Nebraska Messenger fall 2012

MessengerNebraska

VOL. 49, NO. 4 Check us out online: www.umcneb.org Fall 2012

New Area to be led by Scott J. Jones

Drought and Fire Relief 2012:More than $24,000 raised

As of Tuesday, Aug. 21, a total of $24,172.01 had been donated to drought and fire relief Nebraska Advance #768. Wildfires — caused by the extremely dry conditions — have been reported in all parts of the state and have caused a great deal of destruction.

The main need continues to be cash — cash to replenish fire departments’ fuel budgets, cash to buy supplies for fence building, cash for hay purchases, etc. Needs for clothes and more immediate concerns are being met by the North Central Development Center through local and regional donors.

Those donating through their local church are asked to include “Nebraska Advance 768” or “Nebraska Drought and Fire Relief ” on the memo portion of checks. Online donations will be processed and credited to donors’ local church. The URL is umcneb.org/droughtandfiregive. Send checks to:

Nebraska United Methodist Conference3333 Landmark Cir.Lincoln, NE 68504

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) awarded Nebraska $10,000 to be added to funds raised locally to help with drought and fire relief. Distribution of United Methodist funds will be done on a regional basis, according to the urgency of the need. This application process is intended to help individuals, families, communities and regional groups in their work to both battle fires and manage the results of an extended drought that is expected to continue into the fall.

Applications for assistance from the United Methodist Church can be made online at umcneb.org/droughtandfireapp. The contribution of churches, groups and UMCOR demonstrates the power of the United Methodist connectional system.

See Fire Relief, p. 9

By LISA DIEHLKansas communications director

During its meeting July 18-21 in Oklahoma City, the South Central Jurisdiction unanimously approved boundaries for the new Great Plains Annual Conference and assigned

Bishop Scott Jones to serve the new area. “I am excited to be the bishop of the Great Plains Area,”

Jones told members of the Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West conferences at a July 21 breakfast.

“It is a great new beginning for us,” said Rev. David Lux, head of the Nebraska delegation. “There is a great sense of possibility and hope about the future.”

In order to get to know Nebraska churches, Jones announced that he plans to get to as many Nebraska United Methodist churches as possible in the coming year.

“I believe one of the great benefits we in Nebraska will experience having Bishop Jones as the first bishop of the Great Plains Area is the fact that he already is familiar with Kansas folks and can more comfortably spend additional time with Nebraska during this important transition,” said Tom Watson, Nebraska lay leader and delegate to Jurisdictional Conference. Watson also serves as chairperson for the Great Plains Area Transition Team.

The episcopal assignments were announced around 11:15 p.m. July 20 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, following a lengthy meeting of the South Central Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee. (See pg. 2 for a complete list of assignments.)

The 256 delegates to the South Central Jurisdictional Conference unanimously approved the resolution to establish the boundaries of the new Great Plains Annual Conference to encompass the current boundaries of the Kansas East, Kansas West and the Nebraska conferences excluding the Native American congregations, which are all included in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.

The jurisdiction includes the United Methodist churches in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Kansas and Nebraska have a shared history in the Methodist movement. The two states shared a bishop in 1952, said Rev. Mark Conard, head of the Kansas West delegation and pastor at Hutchinson First United Methodist Church. And in 1856, the two states were part

of the same annual conference that stretched all the way west to Denver.

The General Conference of The United Methodist Church voted in 2008 to reduce the number of active bishops in the United States by one in each jurisdiction to allow more bishops to be elected in areas where The United Methodist Church is growing, especially in Africa.

In September 2009, the bishops of the South Central Jurisdiction announced they would comply with this mandate by combining the Nebraska and Kansas episcopal areas.

All three conferences voted this spring to approve a proposal to create one new annual conference. Following that vote, the conferences petitioned the South Central Jurisdiction, which is charged with establishing the boundaries of annual conferences, to change the boundaries of the conferences to create the Great Plains Annual Conference.

Jones will be serving three conferences from Sept.1, 2012, through Jan. 1, 2014, when the Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska conferences become one new conference to match the geography of the episcopal area.

The new Great Plains Area will include nearly 1,000 United Methodist congregations and more than 229,000 United Methodists in Nebraska and Kansas. Jones has served as bishop of the Kansas East and Kansas West conferences since his election in 2004.

The Southwest Texas and Rio Grande annual conferences also petitioned for and received boundary changes enabling the two conferences to become one, also effective Jan. 1, 2014. A name has not yet been selected for the new conference.

Missouri Area Bishop Robert Schnase, who gave the episcopal report July 19, said the jurisdiction has a large and fertile mission field for growing vital congregations and changing The United Methodist Church from within.

“We celebrate with you, and we’re looking forward to your leadership,” Schnase said. “We need to continue to learn, to experiment and to innovate. Change is going to happen one person, one church, one conference at a time. We believe the South Central Jurisdiction is poised to take leadership in The United Methodist Church at this critical moment. The clarity of the mission is stronger here than anywhere else in the church.”

PHOTO ON LEFT BY LISA DIEHL; PHOTO ON RIGHT BY KATHRYN WITTE

(Left photo) Bishop Scott Jones presides over the South Central Jurisdictional Conference on July 18. (Right photo) Bishop Jones and wife Mary Lou Reece following Jones’ assignment to the Great Plains Area on July 20.

Meet new Great Plains Area Bishop Scott J. Jones. He will preach Sept. 2 in Grand Island and on Sept. 23 in Harrison. See page 2 for his September schedule.

South Central Jurisdiction approves boundaries for two new conferences, effective 2014

Fall 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

2

From the Bishop

To inform, educate and inspire Nebraska United Methodists in all areas of mission and ministry in the church.

Kathryn Witte, editorTrisha Johnson, communications coordinatorRoxAnn Delisi, circulation

Editorial opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church. Columns and letters to the editor are the views of that writer and not necessarily of “The Nebraska Messenger” or the Nebraska Conference. Published four times a year (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) by the Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504; phone 402-464-5994 or 800- 435-6107; fax 402-464-6203. Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Nebraska and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Nebraska Messenger, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504.

Letters to the editor posted to UMconnect“The Nebraska Messenger” welcomes letters from its readers. All letters should be limited to 200 words, signed and include the author’s name, address and church affiliation. Letters should address the mission and ministry of the church. Editing and publication of letters are at the discretion of the editor and will be posted on “UMconnect.” Letters are the opinion of the writer and not necessarily that of the Nebraska Conference or of the Nebraska Messenger.

Nebraska Messenger3333 Landmark CircleLincoln, NE 68504e-mail: [email protected]: (402) 464-6203

Circulation changes: [email protected]

DEATHSMorland S. Adell, 86, a clergy member

of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Friday, June 28, 2012.

Survivors include wife, Gudrun Adell, 18405 Spanish Garden Dr., Sun City, Ariz. 85375; son, Gordon Adell of Chicago, Ill. and daughter Christine Howe of Eau Clair, Wis.

The memorial service was Saturday, July 6, 2012 at Desert Garden United Church of Christ, Sun City West, Ariz. at 10 a.m. Cremation.

EDITORIAL

(ISSN 0194-7761 USPS #376-540)Vol. 49, No. 4 Fall 2012

BISHOP SCOTT J. JONES

Votes for change

Note from the editor: Bishop Scott Jameson Jones was assigned to serve the new Great Plains Episcopal Area at the 2012 South Central Jurisdictional Conference, held in Oklahoma City, Okla. He has served as the resident bishop of the Kansas Area since September 2004. Read a complete bio at greatplainsumc.org/bishop. Jones will be visitng and preaching at United Methodist churches across the Nebraska Conference, starting Sept. 2; see a full schedule in the box on the right side of the page.

We have voted for change. When I say “we” I mean more than two-thirds of the lay and clergy members of all three annual conferences: Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska. On Jan. 1, 2014, we will become the Great Plains Annual Conference.

I do believe that we have made the right decision, but as one of my friends said in an email, “Now the real work begins.” The Great Plains annual conference has more than 200,000 laypersons, more than 1,000 congregations, and almost 800 active elders, deacons, associate members and local pastors. God has blessed us with rich resources.

The hard work comes in discerning how God will best use those human resources for God’s purposes. We know that the mission of our church is unchanged, while the mission field of Nebraska and Kansas has changed since 1968 when we last formed annual conferences. We need to “rethink church.”

I am convinced that the United Methodist way of being Christian and doing church is the best answer possible for the 21st century American mission field. I’ll put my reasons in four categories.

First, our doctrine is the best possible interpretation of the whole Bible. Moreover, it speaks well to the spiritual needs of people who are looking for the meaning of life, a pathway to fulfillment, and a purpose worth giving their lives for. When we talk about being a disciple of Jesus Christ, we are talking about a spiritual journey. First, we claim the fact that all human beings are special, created in the image of God and therefore valuable. We know that God’s prevenient grace is working in the life of every human being.

