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Download the printable version of the December 18 issue of GPconnect.

In this edition:

THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Bishop shares thoughts on season, mission shares in Advent message
Year ahead could bring monumental changes, new events in Great Plains
Churches will see increases in property insurance premiums for 2020
Camp Fontanelle raises $2.4 million, with $900,000 to go for new center
What should a Christmas welcome look like? Some churches have answers
We hope your Christmas is blessed, joyful; offices closed Dec. 24-25, Jan. 1

ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Thanks to everyone who made AC2019 possible; help sought for 2020 edition

CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Dare to Dream Like Jesus online workshop offered in January, February
‘Preparing for Your Future’ workshop set for April 20-22 in Salina
Wesley Pilgrimage set for July 27- Aug. 6; some scholarships are available

EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
Camp Lakeside names Ross Janovec as new site director
Camp registration opens on Jan. 1; end-of-year giving opportunities await
Student day offerings help future leaders; scholarship apps open Jan. 3
Nebraskans visit Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville
Denver UMC ministry offers experience, challenges of urban life
Expectations are in full bloom this time of year

MERCY & JUSTICE
Webinar on community organizing for justice scheduled for Jan. 18
Consider the 'stuff' of our lives this Christmas season

ADMINISTRATION
Remittances for 2019 are due no later than Jan. 8

RESOURCES
New UMC ad campaign offers encouragement through community

ACROSS THE CONNECTION
Lawrence First UMC opens its doors as cold weather shelter
Simple act of buying food receives appreciation from student in SE Kansas
Space sought in churches for census assistance centers
Newsletters
Blogs and commentaries
Classifieds 

 

Bishop shares thoughts on season,
mission shares in Advent message

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. brings greetings and prayers for the Advent season in this new video, as well as an appreciation for the work that clergy and laity are accomplishing in the Great Plains.

“Your love for God, your passion for the people and your love for the church shines as brightly as the stars of Bethlehem,” he said.

Acknowledging an “extremely difficult year” with the special session of the General Conference as well as a rapid succession of climate events in Nebraska and Kansas, the bishop thanked those who had donated more than $850,000 to the conference’s disaster relief fund.

Bishop Saenz also explained mission shares, each church’s contribution to funds that support local and global ministries throughout the two states, the Midwest, the nation and the world.

“Friends, our unity in Christ is greater than any conflict,” he said. “Our church accomplishes much more through us when we share in a unified diversity and unified ministry than through what any single congregation can alone.”

Watch the video here.
Read the Christmas letter from the Council of Bishops.

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Year ahead could bring monumental
changes, new events in Great Plains

As with the brink of any new year, there’s anticipation of what may lie ahead in the next 12 months.

But 2020 could likely be a monumental year in The United Methodist Church. It is the end of a quadrennium, meaning both General and Jurisdictional conferences will take place, and the former is anticipated to see major changes in the denomination.

Here’s a look at what are likely to be key events in the year ahead, both in the Great Plains Conference and The United Methodist Church worldwide.

Read more here.

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Churches will see increases in
property insurance premiums for 2020

Some churches in the Great Plains Conference could see their property insurance premiums increase by at least 25% in 2020. 

The churches were part of a mandatory insurance program implemented by the former Kansas East Conference in 1999. About 50 churches that were formerly in the Kansas West and Nebraska conferences opted for similar policies. 

The increase comes after a 30% decrease in premiums that was offered in 2017 for a three-year period. 

Read more here.

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Camp Fontanelle raises $2.4 million,
with $900,000 to go for new center

Nearly $2.4 million in donations and pledges has been raised for a new retreat center at Camp Fontanelle, with another $900,000 needed in the next year and a half to complete the project, site director Trent Meyer said.

Located northeast of Fremont, Nebraska, Camp Fontanelle celebrated its 60th anniversary earlier this year and broke ground for the new retreat center, a 14,000-square-foot building that not only will serve campers but will create a new market for groups seeking overnight accommodations for meetings outside of camp season.

Read more here.

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What should a Christmas welcome
look like? Some churches have answers

New research shows more spiritual seekers are interested in visiting a United Methodist church. As congregations prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, Heather Hahn from the United Methodist News Service reports on different ways churches are saying “Welcome home” on Christmas Eve.

Read more here.

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We hope your Christmas is blessed, joyful; offices closed Dec. 24-25, Jan. 1

In anticipation of the celebration of the birth of our Savior, the conference and district offices will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Offices also will be closed on New Year's Day.

We wish you a blessed, joyful and memorable holiday.

