Click here for the May 6 printable version of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Take time to register for the annual conference session
Laity and clergy invited to “Meet and Greet”
Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation announces May rates for Certificates of Participation
Last chance to sign up for Micah Corps youth group mission opportunity
Saint Paul School of Theology 2015 commencement to be May 22
Nebraska United Methodist Foundation honors Rosanne McClarnon
EQUIP DISCIPLES
New initiative will promote “Healthy Congregations, Healthy Communities”
C.A.R.D.S. ministry enables US soldiers to send Mother's Day greetings back to the states
Congregant responded to the call of youth ministry
Grant enables Hispanic ministry training to develop cultural competencies at Perkins
Grace UMC to host Father William Meninger for spiritual life event
United Motoring Christians Ride scheduled for July 11
New in town and looking for a church
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
New Spanish resource for United Methodists responding to God’s call
Improve communication to bolster missional effectiveness
Pastoral transition resources available on Great Plains website
Clergy can learn how to discuss performance with staff, volunteers
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Peace with Justice Sunday calls for God’s shalom
Youth group activities to help understand different faiths by the Micah Corps
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
GBCS calls Nebraskans act now to end death penalty
OTHER NEWS
Newsletters
Classifieds
Press Clips
Take time to register for the annual conference session
We’re just more than a month away from the 2015 Great Plains Annual Conference session in Wichita, Kansas. This year’s session will feature votes on petitions to be forwarded to the 2016 General Conference of the worldwide church, as well as the election of delegates to the General Conference and the 2016 South Central Jurisdictional Conference, during which new bishops will be elected.
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to register for the annual conference session. Register here.
To learn more about the venue for this year’s conference, watch a short video tour of the convention hall and hotel where the bulk of our activities will take place.
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2015 Annual Conference Session
Laity and clergy invited to “Meet and Greet”
Attendees of the 2015 Great Plains Annual Conference Session are invited to the laity and clergy “Meet and Greet” happening Tuesday, June 9 from 7–9 p.m., the evening before conference begins. This casual gathering is set up for laity and clergy to have a chance to get acquainted with others in attendance and get to know people from other areas of the Great Plains Conference. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.
Laity and clergy will meet separately. Laity are invited to gather at Wichita First UMC (330 N Broadway St.) and clergy will meet at Wichita East Heights UMC (4407 E. Douglas Ave.). We hope to see you there.
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Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation announces May rates for Certificates of Participation
The Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation's Certificate of Participation provides an investment alternative for those who are seeking the security of a fixed income type vehicle at competitive rates. It is an excellent option for investors who like to invest in certificate of deposits or money market funds. These certificates have been registered only with the State of Kansas Securities Commissioner and are not offered in any other state or jurisdiction. For May the rate for 12 month term is 0.80 percent and the rate for 24 month term is 1.10 percent. Interest rates for the Certificate of Participation are reviewed and adjusted (if necessary) on a monthly basis.
The Certificate of Participation Fund is the funding source of our Church Development Loan Fund Program providing loans to United Methodist Churches and United Methodist institutions throughout the state of Kansas for the purchase of real estate, building new church starts, renovating existing buildings, large maintenance projects, operating needs and re-financing existing indebtedness. Participation in a Foundation’s Certificate of Participation is available only to residents of Kansas as well as Kansas United Methodist churches and institutions.
Investment particulars
- $1,000 minimum investment - 12 month term or 24 month term
- Simple Application Process - must obtain an Offering Circular
- Variable rate of interest adjusted monthly based on Wall Street Journal Prime
- No fixed rate is possible and there is no minimum rate of interest
If you would like to receive a copy of the Foundation’s Certificate of Participation Offering Circular, including an application for participation, please contact the Foundation office directly at 888.453.8405 or foundation@kaumf.org or www.kaumf.org.
This article does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a security.
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Last chance to sign up for Micah Corps youth group mission opportunity
United Methodist Ministries (UMM) and the Micah Corps interns of the Great Plains Conference are partnering to offer an exciting volunteers in mission (VIM) opportunity this summer. The staff of United Methodist Ministries and the Micah Corps young adult interns will co-facilitate this comprehensive mission experience that will cover topics including food security; the environment; immigration; peace and non-violence; and poverty.