Second, we know that all human beings are sinners who have fallen short of God’s intention. Convincing grace is helping us name our problems from God’s perspective. We invite everyone to repentance, to turn their lives away from hate, anger, quarrels, drunkenness, injustice, immorality, greed, racism, sexism and all other forms of sin toward the love of God and neighbor that is our Creator’s intention. Convincing grace is operative in making that invitation. We also know that we can do nothing to earn salvation and an identity as daughters and sons of God. Justifying grace is shaping our hearts and minds to say yes to God’s invitation through faith. It is the doorway through which we enter into the Christian life. The Christian life is growing toward maturity — to become more and more Christlike. It is the movement toward Christian perfection, toward being a grown-up man or woman and more and more filled with love. Sanctifying grace is at work in the lives of all Christians. Saving faith is our response. It is the Church that works as a means of grace helping persons make spiritual progress. This disciple-making activity happens best in local congregations, but also through our connectional ministries like camps and campus ministries. Disciples who are being sanctified give of their time, talents and money to be witnesses in ministries of justice, mercy and evangelism.

Third, our mission as a church is to be used by God to change lives and transform the whole world. Our mission statement, found in paragraphs 120-122 of “The Book of Discipline, 2008” is biblically based, grounded in our Wesleyan doctrine, and sufficient for our future. When congregations are clear about their mission and disciplined in following it, great things happen. Our connectional church is seeking to increase the number of vital disciple-making congregations.

And fourth, our core disciplines are excellent. Our connectional, episcopal polity has huge organizational advantages over other ways of being church. However, our mistakes are allowing conferences and bishops to so over-regulate us that we have become rule-bound rather than nimble, and bureaucratic rather than missional. We have to increase clarity about our mission and align our resources and focus our work on the task God has so graciously given us.

It is in this last area that the creation of a new conference holds the most promise. Our Transition Team has said that the most important thing the annual conference does is to recruit, equip and deploy leaders into the mission field. We have an incredible opportunity to pray, discern, discuss and plan how God can lead us to greater fruitfulness and faithfulness. I am excited about the future of the Great Plains Annual Conference. The real work has begun, and we need to do it together.

Bishop Scott J. Jones,Resident BishopGreat Plains Episcopal Area

SOUTH CENTRAL JURISDICTION EPISCOPAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2013-16

Arkansas — Gary Mueller*Central Texas — Mike LowryGreat Plains — Scott J. JonesLouisiana — Cynthia Fierro Harvey*Missouri — Robert SchnaseNorth Texas — Michael McKee*Northwest Texas/New Mexico — to be filled by Council of BishopsOklahoma/Indian Missionary Conference — Robert HayesRio Grande/Southwest Texas — Jim DorffTexas - Janice Huie*Newly elected

Bishop Jones’ September schedule in Nebraska

All are invited to a service of celebration

ON FAITH AND POLITICSEditor’s note: Sen. Lowen Kruse served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2001-09 and is also a retired United Methodist minister. We have asked him to share ideas on how persons of faith can effectively discuss difficult issues and affect important community decisions.

A major annoyance in election seasons is the chatter about cutting taxes. Those statements detract from the real issues of costs. “Cutting taxes” invariably becomes a search for ways to push costs to someone else. There is no cost cut.

Frankly, if by taxes we mean the total load of funding public policy, including every kind of tax, fee, permit and government demand of co-pay, etc., the load cannot go down. We have already cut to basics in the major areas.

Over 140 years ago, Christians in Nebraska said they could no longer care for the mentally ill by themselves. The total community (that is, government) was asked to build and operate three mental hospitals. Does anyone think we can count on fewer mentally ill next year so costs can go down? No. Or can we claim we will have fewer prisoners and therefore those costs will go down? No. Or, do we expect fewer students and less priority on education, to cut costs there? Again, no.

I have just named the three drivers that combine for (by far) the largest portion of our public budgets. Good leaders will hold these costs steady, but it is naïve and even dishonest to say we expect the costs to go down.

So what should Christians do? Jesus asked Simon the critical question about a marginalized person: “Do you see this woman?” (Luke 7:44) As, do you see the single mother who cannot possibly pay her way

until she gets an education? We criticize her, but her children will present higher bills. We can plan differently.

The dedicated man, working hard at minimum wage, is marginalized. It costs us tax dollars to keep his wages low as he is at two-thirds of the poverty rate for his family and cannot pay his bills. Forty years ago, the minimum wage was over the poverty line. We let it slip, claiming that economic prosperity does not apply to the “working poor.” Strange phrase! The idea is immoral in a society as wealthy, progressive and innovative as ours. He is part of us.

Or, we have budget plans, from both parties, that would “cut taxes” for Medicare. Not the costs, mind you, just the taxes. Someone has to pay those costs. Like hospitals who will receive less and add to the premiums of the rest of us. We need to ask clearly where the costs are being shifted. The total “tax” will not go down.

How will we honestly provide for the needs of the elderly, care for the mentally ill and pay the cost of prisons, especially if we cut rehabilitation?

We place a priority on education and know if we do not our economy will suffer.

Christians must quietly ask for the bottom line on the true costs of education. “Do you see this woman/man/child?”

Sept. 2 Preaching, Grand Island First UMC, 9:30 a.m. (CDT) 4190 West Capital AvenuePreaching, Grand Island Trinity, 11 a.m. (CDT) 511 N. Elm St. Barbecue, Trinity Miller Hall, immediately following the serviceSept. 4 Lunch, Imperial UMC, 11:55 a.m. (MDT) 420 Holland St. District Dinner Gathering, Maywood UMC, 6:10 p.m. (CDT) 202 S. Plum Discussion Gathering, Maywood UMC, 7:15 p.m. (CDT)Sept. 5 Lunch, Grant UMC, 11:40 a.m. (MDT) 500 Warren Ave. District Dinner Gathering, North Platte UMC, 6 p.m. (CDT) 1600 W. E St. Discussion Gathering, North Platte UMC, 7 p.m. (CDT)

Sept. 23 Preaching, Harrison UMC, 10 a.m. (MDT) Jones will also be visiting area churches as time allows.

Sept. 29 Celebration of Assignment to the Great Plains Area, Lincoln St. Mark’s UMC, 10:30 a.m. (CDT)

St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Neb., will be the setting for the welcoming of the new Great Plains Episcopal Area bishop, Scott J. Jones. Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29, at 10:30 a.m., in the St. Mark’s sanctuary, this will be a time of great celebration as members and guests of the new Great Plains Episcopal Area install its first bishop.

Reception times are scheduled before the event at 9:30 a.m. and following the service in order to offer ample time for attendees to socialize and get to know one other. Participants are expected from all three annual conferences — Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska. Food and refreshments will be served. Keep in mind it is a University of Nebraska football Saturday. Some travelers may find it easier to stay in nearby towns rather than in Lincoln.

Fall 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 3AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Full steam (spirit) ahead for Transition Team

How will you help make a “Change for the Better”

In‐Kind & Monetary Donations

Volunteer

Adopt‐a‐Cottage

Become a Certified Epworth Advocate

For information about how to help make a change for the better, contact Thatcher McBride at (402) 362‐3353

or email [email protected]

Visit our website at www.epworthvillage.org

By KATHRYN WITTE, Nebraska communications director

The Great Plains Episcopal Area Transition Team met in Salina, Kan., Aug. 23-24, at Trinity United Methodist Church, to continue plans for leading the Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West conferences through the transition to become one new annual conference on Jan. 1, 2014.

The Rev. Janet Maxwell’s opening devotion paralleled the changes in her own life with those facing the annual conferences as they move toward becoming a new conference. In the past year, Maxwell has had a new appointment, a new marriage, combined households, sent a child off to college, met new people, visited new places and endured much chaos.

Some things must be done soon after you move, while others can wait until you’ve settled in a bit more, she said. The Transition Team is now determining which things must be done quickly, and which things, as consultant Gil Rendle advised, should wait until later.

“Keep us on that path so there may be times we can say, ‘What’s time?’ What’s God’s time for this process?” Maxwell drew from an Isaiah passage on God’s creation of a new heaven and a new earth.

“He’s guiding us, and whatever form it takes, it will be good,” Maxwell said.The group focused its energy on declaring the role or “calling” of the annual conference,

reaffirming that disciples are made at the local church. After an afternoon-long discussion, the team adopted language that reflected the role (call) of the new annual conference: “The Great Plains Conference is called to equip and connect congregations to make disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The group then described the preferred future for the Great Plains Conference: “Great churches. Great leaders. Great disciples. Transformed world. The focus of the Great Plains Area, and soon to be annual conference, is helping congregations create Christ-centered excellence in youth ministry, preaching and worship, engaging our communities and transforming service to the world.”

These statements will undergird the work of the Transition Team as it seeks to create a structure that is focused and church-centered.