GPconnect will not be published the next two Wednesdays, but will return on Jan. 8. Any news between now and then can be found on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Annual Conference

Thanks to everyone who made AC2019 possible; help sought for 2020 edition

It takes a lot of people a lot of time and work to create the Annual Conference each year, the Rev. Melinda Harwood says. And in this last week before the holidays, Harwood -- a member of the planning committee for the conference -- takes time to thank everyone who was a part of the 2019 AC.

She also invites anyone interested in helping with the 2020 edition to volunteer now, as plans are rolling for the session, May 27-30 in Topeka.

Read more here.

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Clergy Excellence

Dare to Dream Like Jesus online workshop offered in January, February

Jesus was a visionary who dreamed big dreams. Those dreams are reflected in his prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is heaven.” Although we follow this visionary, our churches are not always thriving.

Why? Almost 100% of church decline is due to lack of a bold vision.

Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter will help you discover how to dream like Jesus in “Dare to Dream Like Jesus,” a life-giving, faith-building, interactive course that will show how to bring those dreams to fruition.

When: Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28, and February 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
Sessions will be recorded.
Cost: $179, includes a signed copy of “Dream Like Jesus: Deepen Your Faith and Bring the Impossible to Life.”
Click here to register today.

Rebekah Simon-Peter, who pastored churches for over 25 years, is now the creator of an award-winning group coaching program, Creating a Culture of Renewal and has energized church leaders across the country to reclaim their calling and to grow their ministries. Known for teaching leaders how to bring out the best in the people who frustrate them the most, her work transforms church leaders and the congregations they serve.

Simon-Peter is the author of “Dream Like Jesus: Deepen Your Faith and Bring the Impossible to Life,” “The Jew Named Jesus,” “Green Church” and “7 Simple Steps to Green Your Church.” Read more about her at www.rebekahsimonpeter.com.

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‘Preparing for Your Future’
workshop set for April 20-22 in Salina

The Great Plains Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits, along with the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, invite you to “Preparing for Your Future,” April 20-22 at Salina Trinity UMC. 
 
All active clergy members of the United Methodist Church who are preparing for their future. Spouses are welcome. 
 
This event is an opportunity to learn about the many benefit issues that affect your life and ministry. You will be given guidance on an active ministry to a retirement lifestyle. Caring for one’s physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being is essential to maintaining — even improving — one’s quality of life. 
 
For any participants who need lodging, the UMC Board of Pensions will cover the cost of the Monday and Tuesday night stay at a hotel. If you indicate on the registration form that you need lodging, the UMC Board of Pensions will make the arrangements. You will not need to make your own reservations. 
 
The Monday night meal, Tuesday lunch and dinner will be provided by the Great Plains Conference Board of Pensions. Event begins at noon on Monday and ends at noon on Wednesday. 
 
Download the seminar brochure here for more information.
Register for “Preparing for Your Future.”

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Wesley Pilgrimage set for July 27-
Aug. 6; some scholarships are available

An 11-day Wesley Pilgrimage is scheduled for July 27 to Aug. 6.
Scholarships are available for Commissioned Provisional Elders and Deacons, Licensed Local Pastors, Lay Servants and Certified Lay Ministers that reduces the registration fee to $1,095.

The deadline for application is Jan. 30.

More information is available here.

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Equipping Disciples

Camp Lakeside names
Ross Janovec as new site director

Camp Lakeside, near Scott City, Kansas, has named Ross Janovec as the new site director.

Janovec comes to Camp Lakeside after many years serving Camp Fontanelle in Nebraska as a camp counselor, fall program employee and volunteer.

An Omaha native, he is a 2011 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in elementary education, and has previously worked for schools, group homes and the U.S. Postal Service.

Janovec is excited to bring his love for camping ministries to Camp Lakeside since it is at camp that he first owned his relationship with Jesus Christ as his savior. It is his hope to bring that opportunity to many campers and retreat goers at Camp Lakeside as well. 

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Camp registration opens on Jan. 1;
end-of-year giving opportunities await

For children and youth ready to attend one of the five camps in the Great Plains Conference, the countdown begins on New Year's Day.

That's when registration opens for Camps Norwesca, Fontanelle, Lakeside, Horizon and Chippewa. And there's an early bird discount for anyone who registers before May 1. (March 31 is the deadline for Fontanelle.)

More information is available at greatplainsumc.org/camps.

For those wanting to give the gift of camp, information is available below, along with a QR code to obtain more information.

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Student day offerings help future leaders; scholarship apps open Jan. 3

Thank you to churches who participated in the United Methodist Student Day offerings.

In 2019, $144,737 in United Methodist scholarships were awarded to 58 Great Plains college students from 52 churches. Thank you for your generosity!

