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.

BSA 100th BIRTHDAY

Scoutmasters and UMMen Celebrate 100 Years of Scouting
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is 100 years old this year. The United Methodist Men (UMMen) helped Scoutmasters and their spouses celebrate at the Beaver Crossing (Nebraska) United Methodist Church on February 6. Forty people enjoyed the evening dinner, program and recognitions, complete with a birthday cake.

All twenty three scoutmasters of the Prairie Winds District, Cornhuster Council, BSA, were honored with certificates and given two devotional books for their troops. Spouses received a special gift pen for all their support. Chris Collins, District Executive, and Rene Monarez, Scout Executive, were also recognized and honored. The dinner and program were sponsored by the UMMen of the Prairie Rivers District of the Nebraska Conference, United Methodist Church.

A message of appreciation was read from Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson. Master of Ceremonies Duane Daake, Scouting/Youth Coordiinator for both the Nebraska Conference and the Prairie Rivers District, and Larry Ulmer, UMMen President, Prairie Rivers District, expressed the church men's heartfelt thanks to the scoutmasters and the support of the spouses as these commitments result in boys' lives being positively affected.

This message was amplified by the keynote speaker, Brian Bresnahan, crop consultant from Stromburg, and a former Scout. Bresnahan focused on the skills and character traits being taught by the scoutmasters. Especially, how these skills and traits served him well as an infantry major in the U. S. Marine Corps. Over a span of fourteen years, Bresnahan served in three war zones. He related several stories about helping the Iraqi people and what is expected of a leader and gave credit to the scoutmasters for their important part in molding boys into men.

• PHOTOGRAPHS

MORE BOY SCOUT HONORS

Boy Scout leaders honored by United Methodist Men
Sixteen Boy Scout leaders and their spouses from 11 communities were honored Saturday, Feb 13, at First United Methodist Church in Hastings for their work with youth in a six-county area of Prairie Rivers District of United Methodist Men of Nebraska. The previous week 23 leaders and their spouses had been recognized at the Beaver Crossing United Methodist Church for their work with youth. Both programs were sponsored by the United Methodist Men and were in the Cornhusker Council and Overland Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Leaders were presented with a framed certificate of appreciation, a leaders religious guide book and a troop chaplain program book for their youth leader. Spouses were given hand-crafted gifts from the Amana Colonies in Iowa. Meals were provided in both locations by United Methodist organizations.
Council executives Rene Monarez of Lincoln and David Plond of Grand Island and district executives were also recognized. and presented awards.
Master of Ceremonies Don Russell read a letter to all scout leaders and their spouses from Bishop Anne B. Sherer-Simpson, Bishop of the United Methodist Church, State of Nebraska at the program which coincided with the 100 year anniversary of scouting in the United States. Scouting coordinator for the UMM Duane Daake of Utica presented the awards with Prairie Rivers District president Laurence Ulmer of Sutton.
This appreciation message was amplified by the keynote speaker, Brian Bresnahan, crop consultant from Stromburg, and a former Scout. Bresnahan focused on the skills and character traits being taught by the scoutmasters. Especially, how these skills and traits served him well as an infantry major in the U. S. Marine Corps. Over a span of fourteen years, Bresnahan served in three war zones. He related several stories about helping the Iraqi people and what is expected of a leader and gave credit to the scoutmasters for their important part in molding boys into men.

xxxxxx---------------END------------ by Doug Kallesen, UMMen

HOW ABOUT A GATHERING IN KANSAS

MEN: a Kansas Road Trip, Saturday, April 10 to McPherson
Meet some fellow Kansas men, hear their Bishop and our new General Secretary from Nashville. Also workshops, a music group and communion. Connect for arrangements with two men who are going: Dave Mendyk of West Point at 402-372-2149 and Don Russell of Sutton at 402-773-4596. See the Spiritual Rally Registration for more infomration. Have a fun and meaningful trip!

• Registration Flyer for Spiritual Rally

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 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