Dream teams are being redeployed to explore best strategies for clergy and lay leadership development, tactics for becoming vital congregations and connectional strategies. The Team also is seeking dream team members’ interpretation of a “transformed world.”

In preparation for their work, dream teams will be reminded of the mission of the church, and the common vision for our churches around vitality and growth (all three conferences’ vision statements articulate vital congregations) and the Transition Team’s understanding of the call of the annual conference.

Bishop Scott J. Jones shared a proposed “Plan of Organization” which was developed by a subset of the Transition Team to help organize and track the work being done by a variety of groups toward the legislation that will be voted on at the Uniting Conference, on Aug. 22-24, 2013, at the Bicentennial Center in Salina, Kan.

A Clergy Excellence Task Force has been named to work on clergy leadership recruitment and development, leading toward a system that will become the Great Plains Board of Ordained Ministry. The task force is made up of representatives from all three conferences.

A new Mission Share formula will be developed this fall by a Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) team comprised of members from each conference’s current CFA. Initial recommendations will be presented to the Transition Team at its November meeting. The goal is for a final Mission Share formula to be ready to announce following the December team meeting so members can begin to take feedback.

The Transition Team wants great transparency in the process. A new Great Plains website is now available at greatplainsumc.org and was unveiled at the Transition Team meeting. Transition Team background and current information is posted there. There are also plans for other ways to ensure that Transition Team recommendations are communicated broadly with ample opportunity for response and input.

By January 2013, an outline budget will be complete and ready for input and evaluation. Adding budget detail will follow in February and March.

The Joint Called Clergy Session in January will afford clergy an opportunity to learn about the planning as it has developed by then. Clergy will be able to take the information to their churches and enlist congregations in the conversations about how the plan for the new annual conference is developing.

By April, a draft document, describing the new area and its organization and structure, will be available for the annual conference resource books. During the three annual conferences’ meetings in May and June, members will provide input and direction for a final document to be prepared and voted on by all three conferences in August.

The proposed “Plan of Organization” can be viewed on the Great Plains Area website at greatplainsumc.org.

“I see this as a working document that will change as we need to, in order to get our work accomplished,” said Jones.

Following are just a few highlights from the Plan of Organization:

• There will be no changes in district alignment during the 2013-16 quadrennium.• Changes in conference office locations will be decided in 2015 or later.• An episcopal residence task force will work through 2014 to bring a recommendation

for the episcopal area office and residence location to the 2015 annual conference session.• The structure team is at work and is led by the following principles: –Each committee’s function shall be clearly connected to the mission and vision of The United Methodist Church and the call and preferred future of the Great Plains Area. –A minimal structure is recommended for the new conference. –Ministries should be encouraged to form and function outside the formal structure of the annual conference.•There will be an “oversight board” similar to a common table, leadership team or focus

team. •Boards and committees of all three conferences may have a final meeting in the fall of

2013 to conclude their business and transfer their responsibilities to the new conference structure.

The list continues and includes topics such as the budget, mission share formula, equitable compensation, clergy minimum salary, superintendents’ salary, pension plan, health insurance plan, retiree health insurance, lay equalization plan, mission partnerships, personnel policies, standing rules, and more.

“While the technical details are important, how we help the local church ministry of making disciples for the transformation of the world continues to be our priority,” said the Rev. Dr. Carol Roettmer Brewer, Nebraska director of connectional ministries, staff leader and assistant to the bishop.

Corey Daniel Godbey, Kansas coordinator for Hispanic ministries, closed with a passage from Psalm 19, v. 2 (Good News translations), where it describes working to tell the story one day to the next.

“I pray that God guides our ongoing work to write the story together, not forgetting what we have learned thus far in creating the story of the new Great Plains Area,” he said.

The Rev. Troy Bowers’ (Manhattan First UMC) Friday morning devotion focused on God’s hands of great strength, love, care and hope. Bowers noted that the Transition Team has worked together since 2009 and he personally thanked the group for its ongoing ministry.

PHOTO BY KATHRYN WITTE


By MIKE WILSON, UMMen secretary

The fall finds many of us playing or watching football. We struggle for the first down and are momentarily satisfied but then realize we really need the touchdown. The touchdown is great but then we need more to win the game. One game is nice, but we want to win the championship. Even with that we end up repeating the process the next year. We struggle, we face setbacks, but do we get what we really need? Hebrews 12:1-2 says “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Develop your faith to find what will really satisfy you.

Upcoming Opportunities

FOUR CONFERENCE RALLY, LAKE OKOBOJI, IOWA. SEPT. 28-30Join men from Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas for a great weekend. Mark Dehority from the GCUMM will lead the Saturday sessions on Men’s Ministry and will be joined by the musical talent of the Rev. Ed Kail. Details are available on our Web page: umcneb.org/ummen.

WINTER RALLY, CAMP FONTANELLE, BY FREMONT. FEB. 15-17, 2013.

More details to come later, but please put the dates on your calendar and plan to come.

SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREWThe Nebraska UMMen are working

to start a hunger relief effort in eastern Nebraska with the Society of St. Andrew, which is supported by the UMC. The plan needs some coordinators and people interested in collecting or “gleaning” otherwise unused food from farmers, or warehouses and delivering it to an existing network of food pantries that can distribute it to the people who need it. Contact Craig Nordaker at 402-453-6666 if you are interested in helping.

Recent Activities

2012 SUMMER UMMEN RALLYThe Nebraska UMMen held their summer

rally at Camp Norwesca Aug. 10-12. Twenty-one men from across the state enjoyed the activities planned by Ed Bieganski and the rest of the Chadron men. The program consisted of two music sessions by the Chadron UMC Praise Team ( Joyful Noise Band) and by the Fernau Family Singers, talks on international student ministry and motorcycle ministry by Greg and Stace Swinney, a talk on Ukraine background by Paulina who is attending Chadron State College, and a wagon ride and steak cookout at Fort Robinson State Park.

As usual, the men answered the Upper Room Prayer Line on Friday evening. El Siebert of Omaha reported on his attendance at an ecumenical conference in Washington, D.C., advocating faith-based budgeting to our nation’s lawmakers. There was also time for fellowship, relaxation and hiking. During

the business meeting, the men voted on the distribution of the funds raised by the 2012 bike ride/walk ($6,421.50) to 11 mission causes. A portion of these funds will be used to help establish a hunger relief advocate here in Nebraska administered by the Society of St Andrew.

Craig Nordaker was elected president and Dave Mendyk was thanked for his four years of service as president. Mendyk (on the right in the photo below) also received a 100 Club plaque representing $1,000 donated for seminary scholarships in honor of his service.

Other Items

GET CONNECTED — Renew your annual unit charter and individual membership through EMS (Every Member Shares through Evangelism, Mission, and Spiritual Life) or the Legacy program. Get the necessary information online at gcumm.org/support.

WEBSITE NEWS — If you haven’t viewed the conference website recently, please check it out. Go to the men’s page at umcneb.org/ummen for the latest information. The General Commission has also updated their website at gcumm.org.

United Methodist Women continues a 143 year history as women in mission. Our longevity has endured because we planned for a future committed to mission, through FAITH, HOPE and LOVE IN ACTION.

We are in the planning process again. As we move towards Jan. 1, 2014, the Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West Conferences of United Methodist Women will unite as the Great Plains Conference of UMW.

Several pre-planning meetings have taken place and steering committees from each Conference have been named. Representing Nebraska are Esther Hay, Lisa Maupin, Marilyn Zehring and myself. This transition team will continue meeting throughout 2012-2013, exploring options as we blend our areas.

Special consideration will be given to our Corsages for Mission, Dedicated Light, our Conference Library, Mission (Cooperative School of Christian Mission) and our mission institutions —Epworth Village and United Methodist Ministries.

In a few short months, we will be living out the future of United Methodist Women as the Great Plains Conference. I’ll see you all there!

NIEMANN ELECTED TO PROGRAM ADVISORY GROUPLouise Niemann, David City, has been selected to serve as a member of the Program

Advisory Group for the UMW national organization. She recently attended an orientation seminar in Nashville. The Group serves as the direct line of communication between UMW members at the local, district and Conference levels and its national leadership. Louise will serve a four-year term.

Report from Young Women’s Leadership Conference

In early August three women from Nebraska — Lisa Maupin, Caryn Vincent and Caitlin Bentzinger — went to Durham, N.C., where they worked together to take steps toward becoming leaders of United Methodist Women.

Bentzinger (second from the left in the photo) said, “I enjoyed being given the opportunity to embrace learning about and using my leadership skills and then being able to expand that to a national level. It was encouraging to know that I was chosen by the United Methodist Women of Nebraska to represent them. This experience has allowed me to connect with teens from all over the nation and I now can say that I have friends in Alaska, Hawaii and New York. I look forward to what doors are opening from this experience and will continue to enjoy representing Nebraska and UMW.”