The General Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry has opened spring loan applications. The scholarship applications for 2020 will open on Jan. 3. For more information, go to www.gbhem.org/loans-scholarships/scholarships/ or email nconard@greatplainsumc.org.

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Nebraskans visit Scarritt
Bennett Center in Nashville

Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee, is a nonprofit conference, retreat, and special events center. Founded in 1988, Scarritt Bennett Center’s mission is to create space where individuals and groups engage each other to achieve a more just world. A beautiful oasis in the middle of Nashville, Scarritt Bennett is committed to social justice work through the eradication of racism, the empowerment of women, spiritual enrichment, and radical hospitality.

The Center’s name honors Dr. Nathan Scarritt and Belle Harris Bennett, founders of the original Scarritt Bible and Training School in Kansas City. From 1924 until 1988, Scarritt Benneter’s campus was home to schools of higher education for Methodists.

The buildings and grounds are property of the United Methodist Women and cover 10 tree-filled acres. With a magnificent but serene beauty, the campus architectural style is Collegiate Gothic.

Throughout the year many special events are offered on campus. Louise Niemann of David City, Nebraska, and Marilyn Zehring of Columbus, Nebraska, attended the Christmas Luncheon and Concert this year. The luncheon was held in the Susie Gray Dining Hall built in 1928. The concert was held in Wightman Chapel with award winning vocalist and guitarist, Margaret Becker. This beautiful place of worship was built in 1928. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King preached in the Wightman Chapel on April 25, 1957.
While at Scarritt Bennett Louise and Marilyn met with Joyce Sohl, a native Nebraskan. Sohl is a former Deputy General Secretary of Women’s Division. She is currently the Laywoman-in-Residence. This program is intended to give laywomen active leadership roles around specific topics related to Scarritt Bennett’s mission and education focus, to develop a variety of programs for the community, and to share expertise and skills in an intergenerational community.

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Denver UMC ministry offers
experience, challenges of urban life

Sacred Doors, a ministry of Bethany UMC in Denver and its Sacred Stones Ministries, offers youth and adults an experience of urban life on the margins.

Focus areas cover homelessness, food deserts and additional urban issues. Book now to get your first choice for summer 2020 and beyond. Sacred Doors is open year-round for groups of up to 20 participants. Contact Rev. Denise Bender, revdenise19@gmail.com or Rev. Nani Arning, revnani19@gmail.com.

More information is available at SacredStonesMinistries.org.

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Expectations are in full
bloom this time of year

"This is the season of expectations," writes Janis Gillberg, Salina District lay servant director. "We await the Advent season all year. As Christians we await the celebration of the birth of baby Jesus. We await the music, the decorations, the plays and the Christmas programs. The expectations build for weeks.

"We have expectations for not only the Christmas season but for the New Year's, as well."

Read more in the Lay Servant Ministries blog.

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Mercy & Justice

Webinar on community organizing
for justice scheduled for Jan. 18

A live webinar, “Community Organizing for Justice,” will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.

The theme for the 2020 Great Plains Annual Conference is “Seek Justice.” To live out the call from Micah 6:8 to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly” with God, the Mercy &  Justice Team is working in partnership with two justice organizations, Direct Action & Research Training (DART) and the Omaha Together One Community (OTOC), to facilitate a webinar on community organizing for justice.

The webinar is open to all clergy and laity of the Great Plains Conference.

The webinar link will be communicated early in January.

For more information contact the Rev. Kalaba Chali, Mercy & Justice coordinator, at kchali@greatplainsumc.org.

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Consider the 'stuff' of our
lives this Christmas season

During this holy time of Christmas, more than ever I think of the issue of “stuff.”

The stuff we think we need, the stuff we just want, and the stuff that clutters our lives. As I began to look at a possible list of those in my life to buy gifts for, I wondered just how much more stuff do they really need! It is possible that I might choose something they really could USE, or USE UP as in food or clothing, I suppose.

But there is an “end game” eventually for everything we purchase. When recently reading an article about thrift shops, I was struck by the fact that only a small percentage of donated items are actually sold and reused or repurposed. Much of it still ends up in landfills.

So please consider gifts of a different sort this year. Donate to a good cause in the name of someone you want to remember. Volunteer to help those in need as your gift. Buy them food with as little packaging as possible. Find other ways to remember the miraculous gift of Jesus born to the world.

Remember he was in a meager stable with little except a blanket and a loving mother and father and hardly any “stuff.”