This VIM experience is specially geared for single-digit youth groups who are often unable to assemble enough youth to make a mission trip viable. These groups will join together for a shared mission experience in Omaha, Nebraska. The mission experience is scheduled for June 22-26, and will include hands-on learning, simulation activities, team building and group discussions and reflection.
The experience is open to high school-age youth groups numbering six or fewer. Registration deadline is May 15. Cost is $150 per person and covers all food, dorm lodging and programming. Financial assistance is available through the Great Plains Mercy and Justice VIM grants. All adult chaperones must be certified through the Safe Gatherings process (online, $35). A minimum of two adults must accompany every group. Each group will be responsible for driving their own vehicle within Omaha.
Groups must purchase VIM insurance through the Great Plains Conference ($.50 per person per day).
Contact dkeeney@bigmuddyumc.org to register, or for more information.
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Saint Paul School of Theology 2015 commencement to be May 22
Saint Paul School of Theology is inviting all alum to attend the 54th commencement and several activities on Friday, May 22. All events will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas.
View more information, including schedule.
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Nebraska United Methodist Foundation honors Rosanne McClarnon
Rosanne McClarnon, director of finance for the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation, is retiring June 1, 2015 after more than 14 devoted years of service. Rosanne joined the Foundation in 2001. Prior to this role, Rosanne had worked as comptroller for the former Nebraska Conference since 1995. Rosanne has accomplished a lot in her career, but perhaps the thing she will be most remembered for is the time she took to care for each person she came in contact with, never missing a beat as an invaluable source of information or a pleasant voice on the phone to speak with. Rosanne is looking forward to retirement, although will miss serving Nebraska United Methodist churches and ministries. In describing her role at the Foundation, Rosanne says, “I really love the Foundation family, whether it is co-workers, annuitants or church treasurers who have been in their positions for many years.” The Foundation will miss Rosanne.
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation would like to invite those who have had the pleasure to work with and get to know Rosanne through the years, to send a card of well wishes before June 1 to:
Nebraska United Methodist Foundation
c/o Rosanne McClarnon
100 W. Fletcher Ave., Ste. 100
Lincoln, NE 68521
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New initiative will promote “Healthy Congregations, Healthy Communities”
United Methodists who are engaged in health ministries are preparing to learn about a new congregational health initiative. “Healthy Congregations, Healthy Communities” will be introduced at a U.S. Health Summit scheduled for Sept. 8-10, 2015, in Houston, Texas.
The initiative is being launched in a joint effort by the denomination’s General Board of Global Ministries, the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, and Wesley Theological Seminary. The summit will be hosted and co-sponsored by Houston Methodist and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Read full story.
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C.A.R.D.S. ministry enables US soldiers to send Mother's Day greetings back to the states
Our brave service men and women sacrifice a lot. They miss many birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries with loved ones. Unfortunately, there is no Hallmark store for our deployed military. The C.A.R.D.S. (Caring About our Deployed Service personnel) ministry fills that need by providing beautiful handmade cards for deployed service personnel to send to their loved ones back home.
Susan Bartel established the C.A.R.D.S. ministry at Augusta UMC as an outreach project to connect patriotic citizens with deployed service men and women. Through the years this project has grown and numerous contact soldiers have been added around the world. Presently, the C.A.R.D.S. ministry also maintains a card shop in the AUMC lobby where greeting cards can be purchased with proceeds that help provide postage for the C.A.R.D.S. ministry mailings.
Photo: Soldiers prepare to mail Mother’s Day cards to the states through the USO in the Camp Courtney/ Camp McTureous area of Okinawa, Japan.
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Congregant responded to the call of youth ministry
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Marvé Ralston, Five Rivers District administrative assistant.
Have you ever considered starting some type of youth ministry but weren’t sure where to begin? Twenty years ago, Ellen Harper from Bronson (Kansas) UMC, began the process of creating such a group at the suggestion of a former pastor. She felt God asking her to give it a try, despite feeling like she lacked some knowledge of the Scriptures and teaching methods. She began with two things for certain; a desire to bring the Word of God into the lives of youth and an enjoyment of working with that age group.