Fu r t h er i n f o r mat i o n ab o u t t h i s conference will be included in the Fall 2012 issue of the Nebraska Conference UMW Newsletter.

4 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN/MEN

Paid for by UMMenumcneb.org/ummen

Contact:Mike Wilson

[email protected]

14106 S. 21st StreetBellevue, NE 68123

umcneb.org/umwPaid for by

Nebraska UMW

Contact:Rogene [email protected] Lowell Ave.Lincoln, NE 68506

COMING SOONNebraska Conference UMW Annual Meeting

“Journey to Wholeness Through Reconciliation”Scripture Emphasis: John 10:10

Oct.12-13, 2012Omaha First United Methodist Church

7020 Cass St.

Optional mission experience Friday morning:•Bus tour of local mission sites by United Methodist Ministries Staff

•“Advocacy in the Local Church” with Michelle Whittaker,Digital Communications Director, General Board of Church and Society

•Hands-on Mission Experiences•“Play It Again Samantha Fashion Show” — clothing from thrift shops

across the ConferenceDon’t forget to wear your recycled fashion items!

Get your registrations in and join UMW on this fasinating journey!

Registration form available at www.umcneb.org/umw

Nebraska UMMen: Do you need a first down or something more?

Nebraska United Methodist Men summer rally participants; the rally took place Aug. 10-12, at Camp Norwesca and was attended by 21 UMMen.

SLATE OF NOMINATED CONFERENCE OFFICERS FOR 2013To be elected at Nebraska Conference UMW Annual Meeting

The following are two-year terms:

President — Esther Hay (BR) Secretary — Jenelle Erb (EV) Spiritual Growth — Dolores Rader (PR)Membership, Nurture and Outreach — Tish Naprstek (GW)Secretary of Program Resources — Nancy Olson (GY)Communications Coordinator — Lisa Maupin (MR)Committee on Nominations — 2015 - Sandy Johnson (MR)Committee on Nominations — 2016 - Mickey Aruffo (GW)Committee on Nominations — 2016 - Joyce Jacobson (MR)The following are one-year terms:

Librarian — Mary Ann Bede (BR)Editor of Annual Report — Renae Graham (PR)Historian - Rogene Silletto — (BR)Information Technology Resource Person — Peg Walters (GY)

By LOUISE NIEMANNNebraskaUMW president

A new year, a new Conference

Fall 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 5RISK-TAKING MISSION & JUSTICE

Nebraska UMs attend D.C. seminar on effects of poverty

COURTESY PHOTONebraska United Methodists take a break to hear about part of the historic Shaw neighborhood in Washington, D.C., during a walking tour.

By the Rev. Zach Anderson

In July, a group of 15 Nebraska United Methodists took part in a three-day seminar with the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS). The group consisted of clergy and laity from across the Conference, including the 2012 Micah Corps interns. The trip was made possible through the Peace with Justice Sunday offering and allowed Nebraskans the experience of learning how our faith can engage decision making and the policies of our government. Specifically, the seminar dealt with poverty and its effects.

Seminar attendees were able to hear from a variety of agencies and programs while at the United Methodist Building and other sites. Seminar participants were given a basic introduction by GBCS staff on understanding power, privilege, and perspective. One of the biggest impacts attendees talked about after the trip was the Faces of Homelessness Speakers Bureau, part of the National Coalition of the Homeless. It was a chance to hear stories from people who have experienced homelessness and to put aside stereotypes and prejudice. Other agencies and groups that contributed to the seminar were Bread for the World, Cornelius Corps, D.C. Jobs with Justice, Justice for Our Neighbors and Men Can Stop Rape.

On the last day of the seminar, attendees worked together to prepare for a visit to the office of Sen. Mike Johanns. During that visit, the group asked questions related to the Farm Bill, educational funding, renewable energy, healthcare, and the Keystone XL pipeline. There was a feeling within the group that they were heard by the staff members. This served as a good experience to continue advocacy visits in the future.

This seminar experience left members feeling called to engage in the work of peace and justice in our church and society. Thanks to all who support the annual Peace with Justice Sunday Special offering that allows trips like this to happen and offers experiences that open doors to the work of justice.

Note: During the seminar, the Nebraska group put what they learned into the form of a rap. To watch a video of the group performing the rap, go to micah-corps.blogspot.com.

Young leaders grow through the Micah Corps internship

COURTESY PHOTO

The 2012 Micah Corps team: left to right, Adam Neely, Jonathan Poarch, Elizabeth Swearngin, Elena Rojas, Tori Osler and Katie Lamb.

The 2012 Micah Corps team members were Tori Osler from Elsie UMC, Katie Lamb from Havelock UMC in Lincoln, Elizabeth Swearngin from the Craig Parish, Adam Neely from Christ UMC in Lincoln, Jonathan Poarch from St. James in Bellevue and Elena Rojas, a recent graduate of Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas.

Thanks to support from Mission Share dollars, the 10-week internship was packed with praying, learning, and linking faith with action. Here are some comments by the interns at the conclusion of the summer.

Tori: I got a tiny little taste of what Jesus must have gone through in his days. He has become a closer friend and confidante to me. I can now say without hesitation that Jesus is the inspiration for my life.

Jonathan: This summer has opened me up to establishing a relationship with God through a variety of prayer practices. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer, so it was good to be exposed to a variety of effective prayer methods.

Elizabeth: I feel like I learned so much that I can take back to my friends and family

and my home church, and I am excited to do so! I am so grateful for this opportunity and for the joy I found in this work.

Elena: My leadership skills totally changed. It is amazing how much this internship helped me to sharpen my skills. I remember the first week in which I barely could talk in front of people. Now, I can say that I learned to trust more, not just in my teammates and the people who surround me, but in myself and in God.

Adam: The Micah Corps was a great tool for teaching flexibility. Flexibility is a necessary real-world skill, and many opportunities arose this summer to practice this newfound skill.

Katie: Through this internship I found that my calling was to enter the ministry and advocate for others through teaching. Youth ministries has really caught my attention and as of now that is what I plan on pursuing.

Learn more about their exciting experiences at micah-corps.blogspot.com.

Omaha Rockbrook UMC takes the church out of the building

What if the church left the building? What if we canceled Sunday morning service for a day of service? What if we could impact our community?

On Oct. 23, 2011, Omaha Rockbrook United Methodist Church held its first “Take the church out of the building” event.

Approximately 100 members went out into community locations, while another 20 stayed behind to greet visitors and prepare lunch. A prayer group also remained at the church to pray for all those who had left the building.

Participants went to the following locations: •Maple Crest Care Center, where the chancel choir presented a program for the residents

and distributed smiles, music and lap robes.•Ak-Sar-Ben Village to support World Food Day and the Farmers’ Market.•Families with children went to Quality Living Rehab Center and painted pumpkins with

residents.•The Douglas County Corrections Center where members presented a worship service

and served communion to inmates.•Together, Inc. where members sorted clothing and toured the facility.Upon returning, members enjoyed a time of sharing as they told stories about their

activities. An excited 8-year-old girl greeted Pastor William Williams with shouts of, “Pastor, pastor can we do this again next week? I had so much fun.”

They will be leaving the building again on Oct. 28, 2012.

COURTESY PHOTO

Members of Omaha Rockbrook UMC visit and paint pumpkins with residents of Quality Living Rehab Center as part of their “Take the church out of the building” day.

Linking faith and politics during this election season

The United Methodist Church has a long tradition of witnessing to God’s peace and justice through non-partisan political involvement.

William K. McElvaney has served as a UM pastor, president of Saint Paul School of Theology, and LeVan Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology. In his book “Becoming a Justice-Seeking Congregation,” he shares some guides for how he links faith with politics. Regardless of what political party or candidate individual Christians support, the following can be helpful as church members decide how to use their citizenship to God’s glory and to the benefit of all of society’s members.

I do my best to connect political activity and decisions with my understanding of the mind and heart of Jesus. What were and are his priorities? Where was his preferential option for special concern?

Conscientious Christians cannot turn over politics to just anyone who comes along. This is admittedly an extreme example, but I’ve never forgotten the story of Hitler’s directive to the German churches. He told the church leaders

to take care of spiritual needs and he would take care of the political order.

Politics is about how power is organized, controlled, and utilized. The vocation of justice is inevitably connected with political values as they impinge on legal, economic and environmental matters.

Political decision-making has to do with how a community organizes itself, how it makes decisions, who is at the table, who decides, who benefits, and what are the consequences.

Our United Methodist Board of Church and Society (umc-gbcs.org) provides many resources to help Christians link faith with public policy.

Also, it can be difficult to sift through fiction and fact from candidates of all parties. One helpful source for seeking impartial information is factcheck.org, which is a nonpartisan, nonprofit “consumer advocate” for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. FactCheck.org is a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania.