-- Eileen Sieger, GP Creation Care Team

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Administration

Remittances for 2019
are due no later than Jan. 8

All 2019 remittances must be postmarked on or before Jan. 8, 2020. Remittance sent after Jan. 1 must clearly be marked with “December 2019” if you are remitting 2019 money. Money postmarked after Jan. 8 will be considered 2020 money regardless of how the remittance is marked. Tips for submitting final payment:

  • Verify that the total of your remittance form and the check amount agree.
  • Make check payable to GREAT PLAINS CONFERENCE and mail it along with a remittance form to PO Box 4837, Topeka, KS 66604. Do not include benefit payments in this mailing as they go to a different PO Box.
  • If you are unable to meet the mailing deadline contact the conference office (1-877-972-9111) to authorize a one-time automatic debit out of your church account. You must turn in the ACH withdrawal form no later than 10 a.m. Jan. 8 to ensure the payment is received at the bank by the deadline.

Mission Share letters for 2020 are already posted on the website.

-- Niki Buesing, assistant treasurer/controller

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Resources

New UMC ad campaign offers
encouragement through community

The United Methodist Church has launched the “Not the Only One” advertising campaign to help offer encouragement through community.

The new ads encourage people to visit a local United Methodist church and share their faith journey with others. They celebrate diversity and promote reaching out to others. They acknowledge that true friendship and love aren’t always easy to find.

The message in the ads is that The United Methodist Church doesn’t have all of the answers. Rather, our belief is that hope and answers can be found when seeking God together. For example, one ad reads: “Life isn’t perfect. You’re not the only one, who feels like the only one. But the people of The United Methodist Church believe that when we open ourselves to God’s love, we can find peace, faith and joy. Let’s find peace together.”

Conferences and local churches can use the resources below in their online and digital communications to reach out and invite those in their cities and neighborhoods who long for community to find a home in a local United Methodist Church. 

Find videos, social media graphics and digital ads here.

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Across the Connection

Lawrence First UMC opens
its doors as cold weather shelter

With the local community shelter operating at a reduced capacity, Lawrence First UMC opened its doors to the homeless in the area during last weekend’s cold and blizzard conditions.

“The cold weather is here and the need is here, so it’s time to respond,” the Rev. Tom Brady, senior pastor of the church, told the Lawrence Journal-World.

Read more about the church’s efforts.

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Simple act of buying food receives appreciation from student in SE Kansas

I gave a sermon back in October about building up our treasure in heaven by serving people on earth. I used statistics in the sermon about the poverty rate in Neosho County and Erie, Kansas. I then asked how we could help locally. An idea I shared was to have me talk to the principal and counselor at Erie High School about what they need. We were able to schedule the meeting and talked for about an hour.
 
Fast forward to December. The counselor has been in touch with me occasionally about students that have needs. She told me about a student that is living with an older man. The parents are not doing anything to fulfill the student’s need and the student especially needed food that he could easily prepare for himself. We collected food at Stark and took it over to the high school. His response ..."Someone did this shopping just for me?" I am so proud of this church for doing this and showing God's love.

-- Mary S. Cole, pastor, Stark UMC

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Space sought in churches
for census assistance centers

Facilitators of the U.S. Census are asking for help from local churches across Kansas and Nebraska for assistance in the once-a-decade population count.

Specifically, the Census needs space to set up Questionnaire Assistance Centers between mid-March and the end of July. The Census would use space in churches to answer questions for a few hours at a time on various days or evenings, particularly in low-response areas. The church would not have to provide any hospitality or other resources beyond the use of buildings for this purpose.

If your church is willing to help, or if you have questions, please contact Shannon Workman, partnership specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau, at Shannon.L.Workman@2020census.gov.

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Newsletters

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Blogs and commentaries

  • In Layman’s Terms: Book sheds light on separating Biblical truth from mere tradition — Todd Seifert, conference communications director, was looking for a Bible study for his adult Sunday school class. A book titled “Mary Magdalene Never Wore Blue Eye Shadow” caught his attention. Well, he didn’t find a full-blown Bible study, but he did find a book that teaches people who have not gone to seminary how to “dig deeper” into their reading of scripture. It’s appropriate that the author is an archaeologist.
  • A hole in the boat: Bishop Frank J. Beard of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference writes that The United Methodist Church is taking on water. He adds that he has not given up hope and instead offers ways faith in Christ can help get the United Methodist boat to safety.
  • Camping reaches across denominations: Nick Coenen, a camp director in the Wisconsin Conference, reflects on the Great Gathering, which brought together camp ministers from The United Methodist Church and five other denominations. “What a joy it was to ask questions like, ‘What is the best part of your camp?’” writes the United Methodist camp director.

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Classifieds 

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Conference Office
1207 SW Executive Dr.
PO Box 4187
Topeka, KS 66604
  785-272-9111