The original group was junior/senior high, but like many other small town youth groups, the children in the original group grew up. It became increasingly difficult to get high school age youth to participate, with so many activities competing for their time. The community demographics changed as well, with an increased number of younger children in the community. So Helen decided to open up the program to all school age children. They now have 12-20 youth, ranging from age sis to 12 years old.
They meet once a month, on the third Wednesday. As part of the evening, several women in the church volunteer to provide a delicious meal. Several participants had a few words to say about the program.
One of the fifth graders, Nicholas Haller said, “I like to come because it’s fun and I like the food”.
Evan Harper who is a fourth grader agreed, “It’s fun, something better to do than watching TV and good food”.
Ellen provides the weekly lesson and activities. A very important part at the beginning of their meeting is the prayer circle. They encourage just talking to God and that everyone can talk to God about something. Special words are not necessary. It’s about God wanting us to communicate with him. They have singing, games, activities and a scripture lesson.
The group is growing because the kids spread the word to their friends. Ellen believes the main draw is the food and games. She hopes they are hearing God’s Word and that it will stay in their minds and hearts. She wants them to learn that Jesus loves them and they are never alone when they let Him into their heart.
Ellen admits it is difficult to work with such a diverse age group. She often wonders if they are listening; however, it has been amazing what all they can recollect about things they have discussed.
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Grant enables Hispanic ministry training to develop cultural competencies at Perkins
Editor’s note: Three of the participants, Kirstie Garnes, Lisa Guinn and Silvia Annette Spence, are from the Great Plains Conference.
At Agape Memorial United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, there’s a Spanish language worship service attended mostly by recent Hispanic immigrants. The English language service draws Hispanics who have been in the United States for years or even generations.
If getting those groups to feel and act like one church weren’t a big enough challenge, the Rev. Martha Valencia must deal with rapid demographic shifts in the neighborhood, including an influx of young professionals from various ethnic backgrounds.
No wonder she feels she could use a little help.
Read full announcement.
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Grace UMC to host Father William Meninger for spiritual life event
The Grace UMC in Emporia, Kansas, will be hosting Father William Meninger for an evening spiritual life event on Thursday, June 18, 2015.
Meninger will be presenting in the sanctuary beginning at 6:30 p.m., for about two hours. He will have books and CDs available, and the church will have a prayer labyrinth set up all day. Cost is $10 from May 1 through June 10, and $15 after June 10 – registration is requested.
View more information on the event flier.
Reservations can be received by email (emporiagraceumc@sbcglobal.net), phone (620-342-2240 or 620-366-0260), Facebook or emporiagrace.org. You can also download the brochure with registration form.
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United Motoring Christians Ride scheduled for July 11
All are invited on this ride that will tour various United Methodist churches. Participants are encouraged to ride their motorcycle or drive their classic cars, trucks or any hobby vehicle. The group will meet for rolls and coffee at 8:30 a.m., at Hallam (Nebraska) UMC. From there the group will stop at five area United Methodist churches. The ride will culminate at Evening with Friends in Milligan, Nebraska, for food and fellowship.
If you are unable to meet at Martell, feel free to join the group at any of the locations at the stated times below. The group will be at each church for approximately 30 minutes for a tour, refreshments and prayer.
| 8:30 a.m. |
Meet at Hallam UMC |
| 9 a.m. |
Leave Hallam UMC |
| 9:15 a.m. |
Cortland UMC |
| 10:05 a.m. |
Clatonia UMC |
| 11 a.m. |
DeWitt UMC |
| 12 p.m. |
Plymouth UMC |
| 1:15 p.m. |
Milligan UMC |
| 2 p.m. |
Eat at Evening with Friends – Milligan, Nebraska |
Contact Heather Eads, pastor at Martell UMC, at 402-301-7948 or umcride@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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New in town and looking for a church
Editor’s note: the following is by the Rev. Kathy Symes, Pomona (Kansas) UMC and Vassar (Kansas) UMC.
Two years ago a group of middle school and elementary siblings walked into Vassar UMC and said they were new in town and looking for a church. They were planning on visiting all the churches in the area and chose us first. They fell in love with the congregation and the feeling was mutual.
