reach the goal of funding all ministries adequately in 2009.

Congratulations to the 13 United Methodist congregations that reached the 100 percent goal during the month of October 2009, including Burr, Endicott, Hopewell, Homer, Walthill First, Winside, Arnold, Atlanta, Ravenna, Boelus Grace, Elba, Hastings First and Waco. We celebrate with you on this accomplishment of our shared ministry goals.

The holiday season is approaching and presents a perfect opportunity to give in gratitude for God's greatest gift to us, Jesus Christ. In all of our giving this season, let us remember to express our appreciation for the most important gift given to us.

Robin Kilgore
Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services
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Keeping clergy pensions fully funded in tough economic times

With the economic recession of the past 18 months, funding for United Methodist pensions has been put under tremendous pressure. The result is that our pension programs are now significantly under-funded. When this happens, the responsibility to fully fund the pension falls upon annual conferences. Because of significant over-funding, the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits recently announced a three-year moratorium on Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) premium payments from annual conferences. This prompted the Conference Board to vote to continue billing churches with full-time clergy the equivalent of CPP premiums (3 percent of plan compensation) and redirect the amount to Clergy Pension Restoration (CPR) in 2010. This solution provides the additional funding needed and preserves the Conference Board's funds, which have also been affected by the market downturn and results in no additional funding needed from local churches.
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HealthFlex open enrollment period November 4-19

Attention active HealthFlex participants; now is the time to make elections for 2010. Election packets were mailed in late October. If you have never elected a Flexible Spending Account in the past, you might want to consider it for 2010 since participants will bear more of the cost due to changes in the plan design. Open enrollment is your only opportunity to elect a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for next year.

FSAs include Medical Reimbursement Accounts (MRA) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCA). FSAs allow you to use pretax dollars to pay for health care and dependent care expenses not covered by your insurance. An MRA can be used to pay for co-pays, deductibles, dental expenses and over-the-counter medications. A DCA can be used to pay for day-care expenses for children or adult care if you are the legal caregiver.

All active (working full-time) HealthFlex members will receive an email with more details. Retirees have no elections to make. More information is available on the Conference Web site under the Administration tab.
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United Methodist Student Day is Nov. 29

United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith and knowledge. Through special offerings, young members of our annual conference have a chance to attain higher education. Students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities receive scholarships and loans. Please use Nebraska Conference Advance number 755.
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HIV/AIDS special offering scheduled for Dec. 6

Become a United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Ambassador in your local church.

Ambassadors for the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund agree to do the following:
— 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 email Maureen Vetter at mvetter@charter.net and she will send information to Linda Bales at the Board of Church and Society, 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 Neb. HIV/AIDS projects through the "Working to Create an AIDS-FREE World Grants." The applications are due by Nov. 1, annually 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 Neb. Church Conference Treasurer (Nebraska Advance # 578). To collaborate with more HIV/AIDS helping agencies in your area, such as the NE 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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Give thanks with the November Mission of the Month

The November mission features local, conference and international missions with informational readings about the agencies. The Mission of the Month series is designed to educate anyone who may be interested in getting involved in the field of risk-taking mission and justice work.

Local congregations and church organizations have incorporated the Mission of the Month series through monthly newsletters, purchased books for church libraries, or started personal/group studies. Churches have also used these valuable resources as a way to educate their congregations on the agencies the United Methodist Church supports both locally and globally.

Additional resources concerning the featured mission and activities are available through United Methodist Ministries at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.
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2009 "Clergy Age Trend Report" is released

The Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary is releasing its latest version of "Clergy Age Trends in the United Methodist Church," containing updated 2009 statistics. The new report, prepared with assistance from the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, contains modest good news for United Methodists.

The consistent decline in the precentage of elders under the age of 35 hit its lowest point in 2005 and has steadily held that position since. In 2009 "under-35 elders" were slightly up from 5.21 percent to 5.25 percent, but down by four in the total number of 906. Unfortunately, the overall number of elders continues to decline each year.

At the same time, the percentage of deacons under 35 years of age grew to 8.42 percent, and young local pastors increased to 5.5 percent.

