United Methodist Men

UMM REPORT FROM ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OPEN MINDS, OPEN HEARTS, OPEN DOORS


We pray for open minds, that they would be open to a new way of doing Men's Ministry. Ministry to ALL Men, not just the Guys who will attend a weekly or even a monthly meeting.

The Guys are not for the Group ! The Group is for the Guys ! It must build up their Faith and give them the challenge of the Next Step.

The Nebraska United Methodist Men did this with a Winter Rally at Camp Norwesca, An Elkhorn Valley District Men's Rally, the Prairie Rivers District Annual Banquet, And Nashville Training Opportunities.

We pray for open hearts, that we might love our kids without controlling them, Our Wives in mutual submission, our Pastor, and the other Guys in our Church. May we love the Men who need Christ and don't know it yet.

The United Methodist Men have opened their hearts through the fellowship of shared Mission; like praying on the Upper Room Prayer Line, Gleaning Operations, and the Cowboy Bike Ride/Walk which raised over 9,000 for Missions !

We pray for open doors to Men who don't know Jesus, and those who just know about Him. May the Leaders of United Methodist Men find the door open to your office, Church, and District.

Would you like to open the door of Christian Fellowship to someone who likes to Golf, but wouldn't attend Church ? Why not invite them to one of our Golf-a-thons like the Albion Country Club had on June 8th ? We have a Holy-in-One good time, and we support the Upper Room Prayer Line.

The United Methodist People Like to open the door to Men and Women seeking full-time Christian Service through the 100 Club, and the 1,000, 10,000, and 20,000 Club ! You are invited to the Annual Fun Auction and Dinner at the St. Paul's UMC Lower Fellowship Hall at 5pm. We celebrate 20 years of giving with speaker, J. Paul McIntosh, Special Music, and Fun Auction. A hot item is always a Dinner at Dwight and Betty Trumble's with Reverend Chef, Chad Anglemyer !

The door is open to Belmont University for the Quadrennial Gathering of United Methodist Men held on July 10-12. To keep the door open, the General Commission On United Methodist Men has frozen the Early Registration Fee until June 15. So better hurry before it thaws out !

The door is open to you if you can't travel to Nashville. Could you make it to St. Paul's UMC in Papillion ? There will be a 4-Conference Rally; Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakota Conference, on October 10. The Missouri River District hopes to inspire you with speaker, Ron Brown.

Need to wait until next year ? Mark your calendar for a Winter Men's Rally next February 19 - 21.

We thank God for your open minds, open hearts, and open doors. Amen.

BOY SCOUTS of AMERICA

This article was prepared by Doug Kallesen, Neb UMMen Communicator, 402-563-1570 dkallesen@neb.rr.com , by condensing and adding to a news release written by: Jerad R. Reimers, 402-488-6072, jreimers@cornhuskercouncil.org

Long-Time UM Charter Partners recognized by Boy Scouts

The Cornhusker Council, BSA recognized three UM churches and one United Methodist Men's group on Wednesday May 6, at Bryan LGH East, Lincoln, during its annual Recognition Dinner for over sixty years of service in sixteen counties of southeast Nebraska.
The founders of Scouting in America decided to make it available to various worthy organizations, including churches, to supplement the work of those organizations with their youth and their families. Boy Scouts of America is one of four youth-serving organizations UMMen is partnered with; the others are Girl Scouts of the USA, Camp Fire USA, and National 4-H Council.
Historically, chartered organizations have been the life blood of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting provides the program technical help and specialized facilities. The chartered organization provides the leadership, meeting space, and the continuing interest of a responsible supportive group.
As the 100th anniversary of Scouting in America approaches next year, the Cornhusker Council, BSA recognized several United Methodist partners for their long standing and continuous support:
• St. Paul United Methodist Church, Lincoln --Troop 12 (96 years)
• First United Methodist Church, Nebraska City --Troop 346 (81 years)
• Centenary United Methodist Church, Beatrice --Troop 223 (69 years)
• York United Methodist Men, York --Troop 172 (62 years)
If you would like more information, contact the Cornhusker Council Service Center at 402-488-6020. Or for help on Nebraska UM partnering with the four youth-serving organizations supported by UMMen, contact Duane Daake, Nebraska UM Scouting-Youth Coordinator, at 402-534-3442.

