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In this edition:
THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Virtual annual conference events set for next week
Outdoor worship services have been second nature in Garden City
ERTs from Great Plains needed after Hurricane Sally in Alabama, Florida
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
'Ministry Under Shadow of Pandemic' is subject of webinars
'Theology' trilogy concludes Thursday for 'Threshold' webinar/podcast
Covenant Groups show support in troubled times; grants available
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
Camp Fontanelle honors departing site director Meyer at annual BBQ
Moore's ‘Old Story in a New Way’ webinar scheduled for Oct. 11
Fresh Expressions' ‘Steeple to Street’ webcast being offered on Oct. 23
MERCY & JUSTICE
Global AIDS Committee hosting series of webinars
DISASTER RESPONSE
CDC releases updates on safely celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving
ADMINISTRATION
Delta Dental issuing rebate to current plan members
Deadline for Nebraska UM Foundation ministry grants is Sept. 30
ACROSS THE CONNECTION
Abram is guest of Prairie Village Asbury UMC in Zoom discussion
Kansas church’s 150th anniversary celebration being put on hold
In other news
Classifieds
Virtual annual conference
events set for next week
Like nearly everything else during 2020, the annual conferences sessions in the Great Plains has had to adapt and change.
Many of the events that were to have taken place over the past few months will come to fruition next week, largely in online venues.
Laity sessions
Registration is still open for three events, all via Zoom:
- Oct. 1, 7 p.m. — The official Laity Session will include worship, opportunities to celebrate mission and joys of ministries, as well as a moderated panel of the conference lay leadership.
- Oct. 2, 5:30-6:45 p.m. — The Online Family Reunion Potluck will be a social time designated for laity to chat, catch up with friends and meet new people. Settle in with your dinner as you attend breakout rooms established based on districts, ministry interests and affinities.
- Oct. 3, 8:30-9:45 a.m. — Breakfast at the Festival of Booths will provide a time for laity to learn about resources available for ministry and to discover new information and connections around initiatives, mission and ministries.
Send any questions to Lisa Maupin, conference lay leader, at lisamaupin45@gmail.com.
Clergy sessions
The clergy of the Great Plains Conference will gather at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, for an online clergy session via Zoom.
Click here to register; pre-registration is mandatory.
The Clergy Session Business of the Annual Conference (BAC) report can be downloaded here and it will be emailed to all Great Plains clergy prior to the Clergy Session. Please have access to the BAC during the Clergy Session because the list of names for some questions is simply too long to address, so they will be stated “as listed,” with references for you to turn to certain pages of the BAC.
Worship services
Friday, Oct. 2
7 p.m. Memorial Worship Service will be streamed on the conference website and Facebook page. Rev. Morita Truman, pastor of Great Bend First UMC, will be the guest preacher.
Saturday, Oct. 3
Omaha St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church. (Physical attendance is limited to those with specific invitation.) Both services will be livestreamed on the conference website and Facebook page.
- 10 a.m. Commissioning Worship Service
- 2 p.m. Ordination Worship Service
Outdoor worship services have
been second nature in Garden City
While other churches spent the summer experimenting with outdoor worship during the time of pandemic precautions, Garden City First UMC has had a tradition of a weekly worship in the park for more than 20 years.
“I didn’t know in what magnitude people would come, how many there could be,” said the Rev. Charles Nyamakope, who became senior pastor in July. “Other places there would only be a few who would come, but … I was surprised during my first worship there were more than 270 in worship. On a good Sunday, we have more than 300. I don’t know what it would look like if it was in the sanctuary.”
Read more about Garden City here, and view a photo gallery.
More coronavirus related news:
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ERTs from Great Plains needed after
Hurricane Sally in Alabama, Florida
Early Response Teams from the Great Plains Conference are needed in mid-October in Alabama and Florida for work in the wake of Hurricane Sally.
The Rev. Hollie Tapley, disaster response coordinator for the Great Plains Conference, said workers are needed there from Oct. 19-23, with two days of travel before and two days of travel after.
Read more here.
From United Methodist News Service: Churches pick up after Sally.