6 AROUND THE CONFERENCE

My amazing week at camp

PHOTO BY ASHLEY OLCUTTTrisha Johnson (left), communications coordinator for the Nebraska Conference, recently spent a week at Camp Fontanelle as a volunteer counselor for Splish Splash camp. Ice skating was among the camp’s activities.

Editor’s note: Trisha Johnson, Nebraska Conference communications coordinator, recently spent a week at Camp Fontanelle as a volunteer counselor. Below is her account of the week. For more information on Nebraska UM camps — Comeca, Fontanelle and Norwesca — visit umcneb.org/camps.

By TRISHA JOHNSONCommunications coordinator

Going to camp for the first time is filled with mixed emotions — excitement, fear, sadness about saying good-bye to your loved ones. I recently discovered this when I went to camp as a volunteer counselor. I would imagine the kids felt the same way I did.

The (thankfully well air-conditioned) basement of the main lodge at Camp Fontanelle became my home for four nights and four days. There were 30 youth signed up for Splish Splash camp, ranging in age from 8 to 13, or third through sixth grade.

Most of them had done this summer camp thing before, but for a small handful it was their first time and for some their first time away from home without mom and dad.

They couldn’t have been in better hands. If you’re going to send your beloved child to camp, you want them to be in the care of people like the staff at Camp Fontanelle. It’s obvious they love what they do — they make it their mission to ensure the youth are well cared for and that they are learning about God’s love for them. And they make it all so FUN.

The amount of activities they manage to pack into four days is quite impressive. The agenda for Splish Splash included lots of swimming (of course), slip n’ sliding, archery, hiking, the jumping pillow, ice blocking (sliding down a hill while sitting on a block of ice), ice skating, fishing, crafts, GaGa ball, a visit to the petting barn and watching a movie outside in the tree boats (sort of like hammocks).

Devotions are a part of each day’s activities, along with worship around the camp fire every night. I sang “Pharaoh Pharaoh” for the first time in about 20 years — it’s amazing how the words and actions come back to you. They learned lessons from the parables of Jesus, including agape (love as revealed in Jesus), grace and forgiveness. I got just as much out of the mini-sermons given by the Rev. Craig Finnestad, the dean of Splish Splash, as the kids did.

While the kids had their moments of hyperactivity and being slightly overdramatic, overall they cared for and accepted one another.

There were a number of homesick campers and rather than tease them, the other campers did their best to try and console and distract them.

There was a camper who had autism and campers of various races — the kids showed they don’t care about skin color or disabilities. They just see kids like them, God’s children.

We could definitely learn some lessons from these youth; we often don’t give our young poeple enough credit.

It’s evident the kids are being impacted during their time at camp and you’d be hard-pressed to find one who doesn’t want to come back again next year; and the year after that and the year after that. Many, if not most, of the paid staff are there because they went to camp every year growing up and it has become a place they love and cherish.

Camp is where many of them came to know Christ — not just know of Him, but actually know Him, in an intimate, personable, life-changing way.

They come back to camp as counselors to give back and to ensure that the next generation of kids has the same experience they did.

It’s also amazing how much you can come to care about 30 kids in such a short time. I found myself wondering

what life will bring them in the years to come — I pray that they will become healthy, wise adults who let their faith guide them in all that they do.

As long as they have camp in their lives, I think the odds are in their favor.

“If you’re going to send your beloved child to camp, you want them to be in the care of people like the staff at Camp Fontanelle.


Camp directors provide summer 2012 camping wrap-upThe 2012 summer camping season has

come to an end; this year’s camping theme was “Secrets of the Kingdom: Parables of Jesus.” All three Nebraska UM camps have provided a summary of their summer, as well as future plans.

CAMP COMECACamp Comeca saw about 200 campers

and had well over 1,000 visitors throughout the summer. We set a goal this year to have a volunteer dean for every camp and accomplished it! We found some pretty awesome people leading camps and the results are huge. I have never heard so much good feedback after a summer. With just about every weekend from now until November booked, we are looking forward to some time in between groups to get started on a couple projects.

Next year Comeca will have a vegetable garden, which will not only help with costs a little, but will give us fresh ingredients for meals. Our fall barbeque is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 23, and we’re introducing some pretty cool things.

We will have our pool, rock wall, zip line and waterfront open, as well as live-action Angry Birds, a live band, archery contest, watermelon eating contest and a fishing tournament. Camp will be open all day and all are welcome!

—John Butler, site director

CAMP FONTANELLEThanks to a great staff and volunteers

Camp Fontanelle hosted 572 campers in the summer of 2012, up from 482 campers in 2011. Half-price was offered to campers ages preschool to second grade and their guardians who attended with them who signed up by March 31 which increased attendance in this age category.

Camp Fontanelle plans to offer this opportunity again next year. Campers rode horses, stayed overnight at the Henry Doorly Zoo, tubed the Elkhorn River, built a straw bale ‘house’ from scratch, went fishing, rode bikes on trails, attended Confirmation classes, went to water parks and ice skating, jumped on a jumping pillow and so much more!

Fontanelle will host a couple of “church family fun days” this fall in conjunction with the corn maze, which is open every weekend from 1-7 p.m., from Sept. 16 through Nov. 4. We invite you to also bring groups to enjoy the “Haunted Maze” on the nights of Oct. 20, 26 and 27.

A new restroom facility should be

completed by Sept. 16, the date of our annual barbeque. Freewill offerings will again be accepted. Future projects include installing a zip line as well as a 60’ observation tower. We’d also love to get a scholarship fund established to help pay for underprivileged campers to attend camp.

— Trent Meyer, site director

CAMP NORWESCAThrough this year, we have been blessed

in many ways. With the early warm weather that came

in March and April, our camp garden was planted earlier than planned. Because of this blessing, we were able to share our camp garden with campers and retreat guests and merge the lessons we learned in our curriculum with our garden so that campers were able to be in the garden during their stay at Norwesca. We were also able to provide vegetables to participants of Wounded Knee Vacation Bible School to take home.

Through many contributions and helping hands, we were able to give the dorm area a face lift. During the summer this area is a place for our staff to call home. During the fall, winter and spring, this is an area that is open for individuals, couples and clergy to have a space to get away from the business and constant running of life and refocus on what matters in their life.

Through the helping hands of one of our local construction workers, we are finally working towards re-developing our labyrinth. We are also very blessed to have the protection of our Lord. As many know through the state and local news, there have been numerous wildfires in western Nebraska and many area residents have had to be prepared to evacuate.

Camp Norwesca was no exception. One fire came within five miles of the Camp. Because prairie and forest fires can spread very quickly, this was plenty close.

We were very fortunate to have had a day of cooler weather so that the firefighters could get the blaze under

COURTESY PHOTO

Campers at Camp Comeca laugh following a “crud war,” which involves mixing shaving cream, water and flour.

control. We had two instances where we were on pre-evacuation watch. One time was when campers were present at the beginning of our camping season; the other was between groups shortly before the end of our camp season.

Still to come this fall is the return of several of our retreat groups and the Norwesca barbeque. Our returning groups come from across Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota and Colorado. Our barbeque is set for Sept. 16, beginning at 11 a.m., with Pastor Adam Davenport opening the day with a message in the Chapel. We will also have a silent auction again this year; lunch is at noon.

Next year we are planning some new adventures through new camps or a re-visit of an established camp. These include Winter Beach Party: Revisited, Science Camp, and New Beginnings (a senior camp for ages 60 and older) and a Family Retreat Camp.

— Valerie Rahrs, site director


8 AROUND THE CONFERENCEWorkshop for youth combines sports and faith

PLAINVIEW, Neb. — Former NFL player and coach, Jon Kolb led a workshop focused on teaching physical fitness, speed and agility skills to middle through high school-aged youth, July 16-19, at Plainview High School’s athletic fields. Approximately 75 youth from all over northeast Nebraska participated.

The workshop was sponsored by the Elkhorn Valley District and offered through Christian Sports International (CSI), a nonprofit organization that runs sports and educational programs in suburban, urban and rural communities. They teach children sports skills, life skills, healthy lifestyles and the good news of Jesus Christ through an innovative approach so they may have the chance to “become the best of the best.”

Church and Community Worker and event organizer, Randy Hildebrant said the event was a huge success, and not just based on the numbers.

“Lives were definitely being changed over those four days,” he said.At a special community reception held July 16 at the Plainview United Methodist

Church, former Pittsburgh Steeler Kolb spoke about his involvement with each of the youth individually, saying he enjoys the smaller group settings. He also spoke about his ministry with the parents who accompany their youth, especially the fathers.

Their visit to Plainview was CSI’s first visit to Nebraska. But it doesn’t appear it will be it’s last — Hildebrant said he definitely hopes to collaborate again with the organization.