GCUMM, Nashville, TN

Gilbert Hanke

Veteran leader named top executive of United Methodist Men
NASHVILLE, Tenn.----Gilbert C. Hanke, 59, the first layman to serve as president of the General Commission on United Methodist Men (2005-2008), will become the top staff executive of the Nashville-based agency on Feb. 1.
Having served as president of United Methodist Men in his local church, district, and annual conference, and having served as president of the National Association of Conference Presidents of United Methodist Men, Hanke would seem to be the obvious choice to serve as top staff executive of the commission.
"From a distance, my coming to this position follows a logical progression," Hanke said. That progression was not always visible to me, but it was clear to my brothers and sisters in Christ. No one that really knows me is surprised by my decision to accept this position. All that has gone before has prepared me for this time.
"In my past positions in the church, my greatest personal frustrations involved splitting my time between my jobs in Nacogdoches and my tasks for the church. One great advantage for me is now, finally, I can put 100 percent of my work time in full-time service to this ministry," he concluded.
Welcomed by leaders
"I am delighted with the selection of Gil Hanke as the new general secretary," said Bishop James King, who now serves as president of the 23-member commission. "Gil has a profound faith in God combined with a love for men's ministry which makes an awesome combination for effectiveness. He is aware of the issues facing men's ministry today and the resources available to address those issues.
"Gil's experience as a former president of the United Methodist Men means he can hit the ground running," said the bishop. "His appointment comes at a crucial juncture in the history of men's ministry. His experience and commitment makes his new assignment very timely. I await his first day on the job with enthusiasm and great expectations."
Glenn Wintemberg, chair of the General Secretary Search Committee, said the six-member team conducted personal interviews with five exceptional candidates. "It wasn't until we interviewed Gil Hanke that we knew we had the man that would serve in the position of general secretary," said Wintemberg who is vice-president of the commission. "Gil's knowledge, understanding and passion for men's ministry were evident in his responses to the panel. In addition to that we gained an insight into the extensive history of United Methodist Men he possesses and to the groundwork he has made in dealing with the higher levels of the church. The committee made its unanimous decision and feels Gil will be able to hit the ground running when he does take his place as our third general secretary."
Leader in local church and conference
A member of Perritte Memorial United Methodist Church in Nacogdoches , Texas , Hanke said it will be difficult for him to leave the church where he serves as president of United Methodist Men (until January 29). He also teaches an adult Sunday school class and directs both the sanctuary and bell choirs.
Hanke serves on the District Leadership Team, and District Lay Speaking Team, and he is a member of the Texas Annual Conference Episcopal, Missions, and Nominations Committees. He has been a delegate from the Texas Conference to the 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 General Conferences. In 1996, he served on the legislative committee that approved a proposal to create the General Commission on United Methodist Men, and he presented the resolution to the Denver assembly.
Professional experience
Hanke is a graduate of Lynchburg College of Virginia with a baccalaureate degree in speech and drama, and the Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University , San Marcos ) with a master's degree in speech pathology and special education.
He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member of Stephen F. Austin State University , and manager of speech pathology for the Nacogdoches Medical Center where he is responsible for all inpatient and outpatient speech/language pathology and dysphasia services. He has held both positions since 1993.
He has written several professional articles, and he has made presentations at 75 local, state, regional, and national meetings in the areas of speech-language pathology, mental retardation, autism, and swallowing disorders.

Gilbert Hanke screens a child for hearing at a Haitian school for children with special needs.

Hanke has combined his professional career with his service in the United Methodist Church to lead 18 mission trips to Haiti , eight trips to Costa Rica , and one trip to Tomsk , Siberia . The primary focus of these trips has been to provide assistance and training for children with hearing impairments and other handicapping conditions which affect communication and swallowing. Through contacts with the church, his profession and Rotary International, he and other team members provided training, equipment, and over 1,000 hearing aids to Haitian children and adults.
Early training
Hanke grew up in Dulin United Methodist Church , Falls Church , Va. , where his mother was minister of music and his father, chairman of the Official Board, introduced Hanke to Methodist Men. He has two brothers, Myron, an award winning physics teacher in Loudon County , Virginia , and Jay, a retired United Methodist pastor and district superintendent living in Winchester , Va. Hanke is named after his grandfather, Gilbert C. Meyer, who was a pastor in the Kansas East Conference.
Following his 1972 enlistment in the U.S. Army, Hanke served as an instructor in the Psychiatric Nursing Branch, Behavioral Science Division of the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Following his 1977 graduation from Southwest Texas State University , he served as senior speech/language pathologist for Brenham ( Texas ) State School . In 1980 he served as director of Habilitation in the Therapies Department of Mexia ( Texas ) State School and in 1981, he entered into private practice to provide speech and language services in Nacogdoches .
Hanke was named a fellow in the John Wesley Society of the United Methodist Men Foundation in 1996 and in 2009, he was named a men's ministry specialist by United Methodist Men and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
The future
"I have had the humble honor of watching men leave burdens and pain at the cross and at the same time pick up skills, knowledge and a new and revived relationship with their families and friends through a new and revived relationship with Jesus Christ." said Hanke.
"Since our mission as a church is to ‘make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,' then reviving and renewing men's relationships with Jesus Christ is a vital part of that ministry." he said. "The continuous growing of personal faith and opportunities to practice social justice through action----so important to Wesley----are still the essential elements of vibrant men's ministry in the United Methodist Church ."


