Download the printable version of the Oct. 17 issue of GPconnect.

In this edition:

THIS WEEK'S NEWS
'It is a perfect time to show your pastors just how good of a job they are doing'
Salina District draws record crowd of 375 for bishop’s town hall
Nationwide, United Methodists fill town halls to talk about future
Sense of community means growing church numbers in Lindsborg
New format of daily devotionals welcomes your contributions

CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Culture of Call grant funds distributed to seven in Great Plains
‘Developing Your Ministry Plan’ is subject of upcoming webinars

EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
Institute for Discipleship starts new podcast, 'The Listening Chair'
OneEvent seeking volunteers for Jan. 5-6 gathering in Salina
Camp Fontanelle fall fun activities include maze, wilderness run/hike

MERCY & JUSTICE
For the Transformation of the World talks gender, sexual violence and faith

DISASTER RESPONSE
UMCOR begins local response after Hurricane Michael

ADMINISTRATION
Farmers can give the gift of grain to church through Kansas UM Foundation

ACROSS THE CONNECTION
O’Neill putting people above politics, two months after immigration raid
Floods leave church engulfed by water, but inside of Mitchell Chapel is dry
Wichita East Heights' stolen trailer is recovered thanks to Good Samaritan
In other news
Resources
WellSprings Journal transitions into podcast
Newsletters
Blogs and opinion
The week ahead
Classifieds

'It is a perfect time to show your pastors just how good of a job they are doing'

During Clergy Appreciation Month, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. is sharing this brief video to all of the clergy of the Great Plains Conference to thank them for their ongoing efforts to preach and teach the Gospel throughout the Great Plains Conference.

Watch the bishop's video.

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Salina District draws record
crowd of 375 for bishop’s town hall

The 13th stop on Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr.’s town hall tour of the Great Plains Conference brought the largest attendance – and was perhaps the most vocal. Some audience members burst into applause after statements from the crowd, even though Bishop Saenz instructed them not to at the onset of Sunday’s town hall at Salina Trinity UMC.

So far, more than 3,100 people have attended the town halls, with five remaining. The next is at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, when the Flint Hills District gets its turn at Council Grove UMC.

Nationwide, United Methodists
fill town halls to talk about future

The Great Plains isn’t the only conference where United Methodists are speaking their opinions about the 2019 special session of the General Conference. Conference meetings aimed at informing people feature tutorials on the legislative options for helping the denomination remain unified despite persistent division over homosexuality. The United Methodist News Service reports on how the conversations – including some of the 18 in the Great Plains Conference -- have gone.

Read this recap.

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Sense of community means
growing church numbers in Lindsborg

A new wave of attendees in the past two years has meant growing numbers at Lindsborg Trinity United Methodist Church.

Since the arrival of the Rev. Nancy Crowl, the church has resumed Sunday school classes for children. She has created a “God Squad,” a biweekly fellowship for youth in the fourth to sixth grade.

“I’m getting them used to being here outside Sunday morning,” Crowl said.

New format of daily devotionals welcomes your contributions

Have you read our NEW daily devotional? Each day we send a short meditation, written by a member of our conference, along with a scripture, prayer for reflection, and a list of conference clergy and staff who are on the daily prayer list. If you enjoy reading The Upper Room, you will like this devotional series written exclusively by the people of the Great Plains!

Could you be our next writer? If you would like to submit a reflection for our daily devotions, here is what you must do:
1. Email Lisa at lsoukup@greatplainsumc.org
2. Lisa will send you a date and the lectionary (scripture) choices for that day.
3. You choose the verse from that group that speaks to you and write a short devotional, no more than 300 words, and a two-sentence prayer.
4. Send it back to Lisa at least one week before the publish date, and include your church and district with your name.

You can read some examples on our website: https://www.greatplainsumc.org/dailydevotions

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Clergy Excellence

Culture of Call grant funds
distributed to seven in Great Plains

Four churches, two campus ministries and one camp are the recipients of the fall Culture of Call grants from the Great Plains Conference.

Campus ministries at the University of Kansas and Southwestern College were awarded grants, as was Camp Chippewa, three churches in Kansas and one in Nebraska.

“We continue to be excited to see the way that groups within the Great Plains UMC are envisioning what it looks like to support a Culture of Call in their churches, campus ministries and camps,” said the Rev. Ashlee Alley Crawford, clergy recruitment and development coordinator. “A number of the grants are finding ways to connect people who are exploring their faith with strong mentoring relationships. Also, internships continue to be an opportunity for someone to explore their calling.”

‘Developing Your Ministry Plan’
is subject of upcoming webinars

Two webinars for on “Developing Your Ministry Plan” will be conducted by Discipleship Ministries this month.