We put together a Sunday school class and began offering a children’s moment during worship. One member of the congregation bought them all Bibles. It has been several generations since there were any children in the church and we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them.
Soon they were bringing their friends and then other families began bringing their grandchildren. Before long we had enough children for two Sunday school classes. The kids all sit together and now take up two or three pews.
Whenever we have fellowship meals or fundraising dinners they are all the first ones there to help with set up. They love to help serve and carry trays and drinks. And they are always the first to help with clean up. They have been a God-send to the congregation. They have revitalized the entire congregation and we learn from them each week.
We have taken a field trip to Church of the Resurrection for Saturday worship since many of them have never been to the “city” before. They enjoyed the Palm Sunday service there and each bought something from the gift shop. After worship we enjoyed a meal together at Applebee’s. They really wanted to go on another field trip and have a lock in. I told them we would need to do a fundraiser so they put together a bake sale and earned more than enough for a day trip and the lock in. So I guess on May 15, several of us adults will plan on staying up all night with them – and are encouraging all the members to stop by and join us for some of our lessons and craft time.
Last fall we began confirmation class. After the first of the year several didn’t want to wait until we finished confirmation to get baptized. After discussing it we decided to baptize all that were ready on Easter Sunday. This was the first time that we have met many of the parents and grandparents of the youth since they come to worship on their own each week.
On Easter Sunday we ended up baptizing four of the siblings. They took their vows seriously and we have discussed them at length at class. We have at least two more who will probably be baptized on Confirmation Sunday. Our confirmation class was supposed to end on April 26, but because they were enjoying it we extended it to May 24. Each confirmand designed their own banner which will be hung on Easter Sunday. Myself and a member of the Pomona congregation made them confirmation stoles to present to them when they join the church.
These youth have energized the entire church and the congregation is looking forward to them participating in full membership within the United Methodist Church!
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New Spanish resource for United Methodists responding to God’s call
Spanish-speaking members of The United Methodist Church who are considering God’s call to ministry now have an in-language edition of “The Christian as Minister: An Exploration into the Meaning of God’s Call,” required reading for ministry candidates.
“El Cristiano como Ministro: Explora el significado del Ilamado de Dios al ministerio” is a direct translation of the revised and edited eighth edition of the book, published in 2013 by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM).
“‘The Christian as Minister’ is the introduction text for any candidate who is considering licensed or ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Meg Lassiat, director of Candidacy, Mentoring and Conference Relations at GBHEM.
“It provides a basic overview of ways that people can serve as lay, licensed or ordained clergy and information about moving forward in the process as people begin to discern their call to ministry,” Lassiat said.
Read more.
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Improve communication to bolster missional effectiveness
Communication takes many forms. And many people communicate in vastly different ways. Discerning how to communicate with a team or colleagues may make the difference between success or lackluster results. Effectiveness in ministry is no exception.
The Great Plains Conference is offering training titled “PCM for Missional Effectiveness,” which aims to help clergy and church workers better connect with their congregations and motivate people. The course is taught in four sessions, starting Oct. 5 and then again Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and Jan. 21-22 in Salina, Kansas, and then immediately following Orders and Fellowship Feb. 18-19 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
The cost is $650 per person and includes lodging for one night during each session, as well as two meals per session.
View flier with more details.
Watch for more information about this training opportunity in future editions of the GPconnect weekly email newsletter.
Register now.
View more information at greatplainsumc.org/PCM.
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Pastoral transition resources available on Great Plains website
Pastoral transitions can be hard - on clergy and on congregations. The Great Plains Conference's website now offers a one-stop-shop when it comes to resources to help with saying both goodbye and hello at www.greatplainsumc.org/pastoraltransitions.
Here, congregants and pastors can find transition resources including helpful scriptures, timelined guides, social media practices, videos and suggestions for churches.
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Clergy can learn how to discuss performance with staff, volunteers
It’s a dilemma that many pastors face. A volunteer, staff member or colleague lets you down. How do you respond? Unfortunately, in many ministry settings the answer is “I don’t respond.” Whether the issue is small, such as being late to a meeting, or large, such as failing to complete a major project, failing to address the issue may hinder your ministry’s effectiveness.
