THIS WEEK'S NEWS
Bishop Wilson shares thoughts during Pastor Appreciation Month
Bishop selects representatives for 2026 leadership gathering
GBGM top executive shares about opportunities to serve around world
CONAM represents at Lincoln gala for Native American courage
Great Plains pastors release Advent studies in time for season
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Central Nebraska CRCC pastors, families gather in Grand Island
Preaching, worship planning retreat set for Nov. 10-14 in Leavenworth
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
Laity Summit 2026 expanding to three nights: March 23-24, 26
Fall children’s retreat at Camp Horizon set for Nov. 1-2
MERCY & JUSTICE
Break the silence during week of prayer for Congo
Register by Oct. 23 for webinar study of ‘Faith in the Face of Empire’
DISASTER RESPONSE
Local churches, you can help others by joining the 12 x 12 Club
ADMINISTRATION
Sanchez is new multimedia content specialist for conference
Clergy compensation calculator webinars continue through Oct. 30
RESOURCES
Advent studies for adults available from media center
ACROSS THE CONNECTION
Camp Chippewa dedicates its new archery range
In other news
Newsletters
Classifieds
Bishop Wilson shares thoughts
during Pastor Appreciation Month
Bishop David Wilson recorded a very short video expressing his gratitude for all that you do to lead the congregations and extension ministries across the Great Plains Conference and beyond during this Pastor Appreciation Month.
Regardless of your clergy status — elder, deacon, licensed pastor, certified lay minister or district superintendent assignee — and regardless of whether you are serving in a large or small local church, or in any of the myriad extension ministries, the bishop wants you to know that he greatly appreciates all you do in service to Jesus Christ, to The United Methodist Church, and to the Great Plains Conference.
Watch video (approximately 40 seconds.)
From Resource UMC: Saying 'I appreciate you' to pastors.
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Bishop selects representatives
for 2026 leadership gathering
 
 In a year, United Methodists worldwide will gather in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for the inaugural Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering.
Each bishop was asked to select one clergy, one laity and an individual younger than 35 to represent their conference. Other individuals will be chosen by the Council of Bishops to attend.
For the Great Plains, Bishop David Wilson has selected Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Scott Brewer and Char Pyle.
“The COB team working on this gathering specifically asked for persons under 35 and lay persons,” Bishop Wilson said. “I know we have so many young persons who would represent us well, and I am thankful for that representation at the gathering.”
Read more here.
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GBGM top executive shares about opportunities to serve around world
Roland Fernandes considers it a privilege to serve as general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries in a time when there are so many opportunities to serve as the hands and feet of Christ.
The top executive of GBGM and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry took time from his busy schedule to talk with Todd Seifert, conference communications director, about The United Methodist Church's efforts around the world, as well as the importance of UMCOR, for the latest episode of his "In Layman's Terms" podcast.
Download the episode.
From UM News: Agencies respond to federal cutbacks.
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CONAM represents at Lincoln
gala for Native American courage
Our Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) was a table sponsor for Monday night’s Chief Standing Bear Prize for Courage gala at the Lied Center in Lincoln.
This year’s recipient was Deb Haaland, who with Sharice Davids of Kansas were the first Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. Haaland was the first Native woman to serve on the Cabinet, as Interior secretary in the Biden Administration.
Bishop David Wilson said the prayer over the meal and the sellout crowd’s time together.
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Great Plains pastors release
Advent studies in time for season
 
Two clergy in the Great Plains Conference have had Advent studies recently published.
Rev. Kara Eidson, pastor of McLouth-Oskaloosa UMCs in the East Central Kansas District, has published her second Advent study, “The Advent Tree: Meeting Jesus in God’s Big Story.”
And Rev. Scott Chrostek, executive director of ministries and programs at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, has his first seasonal study, “Advent: A Season of Surprises.”
Read more here.
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Clergy Excellence
Central Nebraska CRCC pastors,
families gather in Grand Island
Last Saturday's gathering at Grand Island Trinity UMC was a wonderful success, bringing together 18 people for a time of fellowship and community building.
We welcomed Pastor Shella Choi, Pastor Amazing Grace Ayegbayo, and Pastor Sammy Karanja Ndungu, along with his wife and daughters, who are new to the Central Nebraska District this year. Their presence added warmth and joy to the occasion.
Attendees enjoyed fun team-building activities that brought laughter and connection to the group. The evening continued with a delicious meal, where everyone gathered around the table to share food and conversation, strengthening bonds within our community.
The event would not have been possible without support from Central Nebraska DS, Rev. Charles Murithi. Special recognition also goes to Tonja Reed, who generously prepared all the food and arrangements.
