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The Nebraska Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits invites all churches to continue to support the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI) in 2012. A total of $23.5 million towards the goal of $25 million has been received
The Judicial Council ruling made at about 4:30 on Friday placed the General Conference body into a bit of a panic. The body went to the dinner break to allow for materials to be gathered to help with the regrouping effort once the body returned
General Conference 2012 is took place April 24-May 4, in Tampa, Fla.; the Nebraska Conference sent daily updates via UMconnect. Those special editions have been archived for reviewing
Representatives from the Nebraska United Methodist Bike Ride for Hunger (NUMB) recently presented a check for $11,259.12to the Omaha Food Bank to support the Food Bank’s fight against hunger
More than 40 people interested in the impact of immigration on Nebraska attended the two-day Nebraska Conference Immigration Seminar April 13-14, sponsored by Nebraska Conference
United Methodist Women, Nebraska Conference Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries and grants from the Audra Applegate and Leaming-Whaley Estates.
Workshop leader was Jay Godfrey, seminar designer for the United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs at the Church Center for the United Nations. The peaceful setting of the St. Benedict Center and grounds north of Schuyler provided a dichotomy to the complexity of the issues surrounding immigration.
Godfrey introduced an Immigration Time Line (1492 – present) which illustrated that immigration has continually caused challenges, divisions, fear and issues of race, class and gender. Participants discussed the root factors of migration including trade and economic policies, government control, poverty, low wages, war and conflict, environmental concerns, persecution and natural disasters. The effects of migration were found to be both positive and negative. Immigrants can experience opportunities in employment, education, health care, culture and enrichment and family reunification but may also experience communication difficulties, discrimination, culture shock, debt and family separation.
Presenters
Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON) executive director, Emiliano Lerda, spoke about the United Methodist Church reaching out to immigrants with free legal services. The effects of lack of representation for immigrants are: victimization by unscrupulous attorneys, family separation, human rights violations and indefinite detainment. (JFON Conference Advance #895)
Darcy Tromanhauser, director, Immigrant Integration and Civic Participation Program with Nebraska Appleseed shared concerns such as safety issues in the meatpacking industry and the Arizona and Alabama state laws requiring proof of immigrant status. Nebraska Appleseed works for equal justice and full opportunity by using litigation, public policy reform, and community education to positively impact low-income families, immigrants, children in foster care and access to health care.
What is being done locally?
A panel discussion, “Immigrant Realities Across Nebraska,” with Jamie Snyder, social worker, Columbus, Neb., as moderator was informative about ongoing programs in Nebraska. Panel members were: the Rev. Cesar Duran, pastor at Lexington Hispanic United Methodist Church; Sandy Sypherd, director of Hispanic Ministries, Hastings Grace United Methodist Church; and Denise Kracl, Colfax County Attorney. They told of their experiences with new immigrants, how two congregations are joining together for some activities, and working with the current immigration laws to help immigrant families. Sheila Burke, Immigrant Detention Accompaniment Program (IDAP), Douglas County Correction Center works with volunteers who have contact visits with detainees awaiting the determination of their immigrant status. Detainees have no contact with their families, no privacy, and no dignity but need to know someone cares.
A More Just Model for Immigration Legislation
Comprehensive immigration reform needs to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S. and future workers. Families need to be reunited without long waiting periods. U.S. workers, as well as the foreign-born, need to be protected. Due process protections need to be in place. Root causes of migration need to be addressed. These concerns could be dealt with through real reform showing mercy, generosity, equality, justice and grace to our neighbors.
What Can We Do?
Contact the Nebraska Conference UMW social action coordinator, Judy Dangler, to express interest in work on this issue and connect with ongoing efforts. Support bills that would provide in-state tuition for immigrant students as well as other pro-immigrant bills. Advocate through your federal legislators for just immigration reform that respects human rights and officers a path to citizenship as the appropriate solution to a broken system.
Top photo: Jay Godfrey leads the immigration seminar held April 13-14, in Schuyler, Neb. Photo by Kathryn Witte
Bottom photo: Some of the attendees of the immigration seminar.
For the Rev. K. F. “Kelo” Kaleuati, General Conference is about keeping the Pacific Islander United Methodists' part of the global connection. Kaleuati (pictured), himself a Pacific Islander, 
currently serves the Albion and Loretto United Methodist churches. He is attending the 2012 General Conference in two capacities. He will be a monitor for the Legislative Committee Church and Society 2, and is also the observer for the Pacific Islands National Caucus of United Methodists, representing the Samoans. The Pacific Islanders are presenting a Comprehensive Ministry Plan as mandated by the 2008 General Conference through the General Board of Global Ministries for a 2012 General Conference vote.
There are approximately 70 United Methodist churches and fellowships that have Pacific Islanders leading them. They are some of the fastest growing churches in the connection. This Comprehensive Ministry Plan will provide funding for these churches; the plan has three parts: 1) Assess needs and do research, 2) develop a plan to meet the need, and 3) pursue and be vital participant in the connection.
In 2008, Kaleuati attended General Conference as a monitor through the General Commission on Religion and Race and the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, and he performed the task so well that he was asked to do it again.
This is an important job with much responsibility.
When people come together from so many different countries and diverse cultures, speaking many languages, inclusiveness across the entire event and program organization is essential. Kaleauati’s role as a monitor is to assist the people called "United Methodists” in meeting the ever-present challenge of making room for and valuing all God’s people by reviewing United Methodist structures, programs, personnel and resources to ensure inclusiveness. Monitoring pays attention to how the GC’s daily proceedings and deliberation measures up to the denomination’s stated desire — a church with "open hearts, open minds, open doors." General Conference brings people of diverse experiences, cultures, languages, ages, genders and understanding together to do God’s work.. Every delegate, every voice, deserves to be heard in a manner of civility and respect.
For those of us who speak English, we often forget that for a translator, a word we recognize might not have an equivalent word in another language. It makes an interpreter’s job very difficult and the General Conference body needs to have patience.
Every day a monitor is called upon to give a two-minute report; the goal is to share a positive outcome and something that needs to be improved in order for the legislative group to work well. They chose Kaleuwati because he is gifted with an openness and willingness to help people navigate emotionally explosive issues. He truly is doing God’s work.
The Nebraska State Department of Health and Human Services has reduced its support for agencies such as Epworth Village. As a result, Epworth’s ability to serve its clients is being placed in jeopardy.
Epworth Village Inc., is both a Nebraska and global church Advance. In 2011, funding from all United Methodist sources to Epworth Village totaled more than $29,000. In addition to monetary contributions, Nebraska United Methodist Women give substantial support to Epworth Village in the form of label donations, paper goods, toiletry items and other collections.
Now is a time of great urgency. Epworth Village President and CEO Tom McBride said, “The past three years have been tremendously stressful on everyone providing services to children and families. Artificially created barriers restrict access to care by those in need so when they can’t get to us for care it unfortunately affects our ‘bottom line.’”
To aid Epworth Village in these trying times, Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson has announced a special offering will be taken during the Annual Conference Session, on Wednesday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to take their own special offerings to support Epworth Village. Those donations can be gathered and brought to the Annual Conference Session, or given directly to Advance 881.
Located in York and Grand Island, Neb., Epworth Village Inc., is a modern, state-of-the-art program for male children ages 7 to 18 and their families who are dealing with severe, emotional and behavioral disorders. Children enter the program because they need the tools to build brighter lives. They can find those tools at Epworth. Most importantly, the entire family can find a path towards positive change.
“The Nebraska legislature has been tremendously responsive to this crisis. In addition, Bishop Sherer-Simpson has continuously been very involved and supportive and together with those churches and individuals that support us so wonderfully. We will blow past this disruption and continue the mission that has been intact here for more than 122 years,” McBride said.
Donations in check form can be written to the Conference Treasurer with Advance 881 written in the memo line. Donations can be sent to: Epworth Village Offering, Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504, or placed in your congregation’s offering plate as an ingathering, in preparation for the offering taken during the opening worship service of the June annual conference session.
Recidivism is a word you may be familiar with but not be sure of its exact definition. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, recidivism is “a tendency to relapse into a previous
condition or mode of behavior; especially: relapse into criminal behavior.” What it boils down to is inmates returning to prison for violations after release.
Around 98 percent of the inmates currently incarcerated in Nebraska’s 10 prisons will be released and return to our communities and neighborhoods. The U.S. Dept. of Justice statistics declare that 67 percent of the inmates released from prison and jail will re-offend and return to prison.
Ruth Karlsson’s goal is to lower the recidivism rate in the state of Nebraska, through Released and Restored, a restorative justice ministry, and an approved Advance of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference. It may seems like a lofty goal for one woman to take on, but once you meet Karlsson and see her in action, it becomes apparent that she has been blessed with a gift and a passion for helping the men and women in our state prisons. She doesn’t just see them as inmates or criminals — she sees them as just ordinary people, and as potential disciples of Jesus Christ.
FOLLOWING HER CALL
Karlsson fully realized her call to restorative justice in 2002, while taking part in a School of Christian Mission course on the topic.
“The restorative justice study brought into clear focus the enormous hurdles inmates and their families face as they strive for successful re-entry into mainstream society,” Karlsson said in an interview on the Women’s Division website. (United Methodist Women units are among the ministry’s biggest supporters.)
She went on to create Released and Restored and serves as its executive director. The non-profit’s mission statement is: “To provide inmates and ex-offenders with access to the tools and support systems they need to learn how to live moral, ethical and legal lives in our communities; to restore family relationships harmed or broken by incarceration; and to renew their lives.”
This is accomplished through two courses: Planning with Purpose and Jobs Readiness/Life Skills. Released and Restored offers programming in a number of Nebraska’s state prisons, including the state penitentiary in Lincoln, and the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution in Tecumseh.
PLANNING WITH PURPOSE
According to their website, releasedandrestored.org, the focus of the Planning with Purpose course is “to teach new thinking skills, in particular critical thinking and good decision making skills.”
The program combines a study of Rick Warren’s best-selling book, “The Purpose Driven Life” with a curriculum designed to teach new and constructive thinking skills.
Inmates sign up voluntarily and there are no faith-based or crime-related restrictions. In other words, it doesn’t matter what they believe or what they’ve done. The class is in high-demand at the state penitentiary; two 20-week courses are offered per year, one in January and one in July, and each is limited to 15 participants who are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The marvelous thing about those we work with at the state penitentiary is they have nothing to gain from the system by attending our programs,” Karlsson said in the Women’s Division interview. “Our programs are not a requirement of the parole board. The individuals enrolled in our program attend because they want to live better lives once they are released.”
The class has the feel of a Bible study or book group, and many deep, philosophical questions are posed by the participants. Subjects like predestination and the fall of man are discussed. Karlsson is well versed in Scripture and adeptly answers even the toughest of questions. She stresses to participants that there are consequences to every choice they make. But she also makes it clear to them that they don’t have to live their lives being defined by the crimes they’ve committed.
“The only way to wholeness is to own what we’ve done and come to the foot of the Cross,” she recently told the seven men currently taking part in the course at the state penitentiary.
She also encouraged them to pray, but told them they can’t just wait for good things to come their way.
“You have to take action, you can’t sit by and idly wait for God to answer your prayers,” she said.
Karlsson shared her own “leap of faith” story — nearly seven years ago she quit her full-time job of 27 years to run Released and Restored on a full-time basis. It isn’t something she gives just five or 10 hours to a week — she devotes most of her waking hours to helping these individuals who so desperately need it. She felt God was calling her to and she chose to listen.
“From my perspective, my job is easy,” she said. “I am so privileged! Each day I am allowed to share the good news of the Gospel with men and women in prison and jail. I am allowed to bring programming into prison to prepare these individuals for their release back into our local neighborhoods and communities. “
JOBS READINESS/LIFE SKILLS
The Jobs Readiness/Life Skills course focuses on preparing individuals to be self-sufficient after release. According to releasedandrestored.org: “The primary emphasis of the program is preparing individuals for long-term, gainful employment. A secondary emphasis is on money management and budgeting. In addition, landlord/tenant relations are also addressed as are various health and hygiene issues.”
The class is limited to 15 participants from the general prison population who are within six to nine months of discharge or parole.
This course, combined with the Planning with Purpose course, plays a pivotal role in helping ensure inmates are prepared to function in society after being released. The fact that most individuals don’t have marketable skills and have the stigma of a prison sentence on their resumes certainly doesn’t make it easy for those who are released to find employment. They leave prison with the clothes on their back and $100 in their pocket if it’s the first time they’ve been released; if they’ve been incarcerated more than once, they receive even less.
For every individual that is able to get their life together and stay out of trouble, there are many more that end up returning to lives of crime and going back to prison.
SUCCESS STORIES AND MENTORS
Released and Restored is making a difference in the lives of these men and women.
Karlsson shared the inspiring story of Les, who served 11 years in the Nebraska State Penitentiary. He was released a little over a year ago. He has a job, he just graduated from Kaplan University with an associate’s degree in human services, and he is the father of a baby girl whom he carried across the stage as he received his diploma. Les’ story is just one of many. An essential component of success stories has to do with the mentors that are provided for recently released inmates.
“Mentors are a key component to help demonstrate how church members and congregations can minister to ex-offenders and their families,” Karlsson said.
Extensive training is provided to those who choose to be a mentor. The rule is that men mentor men and women mentor women; meetings take place between mentors and mentees at least once a month, and never alone, it is required that a third party always be present.
The mentoring page of their website states, “The most important thing in mentoring is to teach life skills and job skills by simply being a resource. By being willing to listen, to care, to empower.”
DEVOTED VOLUNTEERS
The inmates aren’t the only ones who are finding their lives changed by Released and Restored. Karlsson may not have a staff to assist her, but she does have some “truly amazing and dedicated volunteers.“
Bob Parish is one of those volunteers. A member of Lincoln Trinity United Methodist Church, Parish said, “I would say that our weekly planning with purpose study has shown me that I have the ability to live and think in holy ways that glorify Christ. The theme that runs through all our meetings at the prison is that those that participate want to live their lives more Christ-like.
“My own growth has been encouraged by these men,” said volunteer Don Foxhoven. “Their desire to learn the Bible and grow in faith has been an inspiration. Their hunger has inspired me to spend more time with the Bible myself, and more importantly to follow the commands ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind,’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Karlsson recently wrote in an article for umcneb.org, “Volunteering is almost always a mutually rewarding endeavor. When it comes to volunteering with a prison ministry, we’re talking quadruple rewards! The rewards benefit the ministry, the inmates touched by the work of the ministry, the taxpayers (lower recidivism rates mean lower costs for taxpayers), and last but certainly not least, the volunteer herself/himself.”
‘A BETTER WAY OF DOING THINGS’
“After prison, then what?” is the question posed on Released and Restored’s home page. It is a question that affects not just the men and women in our prison systems, but truly affects everyone in society.
It’s a very cyclical process: communities are safer and taxpayer costs are reduced when fewer crimes are committed.
Karlsson believes “there is a better way than simply continuing ‘business as usual’ and recycling these individuals back through the prison system.”
That better way is to not just restore lives, but to help these men and women come to know Christ and live new lives.
Volunteer Parish quoted an inmate who participated in a past “Planning with Purpose” course who said, “I don’t want to be restored to what I was — I want to go beyond that.”
HOW TO HELP
Volunteer: Released and Restored has various opportunities both inside and outside of prison, and offers training to volunteers; if you think you or your church/group might be interested in prison ministry, they offer a workshop called “Prison ministry, is it for you?” For more information, email info@releasedandrestored.org, call 402-806-0565 or visit releasedandrestored.org.
Donate: If you are interested in contributing to the work of this ministry, you can donate online at releasedandrestored.org/donate.html, or mail a check made payable to “Released and Restored,” to Released and Restored, Inc. P.O. Box 94633 Lincoln, NE 68509.
Top photo: Released and Restored Executive Director Ruth Karlsson and volunteer Bob Parish in front of the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Photo by Trisha Johnson
Bottom photo: Karlsson leads a Released and Restored class at the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Photo by Mikael Karlsson; all rights reserved.
The Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team spent its final face-to-face meeting prior to the 2012 Annual Conference sessions refining its reports and reviewing lingering questions about the proposal to create one new annual conference. The team met in Manhattan, Kan., in March.
“This team has done great work in pointing a new direction for the United Methodist mission in Nebraska and Kansas,” said Bishop Scott Jones, Kansas Area. “It has been a privilege to dream, pray and work with this group from the three conferences. Now, it is up to the lay and clergy members to decide if they believe this is the direction God is calling us to go.”
The Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West annual conferences will be asked to vote this May and June on a resolution creating one new annual conference. Kansas West will meet first, May 23-25, and Kansas East and Nebraska will meet June 6-9. The results of all three votes will be announced simultaneously and be webcast on the Internet at 10:15 a.m. CDT, June 9. Links to the live stream will be available from each of the conference websites.
Clergy and lay members of the three conferences will vote on the motion with paper ballots, which will contain the motion and space to write an explanation of the individual’s vote, should a person desire to do so. Ballots from the Kansas West session will be collected, sealed at the conference session, then counted at the same time as the other two conferences’ ballots.
“The transition team has taken the task assigned it very seriously. We have understood this work to have both spiritual and organizational significance,” said Tom Watson, team chairperson and Nebraska Conference lay leader. “We have learned a great deal about each other and our mission field.”
The motion will be: “The Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska annual conferences will join together to form the Great Plains Annual Conference beginning Jan. 1, 2014.” This will take place in accordance with the principles and guidelines endorsed by the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team.
The Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team spent its final face-to-face meeting prior to the 2012 Annual Conference sessions refining its reports and reviewing lingering questions about the proposal to create one new annual conference. The team met in Manhattan, Kan., in March.
“This team has done great work in pointing a new direction for the United Methodist mission in Nebraska and Kansas,” said Bishop Scott Jones, Kansas Area. “It has been a privilege to dream, pray and work with this group from the three conferences. Now, it is up to the lay and clergy members to decide if they believe this is the direction God is calling us to go.”
The Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West annual conferences will be asked to vote this May and June on a resolution creating one new annual conference. Kansas West will meet first, May 23-25, and Kansas East and Nebraska will meet June 6-9. The results of all three votes will be announced simultaneously and be webcast on the Internet at 10:15 a.m. CDT, June 9. Links to the live stream will be available from each of the conference websites.
Clergy and lay members of the three conferences will vote on the motion with paper ballots, which will contain the motion and space to write an explanation of the individual’s vote, should a person desire to do so. Ballots from the Kansas West session will be collected, sealed at the conference session, then counted at the same time as the other two conferences’ ballots.
