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In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hospitality volunteers needed at Great Plains Annual Conference Session
Volunteers needed to manage UMCOR donations
Jorge Acevedo to speak
May 15: celebration at Asbury Park in Newton, Kan.
United Methodist Health Ministry Fund offers grants
In the news
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Stanton UMC hosts National Day of Prayer event
Emory appoints dean of the chapel and spiritual life
An Epworth dream: music program for the students
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards Great Plains teachers
Newsletter links
Kimball, Neb., UMW offers Women for Women conference
Elkhorn Valley District hosts annual youth lock-in
Women's studies at the Great Plains Resource Center
Episcopal Diocese of Kansas extends invitation to Tocher Lecture Series
Great Plains Candidacy Summit
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Dr. Alyce McKenzie teaches final installment of Great Preaching for the Great Plains
Perkins SOT hosts theology and disability institute June 16–20
Pastoral care specialist training
Pastoral Excellence Network to host retreat for retirement preparation
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Beaver Crossing tornado recovery update
Disaster response in Baxter Springs enters long-term recovery phase
Harris named site manager in Baxter Springs
How kidnappings in Nigeria affect the Jalingo Orphanage
General Board of Church and Society releases Nigerian schoolgirl prayer
JFON-NE celebrates year-long partnership with congregations
Mark your calendar for Omaha Gives
Young men mission trip opportunity
Peace with Justice Sunday to be in June
Newsletter from missionary David Upp
EDITORIALS
Kruseing the Capitol
CLASSIFIED
Director of music needed in Salina, Kan.
Young adult ministry coordinator sought in Omaha, Neb.
Hospitality volunteers needed at Great Plains Annual Conference Session
Would you be willing to give a little time to help make the Great Plains Annual Conference Session welcoming and inviting to everyone? The Great Plains Annual Conference Sessions Planning Team is in need of people to help with hospitality in various ways throughout the week. If you have a heart for service and a little time to give, it is a great way to help get to know folks, get connected and provided a hospitable environment to all members and guests. You may sign up for as much or as little time as you wish. For more information, or to sign up, please contact Morgan Whitaker Smith at mwhitakersmith@greatplainsumc.org or call 785-817-6977.
Volunteers needed to manage UMCOR donations
Volunteers are needed to help manage the donations coming in to the truck heading to the Midwest Distribution Center of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Short term volunteers (for 1-2 hours at a time) are needed to help complete paperwork for the donated supplies. Minimal lifting required.
The truck will be located at 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, Neb., adjacent to the Lincoln office of Great Plains United Methodists.
Volunteers are needed:
- Tuesday, June 10: Noon - 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, June11: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
- Thursday, June 12: 7-10 a.m.
To volunteer, please contact the Rev. Alan Gager at agager@greatplainsumc.org or call 308-293-2642.
Jorge Acevedo to speak
Sign up for Hispanic Ministry lunch Friday, June 13
Jorge Acevedo is the featured preacher and teacher for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference Session June 11-14. He will make a special presentation at the Hispanic Ministry lunch on Friday, at noon, at Saint Paul UMC, a few blocks south of the Lied Center where the session is held. You can sign up for this lunch only using the Annual Conference Session registration form.
May 15: celebration at Asbury Park in Newton, Kan.
Asbury Park has a new Assisted Living environment that includes a bistro, market, fitness center and more. They are opening two new Green House homes, one of which is dedicated for rehabilitation services. The perfect time to see all of this for yourself is during their grand celebration on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. See the flier.
Asbury Park is located at 200 SW 14th in Newton, Kan., just north of Wichita. For more information, visit www.asbury-park.org.
United Methodist Health Ministry Fund offers grants
The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund was established in 1986, endowed by the former Kansas West Conference of The United Methodist Church with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan.
As part of the work of the Health Ministry Fund, Healthy Congregations has become a cornerstone of the Health Fund’s mission to improve health, healing and wholeness in Kansas; and has recently expanded the Healthy Congregations program to Nebraska churches as well.