These gatherings serve as an important opportunity for our CRCC clergy family community to connect, build relationships, and strengthen our shared mission. We look forward to continuing this tradition with next year's event.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to all who support this ministry through prayer and participation.
-- Rev. Seulki Choi
Intercultural family ministry coordinator
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Preaching, worship planning retreat set for Nov. 10-14 in Leavenworth
The fall session of A Time Apart preaching and worship planning retreat will be Nov. 10-14 at the Marillac Retreat Center in Leavenworth, Kan.
The retreat will be led by Rev. Anne Gahn and Rev. Doug Gahn.
Jesus took time away for prayer and silence before proclaiming to the crowds. You are invited to take time apart in a retreat setting with other colleagues and create long-range plans for worship and preaching.
Each week pastors face the humbling and awesome task of preparing a sermon and worship that touches the lives of worshippers in our congregations. Our perplexing and difficult times call for authentic worship and preaching where people can encounter Christ. Yet, the daily demands of ministry often keep us from having as much time as we would like for sermon and worship preparation, and especially for long range sermon and worship planning. Taking time apart, like Jesus, gives us the opportunity to root our planning in prayer and to open ourselves to the directions of the Spirit.
The cost is $250.
Learn more here.
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Equipping Disciples
Laity Summit 2026 expanding
to three nights: March 23-24, 26
The 2026 Laity Summit Planning Committee is thrilled to announce next year’s Great Plains Laity Summit, coming March 23, 24, and 26, 2026 — and this time, we’re bringing the Spirit straight into your evenings!
That’s right — the Summit will now take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. CT each night, making it easier than ever for laity across Kansas and Nebraska to join in, whether from home or together in community.
We’re inviting churches across the Great Plains to host watch parties — gather your congregation, small groups, or leadership teams to experience the Summit together. Picture sanctuaries and fellowship halls filled with laughter, prayer, music, and renewed purpose as laity connect across the miles in one shared Spirit.
Next year’s Laity Summit will feature inspiring worship, dynamic speakers, and powerful impact sessions designed to equip and empower laity for ministry in every setting. These engaging sessions will help you turn inspiration into action, connect with other passionate laypeople, and discover new ways to make a real difference in your church and community.
Whether you’re a Lay Leader, a Lay Servant, or just beginning to explore your call, this is your opportunity to grow in faith, deepen your discipleship, and discover how God is calling you to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.
Stay tuned for more details, impact session topics, and registration information coming soon in GPconnect and across the Great Plains Conference!
-- The 2026 Laity Summit Planning Committee
Fall children’s retreat at
Camp Horizon set for Nov. 1-2
For the third year in a row, children, grades 2-5 are invited to a weekend retreat at Camp Horizon, Nov. 1-2. Children will spend the weekend enjoying all that camp has to offer, from outdoor games to worship, crafts to an all-camp scavenger hunt! This year, we will also focus on God's call to courage and biblical examples of what courage looks like from Queen Esther, the Disciple Peter, and the Good Samaritan!
Churches can register their kids today by following the QR code provided. Each church is asked to bring one adult sponsor for every seven kids they register! The cost for the weekend is only $35 thanks to a grant from the South Central District's Children's Coordinator Fund.
Send your children's ministry volunteers with kids to camp-- not only will this be a meaningful faith experience with their kiddos, but the retreat also provides two workshops for adults focused on free continuing education for children's leaders and support from Rev. Ashley Prescott Barlow-Thompson.
Come for a night, help your kids explore their faith and get comfortable with camping ministry, and grow in courage as we retreat Nov. 1-2! Email Ashley at ashleypbt@gmail.com to learn more!
Mercy & Justice
Break the silence during
week of prayer for Congo
The week of Oct. 19-25 serves as Breaking the Silence: Congo Week, a week of activities that commemorates the millions of lives lost in the Congo conflict while celebrating the enormous human and natural potential that exists in the country. Communities throughout the globe join in partnership with Congolese each year during the third week of October to screen films, hold teach-ins and forums, organize rallies, host fundraisers, put on concerts and undertake many other activities to elevate the profile of the Congo throughout the globe.
Sunday, Oct. 19, will start off Congo Week by uniting churches in prayer on the Sabbath. As people of faith, we invite you to stand in unity and intercession for the Democratic Republic of Congo. Let us come together to lift our voices in prayer for peace, justice, and restoration for the people of the Congo.
Find out more in this toolkit.
Sandra Fatuma Nyembo, pastor of Rossville UMC and associate pastor of Topeka First UMC and a native of the Congo, offers this prayer for individuals and congregations. Her prayer is here.