Mailing Address:
General Commission on United Methodist Men
PO Box 340006
Nashville, TN 37203
US

UMM WINTER RALLY 2010

The winter rally is coming up this February. The registration form is attached--check it out.

• Information Flyer
  registration form

Norfolk Men's Rally

On Saturday, Feb.28th,'09, the Elkhorn Valley District held a Men's Rally. Even though 6 inches of snow fell Friday night, 20 Men attended. Norfolk First UMC was our Host, with Rev. Earl Reed extending invitation and the Early Risers making chili and chicken soup for lunch.

The opening Worship was led by Rev. James Brewer. Rev. Earl Reed invited us to Charter a United Methodist Men's group in our local Church. Trent Meyer invited us to Evangelize Youth Through Camping, and shared Work Day opportunities at Camp Fontanelle. Rocky Plettner invited us to the Cowboy Bike Ride held on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23rd,'09. We were invited to Walk or Bike from Norfolk to Tilden for this annual Missions event. Conf. Pres., Dave Mendyk shared information about the Upper Room Prayer Ministry, Nebraska Men's Retreats, Golfathons, and Oneill Potato Gleaning. Rev. Charles Kathurima Murithi invited Men to join the Norfolk Parish in a Mission Trip to Kenya in 2010.

Most instructive was the sharing of the seven Churches represented of what works, and what doesn't work in Men's Ministry. Dave M. led us through a 1-hour presentation of 'No Man Left Behind'. He also invited all to the National Gathering in July held now in Nashville, and to the Four-Conference Rally in October this year here in Eastern Nebraska.

Thanks to Elkhorn Valley District Lay Leader, Verne Buhl, for blessing us with inspiring song and guitar, and thanks to our gracious hosts, Norfolk First UMC..

Next year, Norfolk First UMC will host the 2nd Annual Elkhorn Valley District Men's Rally and Rev. Earl Reed will offer Leadership this coming year.

DISCIPLESHIP PLAN

THE DISCIPLESHIP PLAN OF THE NEBRASKA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST MEN FOR 2008: Documenting our plan in the form of the Six Signs of Discipleship

(Adopted at the Winter Rally February 16, 2008)

NOTE on format -- This is a combination of a report for 2007 and a plan for 2008. Items listed in 2008 are new; the 2007 efforts are to be continued in 2008, even though they are not listed there.

#1 - Radical Hospitality --
2007 (a) Built scholarship funds for the Quadrennial UMMen's Congress and Scouting..
(b) Local groups extended welcome through ecumenical Advent and Lenten breakfasts involving other denominations.

2008 (a) Extend scholarships to young men to each Nebraska Rally.
(b) Invite new men especially young and unchurched to share in our Rallies.
(c) Recognize scouting achievements and solicit scout unit support requests.

#2 - Heartwarming Worship
2007 (a) Have had great worship at every Rally. Calvin Phillips volunteered 812-0486.
(b) Some promoted a UMMen's Sunday in their local church.

2008 (a) Create access to a UMMen's Sunday Liturgy on the Conference website.

#3 - Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries
2007 (a) Distributed monies to Nigeria Partnership, Society of St. Andrew, the Disaster
Response VIM Trailer, Heifer International, all 3 UM Camps in Nebraska., scholarship fund for Scouting and UMMen's Congress, Hispanic Ministries, Just Neighbors, Nebraska Rural Response, Hope of Hearing, Strength for Service devotionals, Epworth Village, The Upper Room Prayer Line, Released & Restored Prison Ministry, and Wesley House. The primary risk-takers were those on, and the donors to, the Cowboy Bike Ride who raised most of this mission money.
(b) Made trips to work at Camps and glean potatoes, promoted VIM trips, and manned the remote Upper Room Prayer Line at Rallies.