The first part, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, will be presented by Craig Kennet Miller, director of congregational development at Discipleship Ministries. Participants will learn key ideas about forming a leadership team, how to connect with their communities, and identifying their settings for ministry.

The second will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, also presented by Miller. Participants will focus on small groups and worship as they learn the keys to creating a discipleship system.

Both webinars will be archived for those unable to attend the live event.

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Equipping Disciples

Institute for Discipleship starts new
podcast, 'The Listening Chair'

The Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship has launched a new podcast that explores career, vocation and listening to God. Through recorded interviews, guests on “The Listening Chair” share how they live into the calling of being a beloved child of God, and how they live out this love through their vocational calling. Stories from people of all ages, stages of life, and career fields will be shared.

Hosted by Meg Calvin and Miranda Priddy, the podcast launched in September, and has released a pilot and five full episodes. The hosts plan to release a total of 20 episodes for the first season, with one new episode every other week. Both hosts are members of First United Methodist Church in Winfield, Kansas, and several of the episodes will feature United Methodists from the Great Plains Conference.

“Podcasts are becoming more mainstream and easy to access,” says Priddy. “‘The Listening Chair’ is the Institute’s way of moving forward with technology for the church at large but keeping the longstanding practice of testimony.”

The podcast is one of a number of programs and initiatives from the Institute for Discipleship that aim to help young people hear God’s voice and become stronger disciples.

“As the Institute builds more programs for Gen Z and Millennials, it became necessary to start gathering stories of dream jobs and divine nudges to help young people navigate leaps of faith despite discouraging voices and unclear next steps,” says Calvin. “There’s something healing and encouraging about stories. They tell you that other people have had the same struggles you’re experiencing and have come through them.”
While the podcast is intended to help young people choose career paths, Calvin and Priddy recommend it to anyone who doubts their next career steps or wants to match a career to passions and interests.

“If you think you chose the wrong career, are sick of people telling you that there is no money in the line of work you’re dreaming of, or that the job you want does not exist, come on over and get cozy for a listen,” says Priddy. “Chances are, listening to our guests’ stories will help you write your own.”
“The Listening Chair” is available for download at iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Podbean. Those interested can also listen at www.institutefordiscipleship.org/listeningchair or connect via Facebook and Twitter.

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OneEvent seeking volunteers
for Jan. 5-6 gathering in Salina

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5-6, is set to be an awesome weekend of spiritual growth, fellowship and fun for all the youth in the Great Plains Conference.

The OneEvent will be held at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina, and it our hope that we rock the house with hundreds of our youth!
Expecting lots of youth calls for many, many volunteers to help make this a rich and meaningful event.

If you would like to share your time with our youth, please sign up at https://gp-reg.brtapp.com/OneEventVolunteerApplication2019 Also, be sure to follow the link to the sign-up genius to select your location and time!
Thank you for giving of your time for the youth of the Great Plains Annual Conference.

Check out this video promoting the 2019 OneEvent.

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Camp Fontanelle fall fun activities include maze, wilderness run/hike

“Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh MY!” That is some of what you might see over the next two weekends at Camp Fontanelle.

Camp Fontanelle will host their Search for Treats in the Maze on Sundays, October 21 and 28, from 2-4 p.m. This is a community event which benefits the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Campaign on the 21st and the Simon Says: Life a better life Foundation on the 28th. (The SS Foundation is collecting toys to hold monthly birthday parties for children at the Open Door Mission in Omaha.)

With a new, unwrapped toy valued at $5 or more, guests will receive a coupon for free entrance to the Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze. A Marine will be on site on the 21st and a representative from the Simon Says Foundation on the 28th will be at the camp collecting the toys. If a toy is not donated, the regular entrance fees apply.

On the 21st, the camp will also have live entertainment. M.O.M. Puppet Ministry (Methodist On a Mission) will be performing at the Rock, outside the 7:24 Shelter and Nikki’s Dance Studio, from Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, will be dancing throughout the day on the stage at the Petting Barn.

The camp is encouraging United Methodist congregations to come out to camp on the 28th to support Camp Fontanelle, while enjoying time together as a church family. There are things for all ages to do out at the camp. Support the ministry at Camp Fontanelle by visiting the corn maze and pumpkin patch on the 28th.

There is a chance for those who enjoy traversing the trails out at Camp Fontanelle on Saturday, October 27. The ninth Annual Halloween Wilderness 5K Run/1.25 Mile Hike is still taking registrations for this fun event. Dress in costume to run up and down the trails at Camp Fontanelle. Use the online registration to register for the run/walk.