Health Congregations was born of an extensive conversation with churches, pastors, lay persons, and health professionals to determine how to best support congregations in holistic health ministry. We are excited to announce that the Healthy Congregations program has been designed to be flexible, agile and responsive to local need.
The program is now available for all Great Plains Conference United Methodist Churches. Healthy Congregations seeks to nurture intentional, effective ministries of health and wholeness -- addressing congregational and community well-being -- built on a foundation of spiritual, social, mental, and physical health. For more detail about the Healthy Congregations program, please see attached materials or visit www.healthfund.org.
Healthy Congregations is all about networking and sharing. Whether it's the quarterly learning community webinars, the resource website, the popular annual retreat or if you're just stuck and need to talk through a project, we're here for you.
To get your health ministry off to a solid start, the Health Fund provides an initial $1,000 grant when your church signs up for Healthy Congregations. And the grant is renewable each year your team participates and continues to meet the program requirements. Participation also makes your church eligible for special program and funding opportunities reserved specifically for Healthy Congregations.
What we ask of your team:
- Commit to intentional, effective health ministry work
- Complete the team training
- Identify health needs and set clear goals
- Make plans and take action
- Evaluate achievements, reflect on successes and challenges, and refine plans
What we provide your team:
- $1000 grant on signup, renewable annually
- Training to build strong, energized teams
- Program related ideas, resources and consultation support
- Communications resources to promote your work
- Quarterly Learning Community webinars to share successes, discuss ideas, and learn about additional funding and program opportunities reserved for Healthy Congregations
If you have questions, contact Program Officer Katie Ross at kross@healthfund.org or 620-662-8586. Download a brochure.
In the news
United Methodist for Grand Island (UM4GI), Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska and Trinity UMC, all in Grand Island, Neb., were featured in “The Grand Island Independent” on May 10.
UM4GI to host monthly immigration clinics
UM4GI is joining with Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska to have Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Island serve as the host site for a monthly clinic for people who have questions on immigration issues.
UM4GI is made up of Trinity United Methodist Church, First-Faith United Methodist Church, a Sudanese congregation that holds Sunday worship services in Arabic at Trinity United Methodist and Ministerio de Fe, a Spanish-speaking congregation that holds Sunday worship services at First-Faith.
Read the full story in “The Grand Island Independent.”
To see other United Methodist congregations in the news, view our press clips at greatplainsumc.org/inthenews.
Stanton UMC hosts National Day of Prayer event
On Thursday, May 1, more than 50 people formed a circle of prayer outside the Stanton County Court House, in Stanton, Neb., to observe the National Day of Prayer. The event which brought together a diverse group of people from the community was organized by the Stanton UMC.
Photo: Part of the National Day of Prayer participants in Stanton, Neb.
Emory appoints dean of the chapel and spiritual life
Emory University has announced the selection of the Rev. Bridgette Young Ross to be its next dean of the chapel and spiritual life, beginning July 1. She will succeed the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, who in February assumed the executive directorship of the United Methodist Church (UMC) General Board of Church and Society, in Washington, D.C.
“Bridgette Young Ross brings great gifts of faith, intellect, bridge-building and mentorship to the work of the Office of Spiritual Life," says Emory President James Wagner. "She will continue to strengthen the vibrant and formative interfaith dynamics that are a hallmark of Emory as a research university.
For the past five years, Ross has served as assistant general secretary of the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, in Nashville, Tennessee. Responsible for supporting and equipping more than 500 collegiate ministries in the United States and for helping develop collegiate ministries in many of the more than 800 institutions of higher education in the Methodist tradition around the world, she has led the church in providing new training programs, online support, national networking and leadership development.
Read the full story.
An Epworth dream: music program for the students
The Rev. Mel Luetchens, retired United Methodist clergy, is one of 18 Epworth Village Interpreters. When he shared the Epworth story at the Plattsmouth UMC, in Plattsmouth, Neb., he had the privilege of accepting two musical instruments on behalf of the Epworth Village Learning Center. The instruments were provided by the Doris Landon family.
It is an Epworth dream to have a retired music instructor volunteer to begin an Epworth Village band program. Gently used and like-new instruments are being accepted.