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News in the fight against racism
from beyond the Great Plains
Clergy Excellence
'Ministry Under Shadow of
Pandemic' is subject of webinars
A webinar on leadership in 2020 will be from 9-11 a.m. CDT Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 26-27, with a followup Q&A from 9-11 a.m. CDT Monday, Nov. 9.
The webinar is free from the conference: Register here.
About the webinar: Have you found yourself wondering “Lord, just how many of life’s major concerns can be stuffed into 2020?! ... and all under the shadow of a pandemic! … and heightened racial tension! … and for United Methodists, under the shadow of General Conference! All of them scream of change and transition which can feed anxiety in the church. Hard to remember it can also be a time of rich possibilities and opportunities for growth, learning, and ministry. You as pastors play a significant role in helping each other, congregations, and the Conference to find their way forward constructively.
During this webinar, Rev. Bill Selby, the founder and director of the Center for Pastoral of the Rockies, will help us think about congregations as emotional systems, the impact of anxiety on leaders and faith communities, and some insights/ implications to consider as you, the leaders, live into a hopeful future and respond to parishioners, colleagues, the larger system and the anxiety in which we live.
Moreover, as we find our way into new hopes and possibilities for ministry, challenge and conflict are often part of the landscape. Dr. W. Craig Gilliam, founder and owner of Gilliam and Associates, LLC, will offer some insights and best practices for responding to difficult people, facilitating difficult conversations, and addressing anxiety and conflict in constructive, generative ways that invite people’s (our own and others) best self — the Christ within us — and the congregation as a body.
Hope and possibilities are on the horizon, and you as pastors and leaders play a crucial part (a midwife if you will) in helping hope become genuinely lived out in leadership, congregations and the larger community.
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'Theology' trilogy concludes Thursday
for 'Threshold' webinar/podcast
 
The third and final in the “back to school” series of “At the Threshold,” “Theology 101,” will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m. CDT Thursday, Sept. 24.
“Theology 101: Ecclesiology, Understanding the Church in a Season of Limited Gathering” features Dr. Amy Oden, adjunct professor of Early Church History and Spirituality at Saint Paul School of Theology; and the Rev. Austin Rivera, visiting assistant professor of Religion at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, and an elder in the Great Plains UMC. Register here.
The Sept. 17 “Threshold” episode, “Theology 101: Theology of Psalms and Lament: Gnashing of Teeth, Nurturing of Soul”, featuring Dr. Kris Kvam, professor of theology at Saint Paul School of Theology, is available now online. Listen to the podcast.
The Sept. 10 session, “Creating a Theological Framework for Preaching and Teaching,” featuring Dr. Jackson Lashier, assistant professor of Religion and Chair of the Social Sciences division at Southwestern College; and Rev. Dr. Jonathan Redding, assistant professor of Religion at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Is now available online. Listen here.
Each conversation will be shared in a podcast format several days after the initial conversation. Search for ”At the Threshold” on Podbean or Apple Podcasts or check out individual episodes here.
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Covenant Groups show support
in troubled times; grants available
There is much to praise God for, much to wonder about, and much to be anxious about in this season of unknowns. As clergy, you have lots of demands on your time and energy and you might be struggling with how to respond to these in a healthy way. You might have difficulty right now remembering that the love of God surrounds you and gives you strength. Having a small group of clergy who walk the journey of ministry with you can be just what you need to stay focused, centered in Christ, and in touch with your call to ministry.
A small group of others with whom you can be honest, open and accountable in our own spiritual lives is at the heart of a covenant group. Right now may be the right time to start, restart or refresh yourself in a covenant group. The Clergy Excellence team has worked on some resources that will hopefully equip and inspire you to live out your faith in close community. You can find those resources here. And in case you’re wondering, here is how we define Clergy Covenant Group:
- a definite group of three to eight?clergy who meet for encouragement, support?and?accountability
- committed to pray for one another
- may have a written covenant
- meets regularly, though maybe not monthly
- may be a residency, local pastor mentoring group, or Transition into Ministry group
- not?a network meeting, lectionary study group, or book club
The main goal of the Clergy Covenant Group is to encourage, support and hold one another accountable for continuing in your own discipleship. The leadership can be shared or you can identify someone to serve as your leader. Would you consider if this is something that you’re willing to start, restart or refresh for the year ahead? Find two other clergy with the same desire and you’ve got the beginning of a group.