The five conferences where young elders are highest as a percentage in 2009 are Alaska (one out of three), Mississippi, Holston, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The largest number of young elders is found in Western North Carolina with 62.

The report shows the numbers and percentages of young clergy for each annual conference, as well as the average and median ages of clergy by conference. New features in the 2009 report include breakdowns for middle-age and older clergy by conference and a look at emerging retirement patterns among Baby Boomers.
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Lincoln First UMC finds thankfulness through history

November is a month to reflect on all of God's blessings. For the congregation of Lincoln's First United Methodist Church this means looking back at more than 100 years of the church's history and celebrating two landmark anniversaries.

First Church built its walls and opened its doors in 1909, creating a physical home for a congregation that had been meeting in small groups and temporary spaces for 21 years. The late Ethel Booth, a longtime First historian, wrote, "The difficulties in planning for something beautiful and spacious and worthy of the young life that would be attracted to this community by its schools and colleges must have seemed almost insurmountable. But the builders, like the founders who had preceded them, had faith and courage and were accustomed to sacrificial giving. With bricks and mortar, with oak and stained glass, and with the materials of which life itself is made they labored. The result was that on Dec. 12-13, 1909, First Church was able to dedicate this structure, its first and only church home."

Then, in 1959 the First Church was able to install its pipe organ. To celebrate their 50th anniversary with the organ, the church invited Jan Kraybill, one of the nation's top organists, to play an afternoon concert on All Saints Sunday as part of the Lincoln Organ Showcase.

At the organ's dedication, Booth wrote, "May we occasionally, as our organ leads us in meditation, think gratefully of those sturdy founders and builders—who planned not merely for the present, but for the future—who built not merely for themselves, but for others." Celebrating these two landmark events is a reminder to the congregation to be thankful for the works God has performed through them. Through His blessings, Lincoln's First United Methodist Church transformed from the beginning stages of development into a welcoming home for worship.
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Helpful books for praying

The Fast Track Publishing Group at Abingdon Press is pleased to announce two new books designed to be used separately or together as a tool for praying. The first book, "When You Pray: Daily Practices for Prayerful Living," is written by Rueben P. Job and is available at bookstores for $10.

This book is an invaluable guide for people who want to start a daily prayer practice, discover ways to pray and find spiritual practices that fit their individuality. The book is divided into weekly segments with each one including daily scripture, prayer suggestions, a collection of quotes and a brief, reflective essay.

Job's second book, "Becoming a Praying Congregation" is designed to reach the entire congregation through a variety of tools to encourage prayer as a way of life and is available for $39.

With an introduction from the author, "Becoming a Praying Congregation" explores new ways to incorporate meaningful prayer into worship and works toward developing a unifying language that stimulates conversation about prayer. Job accomplishes this by providing various tools, such as worship planning suggestions, prayer activities, planning ideas for Sunday school and small groups, guidelines for building prayer ministry teams, and an explanatory DVD.

When Job's books are used together, they will give pastors, teams, and congregations a shared context of prayer for the year to come. The readings are linked to the Revised Common Lectionary to follow the worship and curriculum in congregations that use the lectionary. However, churches that do not follow the lectionary are still able to benefit from the book.

Watch for additional releases from Abingdon Press, such as "When You Pray as a Family." Churches interested in participating in this prayer-based program may visit "Becoming a Praying Congregation" Web site for more information.
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Lincoln St. James holiday pies are now available to order

Are you interested in a quick, tasty solution for the holiday cooking? You can now order cherry, apple, raisin or pumpkin pies just in time for the holiday season.

Beth Thomas will be delighted to take orders at ethomas@neb.rr.com. The pies are $10 each and will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 2-7 p.m., or make other arrangements with Beth.
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Lincoln St. Mark's to host world-class musicians on Nov. 15

Pianist Huntley Brown and Trumpeter Don Shire will be performing at a free-will offering concert at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers, Lincoln, Neb, on Nov. 15, at 7:00 p.m. Both musicians have spread their music and ministry by performing across the United States and in 32 countries.