Photo (from left): Sharon Piper, the Rev. Mel Luetchens and Doris Landon
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards Great Plains teachers
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) announced this week, the winners of the Exemplary Teacher Award in the 2013-2014 academic year. Of the 77 professors and instructors at United Methodist-related schools, colleges, university and theological schools, four teach in the Great Plains Conference.
“The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding faculty members for their contributions to the learning arts and to the institution,” said the Rev. Dr. Gerald D. Lord, associate general secretary of GBHEM’s Division of Higher Education
The following four, along with the other winners, were selected in fall 2013 and this spring by their institutions for the award.
Kevin McCarthy, business and economics professor at Baker University, in Baldwin City, Kan.; Michael Russell, associate professor of history at Kansas Wesleyan University, in Salina, Kan.; Karla K. Jensen, associate professor of communication at Nebraska Wesleyan University, in Lincoln, Neb.; and Jackie Glasgow, assistant professor of education at Southwestern College, in Winfield, Kan.
Read the full announcement.
Newsletter links
Kimball, Neb., UMW offers Women for Women conference
The United Methodist Women in Kimball hosted the Women for Women conference on Saturday, May 3. With the theme "Loved Beyond Measure” attendees were reminded that they have to take care of themselves before they can take care of their loved ones. The day included several speakers covering topics such as home safety, nutrition, online banking, the Doves Program, preserving quilts and skin care. A light, healthy lunch added to the caring nature of the day. The event received positive reviews with requests to repeat the event next year.
Photo: Pastor Carla Gunn starts the day with a welcome and a prayer.
Elkhorn Valley District hosts annual youth lock-in
Editor’s note: the following was written by Rhonda Surface, Elkhorn Valley District youth ministry action team co-coordinator.
The fourth annual Elkhorn Valley District UMC “Midnight Madness” Youth Lock-in for grades 7-12 was held at Wayne State College’s Rec. Center in Wayne, Neb., on March 28-29, from 10 p.m. on Friday to 7 a.m. on Saturday. The Elkhorn Valley District Youth Ministry Action Team hosted the lock-in and 160 people — 134 youth and 26 adults — gathered together from across the district.
The night started out with a group icebreaker, announcements and prayer. Afterwards, everyone got to choose the activity they wished to be involved in. Activities included swimming, basketball, volleyball and racquetball, board games, card games and other table activities. A variety of fruit, cheese, vegetables, snacks, bars, sandwiches, pop, water, Gatorade and six gallons of chocolate milk were served throughout the night.
Tim Udell of Simple Sound and Lighting, from Plainview, Neb., provided DJ music for the lock-in. Crosspoint Campus Ministry stuents from Wayne State College led the youth in interactive games, music and worship.
At 2:30 a.m., several youth and adults gathered for the “Fleece for Peace” tie-blanket mission project and in a little over two hours, 14 tie-blankets were completed. Each UMC youth group represented at the lock-in took a blanket back with home with them. The blankets will be given to someone serving in the military or a person in their church who may be going through an illness or difficult.
At 6:00 a.m., a meaningful closing worship was led by Pastors Cindi Stewart and Trudy Hanke with Pastor Stuart Davis giving a blessing over the tie-blankets. Afterwards, everyone began to pack up and say their goodbyes. Although many were tired as they walked out the door, new relationships and great memories were made after a full night of fellowship, food and fun.
Women's studies at the Great Plains Resource Center
Beth Moore is one of the most popular speakers and women’s Bible study teachers in the United States. Many women have become loyal fans and devoted to studying the Bible after hearing her passionate stories and heart felt spiritual observations. If you have done a Beth Moore study in the past and are hoping to do another one over the summer or perhaps in the fall, please know that the resource center has a very large selection of her past studies.
