Click here for the Nov. 4 printable version of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mexican American Ministries now Genesis Family Health
Order resources for Student Day
Put money to work with Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation
Learn about heritage with Wesleyan Heritage Tour in 2016
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Pastors invited to night of laughter as part of appreciation month
Hundreds of prospective clergy to gather to explore ministry careers
Registration open for Orders and Fellowship clergy event
Schedule Boundary renewal training
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Early registration discount for The One Event ends Nov. 15
Connectional Table begins series on Christian conferencing
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Requests issued for Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger
Campus ministries host forums about death penalty
Immigration team hosts discussions in Omaha area
OTHER NEWS
Editorials
Classifieds
Newsletters
Press Clips
Mexican American Ministries now Genesis Family Health
Genesis Family Health (formally United Methodist Mexican American Ministries, or UMMAM) has changed its name to better reflect the services it provides.
UMMAM has served Southwest Kansas for 40 years. Started as a mission to the many migrant farmworkers working within our southwest Kansas fields, UMMAM has developed into a comprehensive, primary-care service delivery system for all in need. This firm foundation is the reason UMMAM is expanding services to meet the needs of all residents in southwest Kansas.
A main reason UMMAM has been successful over these past 40 years is the support of community partners. Many organizations and individuals provide support to enable UMMAM to offer its services to communities. From referral sources to direct support, partners have help to ensure communities are healthier and that members have a safe place to get help when needed.
UMMAM is entering a new phase in its evolution that includes expanding its service array and augmenting existing services. In addition to these internal service changes, UMMAM has decided to change its name. UMMAM is now Genesis Family Health. Genesis Family Health (GFH) signifies the new beginning of the next 40 years and beyond. GFH is building upon the strength of its past to propel the organization into its successful future by maintaining a strong faith in Jesus Christ, the tradition of dedicated, high-quality service to its communities and open access to all services provided, regardless of a person’s ability to pay.
View the full announcement.
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Order resources for Student Day
United Methodists celebrate Student Day on Nov. 29. The special offering provides scholarships for United Methodist students attending undergraduate and graduate colleges and universities.
See stories to share at church.
Get resources for observing Student Day.
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Put money to work with Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation
You work hard for your money, so why not make your money work hard for you? You can by investing in the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation’s Certificate of Participation Program. The Certificate of Participation Program not only offers returns consistently higher than bank money market and CD investments in a secure environment, but it also provides seed money for loans to newly developing, expanding, or revitalizing United Methodist Churches and Institutions.
November rates are 1.2 percent for a 12-month term and 1.5 percent for a 24-month term.
The program provides an investment alternative for those who are seeking the security of a fixed income type vehicle at competitive rates. These certificates have been registered with the Kansas Securities Commission.
It is the funding source of our Church Development Loan Program by providing loans to United Methodist Churches and Institutions throughout the state of Kansas to purchase real estate, purchase buildings for new church starts, renovate existing buildings, operating needs and re-financing existing indebtedness.
Investing in the foundation's Certificate of Participation Program is available to residents of Kansas as well as Kansas United Methodist churches and institutions who value the concept of helping grow the United Methodist churches throughout the state while earning exceptional rates.
If you are interested in investing in a Certificate of Participation, please contact the foundation’s office at 888-453-8405 or online at www.kaumf.org for the current interest rates, updated application form and Offering Circular.
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Learn about heritage with Wesleyan Heritage Tour in 2016
Pastor Mark and Lisa Johnsen of Prairie View United Methodist Church in Smithwick, South Dakota, in would like to invite you on the trip of a lifetime July 12-20. Some churches that have recently participated in the “Revival” DVD-based study by the Rev. Adam Hamilton of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection saw many of the sites that you now have the opportunity to visit firsthand.
During this Wesleyan Heritage Tour, you will experience the journey through England and discover the roots of the early church and the ministry of John Wesley. Visit London, Oxford, Epworth, the Old Rectory where John Wesley grew up and more. Enhance your journey with more days in London or an extension to Ireland.
Download the brochure.
Watch the promotional video.
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Pastors invited to night of laughter as part of appreciation month
Pastor Appreciation Month may have been October, but the thank-you to pastors continues into November with a special night of laughter at the Youth for Christ Comedy Café.
Pastors can use a voucher for two free tickets to the event by calling to RSVP to 785-232-8296 by Friday, Nov. 6. The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Fellowship Bible Church, 6800 SW 10th Ave., in Topeka, Kansas.
Christian comedian David Pendleton and his puppets will be the featured entertainment. The night includes coffee, dessert and a presentation that highlights the mission of Youth for Christ.