Needing some focus or inspiration? Check out our website for some different models of covenant groups to find one that connects with you. While you’re there, scroll to the bottom and find out how you can apply for a grant up to $500 for your group. If clergy in a Network design a time away for support, accountability and/or study together, the Network may also apply for a Covenant Group grant.
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Equipping Disciples
Camp Fontanelle honors departing
site director Meyer at annual BBQ
COVID did not stop Camp Fontanelle supporters from coming out and helping to raise money for the camp this past Sunday. Over 120 people came to worship and praise God for the blessings the camp has seen since last they met.
It was a time of celebration and reflection as Site Director Trent Meyer was recognized for his 16-plus years of service with the camp. Meyer has made the difficult decision to step down as site director. It has been his life for all of those years, and it has taken its toll. Meyer has shared that he is a workaholic and living on site, where he works had become too much. For his health and the health of his family, he made that tough decision.
The site council felt it important that they recognize Meyer at the last BBQ where he will be site director. As part of a gift (and inside joke) he was given a new pair of shoes because “no one will ever be able to fill his shoes” (comment made by site council chair Rev. Lyle Schoen).
The day continued with the annual quilt auction. The auction began online and then moved to the live status where joyful bidders helped raise money for the camp's ministry.
Over $29,000 was raised for the corn maze. With the additional revenue from the corn maze, the camp raised over $32,000 on the day. "Even without COVID, that would be a decent amount raised," responded Jane Van Horn, camp coordinator. "It was a wonderful day and we want to thank all of our volunteers and supporters for helping to make the day a success."
If a person did not have the opportunity to attend the BBQ but would like to make a donation, checks may be mailed to Camp Fontanelle at 9677 County Road 3 Fontanelle, NE 68044. A person may also go online and make a donation through the website.
--Jane Van Horn, coordinator, Camp Fontanelle
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Moore's ‘Old Story in a New Way’
webinar scheduled for Oct. 11
The Great Plains Conference will present Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions with a live webinar, “Telling the Old Story in a New Way,” from 3-5 p.m. CDT Sunday, Oct. 11.
Advent and Christmas may look different this year for worship leaders, worship teams, technology lay leaders and pastors. To help resource lay worship leaders and pastors this new season, Jason Moore will provide resources, links and handbook available to registrants. As you prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth anew, feel free to join with your worship leaders live on Oct. 11 or register to watch the recording later.
Register for “Telling the Old Story in a New Way” here.
Any questions, contact Donna Ernest at dernest@greatplainsumc.org.
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Fresh Expressions' ‘Steeple to Street’
webcast being offered on Oct. 23
A webcast designed for the Great Plains Conference by Fresh Expressions US, “From the Steeple to the Street: A New Kind of Local Church for a New Kind of World,” will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT Friday, Oct. 23.
From the Fresh Expressions website: “Across the United States and beyond, the God who ‘makes all things new’ is up to something. Amid a Christian landscape that looks and feels like a desert of decline, new oases of the Spirit are springing forth. Inherited congregations, with long histories, deeply rooted in their traditions, are experimenting with new ways of being church. When these congregations commit to introducing new people to Jesus, new leaders (both lay and ordained) are discovering that they can start fresh expressions of church to reach those outside of the church AND that our existing congregational systems can be retro-fitted for a new future through a process of ‘remissioning.’
“Matt Lake and Michael Beck employ very different approaches, but their congregations are finding new life. They will explore the theological underpinnings for becoming a new kind of local church, as well as share practical tools, practices, and processes to help local congregations cultivate a new future.”
The cost is $5. Register at this link.
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Mercy & Justice
Global AIDS Committee
hosting series of webinars
The United Methodist Global AIDS Committee is hosting a series of educational webinars available at Facebook.com/UMCglobalaidsfund and archived on their website. The first will be held at 1 p.m. CT Thursday, Oct. 1.