“The transition team has taken the task assigned it very seriously. We have understood this work to have both spiritual and organizational significance,” said Tom Watson, team chairperson and Nebraska Conference lay leader. “We have learned a great deal about each other and our mission field.”
The motion will be: “The Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska annual conferences will join together to form the Great Plains Annual Conference beginning Jan. 1, 2014.” This will take place in accordance with the principles and guidelines endorsed by the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team.
LINCOLN, Neb. — After interviewing episcopal candidates from the South Central Jurisdiction, the Nebraska Annual Conference delegation voted March 24 to officially endorse the Rev.
Cynthia Fierro Harvey for the episcopacy. Harvey (pictured) is a member of the Texas Annual Conference and currently serves as the Deputy General Secretary of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Delegation members listed her administrative, communication, pastoral and relational skills as assets that Rev. Harvey would bring to the episcopacy. This is the first episcopal endorsement that the Nebraska delegation has made since 2000, and was a unanimous decision.
The delegation also spent time discussing the proposals for structural change in the UMC that will be discussed at General Conference. Recognizing that a number of amendments will likely be made to the proposed legislation during the course of General Conference, the Nebraska delegation opted to make the following statement, rather than endorse a specific proposal:
“We embrace change that would create a structure for The United Methodist Church that is responsive to the needs of the global Church. In this time of change, we share a concern that in the midst of our desire to be flexible and efficient we not lose the diversity of voices at every level of decision-making. Our concern is not so much about the ability of individuals to represent the perspectives of others, but a concern that our decision-makers themselves reflect the rich diversity of The United Methodist Church.” March 24, 2012
Finally, the delegation is announcing the following statement, accepted unanimously at their November meeting, regarding diversity in the episcopacy.
“Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst, and drawing from the blessings we have received from our many bishops, the Nebraska Annual Conference delegation affirms our willingness to trust in the episcopal election process, and the work of the episcopacy committee. We embrace the notion of a diverse episcopacy, and specifically welcome bishops who are women and/or who are representative of a diverse ethnic background.” Nov. 5, 2011
For a complete list of Nebraska delegation members, visit the General Conference 2012 page.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. The 1000-member assembly meets once every four years to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years. The 2012 meeting will take place April 24-May 4 at the Tampa Convention Center. Visit the 2012 General Conference website for more information.
Photo on home page: The Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, by Ronny Perry for UMNS
Trinity United Methodist Church, IMPACT Youth and the Health Ministries Team are hosting our first Let’s Talk event on Saturday May 19, 2012 from 10 am to 2 pm with lunch included.
The purpose of this series of events, to be offered each quarter, is to help guide students in gaining information about health and wellness issues related specifically to the preteen and early teenage years through hands on activities and interactive learning. We will talk about making good decisions, personal and technology safety, health & nutrition and issues of sexuality.
We will also provide resources and support to parents to help navigate the preteen and teenage years with their students. These resources may support the ongoing communication you have with your student and they may serve as starting points for discussions you are yet to have! Each time the students gather, there will be a concurrent 45-60 minute introduction and conversation time just for the parents. We want you to always be aware of the content being discussed and avenues for making the best of the follow up conversations with your students!
The Health Ministries Team comes to us with expertise from the health and wellness fields and we will be working with a variety of community resources for the range of topics we hope to cover. Input from families is welcome as we develop the series and arrange for speakers.
Since our first offering is coming as students are preparing for summer when they have more free time on their hands, we will be discussing internet safety and the hot topic issues of cell phone/camera/texting use. These are all amazing tools that students are more familiar with than most adults, but they need information about the hazards of misuse so they can be good decision makers when it comes to using their main means of communication.
We recognize and affirm the church’s role in providing important information and skills for youth and adults which will help in the making of good life choices and the building of strong family units.
Please register online at www.trinitylincoln.org by May 11. There is a $10 registration fee per family to cover the cost of materials, food and speakers for each event.
If you have any questions please contact:
Laurie Fraser
435-2946
We cannot be connected to Christ if we're not connected to Christ's people. – The Rev. Mike Slaughter
Change the World, a global movement of United Methodists to build community locally and fight malaria globally, will take place on Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20, 2012. Local churches are being asked to begin planning for the denominational event, as the church seeks to have 4,000 events take place worldwide.
Change the World, an event that began in 2010, is an opportunity to connect mission-minded disciples with the mission of The United Methodist Church, which is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
During Change the World, United Methodists, through their local churches, are encouraged to organize events designed to address a need in their local community and to raise awareness of The United Methodist Church's fight to end malaria deaths through the Imagine No Malaria campaign. Churches are also encouraged to involve their community in these events.
Planning your event
The first step is to plan your event. The goal is to do something that gets church members out into the community, where they will be visible to others as they act as the hands and feet of Christ. We want the church to leave the building! Check out these community service ideas:
Signing up
Churches are asked to register their Change the World events at www.umcom.org/changetheworld. By registering, your event will be included on a map that will be published on www.rethinkchurch.org — a website designed to reach seekers between the ages of 18-34.
Beginning in late February, United Methodist Communications will be coordinating national advertising for Change the World, with all of the ads pointing thousands of visitors to Rethinkchurch.org. By having your registered event on the map, seekers in your area will be able to locate your church's event to get involved.
Churches that register their event by April 16 will also receive a few free items that will aid them in promoting their Change the World involvement to their community. A free lawn banner (3 feet by 6 feet), Change the World sermon series multimedia bundle, and Change the World t-shirt will be available to all churches registering by mid-April.
Sermon series
Be. Go. Do. is a sermon series designed to be used with the Change the World event. The series can be downloaded at www.umcom.org/changetheworld and includes resources for small groups, children's ministry, and youth and young adult ministry. The series is designed to begin on Sunday, May 20, following your church's Change the World event as a way to connect service and worship.
Social media
Change the World can be discussed using Twitter (www.twitter.com) by using the #ctw2012 and #rethinkchurch hashtags.
For more information on the 2012 Change the World weekend, visit www.umcom.org/changetheworld.
The Nebraska United Methodist Conference is excited to sponsor this Change the World event on Saturday, May 19. Join us as we walk and run to fight the spread of malaria! All monies collected will go to the non-profit United Methodist organization,Imagine No Malaria. Did you know the toll of malaria was recently cut in half? It used to be that a life was lost every 30 seconds due to the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito; it has been reduced to every 60 seconds, thanks in part to the support of people like you!
The event will take place at Lincoln's MoPac Trail, located off of S. 84th St. Packet pick-up starts at 7:45 a.m. (by the trailhead's parking lot, at approximately 84th and Hazelwood). The walk/run will kick off at 8:30 a.m. There will be both a one mile and a three mile course marked (this will not be a timed event). All participants will receive a t-shirt, and snacks and water will be provided at the finish line.
The minimum amount to participate is $10, the cost of one bed net to potentially save one life from ending because of the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito. If you would like to give more than $10, we will happily accept it! One-hundred percent of all donations will go directly to Imagine No Malaria.
Click here to register online. (Note: Online registration closes Friday, May 11; you can registration in person the day of the event, but a t-shirt won't be guaranteed.)
Melbeta UMC will celebrate 100 years in ministry for Jesus Christ in the North Platte Valley on May 20, 2012 at 10:30 a.m Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson and District Supt. Kay Alnor will take part in the service and celebrate Communion. A dinner will follow at the church. There is no charge for the meal.
We invite all our friends in the Nebraska Annual Conference connection as we celebrate the past and look to the future.
Webcast briefings will be held at and streamed live from the Conference Center in Lincoln on Sunday, May 20, at 4 p.m. CDT, and on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
The briefings will cover the schedule of the session with particular attention to the next steps in the development of the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team recommendations. Annual Conference members are encouraged to attend the closest briefing location. Questions for the briefing can be forwarded in advance to info@umcneb.org.
Attendees are also asked to bring their copy of the resource book with them (they will be mailed in mid to late April). The briefings are open to anyone in the Conference who is interested. If you cannot attend one of the following locations, you can participate from home by going to www.umcneb.org/UMstream. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Carol Roettmer Brewer at crbrewer@umcneb.org.
Blue River District:
Lincoln Saint Paul UMC (both days)
Beatrice Centenary UMC (both days)
Elkhorn Valley District:
West Point UMC (Sunday)
O’Neill UMC (Sunday)
Norfolk First UMC (Monday)
Gateway District:
Kearney First UMC (Sunday)
Broken Bow UMC (Sunday)
Great West District:
Paxton UMC (Monday)
Missouri River District:
Papillion UMC (Sunday)
Auburn UMC (Monday)
Prairie Rivers District:
Central City UMC (Sunday)
Hastings Grace UMC (Monday)
Webcast briefings will be held at and streamed live from the Conference Center in Lincoln on Sunday, May 20, at 4 p.m. CDT, and on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
The briefings will cover the schedule of the session with particular attention to the next steps in the development of the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team recommendations. Annual Conference members are encouraged to attend the closest briefing location. Questions for the briefing can be forwarded in advance to info@umcneb.org.
Attendees are also asked to bring their copy of the resource book with them (they will be mailed in mid to late April). The briefings are open to anyone in the Conference who is interested. If you cannot attend one of the following locations, you can participate from home by going to www.umcneb.org/UMstream. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Carol Roettmer Brewer at crbrewer@umcneb.org.
Blue River District:
Lincoln Saint Paul UMC (both days)
Beatrice Centenary UMC (both days)
Elkhorn Valley District:
West Point UMC (Sunday)
O’Neill UMC (Sunday)
Norfolk First UMC (Monday)
Gateway District:
Kearney First UMC (Sunday)
Broken Bow UMC (Sunday)
Great West District:
Paxton UMC (Monday)
Missouri River District:
Papillion UMC (Sunday)
Auburn UMC (Monday)
Prairie Rivers District:
Central City UMC (Sunday)
Hastings Grace UMC (Monday)
Want to submit a letter to the editor? Email Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org.
For more information about events going on around the Conference, visit the events calendar.
To view job openings and items for sale, or submit a listing, visit the Employment/Classifieds page.
Click here for a printable version of UMconnect.
Webcast briefings will be held at and streamed live from the Conference Center in Lincoln on Sunday, May 20, at 4 p.m. CDT, and on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
The briefings will cover the schedule of the session with particular attention to the next steps in the development of the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team recommendations. Annual Conference members are encouraged to attend the closest briefing location. Questions for the briefing can be forwarded in advance to info@umcneb.org.
Attendees are also asked to bring their copy of the resource book with them (they were mailed last week). The briefings are open to anyone in the Conference who is interested. If you cannot attend one of the following locations, you can participate from home by going to www.umcneb.org/UMstream. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Carol Roettmer Brewer at crbrewer@umcneb.org.
Blue River District:
Lincoln Saint Paul UMC (both days)
Beatrice Centenary UMC (both days)
Elkhorn Valley District:
West Point UMC (Sunday)
O’Neill UMC (Sunday)
Norfolk First UMC (Monday)
Gateway District:
Kearney First UMC (Sunday)
Broken Bow UMC (Sunday)
Great West District:
Paxton UMC (Monday)
Missouri River District:
Papillion UMC (Sunday)
Auburn UMC (Monday)
Prairie Rivers District:
Central City UMC (Sunday)
Hastings Grace UMC (Monday)
“Revive: Worship in the Reign of God” is the theme of the 2012 Annual Conference Session, scheduled for June 6-9, at Lincoln St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
The deadline to register without incurring a $10 late registration fee is Wednesday, May 23. If you register after May 23, you will not be able to sign up for any meals. This also applies to anyone wishing to attend any meals as a guest; use the online registration form and register as a visitor. NOTE: As you are signing up each meal, please be aware that you are to enter the NUMBER of meals you wish to purchase.
Click here to register now.
For more information on Annual Conference 2012, visit www.umcneb.org/AC2012.
I, Tammy Wells and my CAC volunteers are eager and ready to see your kids at this year’s Children’s Annual Conference. We are excited to have them join us in the fun, action-packed adventures that have been planned. Get them excited to join us June 6-9 at St. Mark’s Educational Building. Remind them they will get to see old friends and meet new ones.
Click here to download and print a CAC flier. (PDF)
Click here to register. The deadline to register without incurring a $10 late registration fee is Wednesday, May 23.
“Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your Spirit in this place; Lord, listen to your children praying, send us love, send us power, send us grace.” — UMC FWS #2193
The message youth and middle school annual conference planners are conveying to youth is: “YAC/MAC is YOURS!! This year, we’re inviting you to OWN IT: It’s all about the power of worship and making it happen. Join us June 5-9 in Lincoln, as we learn, play, make new friends and WORSHIP together.”
Youth Annual Conference (YAC) is for those who have just completed 9th grade-12th grades, and Middle School Annual Conference (MAC) is for those youth have just completed 5th grade-8th grades.
Lodging and most meals for YAC/MAC will once again be on Nebraska Wesleyan's campus.
Click here to register. The deadline to register without incurring a $10 late registration fee is Wednesday, May 23.
Questions? Contact Jason Kennedy at jkennedy@umcneb.org or 402-291-3881.
A “packet stuffing party” will be held at the Conference Center on Thursday, May 31. If you would like to help stuff the packets for Annual Conference, arrive at the Conference Center (3333 Landmark Circle, in Lincoln) at 9 a.m. Depending on the number of volunteers, it usually takes two to three hours to stuff 700 packets. Homemade cookies will be provided.
For more information, contact Roxie Delisi at 402-464-5994, ext 107, or email her at rdelisi@umcneb.org.
The Nebraska United Methodist Conference is excited to be sponsoring a Change the World event on Saturday, May 19. Join us as we walk (or run) to fight the spread of malaria! All monies collected will go to the non-profit United Methodist organization, Imagine No Malaria. Did you know the toll of malaria was recently cut in half? It used to be that a life was lost every 30 seconds due to the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito; it has been reduced to every 60 seconds, thanks in part to the support of people like you!
The event will take place on Lincoln's MoPac Trail, located off of S. 84th St. Registration starts at 7:45 a.m. (by the trailhead's parking lot, at approximately 84th and Hazelwood). The walk/run will kick off at 8:30 a.m. There will be both a one mile and a three mile course marked — participants are welcome to run or walk the distance of their choice. All participants will receive a t-shirt.
The minimum amount to participate is $10, the cost of one bed net to potentially save numerous lives from ending because of the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito. If you would like to give more than $10, we will happily accept it! One-hundred percent of all donations will go directly to Imagine No Malaria.
Click here to register online.
Questions? Contact Trish Johnson at tjohnson@umcneb.org.
Is your church sponsoring a Change the World event this weekend, or have you held one recently? Tell us about it! Send photos and a brief write-up to Trish Johnson at tjohnson@umcneb.org, so we can share your story with the rest of the Nebraska Conference. If you take any video footage, we encourage you to upload it to UMtube.
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — When she was a teenager, Bishop Rosemarie Wenner was the only one in her confirmation class in the United Methodist church she attended in Germany. When she began considering going into ministry, there was only one female United Methodist pastor in her country. And, when she was elected bishop of Germany, she became the first woman outside the United States tapped for a United Methodist episcopacy. Now, Wenner is the new president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops.
Read full story and listen to audio excerpts
Photo: Bishop Rosemarie Wenner of the Germany Area accepts the gavel from Bishop Larry M. Goodpaster in a “passing of the gavel” ceremony and celebration on April 26 at the Embassy Suites in Tampa, Fla. UMNS photos by Kathleen Barry.
At the recently held 2012 General Conference (GC), one of the petitions presented and approved changed the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. Below is a note from Nebraska Conference Lay Speaking Director Bob Aderholt.
Following several GC sessions where the name change was voted down, GC 2012 voted in favor of the name change.
Why the change? In my humble opinion, we as lay speakers often confused the identity of the ministry by referring to it as “Lay Speakers,” not “Lay Speaking Ministries.”
This led to a natural assumption that lay speakers “speak” or do pulpit supply by filling in for the local pastor when he/she is, ill, vacation or perhaps off to school. The reality is that Lay Speaking Ministries provided course work on a broad range of leadership development topics.
So what do Lay Servants do? In Nebraska, more than 250 Lay Servants are serving a variety needs including help and assistance in serving their personal ministry at home, in their local church, their community, county, district and conference.
Lay Servants here in the Nebraska Conference have stepped up in their personal ministry, demonstrating that there is more to Lay Speaking Ministries (now Lay Servant Ministries) than just pulpit supply.
Take a look at what Lay Speakers, now Lay Servants, are doing in your district (see PDF attached below). The information is generated from the annual reports filed each fall at the local church/charge conference.
The Nebraska Conference Leadership Development Team and the Nebraska United Methodist Women announce this year’s Cooperative School of Christian Mission – “That All May Have Life.”
The weekend school is scheduled for July 27-29, from Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 12:30 p.m. The weekday school begins Sunday at 6 p.m. and runs through Wednesday at noon. The schools will be held at the Kearney Holiday Inn, 110 S. 2nd Ave., in Kearney.
This year’s studies will focus on immigration, Haiti and poverty. There will also be a School of Christian Mission for children from July 27-19.
The School is intended for those wanting a deeper connection between their faith and current issues. The content is suitable for lay and clergy of all ages. Participants are invited to take the information learned from the conference home to their congregations. This continuing education model is endorsed by the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Team. “That All May Have Life” affords the opportunity to learn much about contemporary topics and the possible positive impact the church can play in addressing these issues.
The School brochure and online registration are now available; see the links below.
For more information contact School of Christian Mission Dean Joyce Solomon at Solomon.joyce@gmail.com or Registrar Denise Larsen at necoopscm@gmail.com. To reserve space for a display, contact Marilyn Zehring at mbzehri@megavision.com.
BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) — The Society of St. Andrew, which facilitated the “produce drop” during the recent United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla., is seeking emergency donations to cover shipping for up to 150 truckloads of sweet potatoes. A North Carolina grower has offered a donation of 6.3 million pounds of good sweet potatoes that the society can ship to feeding programs across the South, as far north as New York, and as far west as Kansas.
Jonathan Poarch wanted to be a 2012 Micah Corps intern because: “I love to serve and grow in my faith. I have been on five mission trips with the St. James youth group and am accustomed
to and enjoy serving others for the glorification of God.”
A member of St. James UMC in Bellevue, Jonathan aspires to be a United Methodist pastor. He is concluding his freshman year at Concordia College in Seward and is working on degrees in music and theology. Music is important to Jonathan.
“My experiences in choir and with music have helped shape my faith,” he said. “A large portion of music has religious ties.”
Each intern brings her and his gifts to this experience and Jonathan will bring a bit of music to their work together.
