THIS WEEK'S NEWS
UMC clergy join protestors over ICE detention center in Nebraska
Gatobu to succeed Langat as interim CRCC director
After death, resurrection, Garden City UMC is blooming again
20-year-old offers fashions for free in shop at Superior UMC
Arkansas, Oklahoma conferences promote vision statement
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Sermon, teaching resources available beginning Sept. 5
Clergy wellbeing mini-grant requests to open on Sept. 1
Sample reflective supervision during Orders & Fellowship
Preaching workshop for laity, clergy coming to Great Plains this fall
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
Children’s, youth ministries are focus of training, Sept. 18-20
Next workshop is scheduled for Sept. 13 at Scott City UMC
Spots open for Sager Brown trip; let Tapley know if you paid deposit
ADMINISTRATION
KMF’s ‘Putting Your House in Order’ returns this fall in online format
Sept. 30 is deadline for NUMF’s fall grant opportunities
RESOURCES
DVD studies from UMRC include ‘Les Mis,’ MercyMe, Hamilton
Deadline extended for GBCS grant applications
Online course explores K-Pop music, Christianity
ACROSS THE CONNECTION
Church agrees with upcoming water restrictions in Wichita
In other news
Newsletters
Classifieds
UMC clergy join protestors over
ICE detention center in Nebraska
More than 200 Nebraskans gathered outside the governor's mansion Friday, Aug. 22, to share their concerns and opposition to the proposed ICE detention center in McCook, Nebraska. Perspectives were shared from a mother of three who lamented the fear and grief that immigrant mothers must have as ICE raids escalate.
United Methodist clergy, Rev. Sarah Marsh, Rev. Doyle Burbank-Williams and Rev. Rebecca Hjelle-Penner all spoke about the need for compassion and support for our immigrant neighbors and that detaining fathers, mothers and children is not the answer to community safety, it only terrorizes families. State Sen. Margo Juarez, representing South Omaha, spoke of her tears when she heard the news of the detention center in Nebraska. She reminded the governor that there is a higher crime rate among native-born U.S. persons than immigrants.
Excerpts from Bishop David Wilson's statement and ELCA Bishop Scott Alan Johnson both affirmed the worth of all God's children regardless of legal status. Brittany Cooper from Nebraskans for Peace shared a statement. Roger Garcia, Douglas County Commissioner, had another commitment but shared a strong statement on social media which was very impactful. In closing the witness, Rev. Carol Windrum read a part of his message about light overcoming darkness and reclaiming our values.
Note: Since the public witness, a strong statement of opposition to the ICE facility was issued by Bishop James Conley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln calling for compassion and meaningful immigration reform.
Mothers and Others: Justice and Mercy for Immigrants, under the leadership of Windrum, organized the event. The Great Plains Conference Justice & Mercy Team has provided financial support to this group in the past for one of their projects of yard signs that read “We are Friends of Immigrants” on one side and the economic benefits of immigrants on the Nebraska economy on the other side. Hundreds of these yard signs have gone out across the state and on Friday, all 50 new signs just picked up from the printer, were requested by participants.
-- Andrea Paret, peace with justice coordinator
From last week: Bishop David Wilson's statement against the facility.
Read the statements from Rev. Rebecca Hjelle-Penner, Papillion St. Paul's UMC; and Rev. Doyle Burbank-Williams, Lincoln New Visions Community UMC.
From Nebraska Examiner: Coverage includes interview with Rebecca Hjelle-Penner, Papillion St. Paul's UMC.
From KETV: Those interviewed include Hjelle-Penner and Carol Windrum.
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Gatobu to succeed Langat
as interim CRCC coordinator
 
As the Great Plains Conference gave a farewell to its departing cross-racial/cross-cultural development coordinator this week, Bishop David Wilson has announced the successor to Rev. Dr. Jane Langat.
Rev. Dr. Anne Kiome Gatobu will begin in the interim, halftime role of working with the clergy and families in cross-racial/cross-cultural appointments beginning in mid-October.
“I am sad that Jane is leaving because I thought she did a fantastic job with it, but I’m excited to do what I can,” Langat said. “I have done a great deal of studying the cross-cultural experience. I’m excited about the bishop’s priorities for the cross-cultural piece, and my hope is to build on that foundation as much as possible.”
A native of Kenya, Gatobu was formerly associate professor of pastoral care and counseling and dean of the school of practical theology at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky.
Since moving to the Great Plains Conference, she has been pastor at Haigler, Wallace and Ashland, Neb.; as well as Lincoln New Hope.
From 2018 to 2021, she was superintendent of the former Kansas City District, and in 2021 she joined the staff of Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, where she is currently executive director of care and mental wellness. She will leave her position at Resurrection at the end of September.