PHOTO BY TRISHA JOHNSON

United Methodist Ministries (UMM) celebrates the July 13 grand opening of the Blue Flamingo Thrift Shop’s new location at 1909 Leavenworth St., in Omaha. The Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede, UMM’s executive director, cuts the ribbon with the asssistance of Omaha City Councilman Chris Jerram. UMM employee Deb Keeney is on the left and Blue Flamingo volunteer Caryn Vincent is on the right.

The new space offers two distinct areas: one for thrift and vintage merchandise, the other for an expanded Fair Trade boutique. There is also a small meeting space for hosting visiting church and/or volunteer groups. In addition, the Blue Flamingo hopes to reach a broader customer base in this highly-trafficked transitional area near downtown.

Previously located near 10th and Hickory, the Blue Flamingo is a non-profit thrift, vintage, and Fair Trade outreach of UMM providing new and donated goods at affordable prices as a neighborhood-based ministry. Proceeds keep the store running and support the work of United Methodist Ministries and the Big Garden, a network of over 70 community gardens. The Blue Flamingo opened in its new location on June 18.

UMM celebrates new Blue Flamingo location

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE “PLAINVIEW NEWS”

Some of the participants of the sports workshop held July 16-19 at Plainview High School’s athletic fields. The workshop was sponsored by the Elkhorn Valley District and offered through Christian Sports International.

Website for new Great Plains Episcopal Area now live

A new website dedicated to the new Great Plains Area launched on Sept. 1. The site will host news and information pertinent to the Great Plains Area. Transition Team news and information will be hosted on the Area site rather than on each conference site.

Background documents, minutes and other useful information regarding the work of the Great Plains Episcopal Area Transition Team can be found on the new area website at greatplainsumc.org. If you have questions or have concerns please write to [email protected]. Area initiatives will also be featured on the new site such as the Imagine No Malaria campaign and the Hands On the Great Plains event scheduled for April 6-7, 2013.

“We will be working through January of 2014 as an area, while still maintaining our separate conferences’ sites,” said Kathryn Witte, director of communications and marketing for the Nebraska Conference.

“We will soon turn our attention to bringing all three conference sites together as a single, new Great Plains Conference site,” said Witte. The Area site will then go away.

Please note the conference websites’ quick links at the top right of the home page.The Area website will be maintained and updated by both Kansas and Nebraska

communications staff members. Brick River Technologies, with headquarters in Exeter, N.H., designed the site to

complement the capabilities of the conference sites they previously created for Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska.

Fall 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 9

On Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, every United Methodist Church in Nebraska is encouraged to take a special offering for the UM Global AIDS Fund; 25 percent of offerings total stay in Nebraska and go towards local AIDS projects. In 2010, approximately $2,000 was raised Conference-wide. If you would like to give now, checks should be made out to “Conference Treasurer,” with Advance 578 indicated on the memo line, and mailed to the Nebraska UM Conference Center, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504. Or, make an online donation at umcneb.org/AIDSdonate.

There are many resources for local churches on the UM Global AIDS Fund website, including a “toolkit” with sermons starters, statistics, videos, handouts and more. Visit umglobalaidsfund.org. Find out more about the campaign to eliminate AIDS by 2020 at 2020aidsfreeworld.org.

AIDS ambassadors are still needed in our local UM churches. The ambassador’s job is to promote the World AIDS Day special offering and to send prayers to those affected by AIDS. If you are interested or would like more information, visit umcneb.org/AIDS.

THE GLOBAL AIDS FIGHT

SARAH’S STORYEditor’s note: Sarah Ashley is a student at Nebraska Wesleyan University and the co-chair of the Nebraska UM Global AIDS Fund Task Force.

By SARAH ASHLEY

My relationship w ith HIV/AIDS (Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a young one. HIV was never an inherent part of my life, I did not grow up infected or affected by the disease. In fact, it was something that I did not really know much about. Of course, in school we talked about the disease, but only briefly. Otherwise, it was just another infection that is transmitted through the sharing of bodily fluids, as long as we were careful and made good choices then we would have nothing to fear. As far as I was concerned the disease was not a big deal here in America anymore. People simply were not dying the way they had been, so it seemed like things were under control. Although I was well aware that HIV/AIDS was a large problem overseas, especially in Africa, the truth is that I was personally so far removed from the epidemic that I never had the opportunity to fully understand it. I have lived most of my life under the guise of someone who would like to appear knowledgeable and well versed about the problems that are impacting not only the world, but the communities that we live in; however, I was completely unaware of the role that HIV/AIDS was playing in the lives of millions of people. I had never known anyone who was infected or affected by the disease. This all changed with the summer following my first year of college.

My first year of college, although a somewhat comprehensive introduction to the real world, was not as eye-opening as the summer that came after. To be quite honest I had no idea how to spend my time over the summer, but volunteerism looked good on post-graduate applications and resumes. On a whim I decided to apply to an all-campus email that was looking for volunteer camp counselors and staff. It was only until much later that I learned that this particular camp was something special; it was a camp for children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, Camp Kindle. The summer leading up to camp was a whirlwind of HIV/AIDS education and preparation, I was inundated with facts and statistics and a comprehensive history of the disease on the national level. Nonetheless, I still found it difficult to reconcile with the fact that there were still children in America who were HIV positive and that some of the children at this camp session were from Nebraska. I still cannot believe that three years ago I thought that something like this could not occur in my own back yard. For three years, I have been a staff member at Camp Kindle. For three years I have been able to meet and form bonds with campers, hear their personal stories whether they are presented in their SPEAK OUT sessions, where campers can share personal stories

about stigma and their battles with HIV, or in cabin devotionals. I have laughed with these children, danced with them, played with them, and even cried with them. My heart breaks to hear the stories of how the stigma of the disease is a constant presence in their day to day lives, or the fear they feel when they see someone they love; a mother, a father, a sister, or brother who are struggling with the disease. To hear their stories and to see the strength that camp gives them is truly one of the most wonderful gifts I could have ever received.

My understanding of the disease changed. I realized that this disease could affect anyone was still infecting people

not only on a global scale, but on a local one as well. According to the Foundation for AIDS research, more than 34 million people currently live with HIV/AIDS and 3.4 million of these people are under the age of 15. In 2010, an estimated 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV; 390,000 were under the age of 15. Every day more than 7,000 people contract HIV — nearly 300 ever y hour. In 2010, 1.8 million people died from

AIDS. And since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 60 million people have contracted HIV and nearly 30 million have died of HIV-related causes. Obviously HIV/AIDS is still an issue that we should all be familiar with, it can impact anyone, even children and even children from Nebraska.

I have grown and changed a lot since in those three years; meeting camp staff and campers alike, all affected and impacted in some way by the disease allowed me to see that HIV is still existent in our communities. I was also motivated to devote more time than the week I spend with Camp Kindle each summer advocating for HIV/AIDS issues. I eventually found a very supportive group in the Nebraska United Methodist Global AIDS Fund group and their AIDS Ambassador program. Maureen Vetter, my Nebraska UM Global AIDS Fund co-chair predecessor, and her passion and energy was something I found to be encouraging in the fight against HIV.

I leave you with the words that drive the purpose of our camp: ‘kindle’ means to ignite, to stimulate, and to inspire. I hope I have inspired you with my story to support our fight against HIV/AIDS, whether that is through monetary donations to the UM Global AIDS fund, volunteering for local organizations, such as the Nebraska AIDS Project or Camp Kindle, or even through prayer and encouraging World AIDS day services at your home church.

We can all make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS and the stigma associated with the disease. We must remember that HIV can impact anyone, anywhere. I will continue to be affected by the disease for as long as it continues to infect people in my community, whether it is local or global.

ASHLEY

Gothenburg First UMC couple share their success story on The Dave Ramsey ShowBy TRISHA JOHNSON, Communications coordinator

Amy and Kully Harrison attended their first Financial Peace University class in 2008. It was brought to the Gothenburg First United Methodist Church by the church’s administrative council, of which Amy was a member at the time.

“My husband was initially a little hesitant, but by the third class he was as into it as I was,” Amy told financial guru Ramsey on his nationally syndicated radio show on Aug. 8. They ended up on the program after Amy answered a call for success stories on The Dave Ramsey Show’s Facebook page.

“We went into the class not necessarily feeling ‘out-of-control’ when it came to our finances, but we quickly realized we weren’t ‘in control’ either,” said Amy in an interview. “What it’s done for us, an average, middle-class family, has been amazing and life-changing.”

They faithfully followed the Financial Peace formula and found themselves working their way out of debt. Four years later they are virtually debt free, apart from their mortgage, which they hope to have paid off in the next three to four years.

According to Ramsey’s website, daveramsey.com, “Financial Peace University teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!”

The program is extremely popular with churches; classes are offered at a number of United Methodist Churches throughout the year.

“We especially appreciate how Dave uses Bible verses to speak to each lesson,” said Amy. “It really felt like God’s plan, not just Dave’s plan. And it reminds you that it’s ultimately God’s money, not ours, and you have to ask yourself, how are you putting it to work — is it in a way that honors and pleases God?”