Moore has published two new studies in the last year. The first is entitled “Sacred Secrets.” Not all hidden things are poisonous and dark. Some secrets are forgiven, some are covered and some are kept between you and God. Join Moore in this five week Living Proof Live experience as she explores the power and positives of secrets. Find out what happens when we let God teach us “wisdom in the secret heart.” A combined study journal and leader guide is provided with the following sessions:
- The Theology of Secrecy
- Authentic Intimacy
- The Rewards of the Secret Place
- Your Father In Secret
- Secret Whispers and Rooftop Shouts.
Beth Moore’s newest Bible study is a nine session study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians and is entitled “Children of the Day.” We are all children of the light and children of the day — we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. Whether you are grocery shopping, strolling through a park or grabbing coffee — you are never without God’s light. Just as you carry that light today, the New Testament believers also carried the Spirit of God as they walked along the shore of Thessalonica.
A leader guide and workbook are available with the following lessons are:
- Background of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- The Lord’s Message Rang Out
- Entrusted With the Gospel
- Destined For This
- Taught By God
- Children of the Light
- Mobilized Ministry
- To Love the Truth
- The Lord of Peace
All of Beth Moore’s studies are published by LifeWay.
To reserve either of these studies email Diane Dunkerson at ddunkerson@greatplainsumc.org or call 800-435-6107. To view a complete list of Beth Moore studies available from the resource center go to our online catalog at www.gpresourcecenter.org.
Episcopal Diocese of Kansas extends invitation to Tocher Lecture Series
This year's Tocher Lecture will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at Grace Episcopal Cathedral (701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, Kan.). The lecture is free and open to the public, and a reception and book signing will follow.
The featured presenter is Philip Clayton, who serves as the Ingraham Professor of Theology at Claremont School of Theology, in Claremont, Calif. Dr. Clayton has made a number of innovative and creative proposals aimed at helping the church both broaden and deepen its faith and practice in today's changing world; he is also interested in the dialogue between theology, philosophy and science. Among his many publications are The Predicament of Belief (2011, with Steven Knapp), Transforming Christian Theology (2010), In Quest of Freedom (2009), Adventures in the Spirit (2008), Mind and Emergence (2004), The Problem of God in Modern Thought (2000), God and Contemporary Science (1998), and Explanation from Physics to Theology (1989). This year's lecture provides us with an opportunity to interact with someone working on the cutting edge of emerging forms of Christian faith.
At 3 p.m., Dr. Clayton will facilitate a seminar for area clergy. The seminar will also be held at Grace Episcopal Cathedral. There is no charge for clergy who wish to attend the afternoon seminar, but registration is required. Clergy interested in attending the seminar should contact the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso at rector@trinityks.org . Space is limited. Registration is not necessary to attend the evening lecture.
The Tocher Lectures is an annual series sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. The series is named after Fr. George Tocher, a priest who served the diocese for many years. The series was inaugurated by The Right Reverend Richard Grien, seventh bishop of the diocese. Over the years, the series has sponsored presentations by a range of distinguished scholars, including Stanley Hauerwas, Miroslav Volf, Gary Dorrien and John Macquarrie.
Great Plains Candidacy Summit
As the 100 year old hymn says, “The voice of God is calling its summons in our day!”
If you or someone you know is feeling the call of God toward professional ministry the Board of Ordained Ministry has created a new event to help them enter the candidacy process.
The Candidacy Summit is a two-day retreat for people entering the path to ordained or credentialed ministry. It is for anyone feeling called to the ministry of elder, deacon or local pastor who has done some discernment work with their pastor, spoken to their district superintendent, and is ready to take the next step toward professional ministry.
The first candidacy summit will be on June 27-28, 2014, at Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Neb.
The Candidacy Summit will be a place to ask questions, connect with other people who are starting the ordination process, learn about different types of ministry, and begin to understand the process used to prepare for full time service to God through The United Methodist Church. Participants will also complete some of the required testing to jump start the candidacy process.
A guide for candidacy, summit schedule and registration are available on the Great Plains website.
For more information contact the Rev. Nicole Conard, Great Plains Transition into Ministry Program director at nconard@greatplainsumc.org or 316-435-2499.