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Elena Rojas is the intern who brings an international perspective to the team. Elena will soon graduate from Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso and will be attending Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, in the fall. She is a U.S. citizen but grew up and lives in Juarez, Mexico. She wants to be part of the Micah Corps because, “I feel that I can be part of an important change and show love to our neighbors. It is a great opportunity to deepen my walk with God and I would love to know new people and have a new experience.” Elena has been part of a group at Lydia Patterson called “Lay Ministry.” She is a member of the National Honor Society and has been part of service projects to the poor and homeless.
Elena and Jonathan will focus part of their summer learning on how to care for God’s creation and will be assisting at the Rawbales and Fields Forever high school environmental camp at Fontanelle.
Your Mission Share dollars make this intern experience possible! Stay tuned throughout the summer and, for those attending Annual Conference, you’ll be seeing Adam, Elizabeth, Jonathan, Elena, James and Tori near the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries display and with the kids and youth at CAC and YAC.
A conference this summer will celebrate, reconnect, educate, and inspire people who have been involved with the long term Young Adult Mission Service programs of the United Methodist Church. These growing programs have sent and supported over 60 years of US-2s and 35 years of Mission Interns. The event will take place Aug. 2 to 5, 2012, in Arlington, Va.
The goal of this conference is to bring alumni and partners together who have been involved in mission and justice work around the world. Participants can expect to network, to learn about groundbreaking efforts led by current partners, and to gain tools and strategies to support alumni’s continued social action work. Three hundred attendees are expected.
Click here for more information or to register.
New Collegiate Ministries Program for Young Adults
The General Board of Global Ministries (Global Ministries) and the General Board of Higher Education Ministries (GBHEM) have announced an exciting new partnership. Starting in 2012, select young adults from the Mission Intern and US-2 programs will be commissioned as Collegiate Ministries Mission Interns (CM Mission Interns) and Collegiate Ministries US-2s (CM US-2s). The program will allow these young adult missionaries to focus on ministry to college and university students with a justice and service emphasis.
Click here for more information.
By Maureen Vetter, AIDS ambassador and HIV AIDS team leader for Prairie Rivers District
On April 23, five people from Nebraska attended the Lighten the Burden IV Conference at Hyde United Methodist Church, in Tampa Fla.. This conference was planned ahead of General Conference as a way of attracting delegates coming to Tampa for 11 days of GC2012.
Those who attended from the Nebraska Conference were: Linda Kastning of Ponca, Sarah Ashley of Lincoln, Cindy Karges and Katie Karges from Hastings, and Maureen Vetter from Grand Island.
Many came from around the globe for this one-day conference; attendees were presented with ideas on how to lighten the burden of people living with HIV and AIDS, through the UM Global AIDS Fund.
The new 2020 Campaign is one way that was highlighted through speakers, music and worship. We are encouraged to give $20 whenever we can to eliminate HIV AIDS by 2020 as we envision a world without AIDS.
Two of the speakers who challenged us were Bishop Ivan Abrahams, former Bishop of South Africa and currently General Secretary of the World Methodist Council. He shared that he had signs made for all the United Methodist churches in South Africa that read, "THE CHURCH HAS AIDS," so that people would take notice when they saw the sign and realize we are all part of solving the problem of HIV AIDS and that we must work together.
The other speaker was Dennis Flores, a charge nurse at the only AIDS-dedicated unit left in the Southeast U.S. at Grady Memorial Hospital. He works on a daily basis with people living with HIV AIDS and said that we need to stop using military terms for HIV AIDS, such as "battling HIV AIDS" and "war against HIV AIDS," and start using more positive terms, like "living with AIDS."
A spirit of caring and compassion prevailed at the conference. Our challenge in Nebraska is to continue that to model that spirit, as we find ways to eliminate HIV AIDS by 2020 through and as we all work to LIGHTEN THE BURDEN with our faith responses!
For more information on becoming an AIDS ambassador, visit www.umcneb.org/AIDS.
Photo: Three of the five Nebraskans who attended Lighten the Burden IV, in Tampa, Fla. From left to right: Linda Kastning, Sarah Ashley and Maureen Vetter.
By the Rev. Kevin Burkhardt
On April 29, 2012, the Pierce United Methodist Church confirmed and received by profession of faith three young ladies. One of these young ladies marked the fifth of a line of disciples in the local church, and even more awesome, all were present that day!
Usually because of weather or health, the eldest cannot always make it, and because of work schedules, the middle three cannot always be there at the same time, and because of intramural sports, the youngest two (mom and daughter) would sometimes not make it to worship.
But during the time of the Confirmation class, one of the requirements was regular worship attendance and participation in youth group. Brandi (the youngest and most recent confirmand) managed as best as she could to make it to worship, youth group or Confirmation, and then went to her intramural sporting events. When time did not permit it, she did make-up work.
What was even more spectacular was that the Sunday following Confirmation Sunday, Brandi (the youngest) and Betty (her great-grandmother) were at the worship services. Great-grandmother Fern wasn’t able to come because of the cooler weather, and Brandi’s mom, Tara, and grandmother, Kathy, weren’t able to make it because of work (So the old joke of “confirm them and they’ll never show up again” isn’t always true!).
Yet on that Confirmation Sunday, it was such an awesome sight to see four generations of disciples together, representing God's love in and of family that day!
Pictured and numbered by their generation, from left to right, are: Betty Krueger (2), Kathy Sporleder (3), Brandi Sporleder (5), and Tara Sporleder (4), and sitting is Fern Bobek (1).
Lincoln Newman United Methodist Church has canceled its June mission trip to Lydia Patterson Institute.
Introducing "Extravagant Generosity" to Your Congregation It's one of the key practices of fruitful congregations, and it is also an exciting stewardship program available for your congregation. Join us Thursday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. CT, and see if "Extravagant Generosity: The Heart of Giving" is right for your church!
Click here to register.
The following free trainings are offered by the General Board of Discipleship:
June 5, 6:30-7:30 PM (CDT)
How Do Adults Make Decisions? Authority and Issues of Faith Participants in this webinar will consider some of the traditional sources of authority (think quadrilateral) and what is happening now as the church finds itself in a time of huge transition.
July 24, 6:30-7:30 PM (CDT)
What Happens When the Rules Don’t Work? Critical Thinking and Adult Faith Participants in this webinar will examine the role of mental models as they pertain to faith and explore how critical thinking comes to the rescue when mental models don’t seem to work anymore.
Aug. 28, 6:30-7:30 PM (CDT)
How Adults Learn, Part 1: The Emotional Aspect of Learning Participants in this webinar will explore how emotions function in ways to increase or shut down learning. Ideas related to developing a positive emotional climate in adult small groups will be included.
Sept. 18, 6:30-7:30 PM (CDT)
How Adults Learn, Part 2:—The Behavioral Dimension of Learning Participants in this webinar will explore how the cycle of action/reflection/action contributes to effective learning with adults.
Nov. 13, 6:30-7:30 PM (CDT)
How Adults Learn, Part 3:—The Cognitive Dimension of Learning Participants in this webinar will explore how the brain processes information, as well as how adults make meaning as an integral part of learning.
Leaders may register for these free webinars at www.gbod.org/adultseminars.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — A special training seminar on church administration and administrative duties will be held July 15-20 at the office of the General Council on Finance and Administration. The GCFA offers this program in support of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries, formed 30 years ago to “provide individual growth, professional development, continuing education, spiritual enrichment and work toward the betterment of The United Methodist Church.”
Interested people may contact Cynthia Haralson, the GCFA staff person to PAUMCS, at (615) 369-2386 or charalson@gcfa.org.
Having an effective website is crucial for churches and faith communities that want to grow and remain vital. But what makes a site effective? And how can smaller churches have a website on a budget?
Social media and website expert Bet Hannon is holding a webinar on the topic on Wednesday, May 23, from noon to 2 p.m. CDT.
This workshop will cover essentials and best practices of effective websites for churches including:
Presenter: Bet Hannon combines many years as a pastor with technical know-how to help churches and non-profits effectively use digital tools. Learn more about her work at www.bethannon.com.
This webinar is free, but is limited to 24 participants. To access the webinar, participants will need a computer with Internet access and speakers. If you register and then cannot participate, kindly email to cancel so someone else may take your spot.
Click here to register.
MyCom is a monthly e-newsletter from United Methodist Communications and is chock full of information, tips and tools. Recent articles include:
Click here to subscribe!
Whether you were a woman of biblical times or are a modern woman, the demands and expectations of life can often feel overwhelming. Women of all times and places seek the comfort, peace and security that only God can provide. In the “Real Women, Real Faith” series we meet not only women from the Old and New Testaments who encountered God, but you will also meet modern day women who each faithfully struggle to walk with God.
In “Real Women, Real Faith: Volume 1” we meet six women from the Old Testament who struggled to live faithful lives in the midst of trials and failures. The women we meet are:
In Volume 2 of “Real Women, Real Faith” we gain new insights into the lives of six powerful and influential New Testament women who bore witness to the life of Jesus. We also meet six modern day women who have also experienced fear, failure, trials and redemption. The six women we meet are:
Both volumes include a Participant Guide.
For other wonderful studies for Christian women’s groups, go to our online catalog at www.umcneb.org/ResourceCenter. If you would like to visit with Diane about other great summer studies call her at 1-800-435-6107 or email her at ddunkerson@umcneb.org.
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, is a day on the civil calendar for remembering and honoring those who have given their lives in battle. The day is also known as Decoration Day for the custom of placing flags at the graves of the patriotic dead. Without legitimating war, there is resonance with the gospel reading: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Click here to view Memorial Day resources.
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Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement information distributed in UMconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Nebraska United Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.
Want to submit a letter to the editor? Email Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org.
For more information about events going on around the Conference, visit the events calendar.
To view job openings and items for sale, or submit a listing, visit the Employment/Classifieds page.
Click here for a printable version of UMconnect.
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — From the opening worship service on April 24 to the final amen on May 4, The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body ended “guaranteed appointments” for clergy, said no to adding another bishop, and voted to stay the course on the church’s highly contested stand on homosexuality. The nearly 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries were stunned when the Judicial Council voided a plan to reorganize the denomination’s bureaucracy.
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — General Conference 2012 approved a $603.1 million budget for general church funds, down 6 percent from the last quadrennium. The budget, adopted May 4, will have little effect on United Methodist churches, since only about 2 cents of every apportionment dollar go to general church ministries. The new budget is for 2013-2016. The next General Conference meets four years from now in Portland, Ore.
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is establishing a $7 million initiative aimed at encouraging young adults to become ordained clergy. The initiative, approved by General Conference May 4, will be funded with money previously budgeted for other ministries.
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — A new ministry plan adopted by the General Conference on May 2 will help Pacific Islanders coming into the United States adjust to their new culture and find a church home.
Webcast briefings will be held at and streamed live from the Conference Center in Lincoln on Sunday, May 20, at 4 p.m. CDT, and on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
The briefings will cover the schedule of the session with particular attention to the next steps in the development of the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team recommendations. Annual Conference members are encouraged to attend the closest briefing location. Questions for the briefing can be forwarded in advance to info@umcneb.org.
Attendees are also asked to bring their copy of the resource book with them (they were mailed last week). The briefings are open to anyone in the Conference who is interested. If you cannot attend one of the following locations, you can participate from home by going to www.umcneb.org/UMstream. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Carol Roettmer Brewer at crbrewer@umcneb.org.
Blue River District:
Lincoln Saint Paul UMC (both days)
Beatrice Centenary UMC (both days)
Elkhorn Valley District:
West Point UMC (Sunday)
O’Neill UMC (Sunday)
Norfolk First UMC (Monday)
Gateway District:
Kearney First UMC (Sunday)
Broken Bow UMC (Sunday)
Great West District:
Paxton UMC (Monday)
Missouri River District:
Papillion UMC (Sunday)
Auburn UMC (Monday)
Prairie Rivers District:
Central City UMC (Sunday)
Hastings Grace UMC (Monday)
is May 23We are pleased to announce that online registration for the 2012 Annual Conference Session is now open. “Revive: Worship in the Reign of God” is the theme for the Session, scheduled for June 6-9, at Lincoln St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
The deadline to register without incurring a $10 late registration fee is Wednesday, May 23. If you register after May 23, you will not be able to sign up for any meals. NOTE: As you are signing up each meal, please be aware that you are to enter the NUMBER of meals you wish to purchase.
Click here to register now.
For more information on Annual Conference 2012, visit www.umcneb.org/AC2012.
I, Tammy Wells and my CAC volunteers are eager and ready to see your kids at this year’s Children’s Annual Conference. We are excited to have them join us in the fun, action-packed adventures that have been planned. Get them excited to join us June 6-9 at St. Mark’s Educational Building. Remind them they will get to see old friends and meet new ones.
Click here to download and print a CAC flier. (PDF)
Questions? Contact call Tammy Wells at 308-928-3111 or 308-991-5189, or email her at jtwells@frontiernet.net.
Registration is now open — go to www.umcneb.org/register. The deadline to register without incurring a $10 late registration fee is Wednesday, May 23.
“Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your Spirit in this place; Lord, listen to your children praying, send us love, send us power, send us grace.” — UMC FWS #2193
The message youth and middle school annual conference planners are conveying to youth is: “YAC/MAC is YOURS!! This year, we’re inviting you to OWN IT: It’s all about the power of worship and making it happen. Join us June 5-9 in Lincoln, as we learn, play, make new friends and WORSHIP together.”
Youth Annual Conference (YAC) is for those who have just completed 9th grade-12th grades, and Middle School Annual Conference (MAC) is for those youth have just completed 5th grade-8th grades.
Lodging and most meals for YAC/MAC will once again be on Nebraska Wesleyan's campus.
Click here to register. The deadline to register without incurring a $10 late registration fee is Wednesday, May 23.
Questions? Contact Jason Kennedy at jkennedy@umcneb.org or 402-291-3881.
On Thursday, June 7, during the 2012 Nebraska Annual Conference Session, a tribute will be paid to Nebraska Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson for her ministry as an epsicopal leader.
“A Penny for Your Thoughts” will feature a reception line, dinner and program. Kent Taylor has produced two videos featuring family and friends to help tell Sherer-Simpson’s ministry story.
Dinner
A dinner will be held at 6 p.m. in the St. Mark’s Family Life Center, with a reception line preceding the dinner, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Registration for the dinner must be made using the online registration form for the Annual Conference Session. Please register as a “visitor.” Reservations can be made by mail. The cost is $17 per person; make a check out to “Conference Treasurer” and on a separate piece of paper, list the name, address, phone and email address of each attendee, and mail to:
Bishop’s Retirement Dinner
3333 Landmark Circle
Lincoln, NE 68504
The reservation deadline is May 23. All online registrations and checks must be received by then to reserve a space at the dinner. No money or reservations will be taken after May 23.
Program
The main program will take place at 7:30 p.m., in the St. Mark’s sanctuary. Marcia McFee will take part in the liturgy and a special offering will be taken for a new fund to support Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership secondary school scholarships.
This is also where the “A Penny for Your Thoughts” fits in. Note cards will be provided and attendees are invited to write a note of retirement advice and/or encouragement. The note cards will also be collected as an offering and presented to Sherer-Simpson at the close of the program.
Nigeria Secondary School Offering
This fund has been created at the request of Bishop Sherer-Simpson to provide ongoing education and support of Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Orphanage students once they complete the orphanage course of study. The secondary school scholarship fund will help create a pathway to continue these young people’s education and readiness for employment as they reach young adulthood. Bishop Sherer-Simpson has requested that donations be made to this fund in lieu of gifts.
An event flier is attached below.
Please join us for an informative and educational evening at Aldersgate UMC in Lincoln as a great way to kick-off the week of the Annual Conference. This session, back by popular demand, will help you gain a better understanding of employment law, charitable giving legal issues, and real estate ownership and the Church's "Trust Clause." It is being provided at no cost to all Nebraska United Methodist pastors, Conference delegates, local church officers, board and committee members, and other interested lay members who would like to be better informed about how these issues can and do impact their churches.
Refreshments will be provided after the seminar. Please RSVP to Jackie Urkoski by calling 877-495-5545 or emailing jurkoski@numf.org.
The seminar will be presented by Andrew M. Loudon, Gail S. Perry, and Jarrod P. Crouse of Baylor Evnen. Speaker bios are available at www.numf.org.
The Nebraska Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits invites all churches to continue to support the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI) in 2012. A total of $23.5 million towards the goal of $25 million has been received, and one final effort is needed to reach the goal. The people and churches of the Nebraska Conference have responded generously with gifts totaling over $300,000 to date.
A special offering will be received during the Ordination Service on Friday, June 8, during Annual Conference. The offering will be dedicated to Bishop Ann. B. Sherer-Simpson who has been has been a leader in the development of CCPI since its inception and continues to provide her own support for this important work of the church.
You can help in two ways:
First, between now and Annual Conference, please receive a special offering in your church for CCPI and bring the check from your church to the Ordination Service.
Second, plan to give generously yourself either through your local congregation or at the Ordination Service. Your gift changes the lives of retired pastors, lay workers and surviving spouses in the Central Conferences for the better and gives them new hope.
For more information, go to www.ccpi-umc.org.
On behalf of pastors who will be able to live with dignity in retirement because of your efforts, we thank you.
All HealthFlex participants who are also enrolled in Virgin HealthMiles will receive $100 in HealthCash for taking part in the BLUEPRINT FOR WELLNESS screenings held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings (June 7, 8 and 9) at Annual Conference. The screenings will take place in the Choir Room (near north entrance) at St. Mark’s from 7-9:30 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided.
Pre-registration is necessary. Only a few walk-ins can be accommodated. To pre-register online, go to www.gbophb.org and log into “HealthFlex/WebMD.” Select Quest Diagnostics. The registration key is umc2012. To register by phone, call 1-866-908-9440. Identify your employer or group as “The United Methodist Church” or “HealthFlex.”
Make your reservation now! The deadline for registering for screenings at Annual Conference is May 17.
Screenings can also take place at a local Quest Lab located in Lincoln or Omaha or at your local doctor’s office. These screenings also qualify for the $100 HealthCash offer. All screenings must be completed by July 1.
Contact Carole Otto at cotto@umcneb.org or 1-800-435-6107, ext. 108 for more information.
All professionals in ministry and friends, spouses and partners of, are invited to a pre-conference golf outing at one of Nebraska's premier golf courses, Woodland Hills (south of Eagle, Neb.), on Tuesday, June 5, at 1 p.m.