“Anne has worked much with the work of cross-racial/cross-cultural work here and in other places around the world,” Bishop Wilson said. “This work continues to be so important for us as the landscape for this work changes so quickly for our new pastors. Anne will navigate that well.”
An author of three books on pastoral self-care, Gatobu will continue her work with Flourishing Springs, a ministry of self-care, coaching and creativity.
Gatobu, 58, is married to Rev. Harun Gatobu, currently pastor of Leavenworth Trinity-Lansing Crossroads UMCs.
Langat, who served two years in the cross-racial/cross-cultural coordinator role for the Great Plains, will begin work next week as associate director of diversity and belonging for the Indiana Conference.
“I am so thankful for the work that Jane Langat has done for the Great Plains,” Bishop Wilson said. “I know she will do well in her new position.”
From UM News Service: Love more, fear less in cross-cultural ministry.
Read the latest Great Plains CRCC newsletter.
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After death, resurrection,
Garden City UMC is blooming again
After surviving a close disaffiliation vote and about half of its members two years ago, Garden City UMC went back to square one and considered itself a new church plant.
With the help of Rev. Jim Akins, a retired elder in an interim appointment, the southwest Kansas church is growing thanks to young families and re-establishing itself as a part of the community.
Read more and see a photo gallery.
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20-year-old offers fashions for
free in shop at Superior UMC
Brittany Kroeker doesn't want the financial burden of buying a dress for homecoming or prom to keep a teenage girl from enjoying one of the highlights of the school year.
As she did in her native Fairbury, Neb., Kroeker has established Brittany's Dress Closet at Superior UMC, her new hometown, where girls can get dresses, shoes and jewelry for free.
“It makes me happy, because you know they’re not the kind of girl that’s going to go straight to Lincoln and pay $250 when they can come here,” she said. “No dress here is the same. You come in here and you know you’re not gonna see that same dress on anybody else, most likely, at the same dance.”
Read more and see a photo gallery.
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Arkansas, Oklahoma conferences
working to promote vision statement
The Arkansas and Oklahoma conferences are planning advertising and social media campaigns this fall that build on The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement. The campaigns are meant to help United Methodists stride boldly into the future, leaving behind any lingering disappointment and grief over church disaffiliations.
Read more from UM News Service.
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Clergy Excellence
Sermon, teaching resources
available beginning Sept. 5
There is power in a well-timed question. The Great Plains Board of Ordained Ministry and Office of Clergy Excellence are collaborating on an initiative to invite pastors, ministry leaders and church members to “Raise the Question: How is God Calling You?” You can find some information on our website for pastors and ministry leaders here and for those who are seeking to answer that question here.
The worship planning and resource team is almost done with the resources that are being developed to help you incorporate this initiative into your ministry as soon as September! Check the website to see what’s been added, but by Sept. 5, you can expect to find:
- Five sermon/teaching guides, one that gives the preacher the ability to incorporate their own call story and scripture of their choosing and four other classic call stories from scripture
- Music selections
- Interview questions to use in a one-time "panel" or weekly opportunities for testimonies from selected congregation members
- Five children’s messages
- PowerPoint backgrounds and other graphics
- And, by mid-September, you’ll find accompanying videos to use with the sermon/teaching series that highlight how four Great Plains clergy are negotiating God’s call in their lives!
You can choose any of the sermons to fit around your “regularly scheduled programming,” or use all five at some point in the year ahead. For questions, reach out to Rev. Emily Spearman Cannon, ecannon@greatplainsumc.org or Rev. Dr. Ashlee Alley Crawford, aalleycrawford@greatplainsumc.org.
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Clergy wellbeing mini-grant
requests to open on Sept. 1
Since 2021, the Office of Clergy Excellence has awarded Clergy Wellbeing mini-grants to those serving our Great Plains UMC churches, as well as GPUMC clergy serving in Extension Ministry. Our pastors have used these grants in a variety of ways in nurturing their body, mind, and spirit. Here’s just a sampling of what the grants have funded:
- Personal spiritual retreat (self-directed or a pre-planned program)
- One-on-one support: Spiritual Direction, Coaching, Reflective Supervision, or Counseling
- A focus on one’s body through a gym membership, home gym equipment, or personal training/coaching
- Music lessons or musical instrument
- Pulpit supply
- Registration, travel, and/or lodging for an event related to spiritual mental or physical wellbeing
In the final reflection that is requested after a pastor has completed their proposed wellbeing activity, pastors are overwhelmingly positive and grateful! Here’s what some of our pastors have said to us:
- “It is such a gift to do something to take care of ourselves … do yourself a favor and apply!”
- “DO IT! It was truly an incredible gift to have time away. I would highly encourage it.”
The funding for the remainder of the 2025 grants opens on Sept. 1. Clergy of the Great Plains Conference, plus laity who are serving our congregations (DSAs or CLMs) are eligible to receive $400 of funding within a two-year period (in other words, if you received a well-being grant in 2024, you won't be eligible until 2026).