Dr. Alyce McKenzie teaches final installment of Great Preaching for the Great Plains
More than 50 pastors gathered for the last session of the Great Plains preaching seminars led by Dr. Alyce McKenzie and Dr. John Holbert, both from Perkins School of Theology.
The final topic was on the delivery of a contemporary worship service. The session ran from 2 p.m. on Monday through mid-day on Tuesday, at Lincoln’s St. Mark’s UMC.
The Rev. Evelyn Fisher, director of Congregational Excellence said the intent is to offer a similar forum for learning next year, most likely hosted in Wichita.
See video interviews:
Photo: Pastor Eric Ford discusses a topic with presenter Dr. Alyce McKenzie, professor, Perkins School of Theology, during a Tuesday morning break. The final session of the Great Preaching for the Great Plains seminars focused on delivery of the contemporary worship service.
Perkins SOT hosts theology and disability institute June 16–20
The Fifth Annual Summer Institute on Theology and Disability, will be held June 16–20, 2014, in Dallas, Texas. Deadline to register for the institute is June 2, 2014.
The theme of this year’s event is “Caring Theologically and Thinking Pastorally: Disability as a Critical Question and Questioner.” According to William Gaventa, director of the Summer Institute on Theology and Disability, “We will explore the intersections between disability and theology, which calls for thought-full and care-full negotiation, grounded in the real lives of people with disabilities and their families. This event is vital,” Gaventa adds, “because research and writing in theology and disability needs to come from and address all of the theological disciplines.”
Plenary speakers for 2014 include Jaime Clark-Soles, associate professor of New Testament at Perkins School of Theology, along with Amos Yong, Helen Betenbaugh, Darla Schumm, Ben Conner, Judith Snow and Stanley Hauerwas.
Read full story.
Pastoral care specialist training
Roger Kruger and Anna Terman-White will be offering a Pastoral Care Specialist Forum beginning Aug. 29.
The Pastoral Care Specialist Forum is a 20-session program designed for pastors and religious professionals. The term is divided into two blocks of 10, three-hour sessions, for a total of 60 hours. The first group of 10 will start in Omaha, meeting weekly from Aug. 29 through Oct. 31; Fridays from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The second group starts Jan. 9 and runs through March 13.
By meeting regularly participants can affirm what they know and integrate new concepts and skills into their ministries. Sessions will focus on areas critical to effective pastoral care – new methods, support and encouragement; plus participants will receive consultation on their current practices.
To create optimal learning conditions, class size will be limited. The cost is $1,300 for the entire 20 sessions or $675 for each group of 10. The registration deadline is August 1. For additional information or to receive a copy of the brochure and registration blank, contact either Roger Kruger (402-215-1833) at DrRogerKruger@yahoo.com; or Anna Terman-White (402-334-3044) at atw@adleriancenter.com.
Rev. Roger Kruger is a therapist and pastor, ordained with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, director of the Pastoral Care Specialist Forum, and fellow with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).
Rev. Anna Terman-White is a therapist and pastor, also ordained with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and member of AAPC.
Pastoral Excellence Network to host retreat for retirement preparation
Finishing Strong, Ending Well: Crafting the Culminating Chapter of Your Ministry will be held July 21-23, 2014, in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Are you planning to retire from full-time ministry during the next two to ten years? This event will help you make these years a vital, intentional time for culminating your ministry and also a time of exciting preparation for “what’s next.” This experience will include not only your own preparation for the next stage of your life and ministry, it will also help you work and plan effectively with your congregation in order for you to finish strong and end well.
The deadline for registration is July 7, and space is limited. Read more information and register.
Beaver Crossing tornado recovery update
At a time when the media seems to be focusing more on other areas of damage in Nebraska, disaster recovery workers in Beaver Crossing are on task. The damage to the area is much larger than previously announced. The entire county of Seward has no water or power, and no power is expected in Beaver Crossing for at least a week. For farmers the impact on their irrigation systems is devastating, plus their fields are full of debris that must be removed as soon as possible for farming to continue on schedule.