The Harrisons’ success story is just one of thousands of those who have gone through the nine-week course. They are such proponents of the program that they recently led a class at their church.

“Another benefit of the program is that it’s great for marriages; it makes you look at your values and helps you get on the same page,” said Amy. “If anyone is considering Financial Peace University, I would tell them they can’t afford not to do it.”

For more information on Financial Peace University, or to find a class near you, visit daveramsey.com/fpu/home.

AROUND THE CONFERENCE

COURTESY PHOTO

Amy and Kully Harrison, members of the Gothenburg First United Methodist Church, recently shared their financial success story on The Dave Ramsey Show.

HAY AND MATERIAL DONATIONSFor hay donations, contact Kristin Olson at the North Central Development Center at

402-760-3834. The Center also has additional funding sources to which disaster victims may apply and qualify for help. The North Central Development Center is located in Ainsworth; contact them at [email protected].

VOLUNTEERSThe nature of the clean-up and relief following the recent fires in Nebraska will see the

need for more help in the fall rather than now. That is particularly true of fence building. The strategy is to wait for cooler temperatures and hopefully rain to soften the ground in order to do fence building. It will also allow time to gather supplies.

Churches and organizations wanting to organize work groups to help with drought and fire relief should contact Dolly Kienke at 402-832-8700.

DISASTER RESPONSE TRAINING AT MOUNT SEQUOYAH SETThe South Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church will hold a disaster-

response training workshop on Oct. 1-4, at Mount Sequoyah Retreat Center, 150 NW Skyline Drive, Fayetteville, Ark. Basic and advanced training sessions will be offered.

For more information, visit mountsequoyah.org.

Fire Relief, from p. 1


10 AROUND THE CONFERENCE

PHOTO BY KATHRYN WITTEEighteen people representing a combination of certified lay ministers and newly appointed pastors gathered July 10 at the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center in Lincoln for New Pastor Orientation. Front row: Andy Fraser, Lincoln Trinity; Travis King, Harvard-Trumbull-Inland; Robert Wynn, Louisville; Kola Akinnigbagbe, Hershey-Sutherland-Paxton; Trever Rook, Newman Parish; Second Row: Heather Eads, Newman Parish; Abigail Eltzroth, Gordon-Clinton; Grace Gichuru, Stanton; Mr. McGuire, Alice Koech, Big Springs-Julesburg, Col.; Harun Gatobu, Wallace; Third Row: Duane Waddel, Chambers-Amelia; Stacey Erstrom, Ansley-Loup City-Litchfield; Russell Foust, Kennard; Trudy Hanke, Bloomfield-Verdigre; Laura Stufflefield; UNK Campus Ministry; Brenda McGuire, McCook; Dennis Wheeler, Schuyler-Brainard-Rising City; Chris Gudgel, Long Pine.

New pastors gather for orientation, fellowship

This story has been reprinted with permission from the Baltimore-Washington Conference.A study of 33,228 United Methodist churches discovered that the number of small

groups a church offers has a direct influence on that church’s vitality.According to the Call to Action report, in churches of different sizes, geographies,

cultural groups and theological expressions, highly vital churches had more than five small groups, while only one-third of churches with low vitality had more than five small groups.

The study also noted that the person who has the primary responsibility for leading these groups did not have a direct impact on the church’s vitality.

The reasons behind these findings can be debated, but one truth seems clear:Vital congregations grow from vital faith and small group settings are often an incubator

for the creation and maturing of vital faith.

SMALL GROUPS ARE …There is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating, or even defining, small groups. Their

flexibility is part of what makes them such an effective tool for spiritual growth.While small groups can be unlimited in size and scope, they do tend to share some

common characteristics. Most effective groups have a biblical foundation, seek to hold members accountable, are convenient, economical and provide a safe environment for the exploration of ideas and spiritual practices.

Effective groups also need to make sure that all of the participants understand the purpose of the group, provide opportunities for everyone to be engaged, connect individuals with opportunities for spiritual formation and connect with the larger church.

When they’re working well small groups are not an end in themselves, but a tool to enable members to align beliefs with behaviors, strengthen their relationships with God and their neighbors, live their faith in the world, share their faith and become the body of Christ.

RELATIONSHIP IS KEY Matching the makeup of small groups with the needs of the people in a church is

essential. One size never fits all.However, research has shown that the best number of participants in a small group is

between five to seven members. When the number exceeds nine, people tend to drop out.Many small groups find their best meetings are between one-and-half and two hours

long.The groups function best when all the participants understand the purpose of the group,

feel like they can be fully engaged, sense that they are growing spiritually and are connecting with the larger mission of the church. The best small groups recognize that faith is often about relationships.

EXPERIENCING GOD Christian education groups tend to fill people with information about God. Small

groups allow people to experience God for themselves. According to research done at Willow Creek Church near Chicago, there are several

types and flavors of small groups — most tend to revolve around four components: Love, Learn, Decide and Do. One element can dominate, but most small groups will

have all four components in one way or another.Community and support groups tend to focus on love. The emphasis is on doing

in missional groups; learning is the primary emphasis of Bible study groups and church administrative groups revolve around deciding.

THINGS TO COVER IN SMALL GROUPS

The list of things a small group can explore are endless. They include: Bible studies, an exploration of social issues or items in the news, faith themes, shared interests or hobbies, popular books, new skills or abilities, parenting or relationships, service plans and projects, the things we love, the things we want to change, history, justice, compassion, community, discovering joy.

Cokesbury also offers a number of planned and packaged small group studies. The important thing is to find a theme that draws a handful of people together and begin

to explore the topic and build relationships with one another and God.

TRAITS OF EFFECTIVE SMALL GROUP LEADERS Good small group leaders don’t need to be content experts. The best are godly facilitators.• They tend to be FAT: faithful, available and teachable.• They are learners and possess a sense of curiosity.•They can create spiritual safe environments, foster engagement and manage relationships.• They recognize the importance of starting and ending on time.• They’re willing to take the time and are committed to leading the group. Don’t wait for the perfect people to show up to facilitate a small group. Small groups are

the perfect venue for on-the-job training.

ONCE YOU GET STARTED• Keep in mind that transformation, not information, should be the goal of the group.• Consider rotating leadership to avoid burnout.Attend worship together.• Grow through conflict.• Mobilize from sitting to serving; serve together at least once a quarter.• Share family histories.• Tell God stories.• Follow each other on social media.• Challenge one another.• Express gratitude.• Keep it interesting.

IN THE METHODIST DNA Small group meetings were an integral part of early Methodism when, in between

visits from the circuit riding pastors, laity would meet to explore their faith and grow in discipleship. People met in groups, or bands, of 15 people. When there were more than 15, a new group was formed.

Over time, a series of questions evolved that assisted people to be held accountable. The primary question was: How is it with your soul?”

Other questions included:

• Have you peace with God?• Have you the witness of God’s spirit with your spirit that you are a child of God?• Is the love of God shed in your heart?• Has no sin, inward or outward, dominion over you? More recently, Wesleyan covenant discipleship groups have formed that build on the

foundations of these early class meetings. They also focus on accountability and covenants that help people grow in acts of acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion.

TIPS BEFORE BEGINNING

• Always start with prayer. While this may sound simplistic, prayer changes things. It will have an impact on the nature of your planning and the small group it produces.

• Begin simply. Be able to write the goal of the group on a napkin. Save that napkin and check back in from time to time.

• Don’t be afraid to be bold and take a few risks. Caution rarely inspires people.• Choose the best time to start. Traditionally, many small groups have the highest rates of

participation when they start in the fall, or shortly after Easter and Christmas.• A personal invitation to participate is the most effective way of getting larger numbers

of people to join a small group.• Try to anticipate barriers to participation and remove them., e.g., offer child care.

Courses for Nebraska clergy, laity, and

comm

unitymembers

FALL 2012 Israel among the Nations: The Biblical Story in Context October 9 - November 13 Tuesdays, noon - 1 p.m.

INSTRUCTOR: David B. Peabody Professor of Religion, Nebraska Wesleyan University

$40/person or $20 retired clergy or spouses, plus materials. Six hours continuing education credit available.

Course offered at NET Lincoln,video conferencing sitesor www.umcneb.org

Contact Stephanie Nelson at 402.465.2222 or [email protected]

WesleyanLiveAD_Fall12.indd 1 8/23/12 1:23 PM

How small groups create vitality


Chaplaincy opens doorsPosition offers UM pastors chance to help people of all faiths connect with GodBy ELISABETH LOECKCommunications intern

The spiritual care administered by chaplains transcends religious denominations to provide help to those in need.

Whether it is on a military base guiding other chaplains in their faith journey, at a hospital aiding families in times of crises, or on a university campus overseeing the religious life of students, the position of chaplain can reach members of the community through various channels, including those who practice differing religions.