This is the third annual pre-conference golfing event made possible by the generosity of anonymous donors, sought out by our gracious benefactor and colleague, the Rev. Wayne Alloway.
Because of Alloway’s relationship with the leadership at Woodland Hills, all clergy have the opportunity to play golf for FREE! Spouses/significant others can play for $20 (well-discounted from the original course fees).
Please make your reservation to Alloway at 402-489-8885 or via email at walloway@umcneb.org, by Thursday, May 31.
The “Daily Messenger” staff is looking for a few good reporters, photographers and social media aficionados for the 2012 Annual Conference Session. Volunteers are asked to work with Nebraska Conference communicators to tell the stories and report on the proceedings during this year’s session.
Those interested should contact Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org.
Due to a technology glitch, all Nebraska Conference clergy pension statements for May were processed incorrectly.
Churches should not pay the amount billed for CRSP (DB, DC and CPR). Rather, they should remit the same amount they have been paying since the beginning of the year. Invoice adjustments will be made to correct the problem.
The amounts billed for health insurance (MCH), Medical Reimbursement Accounts (MRA) and Dependent Care Accounts (DCA) are correct.
We regret the inconvenience this has caused. If you have questions, please contact Carole Otto at cotto@umcneb.org.
The final version of the 2011 Nebraska Statistical data has been compiled and is available for review by local churches and administrative groups. This information which was submitted by each local church as of Dec. 31, 2011, assists leadership in reviewing usage of resources and the general overall fiscal health of the Church for demographic and analysis purposes. The Nebraska Cabinet and Bishop use this information in making appointment decisions for clergy serving local churches and pieces of this data are used for calculation of ministry goals and shared mission opportunities.
The compiled data is attached below as a PDF and can also be found on the Church Administration Resources page.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the accurate and timely reporting of this information.
Robin R. Kilgore, Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services
It was recently announced that Pilger UMC has decided to close as of June 30, 2012, and Westerville UMC will close on June 17.
Others churches closing since the last Annual Conference include: Cotesfield and Sutton Salem.
Established in 2005 through the Nigeria-Nebraska Partnership, the orphanage in Jalingo, Nigeria, is currently home to 98 children who have lost both of their parents due to various causes. The children not only live at the orphanage, they also receive their education there, as well as the love and spiritual nurturing that would otherwise be lacking in their lives.
Attached below are bulletin inserts that can be used to promote the offering (please resize them as needed). If you use projection for your worship service, two images (JPEG) are attached that can be inserted into a PowerPoint slide to promote the offering. There also bulletin inserts attached, in both color and black and white; choose which ones you would like to use. For more information or to request additional resources, contact Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org.
For more information on the Nigeria-Nebraska Partnership or on sponsoring one of the orphans, visit the Nigeria-Nebraska Partnership page, www.umcneb.org/Nigeria.
When you invite the people in your pews to share in the Peace with Justice Special Sunday churchwide offering, they will know that they are providing a voice to The United Methodist Church in advocating for peace around the world and around the neighborhood.
Peace with Justice Sunday offering supports many diverse ministries that challenge war and other forms of violence.
Your Peace with Justice Sunday offering supports many diverse ministries that challenge war and other forms of violence, as well as injustice, suffering and abuse, all of which imperil God’s world and the human lives that inhabit it.
Half of the offering is reserved for ministry within your conference. The other half supports peace and justice advocacy far and wide.
Peace with Justice Sunday is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. Celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost, Peace with Justice Sunday enables the denomination to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through a broad spectrum of global programs.
Among ministries supported by the offering is the crucial research and development that led to the United Methodist Council of Bishops “God’s Renewed Creation: A Call to Hope & Action.” This foundational document appeals to all United Methodists to mobilize against “pandemic poverty and disease, environmental degradation and climate change, and a world awash in weapons and violence.”
Peace with Justice Sunday offers us all a special opportunity to support that mobilizing effort to bring about the renewal of God’s creation.
Please give generously. You can give anytime during the year. Give online anytime or make check payable to your local church and note “Peace with Justice Offering.”
To order envelopes so your congregation can participate in this churchwide offering, call (888) 346-3862. They will be sent at no cost to your church. Go to umcgiving.org/peacewithjustice to find a comprehensive set of resources to celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday.
The Nebraska United Methodist Conference is excited to be sponsoring a Change the World event on Saturday, May 19. Join us as we walk (or run) to fight the spread of malaria! All monies collected will go to the non-profit United Methodist organization, Imagine No Malaria. Did you know the toll of malaria was recently cut in half? It used to be that a life was lost every 30 seconds due to the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito; it has been reduced to every 60 seconds, thanks in part to the support of people like you!
The event will take place on Lincoln's MoPac Trail, located off of S. 84th St. Registration starts at 7:45 a.m. (by the trailhead's parking lot, at approximately 84th and Hazelwood). The walk/run will kick off at 8:30 a.m. There will be both a one mile and a three mile course marked — participants are welcome to run or walk the distance of their choice. All participants will receive a t-shirt, and snacks and water will be provided at the finish line.
The minimum amount to participate is $10, the cost of one bed net to potentially save numerous lives from ending because of the bite of a malaria-infected mosquito. If you would like to give more than $10, we will happily accept it! One-hundred percent of all donations will go directly to Imagine No Malaria.
Click here to register online. Online registration closes Friday, May 11.
Questions? Contact Trish Johnson at tjohnson@umcneb.org.
According to Rethink Church’s Change the World map, more than a dozen Nebraska churches have registered a Change the World event, taking place the weekend of May 19-20. Below is a list of these events — to sign up to volunteer, go to www.rethinkchurch.org/impact-event/change-world, click on the “Sign up to volunteer” button, then put in your ZIP code and click on the Search button. (Note: To register for the Lincoln event, click on the listing, or visit www.umcneb.org/ImagineNoMalaria.) Do your part to help Change the World!
The Fleming Family Foundation encourages those who want to excel in their ministry to please apply for a $1,000 scholarship to be presented at the 23rd annual scholarship dinner and auction on Wednesday, June 9, 2012, at Lincoln’s First United Methodist Church, 50th and St. Paul, starting at 5 p.m. This scholarship is open to anyone entering full-time Christian service. The application form is attached below; apply by May 15, 2012.
An additional scholarship, the Fleming-Humphrey-Goff Scholarship, will be awarded this year; this scholarship is worth $500. The application form is attached below; apply by May 15, 2012.
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation is now accepting applications for scholarships that have been set up for seminary students. They are pleased to be able to administer a total of 16 scholarships this year for the benefit of those persons pursuing an advanced ministerial degree for service in Nebraska.
The Foundation is now accepting applications for the following scholarships:
The application deadline is June 30, 2012, except for The Baldwin F. and Amy L. Kruse Scholarship, which is May 31, 2012.
In addition to the scholarships listed above, the Foundation administers The Andrew and Nevabelle Howe Scholarship, with the assistance of the Gateway District office. Preference is given to students from the Gateway District. Subsequent consideration is given to applicants of the other 10 Foundation scholarships that are submitted by the application process. The Foundation will also award The Cal Leeds Scholarship, The Rev. Albert W. Winseman Scholarship Endowment, The Atherton Memorial Scholarship Fund, and The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund. An application process will not be required for submission for these scholarships.
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation would like to acknowledge additions to the scholarship program this year. Due to generous donors, the following scholarships are new to the Foundation: The Myrtle E. Williams Seminary Scholarship, The Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship Fund, and The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund. Thank you for being our partner in ministry!
A PDF containing the applications, instructions and checklists is attached below. For more information, please visit the Nebraska UM Foundation's website, www.numf.org. If you would like to talk to The Foundation about how you can honor the memory of a loved one or help a seminary student, please call 877-495-5545.
Pastors, Nebraska United Methodist Women (UMW), and UM Camps are collaborating to get first-time campers to camp! Every pastor and every UMW group Conference-wide will be able to offer one first-time camper the opportunity to attend the camp of their choice (Comeca, Fontanelle or Norwesca), at half-price.
If a church has two pastors then those pastors can each send one first time camper at half-price. If a pastor serves more than one church, that pastor can send one first time camper at half-price from EACH church they serve. If a church has no kids that can attend, then a first-time camper from the community or a relative of a church member could attend. Every UMW group will also be able to select one first-time camper from their church. Often times UMW groups or the church will pay for a portion of the cost of camp which means some first-time campers may have the opportunity to attend for the first time at no cost or at limited cost to the family. Conference scholarships up to one-third of the cost of camp are also available where need exceeds a family’s ability to pay for camp registration fees. Camps will work with families and their churches so that every child can attend camp.
A 2012 camp brochure was mailed to every pastor and UMW group back in February. Inside the brochure was a letter explaining this exciting opportunity to share camp with first-time campers from EVERY United Methodist church in Nebraska, along with a “Certificate of Hope and Promise” to return with the selected camper’s registration form.
This certificate reads:
As a community of faith, we believe in providing every opportunity to partner in the camps’ mission “To provide unique settings for INTENTIONAL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY where persons may deepen their Christian experience, grow in understanding, and respond in faith joyfully". We pledge to honor baptismal vows to our children when the pastor said “Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love” and when we responded “We rejoice to recognize you as members of Christ’s holy church, and bid you welcome to this congregation of the United Methodist Church. With you we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service. With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ that, surrounded by steadfast love, you may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” To God be the glory!
We hope you'll take advantage of this incredible opportunity! Click here to visit the UM camps Web page.
Camp Fontanelle needs your help to prepare for summer campers! Come to Fontanelle on Saturday, May 12; we’ll get started at 9 a.m.
Help tidy up the camp grounds and buildings for summer camp; bring work gloves, cleaning supplies, chainsaws, pole saws and your tool boxes. There are a variety of jobs, including flower beds/gardening, painting, maintenance jobs, sawing, wood chipping, wood splitting, cleaning (kitchen, lodge, A-frames, etc.), staining, etc. Along with other jobs, bring cell phones for a Telethon on May 12. Lunch will be provided to workers. We need YOU! There is something for everyone.
Contact Trent at 402-478-4296 or 402-459-0686 if you have a specific skill to share! For directions to Camp Fontanelle, visit our website, www.campfontanelle.com. We hope to see you here!
Camp Fontanelle is perfect for summer youth camps, youth and adult retreats, conferences, birthday parties, family reunions, and day outings. Camp Fontanelle is open all year by reservation for groups with lodging and meals available. Some activities available include tree climbing in a harness on rope, archery, low ropes TRUST course, laser tag, movie nights, jumping pillow, campfires, and a pumpkin patch/corn maze.
Every two weeks from May 12 to Sept. 1 (as well as Oct. 20, 26, and 27), Camp Fontanelle is hosting free movie nights by the petting barn (big barn with green metal roof) near the entrance to the camp.
Our barn area makes a great place to watch some popular movies on our 12-foot screen hung from the trees! At dusk, a movie will be projected using our LCD projector. Bring the family or grandkids for an outdoor movie experience. Feel free to arrive early and cook your supper over one of our five fire rings before the movie starts. Keep the fire going and make s’mores during the movie. Visit the website www.campfontanelle.com for a listing of start times for the various nights. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket, bug spray, and campfire fare and enjoy the outdoors at a “sit-in” movie. No movies will be shown if the weather is rainy. This is open to the public. Due to copyright issues, titles may not be shared publicly. If you wish to join the Camp Fontanelle mailing list for regular updates on movies and other events at Camp Fontanelle, request to be added to the mailing list by emailing fontanelle@umcneb.org (or you can just ask for titles of movies being shown).
Camp Fontanelle is in need of donated quilts for the quilt auction at the annual barbeque; funds raised support operation of summer camps and scholarships for campers. Over 30 quilts were donated in 2011, with more $10,000 being raised by the auctions. To donate a quilt as an individual, church, or UMW, please notify Camp Fontanelle of your plans to donate. When finished with the quilt, mail or deliver to Camp Fontanelle along with: Name of donor/donor group, mailing address for sending “thanks,” and minimum price you’d like to see received for the quilt. If any quilts don’t raise the minimum bid, they will be held over to next year’s auction. For more information, view the attached flier; we encourage you to print and share it with those who might find it of interest.
This year’s barbeque is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16. Camp Fontanelle is located at 9677 County Road 3, in Nickerson, Neb. (two miles south of Fontanelle off Highway 91).
Why did James Fye apply to be a 2012 Micah Corps intern? In his words, “I think this sounds like a perfect opportunity to get out and do the work I have always wanted to do! It will also help
me help people!”
James is a member of the Randolph UMC and a student at Nebraska Christian College. He plans to become a missionary. He has an attitude of taking on the “impossible” and making it happen! That attitude is perfect for young adults serving as Micah Corps interns since part of their experience is to learn to tackle deep rooted systemic injustice and that takes patience, persistence and a belief that with God “all things are possible.”
Victoria (Tori) Osler is a member of the Elsie United Methodist Church in the Great West District. She was active in the Elsie/Madrid Youth Group. She applied because, “This program is perfect for me. Not only do I love God, Jesus, and my church with all my heart, but I have a strong desire to commit my life to creating justice in the world."
Tori attends Nebraska Wesleyan and is majoring in Global Studies and Political Science. Tori would like to either work for a non-profit organization or be a foreign service worker for the Department of State, helping promote and advocate peace and justice in local communities of the world.
James and Tori will focus part of their summer learning more about immigration and will sharing what they learn in congregations throughout the conference. Beginning May 29, follow along with the Micah Corps at micah-corps.blogspot.com, as they pray, learn and act for God’s shalom.
Meet the last two great interns in next week’s UMconnect!
The following was submitted by the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team.
Food stamps and the Child Tax Credit have been shown to lift people out of poverty and reduce the severity of poverty.
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this Thursday on a bill that will increase poverty.
Please tell them to vote NO. (Send an email — it will just take a minute.)
The 46 million food stamp/SNAP recipients will lose some or all of their assistance, about 5 million low-income children will lose the Child Tax Credit. And millions of others will lose health care, child care, and even protections from abuse and neglect. That is, if the bill, H.R. 4966, the Sequester Replacement Act of 2012, becomes law.
Two quick ways to find out more:
Please - before you go on to that next email, contact your Member of Congress!
Representatives who would vote for this legislation need to know you will hold them accountable. Those who would oppose it need to know their constituents support their position. Silence makes it more likely that poor people will get poorer and our economy weaker.
Justice for Our Neighbors of Nebraska (JFON-NE) has been welcoming immigrants into our communities since 1999, by providing free high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. JFON-NE is a faith-driven organization that operates under the auspices of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Nebraska Conference Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries. It is supported in part through Mission Share dollars.
Providing legal counsel to immigrants in need and providing such protection to the most vulnerable, including abandoned children, battered women, and refugees fleeing persecution is at the heart of our mission. JFON-NE prioritizes representation of immigrants with the greatest need, which includes persons in removal proceedings, asylum applicants, juveniles, and victims of domestic violence. The following is one example of the type of client JFON-NE has been able to serve.
Claudia was born in Mexico City, Mexico, into a very poor family. She had 12 siblings growing up, and food was often scarce. Thus, at 15, she started to work full-time as a housekeeper to help support the family. Life was very hard, and like so many others, she believed she could have a better life in the U.S. In 1989, when she was only 16-years-old, she entered the U.S. Soon after her arrival, she met and fell in love with her husband, who was serving in the U.S. military at the time. After honorably completing 10 years of service, he eventually found work in Bellevue, Neb., and this is where they settled down to raise their family.
Her husband is now a U.S. citizen and she has two U.S. citizen sons and a daughter with lawful permanent residence status. One of her sons, Raul, is a highly decorated serviceman, who just returned from an 11 month deployment in Afghanistan with the 3rd Special Forces Group, as part of his service in the U.S. Army National Guard. Claudia’s daughter, Cecilia, is attending the University of Nebraska-Omaha, on a scholarship. Her other son is happily married and expecting twins in the coming months.
However, because of a series of trips she took back to Mexico in the late 1990s to visit her family, current immigration laws render her permanently barred from adjusting her status to that of a lawful permanent resident. However, the original attorney she retained errantly filed paperwork for her to obtain this status, and she was placed in removal proceedings.
At this point she came to Justice for Our Neighbors for help. JFON staff attorneys began working on her case to defend against deportation. However, due to technical reasons relating to one of her last trips into the U.S., she did not qualify to have her removal cancelled. Thus, Justice for Our Neighbors began seeking prosecutorial discretion from government attorneys for humanitarian reasons. Although government attorneys in Chicago originally declined to grant prosecutorial discretion in their initial review, JFON continued to press for justice for Claudia. We were very happy to learn last month that the government agreed to administratively close her case and she is no longer in immediate danger of being removed.
Please visit www.jfon-ne.org to learn more about immigration, JFON-NE, or to sign-up for our monthly newsletter. Consider joining us as a volunteer at one of our monthly immigration legal clinics or at our office in Omaha. Also please consider making a donation; JFON-NE's Advance Number is 895 or you may send a check directly to 2414 "E" Street, Omaha, NE 68107.
This is an open invitation to all communities of faith to attend a conference on substance abuse, May 10 at the downtown Holiday Inn, in Lincoln.
Congregations are encouraged to bring teams (leader, associate leader, parent, youth leader, etc.) to share in the community discussions. Conference presenter Carlton Hall is an outstanding motivational speaker. In addition to a wealth of information received in the afternoon, we will be issuing an invitation to get involved in the creation of LAM, Lincoln's new Associated Ministries project. Communities of faith provide the most valuable resources in any community. For that reason, the Statewide Substance Abuse Action Coalition (SAAC) is offering this great opportunity. The conference fee is small ($25/person or $50 for a team of three or more). It’s one afternoon you will not want to miss.
For more information, please see the attached flier.
The Leadership Nexus Foundation is sponsoring a conference at First UMC in Colorado Springs, Col., July 31-Aug. 2, 2012.
This will be a chance to take a Colorado vacation and get training from some of the best experts in church leadership in the nation.
This three-day conference features a host of highly-respected and influential speakers, teachers and clergy from all over the nation with expertise in leadership within the church. This conference takes place following the Methodist General Conference and other denominational gatherings, and will be a great opportunity to reflect, learn and network with well-recognized leaders in the mainline church today. There are few church leaders in America that can offer better training than these people!
Spouses are free so this is a great opportunity to take an affordable summer vacation while learning new leadership skills to benefit your ministry!
Featured speakers and workshop leadersinclude:
Workshops include:
The "extra-early bird" discount price of $195 ends May 15. Extra-Early Discount Price: $195, register by May 15. Third Team member and beyond: $95, if you register by May 15. The regular price is $395
Click here to register.