The Red Cross Multiple Agency Response Center (MARC) is headquartered in the Beaver Crossing UMC fellowship hall. From there volunteers will be coordinated, victims’ needs will be itemized and help deployed. Beaver Crossing-Utica Pastor Tamara Holtz has provided leadership and helped to establish the MARC at the United Methodist Church simply by saying yes to the request to host it there. She led clean-up efforts to the fellowship hall in preparation for establishing the MARC.
Volunteers needed
There is need for volunteers to staff the MARC. Additional volunteers are needed to help walk areas of town and continue to assess damage and extend information to townspeople on how to receive help.
Volunteers from the Utica UMC and a group of early responders from Hastings were at work on Tuesday. Great Plains Disaster Response Coordinator Linda Stewart said she is expecting volunteers from Lawrence and Hastings, Neb., Holton and Hutchinson, Kan., plus a chain saw group is forming at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection to come and help remove large debris.
A Mennonite Christian Aid group is collaborating alongside United Methodists and others to make a difference in Beaver Crossing.
Volunteers are needed to help farmers locate and remove debris from their fields.
Items needed
United Methodist Committee on Relief Health Kits are needed as are blankets and towels with wash clothes. Items can be dropped off at the Beaver Crossing UMC. More than 227 area homes were impacted by the Sunday night storms and tornadoes, leaving many without much more than the clothes they were wearing. 16 homes were completely destroyed, and another 22 had major damage.
Stewart noted meeting one family whose modular home was completely destroyed along with about 30 trees on the property. She said when she asked the mother of the family for what they need, the woman responded that she didn’t think they’d need any help. Stewart seeing that the woman was completely overwhelmed and bewildered said, “Maybe you could use some help with debris removal.” To which the woman replied, “Yes, that would be wonderful.”
In another encounter, Stewart met a United Methodist family with whom they stood and prayed. Stewart said one of the most important things is to affirm with people that support is there for the long haul of recovery. Sometimes standing and offering prayer is enough, she said.
Those interested in volunteering should check in at the MARC located at the Beaver Crossing UMC or call 316-706-2384.
Disaster response in Baxter Springs enters long-term recovery phase
Much has been accomplished in Baxter Springs, Kan., following the April 27, 2014 tornado. The damage to homes and businesses was significant, leaving behind a wake of debris and chaos. The Relief Phase of this disaster is quickly ramping down with destroyed homes being demolished, debris hauled off, roofs tarped, and people finding temporary places to live.
UMC Volunteers have been wonderful and have helped meet with survivors to learn about their needs at the Multiple Agency Resource Center held in the high school, hand out UMCOR blankets, bedding kits, health kits, school and layette kits, tarps and gift cards, plus help with setting up an office, finding furniture, bringing in the shower and tool trailers, and debris clean-up in the community.
We helped 76 of the 101 families requesting help. Great Plains Disaster Response Coordinator Linda Stewart said, “Many thanks to Robilea Swindell for contributing her skills and knowledge of disaster response, plus organizing the office operations over the past two weeks. We've handed out supplies from UMCOR (bedding kits, blankets, health kits, school kits, layette kits, gift cards, and tarps) plus sent out teams to help with tarping and debris removal at 14 homes.”
Plans are now underway for the long-term recovery phase, a time when case management is done to help survivors find the needed funds to repair and rebuild their homes. On May 6th, just 10 days after the tornado, Rev. Wayne Handle, pastor of Baxter Springs First United Methodist Church, and other leaders organized an initial meeting at the church to discuss the need for leaders in the Baxter Springs community to form a long-term recovery committee. This group will become a coalition of churches, nonprofits, businesses, and civic organizations, to coordinate benefits and volunteers to help survivors. As Great Plains United Methodists, we will be a part of that coalition and will continue to share in the leadership, providing spiritual and emotional care, financial support, and volunteers who will help rebuild and repair.
At this time are seeking funding and volunteers who will work in the office at least a day a week, assist with case management, assess how and what is needed to repair a home, and coordinate volunteers. To learn more about these volunteer opportunities, contact the United Methodist Disaster Recovery Center in Baxter Springs at 316-641-9549 or umc.dr.baxter@greatplainsumc.org.