2008 (a) Determine requirements for and feasibility of establishing a Hunger Relief
Advocate for Nebraska, including coordination with the Society of St Andrew and other hunger ministries.
(b) Facilitate a work trip to our Jurisdictional Camp at Mt. Sequoia.

#4 - Systematic Faith Development
2007 (a) Received training at the Annual NACP meeting in Nashville.
(b) Used two conference-wide Rallies to edify, connect, and train UMMen.
(c) Taught some men to participate in the Upper Room Prayer Line opportunity.
(d) Missouri River District hosted a Great Dads event.
(e) Locally, father and son events take place.
(f) Many have taken Lay Speaker Courses and Walk to Emmaus Weekends and Renewals.


2008 (a) Send more men to Nashville for training.
(b) Add a book table to our Rallies.
(c) Create a prayer calendar that may include fasting and prayer suggestions.
(d) Expect that officers will continue their training such as through Lay Speaking Courses, Emmaus retreats, UMMen opportunities, self-study, etc.
(e) Increase numbers of charters by four and EMS's by 20.

#5 - Gracious Generosity
2007 (a) Promoted Legacy Builders, EMS (Every Member Shares in Evangelism,
Mission, and Spiritual Life), the Upper Room Ministries, and NAUMS Scouting
Foundation.
(b) Supported those entering full time Christian ministry by granting scholarships
from the 100 Club. Solicited fund development by straight donation, by the Fun Auction and Banquet at Annual Conference, and the Bishop and District Superintendent dinners.
(c) Gave time and talent with the Cowboy Bike Ride and Camp work trips.

2008 (a) Promote donations and/or raise funds for the John Wesley fund for officer travel and training help, and Lifetime EMS endowment for similar purposes.
(b) Build a data base for each district of all persons (male and female) that are studying for full-time Christianity. Encourage linkages between the men in each district with those persons, including that each district pray and support with money each of their students under the 100 Club banner, or otherwise.

#6 - Connectional Joy and Commitment
2007 (a) National: President is a member of the National Association of Conference
Presidents, information and resources such as Power Tools through the General Commission on UMMen (GCUMM) web-site, training events in Nashville, and hosting speakers from our General Commission and from other UM conferences.
(b) Conference: Maintain a conference-wide website, quarterly publish a half-page in The Nebraska Messenger, sponsor an informational booth at Annual Conference, and give an Annual Report.
(c) District: Missouri.River district has it's own web-site and regular officer meetings. Some districts connect with annual meetings.

2008 (a) Review and establish the leadership in each district that does not currently
have an elected President.
(b) Sponsor, as a conference, an initial event in each district that is not currently organized.
(c) Begin a bus plan for transportation to the UMMen's Congress in Nashville ‘09.
(d) Use the District "Know-Your-Job" Workshops as a training opportunity on How to start a New Men's group.
(e) Use the Laity Convocation as a conference meeting or training opportunity.
(f) Use Annual Conference as a conference meeting or training opportunity or 100-year anniversary celebration.
(g) Develop a conference-based DVD resource containing UMMen promotional/educational material that can be used to start new UMMen units.
(h) Promote distribution of Strength for Service to God and Country devotionals.

• BUDGET

UMM Prairie River District

Prairie Rivers District - Many Men Attend Annual Meeting

Sixty-six men attended the annual UMMen's Prairie Rivers district meeting hosted by the Sutton Federated men on March 30, 2009. All enjoyed the men's "famous" menu: pancakes and really good sausage.
The district churches represented included Aurora, Central City, Columbus, Fairmont, Grand Island, Harvard, Hastings First, Red Cloud, Superior, Sutton, Utica, and York.
Special guests included District Superintendent Rev Harold Backus and Nebraska UMMen officers from outside the district, Dave Mendyk-President from West Point and Craig Nordaker-Vice President and Gary Spivey-Prayer Advocate, both from Bellevue St James.
Larry Ulmer presided over the business meeting, from which John Ferguson was elected as Treasurer to take over from Barry Carlson. The rest of the officers remain. Discussion included the hope to focus on celebration of Boy Scouting's 100 year anniversary in the next year by having a special event. Officers are to develop something appropriate, but encouraged input from anyone.
After business, various greetings and announcements were given by D.S. Harold Backus, Prayer Advocate Dick Smithson, Scouting/Youth Coordinator Duane Daake, Communicator Doug Kallesen, and Conference President Dave Mendyk. District officers issued a willingness to come to local churches to help develop men's ministry there. Central City men volunteered to host the annual meeting in late March, 2010, specific date to be determined later.
An offering of $456.25 was gathered to be split between the Upper Room Living Prayer Center, Cornhusker Council BSA, and the UMMen 100 Club. As well, the Sutton men donated their proceeds to the district UMMen account, which should now be large enough to support the scouting celebration discussed above.
The evening concluded with an inspiring program of guitar and singing of mostly original songs by Tom Schroeder of Dannebrog. Tom's testimonies and teachings, along with his music, were an added spiritual uplift for all the men.