For more information, send an email to Bob Hanson at bob@topekayfc.org.
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Hundreds of prospective clergy
to gather to explore ministry careers
Choosing a career path is a difficult decision. For young adults considering ordained ministry, that decision can be even more stressful. Individuals pursuing more traditional vocations have ample access to occupational education and job fairs, however, the same can’t always be said for those considering ordained ministry. Enter "Exploration."
Exploration is a biennial, three-day event for young adults ages 18 to 26. The Great Plains Conference has 26 prospective clergy attending the event, along with two conference staff members and four campus ministers.
“Exploration is for those who think God may be calling them to ordained or licensed ministry, and wondering what that type of ministry looks like in the United Methodist Church,” said the Rev. Trip Lowery, director of young adult ministry discernment and enlistment at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Conference attendees have an opportunity to learn more about The United Methodist seminaries and theological schools, and explore their gifts for service as potential deacons or elders in The United Methodist Church.
“This is an opportunity to discern with others who are in similar seasons of life, with similar questions, and learn from the experiences of leaders who have already answered that call,” adds Rev. Lowery. “Exploration is about helping you make an informed and prayerful decision about pursuing — or not pursuing — a path in ordained or licensed ministry.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from several renowned speakers who have explored and followed their calling to ministry.
Exploration creates a sacred space for young adults to participate in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection and practical workshops as they discern whether God’s call in their life is to ordained ministry for The United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response.
Exploration is being conducted Nov. 6-8 in Orlando, Florida. For the first time, portions of the event will be streamed live. See the complete Exploration event schedule and live stream information. Follow Exploration on Twitter at @explorecalling.
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Registration open for Orders
and Fellowship clergy event
Clergy members of the Great Plains Conference have responded to a “call to ministry.” Our annual clergy Orders and Fellowship meeting, scheduled for Feb. 17-18, will focus on “Following God’s Call” – both as a reaffirmation of their own “call” as well as learning how clergy can promote a “culture of call” in the churches and communities they serve.
What better way for clergy colleagues to extend their ministry heritage than to empower avenues by which Christian women and men can hear and respond to a call to ministry as clergy in our Great Plains Conference.
Orders and Fellowship will be conducted at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska. Click here to register now.
View more information, including speaker information, theme, schedule, childcare and lodging.
For any questions contact Dana Reinhardt at dreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org or call 402-464-5994, ext. 105, or the Rev. Nancy Lambert at nlambert@greatplainsumc.org.
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Schedule Boundary renewal training
All clergy serving churches in the Great Plains conference are required to have Safe Gatherings certification and boundary and ethics training. Boundary training must be renewed every four years and for those needing renewal, Boundary Training 201 is scheduled for late fall and February at Orders and Fellowship. Register now.
Boundary training focuses on developing healthy boundaries in ministry and is specific to the role of a clergy person. Of particular concern is the power difference between a person in a ministerial role and a member of his or her congregation or a person being counseled. Boundary training also includes conversation about personal and professional health and the use of social media.
If you have questions about your need for boundary training please contact your district office. You may also contact the Rev. Nancy Lambert at nlambert@greatplainsumc.org or 402-464-5994, ext 126. View more information.
All trainings begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. The cost for lunch and the participant book is $25, but the Board of Ordained Ministry is covering a portion of this so your cost is only $10.
Remaining dates are:
- Nov. 12, Grace UMC, 1832 W 9th St., Hastings, NE
- Nov. 20, St. Mark’s UMC, 6422 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS
- Dec. 2, First UMC, 406 W Philip Ave, Norfolk, NE
- Jan. 12, Church of the Cross UMC, 1600 Rush St., Salina, KS
- Jan. 13, First UMC, 2123 Forest Ave, Great Bend, KS
- Feb. 16, St. Mark’s UMC, 8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, NE, Upper Fellowship Hall
- Feb. 16, Trinity UMC, 7130 Kentwell Lane, Lincoln, NE
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Early registration discount for
The One Event ends Nov. 15
The 2016 OneEvent early bird registration is ending Nov. 15. Be sure to register by then to receive the price of $49. The cost rises to $59 after Nov. 15.
View more information about The OneEvent. Here you can view the video, lodging information, meal options and download the brochure.
If you have any questions, please contact Shane Hinderliter, local church youth ministry coordinator, at 316-684-0266 or theoneevent@greatplainsumc.org.
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Connectional Table begins series on Christian conferencing
The Connectional Table has started a monthlong series on Christian conferencing as part of the #CTTalks online forum. The forum was designed to create conversation around key topics related to General Conference leading up to the event in May 2016.