PHOTO: Volunteers meet at the Baxter Springs Disaster Recovery office to get instructions on their next project and to hand out supplies to tornado survivors. Shown in the photo from left to right: Kay Smith from Holton Evangel UMC, Ray Hefley from Baxter Springs 1st UMC, Carl Carlson from St. Paul’s UMC in Joplin, MO, and Robilea Swindell from First UMC in Lawrence, KS.
Harris named site manager in Baxter Springs
Lin Harris has joined the disaster response as staff in Baxter Springs as the site manager. Harris will be responsible for leading and coordinating the long-term recovery phase, recruiting, engaging and equipping volunteers to help with case management, construction and assisting with office work. Harris brings considerable disaster response ministry experience to the position, having led volunteer coordination for the United Methodist disaster response efforts in Joplin, Mo. She will office at First United Methodist Church, Baxter Springs, and can be reached by cell at 316-641-9549 or email at umc.dr.baxter@greatplainsumc.org. There is an urgent need for volunteer case managers and office help; please contact Harris to get involved as together United Methodists offer tangible hope to the people in Baxter Springs as they continue repairing and rebuilding their lives.
How kidnappings in Nigeria affect the Jalingo Orphanage
Are you wondering how the kidnappings in Nigeria may be affecting the Jalingo Orphanage? We have an update written by Dorothy Halvorsen.
Also available is a litany, We Speak Your Names, for your worship and ministry experiences this Sunday and the coming weeks. The litany is from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference.
Photo: Dorothy Halvorsen works with a student and the head teacher Magdiel Juaro who is shown in the second photo with other students. These photos were taken in February when the Great Plains Conference sent a team to Nigeria.
General Board of Church and Society releases Nigerian schoolgirl prayer
The following prayer is offered on behalf of the more than 250 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped April 14, by Boko Haram.
Read the prayer on the General Board of Church and Society’s website.
JFON-NE celebrates year-long partnership with congregations
Editor's note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains peace with justice coordinator.
“Loving others through Christ by helping our neighbors”
This is how Saresa, one of the Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON-NE) volunteers describes her involvement with the monthly legal clinics at Nuevo Pacto/First UMC in Lexington, Neb. This JFON-NE clinic started last spring and has been going strong for one year now with the Rev. Cesar Duran and Andrea Palacios sharing the volunteer responsibilities of clinic coordinators. During this time, many clients have come to the church to receive a private consultation with one of the attorneys adding up to 102 cases. JFON-NE attorneys specialize in immigration law which is very complicated. After the initial consultation, the decision is made depending on each individual case if JFON-NE will continue to work with the client and represent them.
JFON-NE volunteers are an integral and important part of the work. They open their hearts and lives to welcome our neighbors. At the First UMC clinic, the volunteers come from Nuevo Pacto, the Hispanic ministries congregation. When asked why she volunteers, Eva emphasized how important it is for her to be able to help others, giving them information and getting them connected to JFON-NE.
Recently, Martina joined the Nuevo Pacto congregation. She first came as a JFON-NE client. “My papers are not in order yet but I have found a new family in Christ,” she said at a recent meeting with JFON-NE staff and the volunteers in Lexington. Thank you First UMC and Nuevo Pacto for opening your hearts and doors to welcome all of God’s people.
JFON-NE is a faith-driven ministry, welcoming immigrants into our communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. It is one of our Great Plains Conference Advances and Mission Agencies. To learn more about JFON-NE or to give a financial gift, go to www.jfon-ne.org.
Photo: Martina, Carmen and Saresa are preparing for JFON-NE clients by providing hospitality and a meal.
Mark your calendar for Omaha Gives
United Methodist Ministries’ Big Garden is a beneficiary of the Give Omaha! Community giving project scheduled for May 21. Download this flier. Through the Big Garden network, United Methodist Ministries grew 68 tons of fresh vegetables in 2013, sharing tomatoes, peppers, and carrots with people who don't have regular access to fresh, healthy foods.