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center and the American Baptist Churches of Nebraska are offering the “Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders” at Judson Baptist Church of La Vista, Neb., July 9-13, 2012. The Institute is sponsored by the American Baptist Churches of Nebraska, and is open to church leaders of all denominations.
The attached brochure has further information and a registration form, which can be printed or forwarded by email to be shared with others. Please pass along this information to others Even if you are not able to attend yourself, there would be value in equipping people to be part of a judicatory mediation team, comprised of people who can assist you in dealing with conflict in your churches in the future. Please note that registration is through the American Baptist Churches of Nebraska; the attached brochure provides the information for payment and registration.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency of the Department of Health and Human Services Agency recently redefined recovery as: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Many people in recovery find that social interaction with other people in recovery can support their journey in recovery.
SpiritQuest partners with the Nebraska Recovery Network to provide clean and sober activities. We have offered a monthly movie night revolving around recovery for over a year now. On April 14 and May 4 we sponsored dances with 61 attendance in April and 125 at the May dance. While it is easy to count numbers it is impossible to count the positive impressions. At each dance we have had offenders from the city/county corrections department. At May's dance we also had attendees from the Cornhusker and Independence treatment centers. It is important for people early in recovery to see that one can have fun without alcohol and drugs.
Some Comments:
You mean it doesn’t cost anything? Why are you doing this? I have to admit I went in with the attitude of contempt before investigation (from the book Alcoholics Anonymous) and within minutes had the best, best time sober.
From a Nebraska Recovery Network letter addressed to SpiritQuest:
As I am sure you are aware, with the two dances sponsored by SpiritQuest and the one by the Nebraska Recovery Network, we had more than several hundred people in recovery from addiction and mental health issues enjoying themselves. Many of them were exposed, for the first time, to quality live music in a social setting without the use of alcohol and other drugs. And the joy of seeing them dance clean and sober and finding the fun in moving to the music was inspiring.
This is an example of meeting people where they are and share the love of Jesus the Christ.
SpiritQuest is supported by Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries and the Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (a program of the General Board of Global Missions) and is an outreach project of New Visions Community, United Methodist.
For more information on SpiritQuest, contact Richard Haden at rhaden@newvisionsumc.org.
By Marcia Huff, Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries volunteer
United Methodist Women (UMW) is the largest denominational faith organization for women. Worldwide they have over 800,000 members working toward the mission of fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. The members of Nebraska United Methodist Women are working hard to make their contributions toward mission. Many brilliant activities and programs have been planned for 2012 to take the Nebraska UMW’s commitment to the next level.
The UMW reading program is a way to encourage members to think critically and to stay educated concerning pressing issues in today’s world. The reading program is a study opportunity, but UMW prays that it leads to action. Reading program selections are organized into five categories: Education for Mission, Nurturing for Community, Social Action, Spiritual Growth and Leadership Development.
There are many ways that the Reading Program can be promoted locally. Action teams can be formed to address issues, members can start reading groups or books can be displayed at programs and at churches to promote awareness.
For information concerning the UMW Reading Program contact Paula Latas, Conference Secretary of Program Resources, 402-464-3560 or by email at Pau1a2@windstream.net.
Many of the reading program books can be found at the Conference UMW Library at Christ United Methodist located at 4530 A St., Lincoln, NE 68510. For information please contact Conference Librarian Mary Ann Bede by phone at 402-421-8264 or by email at stringbedes@windstream.net.
Three books are highlighted below.
Women all over the world face displacement, sexual exploitation and abuse. This book shares stores of unimaginable pain, inspiring courage and refreshing hope. The authors, Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett, were inspired by their mission and ministry travels throughout the globe. They worked helping women in some of the world’s most dangerous and oppressive environments. This moving piece contains stories of young women and girls who discover their value in God's eyes, in the midst of oppression, abuse and rejection. There are stories of rescue and redemption by God working through compassionate and faith filled people.
Forgotten Girls is broken into five sections --physical suffering, education, sexual protection, prison and war, and spiritual life. Strom and Rickett challenge readers to open their eyes to unimaginable horrors and they provide specific, practical action steps and prayer points encouraging readers to become involved in the cause.
Reading like a novel, "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is not only a biography of Henrietta Lacks and her family but the story behind one of the most important tools in modern medicine.
The story of Mrs. Lacks raises questions about bioethics and leaves readers pondering who should be the true beneficiaries of scientific research and how research should be conducted. Mrs. Lacks’ cells, taken without her knowledge in 1951, were vital in the development of the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization, and many more scientific and medical advances. Her cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and sadly her own family lived in poverty.
Author and scientific journalist Skloot became curious about Mrs. Lacks at age 16 when a biology instructor shared her name and skin color but nothing else. Skloot’s account investigates the ethical wrongs committed by the medical research establishment. Her compassionate relation of Lacks’ story is a wonderful move toward recognition of Lacks’ contribution to science, justice and healing of the wrongs committed.
Sadler“Seeds of Change: Planting the Path to Environmental Justice” is a lovely color-filled children’s picture biography telling the story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner, scientist, environmentalist and political activist Wangari Maathai. Maathai started her movement to reforest Kenya by encouraging women to plant trees; she truly demonstrates the power of individual action. Cullerton tells of Wangari’s village childhood taking readers from her Kenyan roots to her studies in the United States.
On Sunday, April 30 from 3-5 p.m., an awesome multicultural event took place at the Hastings City Auditorium celebrating children and literacy. This annual celebration is called Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros (Day of the Children/Day of the Books). The event was sponsored by Hastings Public Library, Hastings Police Department and the YWCA of Adams County. Nearly 500 children and parents attended the event.
Each child received a free book at the entrance of the festival. There were many activities like bean bag toss, basketball, face painting, hand stamping and informative booths featuring community programs. Volunteers from Grace UMC helped serve fruit, cake and other refreshments. This event emphasized the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It was a great way to celebrate children, families and reading.
Melbeta UMC will celebrate 100 years in ministry for Jesus Christ in the North Platte Valley on May 20, at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson and District Superintendent Kay Alnor will take part in the service and celebrate Communion. A dinner will follow at the church. There is no charge for the meal.
We invite all our friends in the Nebraska Annual Conference connection as we celebrate the past and look to the future.
Newman United Methodist Church in Lincoln is planning a mission trip to Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) June 10-15, 2012.
For more information, view the attached flier.
By Pastor Bonnie Brock
The youth group of Amherst recently had the Christian Motorcycle Association come and share motorcycle rides and information about what they do as a group.
They also told the kids in order to be a member of their group they had to believe in God and how they use their motorcycles as a missional tool to talk to some individuals who may not be as receptive to hearing The Good News from others. They said talking about their motorcycles and the patches on their leather vests gives them conversation starter to tell others about God.
The youth also received different colored salvation wrist bands from the Christian Motorcycle Group so if anyone asked them about their bracelets they too could share Jesus Christ with them. The youth thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Later the Christian Motorcyclists stayed for fellowship and food. The youth leaders were Rose Hamilton and Jerry Fisher and the motorcyclists were Robert Hunt and family, Don and Gerry Pedersen, Leon & Doris Fogle, and John & Jane Schuster. They were from Kearney, Holdrege, Funk and Elm Creek.
By Carole Otto, assistant benefits officer
Congratulations to Nebraska participants who did very well in the recent “Rise Up for Health” Challenge sponsored by Virgin HealthMiles.
Placing in the top 25 teams, Team 143 came in third. Todd Karges competed for this team with a total of 340,988 steps. Team 131 came in 15th. Nancy Spearow competed for this team with a total of 281,887 steps. Coming in 18th was Team 47. Roxie Delisi competed for this team with 135,543 steps. Placing 21st was A-Team. Earl Reed competed for this team with 273,296 steps.
Individual winners were Bill Jardine, 24th, with 602,628 steps, Lew Kaye Skinner, 41st, with 538,843 steps, Rich Savage, 65th, with 484,521 steps, Paul Blanchard, 74th, with 473,119 steps, and Francis Schmidt, 94th, with 446,911 steps. The maximum number of steps allowed was 690,000.
The Challenge began on Easter Sunday and went through the end of April. There were 281 teams composed of nine people each. Over 2,500 persons took part in challenge designed for participants in all HealthFlex conferences.
Margaret Feinberg, one of the leading young Christian women’s speakers of today, leads her students on two different journeys, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Both are meant to encourage us to pursue God in all of life just as faithfully and lovingly as God pursues us throughout our lifetime.
Feinberg’s study from the New Testament is titled “Pursuing God’s Beauty: Stories from the Gospel of John” and is a beautiful weaving of art, Scripture and spiritual insight. Using the setting of an art gallery, Feinberg uses stories from the Gospel of John that shows us how God seeks to reveal and restore the beauty in each of us. The six 15-20 minute lessons are:
A participant guide is included.
Feinberg’s second study from the Old Testament is “Pursuing God’s Love: Stories from the Book of Genesis.” The ancient stories of Genesis speak of all the imaginable hurts that humans can encounter in their lives, but since the beginning of creation God never stops pursuing us in love and desiring our love in return. The six lessons of this study are:
A participant guide is also included.
To preview or reserve one of these studies call Diane Dunkerson at 1-800-435-6107, or email her at ddunkerson@umcneb.org. To view our on line catalog go to www.umcneb.org/ResourceCenter.
The Center for Studies in the Wesleyan Tradition at the Duke Divinity School has announced that with the publication of the transcription of “MS Acts,” it has completed a project to make publically available in a single setting every known poem or hymn of Charles Wesley. The complete collection of verse by Charles Wesley that survives in original manuscripts is available online, either individually by work or in a convenient zipped file of the entire collection. The center had previously posted transcriptions of all known verse that Charles Wesley (or his brother John) published during his life. This collection is also available online.
“Combined, these two collections comprise every poem or hymn known that can be traced with some confidence to the pen of Charles Wesley,” said Randy L. Maddox, William Kellon Quick Professor of Wesleyan and Methodist Studies. “They are the equivalent of around a 15-volume printed edition of his works.”
Gretna United Methodist Church (GUMC) is looking for a part-time Child Care Provider to work Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with flexibility to work special events as needed. If you enjoy children and have the desire to foster a spirit of Christian community with them and their families, please forward a letter of interest to: SPRC Child Care Provider Search, Gretna United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 96, Gretna NE 68028. Or, email to jobs@gretnaumc.com.
Experience working with children is required. CPR and Red Cross First Aid Certification desired. Must be willing and able to complete Safe Sanctuaries training and required background check.
Kearney First United Methodist Church is seeking a full-time director of multi-media ministries. Ideal candidate would possess the skills for using sound and video to create quality worship and media experiences that will enhance the ministries of the church. Some computer skills required. Full job description can be obtained at 4500 Linden Dr., or by calling 308-237-3158. Resumes are to be directed to the Rev. Gary Main, senior pastor. Deadline to apply is May 16.
The Nebraska United Methodist Historical Center, located on Nebraska Wesleyan University's campus, has available several display and storage cabinets, as well as plate racks.
Click here to view a complete listing on the classifieds page.
Pilger United Methodist Church will be closing at the end of June 2012. The Administrative Board would like to offer the contents of the building to anyone who is in need. This would include pews, pulpit, alter, hymnals, Bibles, dishes, pots and pans and various other pieces of furniture. For more information, please contact Pastor Jim Bendorf at 402-439-2088 or jbendorf@umcneb.org.
Note: Westerville UMC is also offering up items from its building; click here to view this ad.
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The Judicial Council ruling made at about 4:30 on Friday placed the General Conference body into a bit of a panic. The body went to the dinner break to allow for materials to be gathered to help with the regrouping effort once the body returned to session.
Copies of the Judicial Council ruling was distributed and the GC came to order promptly at 7:30 p.m. After about an hour or more of debate, a motion to table the restructuring debate in order address the other remaining calendar items passed. At 9:30 p.m., a 30-minutes break was then taken in order for GCFA to refigure budget numbers and the Council of Bishops to discuss the restructuring item.
The body reconvened again at 10 p.m., with revisions to language of the budget to mirror original budget line items since Plan UMC was rendered unconstitutional. The assembly approved a budget of $603.1 million for seven general church funds during the 2013-2016 period; that total is 6.03 percent less than the amount apportioned for the 2009-2012 quadrennium.
An attempt to put restructuring back into debate failed as did a attempt to extend the General Conference session with debate on the RCRC issue. The meeting adjourned at about 10:30 p.m.
Click here to read the full United Methodist News story, “May 4 wrap: No restructure in 2012."
Photo: The Council of Bishops huddled twice on Friday to discuss General Conference issues. Photo by Kathryn WItte.
The new president of The United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops gave a nod to the challenges and difficulties of the 2012 General Conference during the closing worship service late May 4 at the Tampa Convention Center.
“Many of us, sisters and brothers, leave hurt,” said Bishop Rosemarie Wenner of Germany. “We are called to go and make disciples, (even) in these mixed emotions we are in.”
Following a shift of handing out translation equipment Lydia Murithi took time to share some reflections. One of the frustrations Murithi observed was how dialects impact the comprehension of the translations. For example, the Kiswahili spoken in Kenya is the dialect provided at General Conference. The challenge is that in some African areas there are dialects of Swahili with French nuances that are not readily translated by the translators. This has led to some frustrations on the floor of the conference.
She also observed that some of the challenges around the debate around sexuality and inclusivity are centered on differing interpretations of terms used to describe them. For example, Murithi touched on the notion that African countries are dealing with tribalism, in some cases polygamy and probably many other issues not even brought up on the General Conference floor. Her point was that more understanding and dialogue of Central Conference issues would help the body come to more common understandings and interpretations of inclusiveness language and debate.
Murithi has enjoyed her time helping with translation, and remarked that she was pleased to be able to help people understand what is being said on the General Conference floor.
Bishop Arthur Kulah addressed the General Conference body with greetings and a lifting up of the growing ministry in Nigeria. Violence in Jalingo this week placed focus and prayer on the Nigeria Conference. Photo by Art McClanahan.
Members from the Nigeria and Nebraska delegations met during the Friday lunch break for a group photo. Photo by Kathryn Witte.
Scott Brewer, former Nebraskan and assistant general secretary for connectional relations, General Council on Finance and Administration, was running all around the convention center over the past two weeks as he helped figure and refigure budget line items, checked work, answered questions and made presentations. Photo by Kathryn Witte.
General Conference 2012 is taking place April 24-May 4, in Tampa, Fla. We will be sending periodic updates during this 10-day span.
Click here to view a GC2012 schedule.
Click here for the top headlines from the UM News Service.
On the last day of General Conference 2012, a tired Nebraska delegation met for their final breakfast together. David Lux, Lavina Schwaninger, Tom Watson, Nan Kaye-Skinner and Lisa Maupin made a few reflections.
Lux said he was less tired that four years ago and attributed it to greater control over the schedule that saw evening session end at 9:30 p.m. the week of legislation and having a Sabbath day off. He added that he thought the sermon on Thursday night was the best of the session, as was the music provided by The Junaluska Singers.
During his time in Tampa, Watson was pleased that he had gotten to reconnect with people he’s met and worked with before.
Kaye-Skinner observed that as a first-time delegate it felt like being at two conferences. The first week of legislation is all meetings and interaction. The second week is all on the floor in plenary sessions.
Maupin remarked on the toll the General Conference takes on a person through physical, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. “When you are exhausted it makes it very difficult to deal with all that is coming at you,” she said.
Lavina Schwaninger said, “We seem to be operating on the extremes.” She reflected on how polarizing much of the work of the week had been.
The group anticipated that Friday would be driven by the financial implications of items passed earlier in the week. They also anticipate some judicial rulings and more conversations about restructuring. In particular there is an expectation that the body will want to revisit the adopted restructuring plan’s handling of the General Commission on Religion and Race and the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
Maupin commented that she observed that much of the legislation had been motivated by fear and anxiety rather than faith and hope. There is a desire and prayer among the delegation for more trust and faith in the process.
Photo: Among the friends Tom Watson (right) encountered at GC2012 were Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones (left) and his wife, Mary Lou Reece (center). Photo by Stephanie Ahlschwede.
By Kathryn WItte, Nebraska Conference director of communications and marketing
The keyword for Thursday — "feed" — was drawn from John 21: 1-10; 2a: 15. “Feed my lambs” concludes verse 15.
From the program book: “The promised encounter with the resurrected Christ on the shore of the Sea of Galilee is told in the Gospel of John. Jesus, unrecognized at first by the disciples, instructs them to not give up in casting their nets. Keep fishing, all will be well. There is enough, in fact, there is plenty. And there are so many that need to be fed. As usual, a meal is the setting for the reunion — a fitting context for the commission once again to “follow me” (v. 19). We do this out of our love for Jesus, our love for the people of God. We do this because it is relationship with Jesus and with each other that is at stake.”
On a day that was emotionally exhausting for most, worship leader Marcia McFee made opening worship remarks about how sometimes in the face of negativity it comes down to the one constant, “God is Good … all the time!” pronounced McFee.
Hot cross buns were blessed and made into a love feast.
Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, Dakotas Annual Conference, delivered the message, “The Final Encounter.”
The benediction made for a fitting end to a taxing day for General Conference attendees.
“Listen deeply to each other.
Stay open to mystery.
We need breathing space,
But we need each other, too.
Practice blessing each other,
Rather than cursing each other
There is always more of love.
There is always more of God.
Photo: The altar for Thursday was dressed in driftwood as a metaphor for the work to be done together. Wood that has been tossed by the sea makes up the cross that has served as the anchor for the altar setting throughout the conference. The candlelight represents the resurrected Jesus with the empty cross refueled with the fire of the spirit feeding disciples and propelling them to feed the world — a world hungry for food and hungry for grace. Photo by Kathryn Witte.
United Methodist clergy in the United States will continue to participate in a retirement program that includes a monthly pension payment. By a vote of 819 to 78, delegates approved the restated Clergy Retirement Security Program. The plan combines a defined benefit component with a defined contribution component, like the clergy's current retirement program, but with a reduced benefit for clergy and, consequently, a lower contribution for U.S. annual conferences.
Read the full story in the May 4, “Daily Christian Advocate,” page 2611.
By Lisa Elliott Diehl, Kansas Area Communicator
Delegates to the General Conference rejected two amendments to the "Book of Discipline" that would have added language that United Methodists agree to disagree on the topic of homosexuality.
The "Book of Discipline," Paragraph 161F states: “The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”
Petition 21032, which was a proposal from the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly replacing the current Discipline paragraph 161.F, came to the floor midway through the first morning plenary session and was presented by Rev. James Howell of the North Carolina Annual Conference. Howell represented the Church and Society B legislative committee, which considered the petitions related to human sexuality last week. The petition was not recommended for approval by the committee.