The musicians' unique musical arrangements are appealing to all age groups, and St. Mark's beautiful new sanctuary is equipped with theatre seating and state-of-the-art audio and screen projection, which provides a perfect setting for this musical performance.
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Volunteer in Mission Opportunity in Terrebonne, La. for summer 2010

Last September, residents of South Louisiana braced themselves as Hurricane Gustav barreled along the coastline in hope it wouldn't be another Katrina. The eye of the storm came ashore in the coastal community of Cocodrie, La., in Terrebonne Parish. Although Cocodrie is just 80 miles southeast of New Orleans and received its share of damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, residents claimed Gustav was the worst storm they had ever seen. During the height of the storm, Terrebonne Parish experienced winds up to 110 mph and a storm surge of 12 feet. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Ike brought more wind, rain and flooding to the area.

The damage from these storms was especially severe, but this was not an uncommon occurrence for residents of Terrebonne Parish. Year after year, these families face the threat of another hurricane devastating their homes and changing the course of their lives. This threat became a reality for thousands of residents following the storms of 2008. Less than half of the residents of Terrebonne Parish carried adequate flood insurance to cover the damage to their homes. In an effort to provide the necessary help, First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge created Terrebonne Area Restoration Project (TARP), which provided home repair and restoration at no cost to homeowners.

TARP also provides the opportunity for teens to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, while growing in their faith through devotionals, worship and meeting others from across the country who also have a heart for service. Volunteers are asked to commit one week of their summer to the TARP project to make a difference that will last a lifetime.

Last summer, over 300 teens from 14 states across the country traveled to Terrebonne Parish to serve. Through their 11,470 hours of service, 15 homes were restored. Yet, the need still remains. From roofing to foundations and everything in between, homes and lives must be rebuilt; and TARP needs your help to do it.

TARP is now accepting registrations for Summer 2010. The project begins the week of June 6 and continues through July 31. For more information, contact Laurie Byland at 225-383-4777 or laurie.byland@firstmethodist.org.
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Training for men's ministry will be Dec. 3-5, in Nashville, Tenn.

Many churches are struggling to reach and retain men in their congregations. For over a decade, Man in the Mirror has been helping churches around the country create a program determined to bring men back to the church and help them become devoted disciples of Jesus Christ. They are bringing their premier leadership training, the No Man Left Behind Conference, to Nashville, Tenn. The conference will begin Thursday evening on Dec. 3 and will conclude on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 5.

David Delk, president of Man in the Mirror, will be the primary facilitator of the training conference. It will be held at the General Board of Discipleship located at 1908 Grand Avenue, Nashville, Tenn.

"This premier men's ministry training is most effective when a men's ministry leadership team attends with their pastor," said Larry Malone, director of men's ministry for the General Commission on United Methodist Men. "The team will learn how to: (1) connect every ministry effort to one compelling vision, (2) maximize current efforts in reaching men before starting new ones, and (3) implement a strategy that God will use to change men, and bless marriages, families and communities."
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Soup feed on Nov. 13

The Calvary United Methodist Women will be hosting a soup feed on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, from 11 am-1 pm and 4:30-7:30 pm. The church is located at 11th and Garfield, Lincoln, Neb. The lunch special will have homemade chili, chicken noodle soup and cinnamon rolls for only $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 years and younger. The supper hour will also have chili and chicken noodle soup, but will include salads and pie for dessert! For supper the adults cost is $6 and $4 for children. If you have any questions please email Suzanne Stroud at lerrysuestroud@inebraska.com or call 402-476-7353.
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Podcasts are available from the United Methodist Communicators meeting

About 70 United Methodist communicators took part in the annual meeting of the United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC) on Oct. 20-24. Podcasts of Bishop Sally Dyck and General Secretary Larry Hollon are available on the UMAC Web site.

During the meeting, Rev. Hilly Hicks, long time video producer for UMCOM and former Hollywood actor and producer, was accepted into the 2009 Hall of Fame. Hilly retired from UMCOM in 2007 and currently serves the Crenshaw United Methodist Church in South Central Los Angeles. Hilly was instrumental in launching the first weekly TV national news magazine show called "Catch the Spirit" and also served as its anchor. His work led to current national television advertising campaigns.