We know that our work through the Big Garden wouldn't be successful without your help. In fact, the financial support of friends like you has helped us build a network of more than 80 gardens in Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa over the past nine years.
Young men mission trip opportunity
Is your church able to provide our youth with a mission opportunity? Wish you could? Now the GP Conference UMM has solved your problem. We now offer a one week Mission Impact Tour (MIT) for young men ages 15 -20.
This year we will gather at Wichita Calvary on Sunday afternoon , July 13th to leave early the next morning for Camp Fontanelle in Nebraska where will help with general maintenance of the camp as well as take advantage of the zip line, hiking trials and other recreational activities. On Thursday we will move to the Omaha area where we will stay at St Andrews UMC. We will get a guided tour of Boys Town and learn of the important mission they serve to young men and woman and families in need. We will also help at a local minority church. We will come back to Calvary on Sunday, July 20th.
Our vision is to not only build a bridge to the future with our young men, but by taking advantage of our connectedness, to help churches who do not have the resources to provide this type of Christian growth opportunity.
You can help by sending a youth on the trip. Go to www.missionimpacttour.org to register a young man, to donate money so that somebody else may go or to get more info about the MIT. We can only take 30 with us on the trip so it will be a first registered basis and registration closes May 31. The future of the church is now!
Peace with Justice Sunday to be in June
Editor's note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains peace with justice coordinator.
With Peace with Justice (PWJ) Sunday we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and witness to God’s demand for a faithful, just, disarmed and secure world. The special offering benefits peace with justice ministries in the Great Plains Conference as well as worldwide.
The PWJ Sunday is one of our six denomination wide special Sundays that strengthens our connection across the church. It is always scheduled for the first Sunday after Pentecost. This year this falls on June 15, but local churches can choose any Sunday to observe it.
All three former conferences that now make up the Great Plains Conference have participated in the PWJ Sunday in the past. We want to continue this tradition and strengthen it in our new conference. Part of the offering goes to the General Board of Church and Society for grants to peace with justice projects around the world, while the other part of the offering stays in our conference. This March, twelve students from United Methodist Campus Ministry at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan., and Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., went on a spring break service/learning trip with the theme of “where do you call home.” This trip was partially funded through PWJ offerings. “People just sometimes need to stop and think what they would do in that man or women's shoes who are struggling to survive," said Brett, reflecting on his experience.
A variety of resources are available and offering envelopes can be ordered for free.
Videos on the Great Plains website:
Order free offering envelopes.
Photo: Students from Emporia State University and Washburn University on a learning trip during spring break
Newsletter from missionary David Upp
Missionary David Upp shares his May 9 edition entitled, “A Caribbean Easter.”
Kruseing the Capitol
The Rev. Lowen Kruse is a former Nebraska state legislator and an engaged United Methodist. Kruseing the Capitol is a monthly editorial on various topics on what it means to be both a Christian and politically active.
Director of music and worship leader needed in Salina, Kan.
United Methodist Church of the Cross in Salina, Kan., is accepting resumes for a director of music and worship leader. This position is responsible for developing and coordinating an effective music program for both traditional and contemporary worship and special events. Must have: knowledge of music and demonstrate proficiency in directing vocal and instrumental groups; experience with computer and multi-media software involved in worship; organizational skills and ability to recruit and work with volunteers; and an ability to plan and lead worship with pastor. Approximately 15-20 hours/week. Candidate must pass a background check.
You can email your resume to coc@coc-salina.org, or you can mail it to: Staff Parish Relations Committee, UM Church of the Cross, 1600 Rush St. Salina, KS 67401. You can also contact the church at 785-825-5170.
Young adult ministry coordinator sought in Omaha, Neb.
Rockbrook UMC, in Omaha, Neb., is looking for a young adult ministry coordinator, who will work with young adults (ages 18-35). This new, part-time, position, will work along with the pastor and other appropriate committees, would develop and implement ministries for young adults. These ministries will have a “four-point” discipleship thrust. For more information, please go to www.rockbrookumc.com.
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Want to submit a letter to the editor? Email Kathryn Witte at kwitte@greatplainsumc.org