“Many feel we need to take a strong stand against homosexuality,” said the Rev. James Howell, of the Western North Carolina Annual (regional) Conference “What matters is God’s will. We have said for a long time we do not condone homosexuality, but they are here, they are in our delegations, they are serving our churches. They keep coming back … there is a kind of miracle in that.”
Following Howell’s presentation, the Rev. Adam Hamilton, clergy delegate from the Kansas East Annual Conference, stood at the microphone to be recognized and presented his substitute petition, which was printed in today’s DCA.
The Rev. Mike Slaughter, East Ohio delegate and pastor of Ginghamsburg Church, Tipp City, Ohio, co-sponsored the substitute petition. It was written out of the experience of the two pastors in their own congregations, Slaughter said.
“At Ginghamsburg, we have Christ-centered, Bible-believing Christians who are against this and for this and somehow it is working when we agree to disagree,” Slaughter said. “It’s making one heaven of a difference in Dayton, Ohio, and in places as far as Darfur, Sudan.”
The substitute petition stated that United Methodists will continue to struggle with this issue in the years ahead as a growing number of young adults identify with what today is the minority view. It is likely that this issue will continue to be a source of conflict within the church.
“The intent of this petition is to recognize that we disagree on this issue,” Hamilton said. “It would not change our policy on same-sex marriages. It would not change our policy on ordination. It would recognize that we have a difference that divides the American and European church.
“If any of us as pastors had an issue where 40 or 45 percent of our congregation disagreed with the majority, we would find some pastoral way to bring folks together around that issue,” Hamilton said. “To not do that continues to push people away from the church.”
Opponents said the delegates disagree on almost everything, so it was not necessary to put language into "The Book of Discipline" stating that there’s disagreement on this issue. The discussion around the petition also included debate about whether homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.
After hearing additional speeches for and against substituting the petition, the body moved to a vote.
Presiding Bishop Tom Bickerton from Western Pennsylvania called delegates to breathe for a moment as they moved to vote to consider the substitute motion. The motion to substitute failed by fewer than 100 votes, 439 in favor to 519 opposed.
Debate continued on the original petition before it was voted down prior to the morning break. The second vote prompted a protest from supporters of rights for gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people that prompted an early end to the morning plenary and the announcement that the afternoon session would only be open to delegates. That decision was reversed when the body reconvened as it was open to all visitors.
Six legislative items related to the church’s stand on sexuality remain to be dealt with at this General Conference. Those items were postponed following the protest and it is unclear when or if they will be taken up during this General Conference.
Read the May 3 DCA story on page 2610.
Photo: The Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., and the Rev. Mike Slaughter (at the microphone), pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC, Tipp City, Ohio, proposed an amendment that would have changed the language in paragraph 161.F. It was defeated. Photo by Lisa Elliott Diehl.
By Kathryn Witte
United Methodist Women (UMW) is always on the leading edge when it comes to walking the walk and talking the talk. This year, UMW decided to forego the expense of a fancy display booth at General Conference and instead left the space blank (pictured above), with a statement saying they took the money they would have spent on the display and used it for scholarships. Another poster provided a space to sign up to get involved. The money not used on the display will fully fund two seminary students in Cameroon.
More traditional displays filled the rest of the exhibition hall, including the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Equal Exchange, Imagine No Malaria, United Methodist Communications, the” Daily Christian Advocate” sales booth and more. The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits provided massage chairs to console weary delegates.
Cokesbury filled the back half of the hall and tucked in the corner was a boutique filled with hand crafted clothes, jewelry and art pieces from the African conferences.
In addition to GBPHB massages, give-away items included coffee and chocolate from Equal Exchange, Imagine No Malaria mosquito swatters, flash drives, note paper, luggage tags, calendars, buttons, magnets and many informational brochures.
Some were packing up by late Thursday evening and many will be gone by mid-day on Friday. Ellen Knudsen (pictured) from The Advance talked about how valuable having a display is to building relationships.
“It’s a way to connect with people face-to-face that we otherwise are not able to do,” she said.
Many GC attendees will go home with Cokesbury bags filled with a year’s worth of reading materials and many give-aways and materials to share with colleagues, friends and family.
Watch a video of Knudsen’s short statement on UMtube.
Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones presides over the Thursday afternoon sessions of General Conference. Photo by Lisa Elliott Diehl.
Click here to view a GC2012 schedule.
Click here for the top headlines from the UM News Service.
The General Conference has voted to approve a plan for a new structure. Still pending is a financial impact statement from the General Council on Finance and Administration, and the Judicial Council has been asked to review whether the plan is constitutional. The plan is a compromise between the plan proposed by the Interim Operations Team and those who were opposed to it.
The specific language of the plan is available in the May 3 Daily Christian Advocate (DCA), on page 2537.
A report from the DCA is available in the May 3 edition, on page 2467.
Click here to view the May 3 edition of the DCA. (PDF)
Photo: Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of the Houston Area presides over a May 2 debate on denominational restructure at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. A UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey.
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — In the May 2 afternoon plenary at the 2012 General Conference, delegates approved petitions dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli conflict but did not approve a measure to divest from specific companies. Delegates instead approved a report calling on the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits to explore “serious peace-making strategies in Israel and Palestine, including positive economic and financial investment in Palestine.”
By Kathy Gilbert and Tita Parham
The United Methodist Church cannot agree that it disagrees over the issue of homosexuality.
After more than an hour of passionate debate and clear disagreement, two items stating Christians have different opinions about homosexuality were not approved by the 2012 General Conference, leaving the original language in the Book of Discipline intact.
The Book of Discipline, Paragraph 161F states: “The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”
The Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., and the Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginghamsburg Church, Tipp City, Ohio, proposed a substitution to 161F that sought to clarify that United Methodists disagree on whether homosexual practice is contrary to the will of God and urged unity over division and respect for co-existence. Their substitution replaced the last paragraph of a petition submitted by the Global Convocation of Young People after its 2010 conference.
Note: See breakfast tidbits below for the Nebraska delegation's take on the protest that followed this vote.
Photo: Delegate Sara Ann Swenson (left) of Minnesota presses her voting keypad to her lips while awaiting results of a vote on the United Methodist Church's stance on sexuality during the denomination's 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Fla. A number of delegates left their seats to stand in solidarity with protestors calling for greater inclusivity. At center is fellow delegate the Rev. Bruce Robins. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.
Members of the Nebraska delegation have been meeting at 7:30 a.m. each day on the convention center patio. Each day the time together is blessed with prayer.
The delegation was concerned and prayerful for the discussion and scheduled vote for Thursday morning on homosexuality. At the time of this writing, the room had been cleared and an early lunch taken in order to disrupt an unauthorized demonstration in the delegate hall.
While there are differing views in the Nebraska Conference on homosexuality, several of the delegation noted how members of the Nebraska Conference truly uphold the principles of holy conferencing and respect for differing opinions. A substitute petition came to the floor that had specifically set out polity for the church to agree to disagree on the issue. The substitute petition was defeated and the recommendation coming out of the Church and Society B legislative group was to be debated Thursday afternoon.
The Rev. Molly Vetter, a Nebraska native and member of the California-Pacific Conference, was the chairperson for Church and Society B and is shown here looking over the General Conference body as legislation is debated.
Members of the delegation not on the voting floor sit together in the area also used by visitors. From left, Elkhorn Valley District Superintendent Nan Kaye-Skinner, Conference Lay Leader Tom Watson, Church and Community Worker Lisa Maupin and the Rev. Charles Murithi.
Members of the Nebraska delegation stand with fellow delegates in support of greater inclusivity.
Candles and the word "encounter" were the thematic devices for Wednesday. The evening worship service was a memorial service honoring those who have passed since the last conference. The message titled “The Legacy of Hope” was delivered by Bishop Jane Allen Middleton. Our call is to claim the hope we see in the church. By remembering our encounters with those who have passed we immortalize the faith we have in God through Jesus Christ.
The names of bishops who have passed away this past year were read out loud during the service and are listed below. Their combined episcopal years of service total 563.
Photo: Bishop Jane Allen Middleton presides over the May 2 service at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. A UMNS photo by John C. Goodwin.
All you need to do is be watching the online proceedings of the General Conference session with the Twitter feed posted alongside and you can see how social media is impacting the 2012 General Conference.
Instant remarks and updates are posted one after another. In some cases it acts as a forum for public demonstration. Greg Nelson does a nice job of recapping the impact in today’s DCA on page 2477.
Photo: Members of the Nebraska delegation use their smart phones from the visitors section of GC2012. Photo by Stephanie Ahlschwede.
This art display located just outside the main entrance of the delegate hall changes and develops throughout the day. Hatte, Drake University's campus minister, is part of the worship planning group for General Conference. Read the United Methodist News story on this unique approach to spiritual art.
On the center screen is the dry painting created by Hatten using myrrh, sand and three types of mustard seed. A UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry.
See a chronicle of General Conference in photos on the United Methodist New Service's website. Photos are presented by day, with captions. Photos are offered for download and use by your congregation if given proper credit. The photo gallery is located at www.flickr.com/photos/umcommunications/sets/.
Want to submit a letter to the editor? Email Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org.
For more information about events going on around the Conference, visit the events calendar.
To view job openings and items for sale, or submit a listing, visit the Employment/Classifieds page.
Click here for a printable version of UMconnect.
TAMPA, Fla. (UMNS) — By a vote of 567 to 384, the 2012 United Methodist General Conference gave tentative approval to a slightly amended version of “Plan UMC” to reconfigure general agencies and downsize their boards.
It will be up to the lawmaking assembly to give final approval after the General Council on Finance and Administration, the denomination’s finance agency, reports on the plan’s financial implications.
Click here to read the full story.
UPDATE: General Conference moves to refer “Plan UMC” to the Judicial Council — As the Wednesday afternoon session began delegate Scott Campbell moved referral of “Plan UMC” to the Judicial Council for a declaratory decision. The requested review is to determine if the plan is in conflict with articles 16.8 and 16.9 of the United Methodist Church’s constitution. The move to refer was approved by a 59.5 percent to 40.5 percent margin.
United Methodists celebrated the approval of recognizing full communion with five Methodist denominations, what Bishop Alfred Norris called an “ecumenical watershed moment.”
There is also a commentary by General Secretary Stephen Sidorak Jr., available on the United Methodist News Service website and a story called “Sankofa Moment” by Nathan Stanton, Kansas Area, in this edition of Umconnect.
In the above photo, Pan-Methodist church leaders joined together at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. From left are: Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader, United Methodist Church; Bishop Thomas Hoyt Jr., Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; Bishop John F. White, African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Rev. W. Robert Johnson III, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The group gathered for a press conference and then joined the GC body later in the day to recognize the historic coming together of the long-time estranged denominations.
Tuesday was a day of celebrating ecumenical connections. The symbol of the rope was used as a metaphor for our ministry work together. From the schedule notes: “Rope is good as it connects, hoists sails, and make the boat secure at the dock. But rope is also not good when it binds, whips or suffocates. We are called to cut the binding rope to shreds and create life lines instead.”
Tuesday night’s worship message was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches. He preached from Mark 6:45-51 telling the story of the disciples reacting in fear as they perceive Jesus as a ghost coming toward them in the boat. His preaching capped a day full of ecumenical celebration.
Bishop Sharon Rader, ecumenical officer for the Council of Bishops, Rev. Dr. Olav Gykse Tveit, general secretary, World Council of Churches and Stephen Sidorak Jr., general secretary, Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, presented information and answered questions during a Tuesday afternoon press conference focusing on our ecumenical connections and in particular the World Council of Churches. Tveit (pictured above) talked extensively about the important role the United Methodist denomination has as a member of the World Council of Churches.
Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson is among 17 bishops retiring effective Sept. 1, 2012. A short recognition took place on the General Conference floor on Tuesday afternoon.
Click here to view a list of retiring bishops. (PDF)
She loves her United Methodist Church. And her United Methodist Church loves her. There was no doubt of that when 106-year-old Louise Short was introduced and greeted by a standing ovation at the morning plenary May 1.
A series of petitions that changed the Book of Discipline language around Lay Speaking Ministries and changing it to Lay Servant Ministries were approved on the Consent Calendar. The first petition changed the term “lay speaker” to “lay servant” and took review of certified lay servants away from the local church’s Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee because lay speakers are different from lay preachers.
Another petition changed the name of the district committee to District Committee on Lay Servant Ministry and asked districts to name a director of Lay Servant Ministry. The position should be filled by a Certified Lay Servant.
Note: The Association of Conference Directors of Lay Speaking Ministries, in their annual January meeting held in Oklahoma City this year, voted to affirm the resolution to change the name of Lay Speakers Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. Certified/Local Lay Speakers will be known as Certified/Local Lay Servants.
The Nebraska delegation is getting a bit weary with only four days remaining in the General Conference Session. Delegates noted they are getting more sleep this week, and that it is good a thing people can be more rested as the body takes on controversial topics.
As they enter Wednesday’s work there is concern over the new proposed UMC restructuring plan. District Superintendent Nan Kaye-Skinner has many questions. “If they are turning the Commission on the Status and Role of Women and the Commission on Religion and Race into committees of an overall inclusiveness group, what does it to for their funding?” she asked. In addition, all of the general committees would be optional on the conference level.
There is also concern about GC representation numbers. The plan would see the Southeastern Jurisdiction with five times as many people as the Western Jurisdiction. While the numbers represent the population of members it doesn’t allow for the church to be diverse. Dominance will act to silence many voices.
One positive from the new proposed plan is that general agencies and boards would be smaller.
The delegation is concerned about the tone of the GC. They noted that many people came with an attitude that someone is “out to get us.” Trust issues are prevalent and lived out in that a much greater percentage of the work coming out of committees is being voted down. Traditionally only two percent of what comes out of committee is voted down.
Tom Watson said it best, “Regardless of what happens here, I’m pretty sure it will not impact whether we make disciples or not.”
His point is that disciples are made at the local church and has less to do with polity and more to do about our personal faith journeys.
Correction to yesterday's (05/01/12) special edition of UMconnect: In the story on the worship setting up close, one caption read, "There are a few art installments within the conference center. The one above is located at the back of the plenary session hall and depicts a foundation full of prayers." It should have read a "fountain" of prayers.
Photo: Nebraska delegates Cindy Karges and Tom Watson prepare to vote during the Monday morning session of General Conference. Photo by Kathryn Witte.
By Nathan Stanton, Kansas Area
United Methodist Bishops Alfred Norris and Sharon Zimmerman Rader, Bishop John White, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Thomas Hoyt, Senior Bishop, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Robert Johnson, representing African Methodist Episcopal Church – Zion and Dr. Stephen Sidorak, Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns presented good news Tuesday afternoon at General Conference in Tampa. Bishop Rader began the press conference praising the moment as “our great joy,” to announce that these proud denominations were covenanting to be in full communion after “a history of some difficulty.” Tucked away among the pushing and pulling of ecclesiastical politics was an announcement that what has been pulled apart for several hundred years is now beginning to come back together.
Each of the bishops and representatives took the opportunity to speak to the importance of the event. After generations of the Methodist denominations splintering over prejudice, the heart of this new beginning for several was the prophet Isaiah’s image of healing being “repairers of the breech” that had arisen out of racism and discrimination equally rooted in the church as it was in the society.
It was Bishop Hoyt of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church who put this moment in another context for all of the participating denominations.
Hoyt defined this covenant as a “Sankofa moment.” Sankofa is an African symbol or description of a bird flying forward and looking backwards with an egg in its mouth. The Sankofa is a celebration of past, present and future generations in movement together. The covenant of the Pan Methodists recognizes this is something to be proud of as well as something that impacts the future mightily.
When asked how this will get played out at the local church level, Bishop White recognized that this would be a relational one. The “Sacrament of the Coffee Cup,” would have to be rediscovered in order to make this really work. Folks from the different denominations would need to gather to build relationships and dig into the theology of the covenant allowing the healing and understanding that needs to take place to grow. There are real issues that are theological issues that will teach us how to get along with one another. Gathering around the table to drink coffee together is where that can begin.
Participating Methodist denominations include: African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion, African Union Methodist Protestant, Christian Methodist Episcopal, Union American Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist.
Photo: Pan-Methodist church leaders join together on May 1 at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. From left are: Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader, The United Methodist Church; Bishop Thomas Hoyt Jr., Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; the Rev. W. Robert Johnson III, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church; and Bishop John F. White, African Methodist Episcopal Church. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.
The following was submitted by the Conference’s Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team.
"Profit from Pain is Inhumane! Dignity Not Detention!"
On April 28 about 500 persons came together in Tampa Fla., to protest the growing trend across the United States to privatize prisons and detention centers. The private prison industry encourages state legislatures to fill their jails for profit. The event was organized and sponsored by the United Methodist Task Force on Immigration and United Methodist Women; the United Methodist General Conference is taking place in Tampa April 24-May 4.
United Methodist policy affirms that “God’s people must stand in solidarity with the migrants in our midst.” A resolution from the 2008 General Conference calls on the U. S. government “to immediately cease all arrests, detainment, and deportations of undocumented immigrants, including children, solely based upon their immigration status until a fair and comprehensive immigration reform is passed.” (“Welcoming the Migrant to the US,” The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church, 2008, Resolution 3281, pp. 412-420.)
Click here to read more.
Photo: The Rev. David Lux and the Rev. Zach Anderson take part in the April 28 rally in Tampa, Fla., to protest the growing trend across the United States to privatize prisons and detention centers. Photo by Stephanie Ahlschwede.
The list of presenters and awards is nearly complete for the Wednesday, June 6, Celebrate! luncheon, honoring Nebraska laity and clergy ministries.
If you are planning to participate in this event as a presenter, and have not yet reserved your time, please contact Kathryn Witte, Conference communications/marketing director, as soon as possible. Email Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org and she will let you know if time remains in the schedule to accommodate your award presentation or courtesy.
The 2012 Nebraska Annual Conference session, being held June 6-9, at Lincoln St. Mark’s UMC, will again be a site for collecting UMCOR Relief Supplies (Kits and Cleaning Buckets). UMCOR stands for the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
During 2012, UMCOR Sager Brown will celebrate its 20th anniversary, along with 145 years of Methodist mission service on the property in Baldwin, La. During this year, UMCOR’s Relief-Supplies Network Newsletter will feature a segment of UMCOR’s material resources history, from the origins of Sager Brown in 1867, to the development of the kit ministry, building the first depot at Sager Brown, and the growth that has brought into being today a nationwide relief-supply network. Click here for more information on the network.