• Leadership Team
• Group Pictures

Nebraska UMM Shirts

In preparation for our participation at the 2009 United Methodist Men Gathering in Nashville, TN, your Nebraska United Methodist Men have logo shirts available. Styles include heavy duty t-shirt, polo shirt and sweatshirt. Color is ‘Nebraska' red (of course!) and they proudly display our Nebraska UMMen logo. 75% of profit go towards our Nebraska John Wesley fund with the remaining contributed to our annual mission fund. Pictures and order form can be viewed and printed here.

• shirt information

"Mens Ministry Sunday"

• Check out this web site.

UMM Missouri River District

• Link to web site.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Nebraska UMMen's Leadership Team

Contact information for conference officers and other positions in Nebraska UMM are listed below.

Conf President and Exec Board
Dave Mendyk
130 West Neligh
West Point, NE 68788-1224
402-372-2149 home
superdaveumc@yahoo.com

Conf Vice-President and Exec Board
Craig Nordaker
3510 Hancock St, Lot 151
Bellevue, NE 68005-5684
402-453-6666
cnordaker@cox.net

Conf Secretary and Exec Board
Tim Brown
2914 Kelly Dr
Bellevue, NE 68123-2762
402-292-7185
04silver@gmail.com

Conf Treasurer and Exec Board
Curt Copple
PO Box 1232
Scottsbluff, NE 69363-1232
308-672-5479
ccopple@northfieldvilla.com

Conf Clergy Rep to UMMen and Exec Board
The Rev. Chad Anglemyer
PO Box 4553
Lincoln, NE 68504-0553
402-464-5994
canglemyer@umcneb.org

Conf Lay Rep to UMMen and Exec Board
Tom Watson
3 Sycamore Pl
Kearney, NE 68847-8311
308-234-4736
nhjwlaw_twatson@msn.com

PAST Conf President
Bill Stambaugh
7520 Maywood St
Ralston, NE 68127-3919
402-331-5129 home
sirwilliam@cox.net

West Regional Representative
Vacant

East Regional Representative
Vacant

Conf Communicator
Doug Kallesen
3917 Adamy St
Columbus, NE 68601-2987
402-563-1570 home
dkallesen@neb.rr.com

Conf Prayer Advocate
Gary Spivey
2609 Ponderosa Dr
Bellevue, NE 68123-1506
402-291-3121 home
garyspivey2003@cox.net

Conf Scouting/Youth Coordinator
Duane Daake
4130 Superior Rd
Utica, NE 68456-8158
402-534-3442 home
skipper@stewireless.com

Conf Website Coordinator
Ken Walker
5503 Blondo St
Omaha, NE 68104-4262
402-556-5654 home
ken_walker@cox.net

Gateway District Temp President
Eldon Adams
PO Box 71
Loup City, NE 68853-0071
308-745-1795
loopagency@charter.net

Blue River District Temp President
Vacant

Elkhorn Valley District Temp President
The Rev. Earl Reed
83726 554th Ave
Norfolk, NE 68701-1219
402-371-1467 home
eandcreed@conpoint.com

Great West District Temp President
Stacy Swinney
636 Deadhorse Rd
Chadron, NE 69337-7108
308-432-2759 home
bridges@bbc.net

Missouri River District Interim President
Charlie Walcutt
12191 Iva Street
Gretna, NE 68028-4654
402-332-4497
chazne46@hotmail.com

Prairie Rivers District President
Larry Ulmer
2051 Road 325
Sutton, NE 68979-3011
402-773-4776
luent@mainstaycomm.net