The 2025 Clergy Wellbeing grant has two annual cycles. The fall cycle of grants is from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1 for use through Dec. 31, 2025. Clergy and CLMs are encouraged to customize a grant to give space, resources, and/or persons to help renew and recharge for your present season of ministry.
For more information click here: https://www.greatplainsumc.org/spiritual-self-care.
On Sept. 1, the grant application will be available here: gp-reg.brtapp.com/ClergyWellBeingGrant.
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Sample reflective supervision during Orders & Fellowship, Oct. 20-22
Clergy and lay pastors, as you prepare to attend Orders & Fellowship, our fall continuing education gathering in Kearney, Oct. 20-22, our clergy excellence team wants to extend an invitation for one-on-one support, while it's available.
Several of our Reflective Supervisors, plus several clergy who are trained Spiritual Directors, have willingly offered their time to meet individually for 45 minutes, starting at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, before Orders & Fellowship officially begins on Tuesday, Oct. 21. You can sign up to meet with one of these trained companions on your Orders & Fellowship Registration form, or if you've already registered, you can email Julie Kohr, jkohr@greatplainsumc.org, to add your request for a complimentary session of Reflective Supervision or Spiritual Direction.
Check out the opportunities to get started with a Reflective Supervisor here or learn about Spiritual Direction here. And, remember: Clergy Wellbeing Mini-Grants will open again on Sept. 1. Many choose to apply for these funds to cover these meetings in the season ahead.
Orders & Fellowship page, and lodging information.
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Preaching workshop for laity, clergy coming to Great Plains this fall
Hey Preacher! Would you be willing to set aside one day this fall to consider how you prepare, construct, and deliver your weekly sermon? Do you feel a struggle to connect with God through your sermon preparation? Consider joining some colleagues for a workshop led by
Rev. Dr. Derek Weber, the director of Preaching Ministries at Discipleship Ministries for the UMC. He will be here in the Great Plains twice this fall for workshops on two Saturdays and two Mondays. The workshop is the same each time, so choose the time and place that works best for you!
Also: this workshop is for lay preachers and clergy! There will be a focus on lay preachers on the Saturday workshops and a focus on clergy on the Monday workshops, but you can attend whichever works best for you.
The cost for attending is $15 and includes lunch. Additionally, we will offer a generous but limited number of travel grants, to include mileage and lodging reimbursement for those who meet the eligibility.
Read more about the event, learn about the travel grants, and register to secure your spot on the website!
Mark your calendars for one of the following, all from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.:
- Saturday, Sept. 27 — Grace UMC, Hastings, Neb. (Laity-focused workshop)
- Monday, Sept. 29 —Grace UMC, Hastings, Neb. (Clergy-focused workshop)
- Saturday, Nov. 1 —Trinity UMC, Salina. (Laity-focused workshop)
- Monday, Nov. 3 —Trinity UMC, Salina. (Clergy-focused workshop)
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Equipping Disciples
Children’s, youth ministries
are focus of training, Sept. 18-20
The Ministry Leadership Center is excited to invite church staff, volunteers, and clergy to Lead Next, an annual training for youth and children’s ministry leaders, Sept. 18-20 in Kansas City, co-sponsored by GPUMC NextGen Ministries and held at Fairway Old Mission UMC.
Keynotes Rev. Dr. Erin Reed Cooper (MLC) and Rev. Dr. Nelson Cowan (UMC pastor and professor at Samford University) will bring practical ideas and fresh research to inspire and equip leaders. Connect with dozens of ministry peers for encouragement, resources, and tools for fruitful ministry.
We’re also offering an optional Saturday morning session, an introduction to the New Testament with Professor Phil Meckley, a chance to deepen biblical understanding.
Registration and information here: https://ministryleadership.org/lead-next-youth-ministry-conference-kansas-city — use code sponsor for $10 off Great Plains churches. Group rates and scholarships are available by contacting matt@ministryleadership.org.
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Next workshop is scheduled
for Sept. 13 at Scott City UMC
The next stop in our Ministry in Motion tour is Scott City UMC on Saturday, Sept. 13. Registration deadline is Sept. 9.
Workshops available that day include Social Media as an Outreach Tool; Strategic Planning for the Rest of Us; UMC 101; Marketing for the Local Church; and Discipleship Basics.
Lunch will be provided, and the cost for the entire day is just $15 per person.
Register for the workshops in Scott City.
Learn more about the Ministry in Motion workshops.
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Last call for Sager Brown trip;
let Tapley know if you paid deposit
Join us for our United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) trip to UMCOR’s Sager Brown Depot from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7. This is the last call for participants!