The UMCOR Relief Supplies Web page also provides a list of UMCOR relief supplies that were distributed during December 2011 and January 2012 to serve people affected by disasters around the world, touching 29,000 lives.
The Rev. Lyle Schoen, Conference Secretary of Global Ministries, reports that UMCOR’s most critical needs right now are for monetary donations, school kits, and cleaning buckets.
“Church groups and individuals can begin to collect supplies, assemble kits, and publicize the needs and opportunities for this annual major mission project of Nebraska United Methodists,” Schoen said. “Monetary donations, designated ‘UMCOR Supplies #531’ may be given through any local United Methodist church and forwarded to UMCOR through the Annual Conference Treasurer.”
Click here to download and print a flier with assembly instructions (PDF).
Photo: The Rev. Lyle Schoen sorts through UMCOR Kits donated at last year's Annual Conference.
Please join us for an informative and educational evening at Aldersgate UMC in Lincoln as a great way to kick-off the week of the Annual Conference. This session, back by popular demand, will help you gain a better understanding of employment law, charitable giving legal issues, and real estate ownership and the Church's "Trust Clause." It is being provided at no cost to all Nebraska United Methodist pastors, Conference delegates, local church officers, board and committee members, and other interested lay members who would like to be better informed about how these issues can and do impact their churches.
Refreshments will be provided after the seminar. Please RSVP to Jackie Urkoski by calling 877-495-5545 or emailing jurkoski@numf.org.
The seminar will be presented by Andrew M. Loudon, Gail S. Perry, and Jarrod P. Crouse of Baylor Evnen. Speaker bios are available at www.numf.org.
The “Daily Messenger” staff is looking for a few good reporters, photographers and social media aficionados for the 2012 Annual Conference Session. Volunteers are asked to work with Nebraska Conference communicators to tell the stories and report on the proceedings during this year’s session.
Those interested should contact Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org.
“This, this is where children belong, welcome as part of the worshiping throng. Water, God’s Word, bread and cup, prayer and song: This is where children belong.” — UMC FWS #2233
Children’s Annual Conference (CAC) 2012 is singing into action. Our biblical lessons will focus on how to worship no matter where you are: close to home, traveling, or helping others near or far. The days will be filled with worship as we gather together for mission work, swimming, crafts, and loads of fun activities. The fun is waiting for your children!
Your child’s involvement with CAC will rekindle old friendships and encourage new ones. This is a time to worship as only children can do through their word and actions.
CAC will take place at Lincoln St. Mark's UMC. Click here to download and print a CAC flier. (PDF)
Questions? Contact call Tammy Wells at 308-928-3111 or 308-991-5189, or email her at jtwells@frontiernet.net. Subject CAC.
Registration is now open — go to www.umcneb.org/register.
“Lord, listen to your children praying, Lord, send your Spirit in this place; Lord, listen to your children praying, send us love, send us power, send us grace.” — UMC FWS #2193
Nebraska United Methodist congregations have supported Mission Share giving during the 2012 year at 22.32 percent as of April 30. At the same time period in 2011, Nebraska United Methodist churches had contributed 23.26 percent towards the approved funding plan. Thank you to all churches for your faithful support of our connectional ministries.
Robin Kilgore, Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — More than 600 new United Methodists churches have been planted since 2008, according to Gary A. Shockley, executive office of the Path 1 New Church Starts Division. At this pace, Shockley said, the campaign should surpass the goal set four years ago of having 650 new churches in the United States by the end of 2012. Path 1 is a collaborative partnership with the church’s annual (regional) conferences and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. The goal of 650 new churches was set by the 2008 General Conference. The new-church pace of 11.8 churches per month is almost three times the monthly rate from 2004 to 2007.
Click here to read more.
“I think this will be an amazing summer that I will never forget!” wrote Elizabeth Swearngin as she applied for the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries internship, the Micah Corps.
Elizabeth is one of six young adults accepted for the fourth summer of the Micah Corps, a 10-week internship which helps young adults deepen their spiritual walk with God, learn about linking faith with social justice action and sharpen their leadership skills.
Elizabeth is completing her junior year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in English-Creative Writing. She grew up in Craig, Neb., and participated in church activities such as youth group, volunteering at various suppers, and going on a mission trip to Chicago.
“Throughout my life I have had many learning experiences that will aid this program, like the value of hard work, which my mother and father instilled in me as a child,” she wrote.
Adam Neely is completing his freshman year at Hastings College majoring in theatre and religion with a minor in Christian ministries. He is a member of Christ UMC in Lincoln, but attends Hastings First UMC while in school.
“I believe that this will be an outstanding experience that will show me the inside workings of the United Methodist Church and will also help me when I become a youth pastor,” Adam wrote in his application. “I have taken part in multiple mission trips that worked with the homeless. I am currently taking a class called Race, Gender and Class. We have a focus on inequality in America, including minorities and immigrants.”
Elizabeth and Adam will spend part of their summer learning more about children in poverty in Nebraska and will be sharing what they learn with congregations throughout the Conference.
They will also be teaching the upper elementary class at the week-end School of Christian Mission with a focus on Haiti.
The interns begin Tuesday, May 29 and are supported through your Mission Share dollars!
Stay tuned next week to learn about two more Micah Corps interns!
Greetings,
I am Jenna Williams, from Omaha. I am deeply honored to have been chosen by the Conference to attend the 2012 Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. The event took place on March 23-26. By receiving this scholarship I was able to be a part of something not only informative, but something extraordinary. Over the course of four articles, I will be sharing my experience to my fellow United Methodist brothers and sisters in Christ. Not only was this my first opportunity to attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days, but it was my first time in Washington, D.C. as well. This opportunity was only going to be great.
I was first presented with this opportunity by my father, the Rev. William Williams. When he first told me about this conference, he knew this was something I would enjoy immensely. So I filled out the application for a scholarship and a month later received news that I was one of two people to receive the scholarship provided through the Peace with Justice Special Offering. I prayed to the Lord to open my find, my heart, and my spirit to be fully accepting of what was to be presented to me during this time. I was opened more than expected, which just goes to show you how wonderful the Lord truly is. The weekend was filled with knowledge, sorrow, and enlightening information about men, women, and kids from all over the world. We also discussed the federal budget and each state lobbied to their state legislatures about the concerns they had about the budget. There was also an exhibit hall, filled with organizations fighting for justice.
I am excited to be able to share my story and what I have learned. I pray that you will be enlightened and as informed as I have been. My mindset is changed because of this experience. The things I learned and the people I met gave me hope that we can make a difference. This can be done one letter at a time and one person at a time.
I hope you will plan to observe Peace with Justice Sunday in your congregation, June 3 or a date more convenient. The offering provides many opportunities for strengthening God’s vision of shalom such as this one give to me!
Many blessings to all of you, and I look forward to sharing my story.
Your sister in Christ,
Jenna Williams
Omaha Rockbrook UMC
immigrants in need
Justice for Our Neighbors of Nebraska (JFON-NE) has been welcoming immigrants into our communities since 1999, by providing free high-quality immigration legal services, education, and advocacy. JFON-NE is a faith-driven organization that operates under the auspices of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Nebraska Conference Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries. It is supported in part through Mission Share dollars.
Providing legal counsel to immigrants in need and providing such protection to the most vulnerable, including abandoned children, battered women, and refugees fleeing persecution is at the heart of our mission. JFON-NE prioritizes representation of immigrants with the greatest need, which includes persons in removal proceedings, asylum applicants, juveniles, and victims of domestic violence. Attached is an example of the type of client JFON-NE has been able to serve. Please take time to read this touching story about a girl named Rosa who would have lost everything had it not been for JFON-NE’s services.
Please visit www.jfon-ne.org to learn more about immigration, JFON-NE, or to sign-up for our monthly newsletter. Consider joining us as a volunteer at one of our monthly immigration legal clinics or at our office in Omaha. Also please consider making a donation; JFON-NE's Advance Number is 895 or you may send a check directly to 2414 "E" Street, Omaha, NE 68107.
Photo: Shaun Downey (paralegal) and Shane Ellison (Regional Attorney) assist JFON-NE client Rosa.
This is an open invitation to all communities of faith to attend a conference on substance abuse, May 10 at the downtown Holiday Inn, in Lincoln.
Congregations are encouraged to bring teams (leader, associate leader, parent, youth leader, etc.) to share in the community discussions. Conference presenter Carlton Hall is an outstanding motivational speaker. In addition to a wealth of information received in the afternoon, we will be issuing an invitation to get involved in the creation of LAM, Lincoln's new Associated Ministries project. Communities of faith provide the most valuable resources in any community. For that reason, the Statewide Substance Abuse Action Coalition (SAAC) is offering this great opportunity. The conference fee is small ($25/person or $50 for a team of three or more). It’s one afternoon you will not want to miss.
For more information, please see the attached flier.
Representatives from the Nebraska United Methodist Bike Ride for Hunger (NUMB) recently presented a check for $11,259.12to the Omaha Food Bank to support the Food Bank’s fight against hunger.
Each year NUMB holds a bicycle tour of Nebraska and riders are asked to collect pledges to support five hunger projects around the world. In addition to the Omaha Food Bank, NUMB also presented checks to the Lincoln Food Bank, Heifer International, Bread for the World and the Nigerian Hunger Relief project of The United Methodist Church. Since it began in 1996, NUMB has contributed over $519,000 to combat hunger around the world.
NUMB 2012 will be June 23-27 and will have overnight stays in Beatrice, Neb., Auburn, Neb., Sabetha, Kan., and Marysville, Kan. during the 300-mile trek.
“This year NUMB has riders coming from 10 different states and also two from Canada,” reports NUMB Director, the Rev. Bill Ritter.
Persons interested in NUMB should visit the NUMB Website, www.numbride.org, for more information or to donate. There are still a few openings on the ride.
Photo: From Left to Right: Food Bank President and CEO Susan Ogden, Sandy Lozier, Ray Preston, Regina Bergman, the Rev. Bill Ritter and Food Bank Public Relations Director Brian Barks.
By Marcia Huff, Risk-taking and Mission Justice volunteer
United Methodist Women (UMW) is the largest denominational faith organization for women. Worldwide they have over 800,000 members working toward the mission of fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice.
The members of Nebraska United Methodist Women are working hard to make their contributions toward mission. Many brilliant activities and programs have been planned for 2012 to take the Nebraska UMW’s commitment to the next level. To educate the conference and to promote these activities this series will highlight various aspects of the work being done by our Conference’s UMW.
Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) is a disaster relief facility located in Chatham, Ill. MMDC’s mission is to compassionately help God’s people in need locally, nationally and around the world. The MMDC provide disaster relief kits and resources as well as educational and medical supplies. Although not an official UMW sponsored project, beginning in 2002, Nebraska Methodist women have been making two trips a year to MMDC. The relationship between Methodist women and the MMDC began with a visit by Miriam Miller.
For years Miriam has been traveling to Red Bird Mission in Kentucky and returning home to Nebraska; in 2001 she made a stop at MMDC and decided to take a tour of the facility. She was thoroughly impressed and amazed at the work that was being done. The idea to start mission trips to the MMDC was planted in her heart and in January 2002 the first trip was taken. Led by Miller and Mary Ann Bede, women from Nebraska travel to MMDC each spring and fall. The group drives the seven to eight hours it takes to get to MMDC.
Those who volunteer perform a variety of tasks including cutting, sewing and filling school bags, making hospital gowns and backpacks, cutting rags, packing flood buckets and making birth kits. Nebraska UMW groups also support MMDC by making monetary donations and sending in-kind gifts. Hundreds of pounds of material donations are sent from Nebraskans. Examples of items sent: work gloves, facial dusk masks, flood buckets, tool kits, and personal hygiene products. Women who are not able to travel use their time to make hospital gowns and school bags from home. This is a wonderful way for those who lack mobility travel or who are home bound can make a contribution to MMDC!
To learn about MMDC, visit www.midwestmissiondc.org.
To volunteer:
Spring Trip: May 21 – 25; Fall Trip: Sept. 4- 8. Work is done at the center for three days each trip. If you are interesting traveling to volunteer or making a donation to support the trip please email Mary Ann Bede at stringbedes@windstream.net or call 402-421-8264.
By Melva Kube, Karen Warner and Andrea Paret
On Maundy Thursday, April 5, 23 United Methodist Women from nine local units across the Elkhorn Valley District came together to participate in the School of Christian Mission Study (SCM) on Haiti; praying and learning about Haiti’s history, its present situation and its dreams for the future. Haiti’s troubled and yet exciting history reminded us that Haiti’s economy was in deep trouble with a lot of instability and corruption before the earthquake happened in 2010.
This situation made Haiti even more vulnerable when the devastating earthquake hit. Updates from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) revealed the challenge to help and support Haitian work to rebuild their country in a way that does not harm their efforts. In the two years since the earthquake UMCOR has distributed 137,353 health kits, 300 birthing kits, and 48,928 school kits across Haiti. Volunteers in Mission teams contribute financially to the projects they are working on. The Haiti Response Plan aims to maintain a ratio of at least 2:1 of Haitian workers to volunteers on project sites, resulting in project continuity and local ownership (in the two years the ratio has been 3.5:1). The SCM study ended with each participant writing commitment cards about how we as Christian women can make a difference and support the women and children in Haiti.
Quotes from the book “Hidden in the Rubble” by Gerard Thomas Straub were shared making the connection to Maundy Thursday and the Easter celebration of Christ’s resurrection:
"And so we look forward to the hope of the resurrection, in Haiti, in the world, in our communities, in our families, and in ourselves. Hope is faith in action, and it allows
us to face even the most difficult problems, trusting God for a way through them."
"We live in a world of stark inequality and injustice. So did Jesus. Jesus had a deep concern for those who suffered and were marginalized. So should we.
For the follower of Jesus, compassion is not an option; it's an obligation."
Click here for information about this year’s School of Christian Mission in July.
Missouri River District United Methodist Men (UMMen) gathered Saturday, April 21, for a service project supporting the Intercultural Senior Center and to learn more about the plans for Hispanic ministry in the district.
Twelve men worked at three sites in south Omaha doing yard work and home repairs for Hispanic seniors in need during the afternoon. That evening, 30 people attended a dinner provided by the Hispanic community at St. James UMC in Bellevue. Seven churches in the district were represented.
District Superintendent Dr. Dan Flanagan presented his vision for Hispanic ministry in the Missouri River District, stressing the importance of reaching out to the Hispanic community as the demographics of neighborhoods around our churches change. Juan Carlos Veloso told the story of his calling to start a Spanish language worship community in Bellevue and how that group found a church home as part of St James UMC that has allowed them to expand their ministry and service to the Hispanic community.
By Maureen Vetter
We are blessed to have a potter in our church community — Nancy Fairbanks has been a potter all of her adult life after getting her degree in art at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Fairbanks makes a living off of creating pottery and after a conversation with her a few years ago she and I dreamed up the idea to have her create 60 or 70 bowls for missions! She would create bowls at her cost as her mission project, we would pay her at cost and the rest of the event ticket price ($15) would go to three mission causes chosen by each Grand Island United Methodist church for a progressive dinner.
Since the new UM4GI (United Methodists for Grand Island) Cooperative Parish in Grand Island has been forming the last two years, it seemed like a good time to get into the three church buildings, to meet folks from the other churches and to do a mission project together. A progressive meal with handmade bowls sounded like an especially great idea for Palm Sunday!
This was our second year for the progressive mission dinner, with salads at Trinity UMC, soups at Faith UMC and dessert at First UMC. Folks have had fun carpooling to the three churches or riding the church bus, many making new friends on the way. We wash the bowls between stops to be more green too!
The three causes chosen this year were Red Bird Mission (Faith UMC), Habitat for Humanity (First UMC) and the Nigeria Orphanage/Hassan Fund (Trinity UMC).
Some people wanted to BYOB, or Bring Your Own Bowl, this year and reuse their bowl from last year; the whole amount of their ticket ($15) would go to missions.
We raised about $700 Palm Sunday evening again that was divided by ticket sales, and our bowls remind us of MISSIONS now all year round.
Special thanks to Nancy Fairbanks as the colorful, shiny bowls she creates from clay and glaze on her potter's wheel are what we look forward to each year, along with our giving to missions!
Photo: Some of the attendees of the progressive dinner select their bowls.
Congregations are invited to turn an umbrella upside down and receive a shower of offerings to help Camp Norwesca with water projects aimed at repairing some of the infrastructure as well as to enable enhancements to the camp experience. For more information, contact Norwesca Director Valerie Rahrs at vrahrs@umcneb.org.
youTheology is a Saint Paul School of Theology program focused on developing Christian leadership skills in high school youth as well as developing the skills of youth workers. Participants are involved in activities that help deepen their faith and offered opportunities for loving and serving God. youTheology is also a resource for help in developing youth leaders.
Click here to find out more about what’s happening at youTheology — Saint Paul School of Theology and how you can be involved in preparing young leaders.
Newman United Methodist Church in Lincoln is planning a mission trip to Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) June 10-15, 2012.
For more information, view the attached flier.
A real life look at the system of capital punishment: Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries endorses the witness of Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty.
As you are aware, "The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church" affirm: “We believe the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore, and transform all human beings . . . We believe all human life is sacred and created by God and therefore, we must see all human life as significant and valuable” (Social Principles, ¶164 G). Even with such a strong statement, many United Methodists remain unaware of our church’s position and uneducated about the death penalty in the United States.
One way of engaging people in a discussion about the death penalty is through the lens of innocence. Since 1976 there have been 140 people exonerated from death row after evidence revealed that they were sentenced to die for crimes they did not commit. That means that for every 9 executions carried out there has been 1 person released from death row because they were innocent. That is a startling error rate that should give everyone pause.
The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) has developed an exciting partnership with an organization called Witness to Innocence, which helps match death row exonerees with audiences in order to give a real life look at the system of capital punishment. This is an opportunity to have one of those 140 people come and tell their story to your congregation.
If this partnership is of interest to you, please contact Stacy Anderson at Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty. She will be glad to coordinate with Witness to Innocence and GBCS and help you plan how to present this in your community. Anderson can be reached at 402-477-7787 or via email at stacy@nadp.net.
If inviting an exoneree to your congregation doesn’t seem like the right tool for engaging in this issue, consider at least devoting one week to raising this issue on a Sunday. This can take the form of a table with information at the back of the sanctuary, an adult education class devoted to the topic, a sermon on the subject, a guest speaker, or any other action that helps raise awareness of the death penalty. Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty is willing to help you plan your Death Penalty-focused Sunday, provide materials, send a speaker, or help in any way to make this easiest for you.