Each Monday in November, a video will be posted that addresses the principles of Christian Conferencing for delegations to use these as they gather together to prepare for General Conference.
The first video on Nov. 2 featured Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader and Bishop Christian Alsted, both representatives from the Committee on Faith and Order, discussing how Christian Conferencing is central to our Wesleyan identity.
“Christian conferencing is so much more than polite disagreement or mere civility in the midst of controversy,” explains Bishop Christian Alsted. “Christian conferencing is to be the church. It is to come together in worship, prayer and conversation to be shaped by Scripture, to listen, discern and grow together. Christian conferencing is a means of grace.”
The Connectional Table oversees the coordination of mission, ministries and resources across the denomination. Created at the 2004 General Conference, The Connectional Table was formed to serve as both the visioning body of the church and the steward of resources to carry out the vision of the denomination worldwide.
#CTTalks is intended to engage delegations and individuals through study and discussion of the issues that will be addressed at General Conference 2016. Weekly video posts will include interviews with United Methodist bishops, Connectional Table members and other leaders from across the denomination. Delegates were invited to ask questions of the interviewees in advance via Twitter using the hashtag #CTTalks. This is a resource that can be used by individual delegates and with entire delegations as they prepare for General Conference.
There will also be an accompanying one-page conversation sheet with questions for delegates to use to continue the dialogue. The videos and the conversation sheets will be available on the Connectional Table website.
General Conference is scheduled for May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon.
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Requests issued for Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger
Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger has announced early requests from agencies participating in this year’s event on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Douglass County Fairgrounds in Lawrence, Kansas.
- Food – 1,750 cases
- Bedding – 30 boxes
- Toys – 50
- Paper – 85
- Diapers – 250 boxes (sizes 4,5,6)
- Coats – Children 60 coats
- Coats – Adults 10 coats
- HUGS – 220 sets (Hats, Underwear, Gloves & Socks)
- Health Kits – 2,160 kits
- School Kits – 935 kits
- Layettes – 80 kits
Event organizers look forward to celebrating with these agencies and others all the work being done across the Great Plains Conference to meet the needs of the hungry and poor.
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Campus ministries host forums about death penalty
The Mercy and Justice ministries of the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church and the Kansas Coalition for the Abolition of the Death Penalty sponsored forums last week at Emporia State University, Pittsburg State University and Washburn University. Each forum was conducted at one of our United Methodist campus ministry sites.
The forums each featured Exoneree's Joe D'Abrosio and Debra Milke. D'Abrosio and Milke each spent 22 years on death row for crimes they did not commit. They were joined at each site by KCADP Director Kristin Hammer.
Students were given the opportunity to hear D'Ambrosio and Wilke tell their stories and to ask questions about their experiences and the death penalty in general. These events were made possible by a grant from the Mercy and Justice ministries of the Great Plains Conference.
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Immigration team hosts discussions in Omaha area
What do we want our community to look like one year from now?
This was the question posed at the beginning of the immigration advocacy training Oct. 11 at Grace UMC in Omaha, Nebraska. Participants came from churches in Bellevue, Papillion, Omaha, Lincoln, Madison and Norfolk in Nebraska.
First, accomplishments and positive developments in becoming more welcoming to all, including newest neighbors coming from other countries, were shared. These included immigration legal services available through Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska, bilingual/multicultural worship services, festivals, prayer vigils, advocacy (for example, DREAMers can now have driver’s licenses in Nebraska), refugee resettlement, a ministry with day laborers and much more. But then the group looked at challenges like the high school drop-out rate, family separation, constant fear of deportations, prejudice/racism, human trafficking, the status of sanctuary cities being challenged and broken immigration laws.
So what can be done? What Christians called to do? Possible action steps were listed and then prioritized. They included working towards better collaboration and communication between service providers, and working for greater support for humane immigration reform. Participants also committed to talking with others and inviting them to join the Great Plains Immigration Rapid Response Team (GP RRT) to receive action alerts and information about legislation. If many use their voices to speak out for the vulnerable and the forgotten among us, they can influence what is happening. In Deuteronomy 10:18-19, it is told that God shows concern for immigrants. “God defends the rights of orphans and widows and loves the foreigners, providing them with food and clothing. You shall also love the foreigner, therefore, for you were strangers yourselves in the land of Egypt.”
Read about the United Methodist Church's position on immigration documented in several places in the Book of Discipline's Social Principles as well as further information.
The GP RRT receives information through Bill Mefford, director of civil and human rights, and his staff at the General Board of Church and Society. He facilitated this training as well as the one in Grand Island.
View the flier to find out how to become a part of the GP RRT.
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Editorials
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.