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Register by Oct. 23 for webinar book
study of ‘Faith in the Face of Empire’
A webinar book study on “Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible Through Palestinian Eyes,” presented by the Great Plains Conference Holy Land Task Force, will begin at 7:30-9 p.m. CT Thursday, Oct. 30, and continue through Nov. 6 and 13.
The discussion will be facilitated by Rev. Phillip Sloat, Carol Ekdahl Garwood and Andrea Paret.
“Empire” is written by Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Christian living under Israeli occupation. A Palestinian reading of the Bible begins with an awareness of the role of empire -- a constant feature of Palestine for thousands of years, from the Babylonians and Egyptians, to the Romans, Ottomans, British, and the state of Israel.
The book is available through online sources including Amazon and Orbis Books: https://orbisbooks.com/products/faith-in-the-face-of-empire.
Register for the webinar here, with a deadline of Oct. 23.
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Disaster Response
Local churches, you can help
others by joining the 12 x 12 Club
Become an important part of our ministry of compassion and care!
1. Register your church with htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
2. Simply make 12 of each UMCOR Relief Kit: https://umcmission.org/relief-supplies/.
3. Store them at your local church.
4. If they have not been called for in six months, give them to a local organization, family, school, or business in your community.
5. Repeat the process!
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Administration
Sanchez is new multimedia
content specialist for conference
Israel Sanchez is the new multimedia content specialist for the Great Plains Conference.
A native of Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami, Sanchez has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Washburn University.
He has lived in Topeka for the past 13 years. Most recently he worked for the Greater Topeka Partnership and GO Topeka, where he was director of equity and business development.
Sanchez and his fiancée live in Topeka. He is the father of three children, age 13, 11 and 8.
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Clergy compensation calculator webinars continue through Oct. 30
For charge conference each church is required to complete the clergy compensation report using the new clergy compensation calculator.
Seven educational seminars will take place over Zoom this month to further explain the calculator. All times are Central:
During this training we will discuss how to log into the People Portal, how to use the clergy compensation calculator, and how this relates to your charge conferences.
All clergy and any designated church representatives are welcome to attend the scheduled educational seminars as many times as you would like.
-- Christy Bogner, CFO/treasurer
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Resources
Advent studies for adults
available from media center
As evidenced by stories earlier in GPconnect, it’s the time of year to select an Advent study.
The United Media Resource Center has multiple books available for studies, including “Christmas: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” by the late Bishop Richard Wilke, “Keep Watch with Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers” edited by Claire Brown and Michael McRay, and “Making Room: Sharing the Love of Christmas” by Ed Robb.
Find those and more here.
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Across the Connection
Camp Chippewa dedicates its new archery range, also used by local HS
The ribbon cutting of the Camp Chippewa Scheels Archery Range was held on a bright afternoon at Camp Chippewa, Oct.10. The conversation started years ago between Camp Director James Rickner and Camp Chippewa’s then-administrative assistant Libby Franks. Libby’s son coached a student archery team and was looking for a location for the Ottawa High School Cyclones archery team to practice. Jarod Franks and Rickner mowed an unused piece of Camp Chippewa with access to Idaho Road, and a practice field was born for the Ottawa Cyclones S3DA youth archery team.
The professional outdoor archery range has been constructed with the help of Scheels of Overland Park, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Athlon Optics, Affordable Bail Bonds, Underwood Construction, Hartsman Rock, J Frank Cranes from Emporia, Cleary Building, and Laurie Brothers Concrete that is open to the public. Future expansion will include a restroom and further development of the trails with 3-D targets in this area of Camp Chippewa.
Coaches Jarod Franks from Ottawa and Wayne Hayes from Gardner run the afterschool program for students 6 to 19 years old. They have been practicing outside at Topeka and indoors at Paola and now can practice much closer to home. Students from Overland Park, Paola, Gardner, Olathe and Ottawa are on the archery team. The Ottawa Cyclones archery team have won national and state archer awards. (see Ottawa Cyclones Archery team Facebook page for pictures and more information)
The Camp Chippewa Scheels Archery range is open to the public. Attendance at the range is recorded with a QR code. Camp Chippewa will also use the range for its camping programs.
Many thanks to everyone who supported this addition to our camping program, especially past-chair Pastor Lauri Bowman Beach. Camp Chippewa Site Council members are Rev. Brenda Davids, chair, Dr. David Whetstone, vice-chair, Ron Johnson and Pastor Lauri Bowman Beach, secretaries, Tom Stutzman, Gail Billman, Amy Montee, Isabel Bousson-Halling, Kristy Martin, Henry Weiner, Shawn Turner, Jennifer Strahm, Pastor Ron Bell and Rev. Micki McCorkle.
In other news
Newsletters
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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