I think we can agree that this is a matter of some urgency, as the state of Nebraska continues to seek executions. Will you join me in encouraging our UMC members to engage and take action on this important issue?
Stacy Anderson
Executive Director
Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty
Do you ever feel that there is no one you can trust and that promises are made simply to be broken? As Christian women it is important to be reminded often that God has promised to never leave or forsake us and that God’s promises are true and unshakeable. We can always trust God to be there for us no matter what hurt or disappointment may come our way.
“The Shelter of God’s Promises” is a 10-week study by Bible teacher and inspirational speaker Sheila Walsh. Using Scripture, Bible stories and her own powerful personal stories, Walsh offers women a study on what God has promised us, what those promises mean and that God’s promises are eternal, offering us a foundation for daily hope and joy.
The 10 lessons are:
Both a leader and participant guide are included with the study.
Encourage the women in your church to join you this summer in a Bible study that will bring them not only a renewed sense of companionship with other Christian women, but will renew within them a deep sense of God’s abiding love for them. To learn about other women’s studies at the Resource Center call Diane Dunkerson at 1-800-435-6107 or email her at ddunkerson@umcneb.org. Also browse our on line catalog at www.umcneb.org/ResourceCenter for other wonderful women’s studies.
Platte Woods UMC in Missouri has three openings. Click here to view this employment listing.
The Westerville UMC, in Westerville, Neb., has some furniture for sale. Click here to view the posting on the classifieds page.
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An administrative assistant is needed at Benson Presbyterian Church for 12 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.
Skills needed: understanding of church liturgy and language, excellent word processing and computer skills, good organizational skills as well as interpersonal and communication skills. This position requires handling incoming phone calls with referral to appropriate staff, the ability to work independently and represent the hospitality of the church, preparation of weekly bulletin and related materials, and filing and management of day-to-day operations of the church office.
Please submit resumes to Personnel Committee, Benson Presbyterian Church, 5612 Corby Street, Omaha, NE 68104.
For more information, email office@bensonpres.omhcoxmail.com or call 402-551-0200.
Pilger United Methodist Church will be closing at the end of June 2012. The Administrative Board would like to offer the contents of the building to anyone who is in need. This would include pews, pulpit, alter, hymnals, Bibles, dishes, pots and pans and various other pieces of furniture. For more information, please contact Pastor Jim Bendorf at 402-439-2088 or jbendorf@umcneb.org.
For Sale: Church Furniture
All furniture is light oak.
(9) 11' Pews padded and upholstered
(5) 10' Pews padded and upholstered
(1) 6' Pew padded and upholstered
Pews have hymnal racks.
(2) 2' Parson's Seats padded and upholstered
(1) Altar (2 pieces 90" each) kneeler padded and upholstered Pews and altar kneeler are upholstered with light green tweed.
(1) Pulpit 24' x 20" x 40"
(2) Pedestals 14" x 14" x 23"
(2) Offering Plates light oak
Asking $2,200 or make an offer; available after June 17, at the Westerville United Methodist Church, in Westerville, Neb.
Contact: Paul Mills at (308) 935-1301 or Denise Kaelin at (308) 935-1825.
Platte Woods UMC is a growing Kansas City, Missouri Northland church with 900 people worshipping weekly at five differently styled worship services.
We are currently seeking associates to join us in the following exciting job opportunities.
Student Ministry Associates: 2 Positions available
We have one full time and one part time opportunity in our Student Ministry working with our Director of Student Ministry Rev. Chad Cooper. This is 6’th grade thru high school. The full time position includes benefits, salary, and is 35+ hrs a week. The part time position could be 20 hours a week and be salary with no benefits. We have an active, growing Student Ministry with more than 100 unique students participating weekly on Sunday am, Sunday pm, Wed pm and other times.
Children’s Ministry Associate: 1 Position available
We have one part time opportunity in our Children’s Ministry working with our Director of Children’s Ministry Rev. Jessica Duncan. This ministry serves birth thru 5’th grade. It would involve 15 to 20 hours a week and be salary with no benefits. We have an active, growing Children’s Ministry with more than 225 children participating weekly on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, Wednesday evenings, and other times.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and salary history to Mike Cole, Chief Operations Officer, at the following address:
Platte Woods United Methodist Church
7310 NW Prairie View Road
Platte Woods, MO 64151
Visit us at www.plattewoodschurch.org.
The Nebraska United Methodist Historical Center/Archives has several display/storage cabinets and commemorative plate racks that need new homes. All items need to be moved from the basement of the annex building of the former Conference Center on Nebraska Wesleyan’s campus (located at 49th St. and Saint Paul Ave.).
They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to make arrangements to claim an item is Friday, May 14, 2012. Contact Karrie Dvorak at 402-465-2175 or email kdvorak@umcneb.org for more details, or to make arrangements to accept an item(s).
Any recipient must provide movers.
The Historical Center would gratefully accept any donation deemed appropriate, but it is not required.
1. Blond pine glass-topped wooden cabinet, approx. 74” long x 42” high x 20” deep
2. Blond pine hinged-door base cabinet, approx. 80” long x 29” high x 19 3/4” deep (Note: Display shelves/top part NOT included.)
3. Three (3) wooden display racks for commemorative plates, approx. 89” long x 48 1/4” high x 3 1/4” deep and one wooden display rack for commemorative plates, approx. 79” long x 48 1/4 high x 3 1/4” deep
4. Wooden display shelf, 44” long x 48 1/4” high x 3” deep.
7th Sunday of Easter – White or Gold
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19
1 Corinthians 15:50-57
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Allegations of sexual misconduct send shock waves through the affected congregations and our entire denomination. When this occurs, we may wonder: “Why do clergy have such
significant struggles with sexual behaviors? After all, are they not supposed to be more spiritual and moral than the rest of us?”
In fact, clergy fit the profile of those who are more vulnerable to cyber sex addiction and other types of sexual misconduct — “it is prevalent among people who have high demand, low structure jobs, and who spend a lot of time at their computer for work-related reasons,” according to experts in the field of clergy ethics. Additional factors, related to the unique profession and the personality styles it attracts, increase clergy vulnerability even further.
For example, if ministering to the needs of others is a pastor's most important priority, he or she may neglect personal time with spouse, family and self which are necessary for the pastor's emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. Also, because professional pastors are discouraged from cultivating personal friendships within the congregation to avoid the appearance of favoritism and to remain in the pastoral role for all they serve, they may feel isolated and lonely, especially in rural communities. In some congregations the pastor maybe expected to be virtually “on call” 24/7 and may be accommodating these expectations. A well-meaning pastor can easily become overextended, isolated, and eventually burned-out, conditions that are known to render the pastor more vulnerable to misconduct.
As shepherding authority figures, pastors inevitably become the lightning rod for the emotional intensity of individuals and groups within the congregation — a position which is often difficult and exhausting. Because of their authority and the multiple settings in which pastors interact with members, they are vulnerable to a congregant developing very intense positive or negative feelings about them or vise versa. Many lonely clergy have destroyed their careers by entertaining the personal compliments and romantic notions of a parishioner and becoming intimately involved.
Clergy are the only profession specifically “ordained” to do “God's work” and presumed to have a special relationship with the Almighty, to act as God's representative and, therefore, are expected to be more invulnerable and infallible. The weight of this role and the pressure of lofty expectations may increase the pastor's feelings of inadequacy and intensify his or her shame, especially about sexual secrets, rendering it difficult for a pastor who is struggling to seek help. Fears of personal and professional repercussions may drive the pastor further into hiding problems, and to more shame.
Fortunately, over the past two decades, The United Methodist Church has been in the forefront of developing clergy ethics training and best practices for clergy wellness. District and conference leadership, personnel committees, pastors and congregations can work together to implement and strengthen these practices, which have already proven effective in prevention and earlier detection of potential problems.
Connie Lofgreen, MSW
www.connielofgreen.com
Connie Lofgreen, MSW, CSAT is in private practice in Omaha, Neb. She served as a workshop leader and presenter in the area of Clergy Ethics for Kansas Conference United Methodist Church for many years. In January, 2011, she was a presenter at the United Methodist Clergy Ethics Summit — “Do No Harm.” She can be reached at 402-334-4478.
This past year was a sort of “spiritual roller coaster” for me. I entered 2011 in a spiritual funk. I ended the year with renewed passion for ministry and hope for our faith. The difference for me was the writings of Brian McLaren.
For a long time I had been dissatisfied with interpretations of Scripture that make Christianity look judgmental, mean-spirited, and anti-intellectual. In particular, I was angry and discouraged about the way that Christianity was being portrayed in the news. You might recall that Harold Camping was getting lots of attention with his prediction that the rapture would happen on May 21, 2011 followed six months later by the end of the world. His description of these events made us Christians seem at the same time harsh and silly.
In the midst of my malaise my brother, Dayton, a pastor in California, suggested that I read Brian McLaren. The first of his books I read was "A New Kind of Christianity, Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith." In it McLaren describes his ten-year struggle between his sense that there was “something real” in the Christian faith while he also sensed “something wrong.” He put into words what I had been feeling for a long time. McLaren’s reexamination and critique of what has been taken for granted by many is well-researched and solidly
grounded in scripture.
First McLaren asks, “What Is the Overarching Story Line of the Bible?” He describes the standard answer as a "six line narrative." (See image at right.) This narrative begins with the perfection of the Garden of Eden. Next it descends by The Fall to a "trough of living in condemnation." Then the narrative splits with one line (Salvation) ascending to the Heaven line while another line descends to Hell/Damnation. This story line condemns the vast majority of people to what McLaren calls "eternal conscious torment." For me this is not good news.
Then McLaren offers an alternative. This narrative is three-dimensional instead of linear. It has God's creative activity as one axis and God's redemptive/liberating activity as the second axis. The final, third axis is the "peaceable kingdom" of God, described by the prophets Isaiah, Joel, Hosea and Micah, a realm of "blessing, justice, and the shalom of God." (See the image at left.) This narrative is open and filled with possibilities as God's on-going creative, liberative power enables us, as ambassadors of God's love, to work together with God for a better future. With this narrative we can really pray the Lord's Prayer like we mean it! Yes, God! Your kingdom come! Yes, God! Your will be done!
This is a gospel that excites me and that I can preach with enthusiasm and passion. This is a gospel that truly is good news!
Phil Sloat is pastor of Decatur and Tekamah UMCs.
I want to discuss misconduct in a slightly different manner in this entry. Some time ago I read “Three Cups of Tea” and became a fan of author Greg Mortenson and all he has accomplished in building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Many people know his story. However, I just finished reading "Three Cups of Deceit" by Jon Krakauer, which exposes much of what is in Mortenson’s books as misleading or out-and-out untrue.
Krakauer is a journalist who has written outstanding true accounts such as “Into Thin Air,” ”Under the Banner of Heave,” and “Where Men Win Glory.” Krakauer is a climber, as is Mortenson, and personally bought into Mortenson’s story, giving as much as $75,000 to the Central Asia Institute (CAI), Mortenson’s non-profit. However, as a journalist, he began to research into CAI activities when prominent Board members resigned and reports began to surface that called into question Mortenson’s claims of what he has done.
Krakauer began to interview people who had left CAI despite their overwhelming belief in the enormous good that was being done. He interviewed founding Board members, former Chief Financial Officers and many of the people in Pakistan and Afghanistan who are quoted by Mortenson in his books and personal speaking engagements. What Krakauer found is the way Mortenson tells the story is vastly different from what appears to have really happened. Much of the drama appears to be embellished in order to sell books and raise funds. In 2003, a Parade magazine article was published which brought in significant sums of money to an organization that was close to insolvent. These funds raised did allow CAI to continue to build schools but the phenomenal success of “Three Cups of Tea” and “Stones Into Schools” and the subsequent royalties, have primarily made Mortenson a very wealthy man.
Krakauer went to Pakistan and Afghanistan and found people close to the situation who say that Mortenson has made the mistake of so many “missionaries before him, in that he builds schools without regard to the people’s needs or without heeding their advice, and CAI now has built many “ghost schools” which stand empty. Throughout this account the overarching problem that Krakauer found is that Mortensen refuses to be accountable to anyone, even his own Board. He has steadfastly refused to provide an accounting of how he spends the vast sums of money raised for schools.
So why am I sharing this? It is because I believe this to be an example of the ethical misconduct of well-meaning people in leadership in many non-profit endeavors - including the church. When the cause is good, and the mission is born of need and wanting to help, and the money is scraped together with no thought of benefitting oneself, great things can and do happen. But when an organization begins to see the mission secondary to the benefit of the organization, an ethical gap is created. Similarly when an individual begins to put themselves ahead of the mission an ethical gap is created. And when individuals or organizations are not accountable to anyone for what they do, there is no check and balance to prevent misconduct. I have walked many ethical lines in my life, and fully understand that I have not always made the right choices when I have no one to account to. I share these thoughts with you as another way of looking at what preventable circumstances might lead to misconduct. My thought is: do not evade accountability, it is a fairly Wesleyan concept. I invite your thoughts and comments.
Note: An April 15, 2011 “60 Minutes” story is available for viewing on all these same questions at www.cbsnews.com. Greg Mortenson refused to be interviewed.
The purpose of this blog is to not just take a look at what leads to clergy misconduct, or lapses of ethics, but also to look at what leads to healthy, whole lives. This entry enters
into a discussion of the book, “Leading Causes of Life,” by Dr. Gary Gunderson, with Larry Pray.
Gunderson is the director of the Interfaith Health Program and senior vice president of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system, in Memphis. Pray is a pastor with the UCC and the Senior Pastoral Scholar for Methodist Le Bonheur. I picked up this book and met Dr. Gunderson at Mt. Sequoyah during Bishop’s Week, as he lectured on health of clergy and leaders of our churches and denominations.
This book is about health and choosing and embracing life in a healthy way. It is about what it takes to create and sustain a way of life that gives us life. For life has a language and if we can discover it, we can discover our own life in the process. While the book is by a physician — whose work has been the process of moving from focus on disease to focus on health and healthy lives — the concepts transcend medicine and apply to the spiritual life as well. For Dr. Gunderson, a life-long Methodist, scriptural grounding is important and two of the texts he uses at the beginning are John 10:10 — “I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly,” and Deuteronomy 30:19 — “I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursings; therefore, choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
The leading causes of life are addressed one at a time in the book, with a synthesis coming in the last chapter.
The first cause is connection. Being connected to one another is deeply woven into the fabric of reality — as human beings we are not meant to be alone, but to be in connection. This is also deeply woven into Methodism, as well as religion itself, with the meaning of religion to be “to bind back.” Connection is important to individuals and communities for healing and wholeness.
The second cause is coherence. Coherence is the master narrative of belonging and meaning — the story of life. Coherence is the language that generates adaptation to our circumstances and manages our complex sets of relationships. Leaders articulate coherence to individuals and groups such as congregations by telling the story and encouraging others to tell the positive stories that lead to life. We have been encouraging churches this past fall to tell their stories of ministry in the community.
The third cause is agency. Agency is that generative force that leads to call and answering the call, and then leads to the capacity to do — to take action. For call by itself is not enough, but must lead to action upon the call. Agency is the capacity to choose life and to act for the betterment of self and community. Dr. Gunderson seeks to disable professional agency where we leave call and action to others, and instead become agents of life ourselves.
The fourth cause is blessing. Blessings are a way of life that leads to hope and wholeness. Blessings can be given and received and lead to change. Hope is the fifth cause of life as hope is grounded in life. These last two causes are found in the passage from Deuteronomy and give the message that health and wholeness are choices. Hope and blessing work to integrate the other causes of life. Dr. Gunderson uses a concluding chapter to say how the very causes of life themselves are not separate or sequential but work together to lead to health.
There is considerably more to this book than summarized here, and I hope some will consider reading it and then choosing health and life. I invite your thoughts and comments.
Click here to read past entries in this blog series.
One of the joys of this Holy Season is found in rereading stories and poetry that we have read for years as a way of hearing afresh the message of Christmas. When I was resident bishop
in Missouri, I lived in St. Louis, the home of the poet Ann Weems. Early on I was introduced to several of her books. "Kneeling in Bethlehem" is one of those volumes. This poem gives the book its title:
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to kneel in Bethlehem,
The air thick with alleluias,
The angels singing
That God is born among us.
In the light of the Star,
I want to see them come,
The wise ones and the humble.
I want to see them come
Bearing whatever they treasure
To lay at the feet
Of him who gives his life.
What do I want for Christmas?
To see in that stable
The whole world kneeling in thanks
For a promise kept:
New life.
For in his nativity
We find ours.
I invite you to share some of your favorite Christmas stories and poetry. What a gift to know your favorites!
Some of mine might surprise you. When I served as pastor of a local church, I always found a venue to read “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” When read well, it is much more fun than the movie.
I have an illustrated King James Version of the Christmas story which my mother read every Christmas Eve as the family sat by the Christmas tree. I still read that little book with those who share this holy evening in my home.
Joyous remembering and journeying,
Ann
We spend Advent waiting for the light. Darkness is often a biblical metaphor for death, danger, uncertainty and ignorance. Isaiah 60 reminds us we are waiting for God to come and
overcome death, danger, uncertainty and ignorance with God’s holy light.
When I read Barbara Brown Taylor’s column in “Christian Century” last week I got another view of the dark. She points us to the book of Exodus 20:21, right after Moses had delivered the 10 Commandments to the people. “Then the people stood at a distance, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God where God was.” The word used for darkness is araphel, and it suggests that in this moment God’s presence is in the darkness just as surely as God is in the light of God’s glory.
Isaiah 45:6-7 says it this way: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe; I the Lord do all these things.”
God holds all in God’s hand. This is Good News as we make our way through the short cloudy, snowy days of December and the long, dark nights. This is Good News when that darkness and fear is in us and uncertainty, anxiety, disease, loneliness fill our hearts. God is there. We are not alone. We wait with God in the dark, anticipating the light and full of hope. The dark is not separation from God. We are not alone.
Christina Rossetti describes our Advent situation in the hymn, “In the Bleak Midwinter”
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone,
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain,
Heaven and earth shall flee away, when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter, a stable place sufficed,
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
God, present with us in a vulnerable baby, is never absent. God is completely present in that dark stable and in our dark nights of the soul. This is a fertile season for those who walk by faith and not by sight. Even in the dark, under the layers of snow, when the earth and our hearts are hard as iron, there are seeds preparing to grow. No wonder the angels proclaimed: “Fear not.”