The "United Methodist Reporter's" managing editor, Robin Russell, was named the United Methodist Communicator of the Year. Ms. Shari Goodwin, the chair of the board of directors of UMR Communications, said "Robin's thorough and balanced coverage of major events and issues relevant to the United Methodist Church has brought United Methodists around the country into greater understanding and honest dialogue with each other."
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Steering committee reports future visions for church

Reporting to the Council of Bishops today, the Call to Action Steering Committee laid out the future vision of The United Methodist Church and urged a system-wide operational assessment from the general boards to the annual conferences to the Council itself.

In making the progress report, Bishop Larry Goodpaster, project director, said, "As United Methodists, we dream of a church with more accountability to Gospel and less conformity to an outdated, bureaucratic system; with more participation with young people and less rhetoric about good intentions; with more ministry with the poor and less with the privileged; with more expectation for growth and less acceptance of status quo . . ."

The committee recommended that the Council and the Connectional Table engage an independent outside group for the next phase of the process. This group would be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation under the direction of a new 12-member steering team to be led by Bishop Gregory Palmer. In addition, a four-member project team would be created to function as a day-to-day work team.

Critical to the success of the project would be gathering feedback and insights from a large number and wide range of United Methodists. The contractor would develop an online survey instrument designed to reach a broad constituency, as well as summarize and analyze the results for review by the steering team. Every bishop would be asked to host a series of conversations in his or her area.

One of the goals of conducting the assessment would be to gather data regarding the current and future financial obligations at all levels of the connection in order to move towards creating a means for constructing a viable financial future for the denomination.

Funding support for the project will be requested through the Connectional Table. A progress report would be provided at the spring 2010 meetings of the Council of Bishops with final recommendations provided in the fall.

Bishop Goodpaster said the past six months work by the steering committee was just the first step. "In some sense, we have left Egypt and are making our way through the wilderness to the Promised Land, but we are not there yet. We have identified some possibilities for consideration, but we are a complex organization. Before designing the specifics of a system-wide reordering of the denomination, we must evaluate the whole system."

The Council of Bishops is scheduled to act on the committee's recommendations on November 4. If you are interested in further information, please contact Diane Degnan, the Media Specialist at (o) 615-742-5406, (c) 615-483-1765, or (e) ddegnan@umcom.org.
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Clergywomen gathering on April 7, 2010

How do we live in balance when we are pulled in so many directions? The clergywomen's gathering at Mount Sequoyah Conference Center in Fayetteville, Ark., April 7-9, 2010 will focus on recapturing our creativity, as well as offering a time of renewal, learning and fellowship with other women in ministry. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Yolanda Villa, District Superintendent of the Heartland Central District, Missouri Conference.

The gathering will include small group workshops on "Living the Story," "Soul Strings," "Self- Exploration through Mask Making," "The Art of Eating Mindfully" and "Discernment". These workshops are designed to spark our creative spirits and renew us for the work of ministry within the greater context of "living in balance."

All women in vocational ministry in the United Methodist Church and clergy sisters from other denominations are invited to attend. If you are interested in attending contact, Rev. Kim Ross at spiritualdirector@mountsequoyah.org or call 800-760-8126.
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Lenton sermon and writing retreat on Jan. 11, 2010

Preachers, how will you prepare for the busy Lenten season? Scripture says, "Jesus...went off to a solitary place..." and preaching persons might consider the same (NIV, Mark 1:35). Clergy and lay ministers are invited to come to Mount Sequoyah Conference Center in Fayetteville, Ark., Jan. 11-15, 2010 for the peace and hospitable space to undertake in-depth preparation and sermon writing for this season. You'll be provided with the privacy of a single room with a private bath, twelve meals, and ample time to write and study.

Our lightly programmed week will include daily Lenten preaching seminars with a different guest preacher each day, morning prayer, and lunchtime roundtable discussions. The cost to attend is $395 per person, for commuters the cost is $155. For an additional fee, private sessions are available for spiritual companioning, contemplative healing touch, and massage. For more information, please contact Rev. Kim Ross at 800-760-81236 or email him at spiritualdirector@mountsequoyah.org.
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