If you have paid your deposit for the Sager Brown 2026 mission experience, please email Rev. Hollie Tapley, UMVIM coordinator, at htapley@greatplainsumc.org. This is critical because she does not have contact information for everyone. Please spread the word.
Claim your space now with a $50 non-refundable deposit, checks made out to Great Plains Conference, on the memo line write 2026 Sager Brown, mail to PO Box 4187, Topeka, KS 66604 or you can give online to https://www.greatplainsumc.org/page/donate/great-plains-disaster-fund. In the public comments section write 2026 Sager Brown Trip.
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Administration
KMF’s ‘Putting Your House in Order’ returns this fall in online format
The Kansas Methodist Foundation’s “Putting Your House in Order” program is a three-part, self-paced series designed to help you take care of what matters most. You’ll learn how to:
- Plan your estate;
- Create a legacy; and
- Prepare meaningful memorial plans.
More than 175 Methodists have already participated, and now — with our on-demand format — you can start anytime, anywhere. Each session includes video lessons and downloadable materials (with hard copies available upon request). After each lesson, a KMF staff member will schedule a personal check-in (usually via Zoom) to answer your questions and guide you forward.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Clear understanding of wills vs. trusts
- Insight into powers of attorney and health care directives
- Tools for legacy giving and setting up endowments
- A place to record personal, family, and financial information
- Guidance in finding a qualified estate attorney (if needed)
And here’s a bonus:
Complete all required tasks and receive $500 deposited into your legacy fund at the Kansas Methodist Foundation. It’s our way of helping you take the first step toward lasting impact.
Whether you're looking to provide for your spouse and children, document your wishes, or simply bring peace of mind to your family — this is a gift worth giving yourself and your loved ones.
Option 1: Online Live Zoom sessions will be held monthly either:
- Third Thursdays at 7 p.m. – Sept. 18, Oct. 16 and Nov. 20; or
- Third Fridays at 10 a.m. – Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Nov. 21.
Register here for the Zoom-based program.
Option 2: On-Demand Program - the same program, but fully online and available when it works for your schedule. Register for the On-Demand Program HERE.
Questions? Contact Tyler Curtis at tyler@kansasmethodistfoundation.org.
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Sept. 30 is deadline for
NUMF’s fall grant opportunities
The NUMF ministry grants and New Start/New Faith Community grants are now available to all Nebraska United Methodist churches and affiliated agencies of the Great Plains Conference.
Ministry grants are available to enhance and expand church 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.
New Start/New Faith Community grants support new church development. Priority will be given to the following:
- A New Start that is recognized by Congregational Excellence as a New Start/New Faith Community.
- A New Start deemed to be of an outreach and beneficial nature to the larger community.
- A New Start that is in collaboration with other United Methodist entities.
- A New Start that has identified other sources of revenue.
- A New Start that is an integral part of a long-range plan for growth and outreach.
The deadline for these grants is Sept. 30. For more information including grant guidelines and applications, click on this link: https://www.numf.org/scholarships-grants.
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, call 402-323-8844 or 877-495-5545.
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Resources
DVD studies from UMRC include
‘Les Mis,’ MercyMe, Hamilton
Here’s more of the DVD studies available to you and your church from United Media Resource Center.
Titles include “Christian: It’s Not What You Think” by Andy Stanley, “The Grace of Les Miserables” by Matt Rawle, “I Can Only Imagine: Small Group Study” by Bart Millard of Mercy Me, and “Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today” by Adam Hamilton.
Find those and more here.
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Deadline extended for
GBCS grant applications
The United Methodist Board of Church and Society has extended the deadline until Sept. 7 for United Methodist congregations and groups to apply online for grants in three categories. The agency administers grants for Peace with Justice, the Ethnic Local Church and Human Relations Day programs.
Learn more.
Apply.
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Online course explores connection between K-Pop music, Christianity
With the animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters” a hit on Netflix and its soundtrack rising on the music charts, many United Methodists may be getting their first introduction to K-Pop (Korean pop music). Wesley Pathways for Ministry is offering a self-paced online course that uses K-Pop hits to reflect on aspects of Christian spirituality. The course costs $35.
Learn more.
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Across the Connection
Church agrees with upcoming
water restrictions in Wichita
Upcoming restrictions on water use in Wichita won’t have an effect on the community garden at Wichita College Hill UMC.
“We have our watering system on a timer, and it is only watering 10 minutes a day when we water, and so we are already trying to be good stewards of the water,” Rev. Jill Sander-Chali, senior pastor, told KWCH. “We hope it would not have any negative impact on what we are able to grow and provide in the community.”
Watch video from KWCH.
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In other news
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Newsletters
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Classifieds
Classifieds are posted for 30 days unless otherwise requested. Please allow three business days for your classified to appear on the website. Email David Burke to update or renew your classified. Submit your classified here.
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