After the Run/Walk, enjoy a prepared lunch and get your free pass to the corn maze & pumpkin patch. Costumes are encouraged. Medals will be given for 1st -3rd place in categories. All children 14 and under will receive medals.

And don’t forget the Scary Maze nights for those who like to let their imagination run wild. Scary Maze nights are from 7-10 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 19 and 26 and Saturday, Oct. 20. Movies will be running at the Petting Barn outdoor screen throughout the night.

For more information, contact the camp at 402-478-4296. Camp Fontanelle is located at 9677 County Road 3, 2 miles south of Highway 91 and the community of Fontanelle.

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Mercy & Justice

For the Transformation of the World talks gender, sexual violence and faith

Retired Bishop Ann Sherer-Simpson (left) and Jamie Snyder will present workshops at the annual “For the Transformation of the World” event, Oct. 27, at Lexington First United Methodist in Nebraska.

The Mercy and Justice Committee will host the event which focuses on the truth that girls and boys, women and men are all created in the image of God, are of sacred value, and have an equal right in society and the church.
Bishop Sherer-Simpson will lead discussion of women’s leadership in the workplace and the church. She will incorporate her personal experiences in church leadership, including barriers and support systems she encountered.
Snyder’s Workshop on sexual violence will help participants define sexual violence and learn what happens with victims and what motivates perpetrators. Participants will look at the “why” it happens and what we as Christians can do.

A third workshop will be offered by Dr. Gerise Herndon, professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Additional information the Transformation Event and Registration forms can be found here.

For those who have to travel 200 or more miles, free lodging will be available at Camp Comeca on Friday night as well as some mileage reimbursement.

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Disaster Response

UMCOR begins local
response after Hurricane Michael

UMCOR partners have begun their local response in the Alabama-West Florida, South Georgia and Florida Conferences after Hurricane Michael on the Gulf Coast. Other neighboring conferences have provided assistance, and all were well prepared to respond quickly using UMCOR response training and the UMCOR supply network.

Affected conferences are not yet ready to receive out-of-conference volunteers. Those wishing to provide assistance should not self-deploy or donate unsolicited items. Many areas are still engaged in emergency response efforts.

Administration

Farmers can give the gift of grain to church through Kansas UM Foundation

In Deuteronomy 26 we read, “Now I bring the first fruits of the soil that you, LORD, have given me.” Giving of the first fruits from the land is a statement of faith that God will help us bring in the whole harvest. It is a commitment that God who brought about the growth from the seeds we have planted will bring it to fruition. Have you considered giving to God the grain that comes from the land?

The Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation can assist you in giving grain to any United Methodist church, organization or affiliated institution. This service of the Foundation is intended to assist those United Methodist charities that do not have the ability to readily receive and process gifts of grain.

Why Donate Grain Directly
For many cash-basis farmers, significant tax savings can be achieved by donating grain directly to their church or other favorite United Methodist charity.

Tax Savings
Many farmers do not itemize deductions because the standard deduction has greatly increased over the years. Therefore, typical cash gifts to their church or charity do not save additional taxes. When executed properly and by contributing grain directly to a church or charity, the cash-basis farmer avoids reporting the sale of the grain as income and still includes the cost of growing the grain in expenses which saves on self-employment tax, federal income tax and state income tax.

Key Points
1. Timing: Donate grain grown in the current or previous years’ harvest any time during the tax year.
2. Unsold commodity: The gift should be from unsold crop inventory, with no prior sale commitment made on the gift.
3. Physical delivery: Be sure the gift is farm commodities, not warehouse receipts, which could be considered a cash equivalent. The church or charity must be able to demonstrate “control and dominion” over the gifted property.
4. No control: The farmer can not provide any guidance in the transfer agreement as to the retention or sale of the gifted commodity.
5. Documentation: Either a properly executed warehouse receipt in the church’s or charity’s name, or a notarized letter of transfer for crops stored on the farm can be used. The original sales invoice should list the charity as the seller.
6. Storage & transportation costs: After the transfer, the church or charity should assume costs of storage, marketing and transportation as well as bear any risk of loss.
7. Crop share leases: Gifting will not work for a crop share landlord. A share of a crop received as rental payment is considered the equivalent of rental income.
8. Unfamiliarity of charity: Farmers should be aware that their church may not be familiar with receiving this type of gift.

Contact the Foundation at 1-888-453-8405, www.kaumf.org, or foundation@kaumf.org for assistance if needed or to learn more on how you can support your church or favorite charity.