The theme of this first webinar is "COVID-19 and HIV & AIDS." It will explore how COVID-19 is impacting the global effort to reduce HIV infections and AIDS deaths. People locked down globally means that people with HIV are not receiving treatment, preventative medication or testing. People lack food, causing hunger as well as people stopping their medications.
UNAIDS has estimated that in sub-Sahara Africa an additional 500,000 people could die from AIDS in 2020-2021.
Disaster Response
CDC releases updates on safely
celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving
The Centers for Disease Control has released updates regarding how holiday celebrations – in this case, Halloween, Día de los Muertos and Thanksgiving – can be celebrated safely.
You’ll find lists of low-, moderate- and high-risk activities, as well as information on stress and coping, travel risks and whether holiday travel should be delayed.
Download the updates here.
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Administration
Delta Dental issuing rebate
to current plan members
Delta Dental has issued a rebate due to low-utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic this spring. Each eligible clergy participant who was an active Delta Dental member through April 30, 2020, and who is currently a plan member, is entitled to a portion of the rebate. The benefits office will be issuing a credit for dental premium on the October 1, 2020, billing to your church. Included in the billing will be a letter to your treasurer listing the clergy and amount of the rebate. The letter will include instructions on how to process, pay and submit confirmation to the benefits office that the clergy has received the rebate.
--Peggy Mihoover, conference benefits officer
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Deadline for Nebraska UM Foundation ministry grants is Sept. 30
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation is pleased to announce a ministry grant opportunity available to Nebraska churches and affiliated agencies of the Great Plains Conference.
The Foundation is able to award these grants due to the generosity of donors to our Gifts from the Heart Endowment Fund. These grant dollars are available to enhance and expand your ministries. The ultimate goal of these awards is to provide assistance, both for new ministries and thriving ministries wishing to grow.
These grants are made for programs and activities and include operating expenses and supplies necessary for those programs or activities. They are not made for building repair, replacement, or expansion.
If you have questions about the application process or would like to talk to the Foundation about how you can help grow these types of grants, please call 877-495-5545.
Across the Connection
Abram is guest of Prairie Village
Asbury UMC in Zoom discussion
What does it mean to break ground? Maybe even a glass ceiling? Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram, during her ministry in the Nebraska Annual Conference and the Great Plains Annual Conference, did just that -- both as a woman, and as a woman of color.
At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, in a live Zoom discussion with Rev. Lee Johnson from Prairie Village Asbury UMC, Rev. Dr. Abram will talk about her story and the obstacles of bias she encountered on her journey. At the end of the hour, viewers will have an opportunity to comment and/or ask questions.
Pre-registration is necessary to join the Zoom Seminar. To register go to: https://www.visitasbury.org/charlotte-abram-presentation/ . Complete the online form. You should receive a confirmation screen -- if not, try again! Zoom invitations will be sent out with the link to the meeting on the morning of Oct. 13. If by chance you do not receive your invitation by noon, contact Sharlynn Verner, Asbury’s director of communications, at sharlynnv@visitasbury.org, and she will send you the link.
Abram was the first African-American woman to become an ordained elder in the former Nebraska Conference of the UMC, and received an honorary doctorate from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. She has pastored a variety of congregations -- large and small, African-American, European-American, and multi-cultural. In retirement, she serves as the Christian Education Director at Living Hope, a mission congregation in northeast Omaha. Throughout her career, she has experienced and navigated many difficult conversations.
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Kansas church’s 150th anniversary celebration being put on hold
2020 was a year that Augusta First UMC had been looking forward to for quite some time – its 150th anniversary.
But the coronavirus pandemic forced a change of plans.
“In support of all that is necessary to safely open and operate this fall, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel all large congregational activities,” the church said in a press release. “We are simply postponing the celebration until Fall 2021 when we celebrate 150th PLUS ONE on October 9 and 10.”
Read more from the Butler County Times-Gazette.
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In other news
Classifieds
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