Why don’t ministry leaders step up to address these issues? Because they’re not equipped to take part in performance conversations. But they can be through training such as PerformanceCompass. This highly effective training seminar helps participants learn the skills necessary to have positive and productive conversations about performance issues.
Such a training opportunity has been planned for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1 at Horizons Community, 3200 Grainger Pkwy., in Lincoln, Nebraska. The cost is $150 for the first person from a church and $100 for each additional person. Lunch is included in registration.
View flier for more information.
Register now.
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Peace with Justice Sunday calls for God’s shalom
The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Peace with Justice coordinator of the Great Plains Conference.
All churches across our conference are invited to participate in the Peace with Justice Sunday. It was created by the 1988 General Conference and is one of The United Methodist Church’s six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings. Traditionally, Peace with Justice Sunday is observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost, which falls on May 31 this year. However, congregations are welcome to celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday on any date that works for them. Your offering allows The United Methodist Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through many programs in the United States and around the world.
View examples of what the offerings have helped support this past year in the Great Plains Conference and worldwide. Resources including bulletin inserts, a prayer, litanies, videos, a sermon and children’s sermons can be found in the Pastor’s and Leader’s Kit.
A nine page PowerPoint presentation explaining Peace with Justice Sunday is one of the available resources.
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Youth group activities to help understand different faiths by the Micah Corps
From our Social Principles, United Methodists state: We commit ourselves as a Church to the achievement of a world community that is a fellowship of persons who honestly love one another.
In order to honestly love one another, we need to understand each other and these activities provide a framework for learning and conversation about the three Abrahamic religions.
Thanks to former Micah Corps intern, Tori Osler, for designing these activities.
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“Please don’t deport my mother!”
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team.
Many of us are looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day this Sunday, to spending time with our families. Yet, at the same time thousands of families are unable to be with their loved ones because they have been separated through detention and deportation, through violence and war. And many children live in constant fear that they might come home from school and one or both of their parents are no longer there.
Hundreds of people, including United Methodists from Texas and from across the nation, were praying and marching at a rally on May 2, at the detention center in Dilley, Texas, advocating to end family detention. Women and children in this center should have refugee status or temporary protected status due to the dangers they faced in their home countries before coming to the U.S. Cindy Johnson, a United Methodist deaconess, addressed the question why United Methodist Women, United Methodist Church and Society, Justice For Our Neighbors, Hispanic/Latino Ministries, and other United Methodists are so involved in immigration and refugee issues. She answers: “United Methodists and other people of faith are doing this work because scripture is very clear that we are to love our immigrant and refugee sisters and brothers. Splitting families and making profits by incarcerating children is not something people of faith can accept. That is why we are here. And we will continue to be here to advocate for our brothers and sisters until we have just immigration policy in our nation, refugees are not jailed, and families are no longer divided by detention and deportation.”
To learn more about the current immigration situation, the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team invites you to participate in one of the screenings of immigration documentaries offered across our conference.
May 7, in Omaha, Nebraska
May 8, in Lincoln and Gering, Nebraska
May 9, in Topeka and Leawood, Kansas
May 16, in Wichita, Kansas
May 17, in Dodge City, Kansas
View more information.
If you live too far away from these locations or are unable to attend, there are many ways to get involved. Visit We Belong Together's website and the Great Plains website.
Photo: The march in Dilley, Texas
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GBCS calls Nebraskans act now to end death penalty
After Nebraska lawmakers voted overwhelmingly, 30-13, to repeal the death penalty, the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) sent out a request. This request states that it is up to Nebraskans to ensure that the legislators stand by their vote and find their legislator and make the call to urge their continued support for the repeal of capital punishment.
Read full request.
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Newsletters
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Classifieds
View these and other classifieds at greatplainsumc.org/classifieds.
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Press Clips
Congregations across the Great Plains Conference are making the news in their local newspapers. View our newspaper clipping reports to see if there are stories, ideas and ministry happenings you can learn from to use in your own congregation. Press clips can be found at greatplainsumc.org/inthenews. You can see education partnership ideas at greatplainsumc.org/education.
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Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement information distributed in GPconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Great Plains Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@greatplainsumc.org.