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Across the Connection

O’Neill putting people above politics,
two months after immigration raid

Two months after an immigration raid led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents that targeted a local Hispanic businessman and his family’s “slave labor” operation, O’Neill, Nebraska, continues to feel the effect.

And continuing to lead the cause to help those families left stranded after the raid is the O’Neill United Methodist Church.

“We aren’t called to judge or make decisions based on our own opinions; we’re called as a Christian community to be Jesus’ hands and feet, to love people,” the Rev. Brian Loy, the pastor at the Methodist church, told Omaha World-Herald reporter Paul Hammel in this article.

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Floods leave church engulfed by water,
but inside of Mitchell Chapel is dry

Last week’s heavy rains in south central Kansas has spawned floods, some of which hit Mitchell Chapel north of Hutchinson rather severely.

See more in this report from Sunday from KWCH.

Rev. Jeff Goetzinger reported to the Great Plains Conference on Monday that the church building was finally able to be opened, with no water damage inside the building.

“Now my hope is to mobilize my congregation to be host/hostesses and open our church for those in the area to take a break from cleanup, a place to talk, and also a place to pray,” he wrote in an email.

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Wichita East Heights' stolen trailer is recovered thanks to Good Samaritan

There’s a happy ending to news reports of a trailer stolen from the parking lot of Wichita East Heights United Methodist Church late last week.

The trailer was recovered by police late Monday night.

“A Good Samaritan realized the trailer he bought over the weekend was probably our stolen trailer and called the police,” according to a post on the East Heights Facebook page. “There is usually a 2-3% chance they recover stolen trailers, but because of friends sharing all over social media and the news stations telling our story, there is a good ending to the story for us. Thank you to everyone who played a part and to our friends at the (Wichita Police Department).”

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In other news

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Resources

WellSprings Journal transitions into podcast

For 30 years, the WellSprings Journal has been a community for United Methodist clergywomen – a place to connect and exchange information and ideas, speak grace and compassion, and reclaim the essence of the Gospel as revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Readers have found comfort and inspiration in the pages of the Journal, from the time it was distributed on paper through the online format since 2010. And now a new era begins with the WellSprings Journal Podcast, now available on all major podcast networks, and at www.wellspringspodcast.org.

The first three episodes from the 2018 season have the theme “Claim Who We Are in Christ.” New episodes will be added weekly. Here’s what’s currently available:

What’s in a Name? – Jacqueline Rose-Tucker (North Georgia Area of the United Methodist Church).
Reflections on Native Christian Identity and the Longing for Coming Home – Lisa A. Dellinger (Oklahoma Indian Missionary Area of the United Methodist Church.)
Claiming My Identity, Walking My Truth – Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (Resident Bishop, Baltimore-Washington Area of the United Methodist Church).

More and more people are discovering podcasts as a convenient way to get information and entertainment on-demand. You can listen on a computer or with a smartphone, in the car or on a treadmill in the gym – wherever and whenever you want!

At www.wellspringspodcast.org, you’ll also find time-stamped transcripts of each episode that are perfect for sharing, and there’s a place for comments and discussion. There are also links to iTunes, GooglePlay, Stitcher and other sites where you can have each episode downloaded to your device.

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Newsletters

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Blogs and opinion

Evaluating the GC2019 organizational plan: The veil on how the upcoming special 2019 General Conference will unfold has been lifted at least a little with the release of the plan from the Commission on General Conference. Lonnie D. Brooks (pictured above), a reserve lay delegate from Alaska, praises some of the organizational plan, but raises concerns about other points.
‘Gracious exit’ should be first on agenda: In February, The United Methodist Church will have a special General Conference aimed at finding a way forward after decades of division over homosexuality. Three main legislative plans are to be considered. But the Rev. Keith Boyette, president of the Wesleyan Covenant Association, says delegates should first approve a gracious exit plan for churches wishing to leave the denomination.

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The week ahead

Today: Mainstream UMC informational meeting, Abilene First UMC
Thursday: Youth Workers Re-Ignite!, Baldwin City
Friday: Lay Servant Courses, Camp Comeca, Cozad
Friday-Sunday: Partners in Ministry Retreat, Concordia, Kansas
Friday-Saturday: Aging and Ministry Lay Servant Course, Grand Island First-Faith UMC
Friday-Saturday: Aging and Ministry Advanced Lay Servant Class, Crawford (Nebraska) UMC
Saturday: Topeka District Lay Servant Training, Topeka Grace UMC
Saturday: Early response team training, Belle Plaine (Kansas) UMC
Sunday: Flint Hills District town hall meeting, Council Grove UMC

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Classifieds

View other advertising and submit your own free entry at greatplainsumc.org/classifieds.

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