Chaplains provide their services in the institutions they are a part of, but each position differs in the specific duties and the demographics of the people they serve.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thompson manages the careers and offers extended training for the 120 chaplains as deputy chaplain on base in Fort Hood, Texas. He also serves as a pastor.

“My main goal now is to become a mentor and a coach for the younger chaplains and make sure they are prepared,” Thompson said.

One of the major responsibilities of a chaplain in the army is casualty notification. A chaplain goes with every team to notify the family of the soldier who died. To prepare chaplains for this, and other duties, Thompson leads a training event each month for every ministry team. Past training events have been focused on military tactics or caring for casualties in the middle of a combat situation, Thompson said.

At the basic level of his position as a military chaplain, Thompson said his core responsibilities are to nurture the living, care for the wounded and sick and to honor the dead.

The Rev. Nancy J. H. Phillips describes her responsibilities as chaplain as meeting people’s needs at a basic level.

Phillips works as an on-call chaplain at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, where she has come to learn that sometimes simply being present with patients and their families going through difficult times is a way to minister to their needs.

“For most people it’s hard to see children be sick, they want to make them feel better,” Phillips said.

She said the most challenging part of her job is working with dying children.

“Children are supposed to live longer than their parents; longer than me,” Phillips said. “There are times I want to say ‘why God?’, and yet I know I need to just trust in God.”

Another way chaplains can serve the community is through universities.

The Rev. Mara Bailey explores her relationship with God through interactions with students at Nebraska Wesleyan University. As part of her job Bailey oversees religious life for students, she said. This includes providing worship on campus, praying at university events and providing the baccalaureate service for graduating seniors.

You have to be open to what the students have to offer, Bailey said. She added that students are often asked to reevaluate the world inside the classroom and their religious beliefs don’t always fit into that.

“Personally, I want to provide space for students to explore their faith and to connect students to the faith community they need to be a part of,” Bailey said. “I’m United Methodist, but I serve all students.”

Serving as a chaplain means interacting with a wide variety of people, most of whom are not United Methodist. But according to Thompson, this does not pose a problem.

“Because of our theology, we’re able to work in and within different denominations,” Thompson said. “As a Methodist in the army, it makes it easy for me and opens up a lot of doors; it’s a very positive thing.”

Bailey had similar thoughts about the openness The United Methodist Church offers her in ministry.

“I have such an appreciation for The United Methodist Church,” Bailey said. “With open table communion, everyone is welcome to take part, even if a person’s religion would rather have them not — the offer is there. It really emphasizes the theology of grace.”

Phillips previously taught theology at Creighton University. Part of her job in teaching was being familiar with other religions, remaining open to them, and not judging them.

“You are in the ministry [of chaplaincy] regardless of their faith tradition,” Phillips said. “Jewish, Hindu, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Lutheran — it doesn’t matter.”

Phillips said working with colleagues and families at Children’s both challenges and strengthens her faith. She added that because of her field of work and her relationships and experiences with differing religions, she is offered a continuous opportunity for spiritual growth.

Thompson said his theology and understanding of God has changed over the past 20 years as he has worked within different faiths, gone to war and experienced things that no one wants to experience.

“[This job has] strengthened and broadened my view of God,” Thompson said. “And it continues to change and grow.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Thompson passes out school supplies in Mosul, Iraq. At the time he was the 502 brigade combat team chaplain,101st air borne DIV. One of his jobs was to evaluate battle damage to schools, churches, mosques and clinics; this is a school his team had repaired. Thompson is currently a deputy chaplain in Fort Hood, Texas.

COURTESY PHOTO

Nebraska Wesleyan University Chaplain, Mara Bailey (center, in cream jacket) with a group of Nebraska Wesleyan students who went to New York City over spring break, where they learned about immigration and young adult missionary opportunities with the General Board of Global Ministries.

PHILLIPS

McCorkle raises the “BoOM,” prepares for changeMickie McCorkle, Area board of ordained ministry (BoOM) registrar, has been on the job for

about 18 months. She has been working with all three conferences’ boards of ordained ministry to develop best practices in preparation for becoming one new annual conference in January 2014. McCorkle responded recently to a series of questions.

What is the goal of a single registrar position to serve all three conferences and the Great Plains Area?

The goal of a single registrar is to centralize communication and information for all parts of the ministry process, from candidacy through associate and full membership.

What makes you uniquely good at this work?I am excited about the three conferences coming together for work and

learning. I bring a desire for all three boards to be highly effective in their work to credential competent clergy leaders. And, I bring a desire and excitement to see the boards come together as one, bringing their strengths and vision for equipping excellent clergy leaders.

What has been your biggest challenge or challenges creating this new position?

Understanding all three conference’s board of ordained ministries’ processes and ensuring they are all working within the boundaries of the “Book of Discipline.”

What have been some of the early successes?

Implementing and using the Pathways to Ministry website — a website for electronic filing of candidate files that also enables us to send out interview team packets electronically.

What do you see as the long-term promise of having this kind of position?With a lot of the board paperwork coming through the registrar’s office, board member

time is freed to work on raising up and training excellent clergy leadership.What would you want members (people in the pew) of the Nebraska Conference

to know about the work you and the Nebraska Board of Ordained Ministries are doing?

The board works very intentionally to make sure congregations have excellent clergy leaders. We take the credentialing of clergy leadership very seriously. All the work of the board ultimately points to the candidates and their process toward associate or full membership and/or ordination.

Are there differences between each conference’s BoOM work that you’ve had to reconcile?

In becoming one annual conference in January 2014, we will create one new Great Plains Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. The key is to learn the best practices from all three conferences. For example, I am very encouraged by the collaboration between the three boards and the ongoing dialogue with appointive cabinet members. A new clergy competency model

is evolving from the work of the Nebraska Conference and will be enhanced by the input of all three conference boards.

MCCORKLE


12 SECOND FRONT

Leaves the buildingWHEN THE CHURCH

A number of Nebraska’s United Methodist Churches recently held a “church has left the building” day — an opportunity to leave the confines of the church building and be the hands and feet of Christ. Does your church have a “church has left the building” story to share? Email the story and a photo to [email protected].

On Sunday, Aug. 19 we had 375 people who served others in many ways and loved on our community. The accomplishments included: painting and cleaning at The Hope Center (pictured to the left), construction and maintenance at Release Ministries, construction and sorting at Together Omaha, worship service, manicures and music at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, ministry of presence at The Lighthouse health care residences, water bottle hand out at a 5K Run for Colon Cancer, weeding and clean-up at Rockwell Elementary, weeding, mulching, clean-up, and painting mural at Willowdale Elementary, and hygiene kits, UMCOR disaster kits, water bottle labeling and teacher care packages at Millard West. It was an amazing day of service!— the Rev. Craig Finnestad, Omaha Water’s Edge UMC

On Sunday, Aug. 19, 120 United Methodists (and a few others!) left Blair First UMC and headed out into the community to share the love of God through various acts of service.

Some went to Camp Fontanelle, others did highway clean-up (pictured to the left), some painted at the city park and sorted clothing for the Auxiliary Closet, and others did yard work and trimmed trees – for about two hours there were over 120 people worshiping God in blue jeans and tennis shoes at 12 different sites. After the work day everyone was invited to the First UMC Fellowship Hall for Sloppy Joes, a variety of salads and lots of delicious desserts — after all, we are United Methodists!

We are hoping to make this an annual event and are dreaming big about how we can continue to reach out into our community with the love of God each and every day!— the Rev. Rebecca Hjelle, Blair First UMC

BLAIR FIRST UMC

Approximately a dozen members of the Geneva United Methodist Church left the church building on Saturday, Aug. 18, and went to Omaha on a mission trip. The group was composed of a very intergenerational mix.

Our first place of service was the “Neighbors United Community Meal.” The site of the meal is at the First Baptist Church in Omaha. This meal is hosted by many different faith groups — a few of which are United Methodist — in the Omaha area that provide a meal for those in the community who might do without on a weekend. Local grocery store Trader Joe’s supplies some close-to expiration grocery items for the community neighbors to assist with their dietary needs. Our group assisted in setting up and helping with the serving of the meal (pictured to the right). We also had the opportunity to sit down, visit and eat the meal with the neighbors.

Our second place of service was the Open Door Mission Timberlake Outreach Center. We were warmly received and quickly sent out to help serve the overwhelming flood of folks who came to the Center for a giveaway that is done only every few years. Hundreds of people lined up outside the Center waiting their turn to shop for many items of clothing and food. It was amazing and overwhelming to see the great need and the response of gracious supplies given at this event. At both of these sites of service our group was able to be a source of relief and care for those who are going about the work of these missions all the time. We thank Lisa Maupin of United Methodist Ministries in Omaha for her ministry and work in coordinating this great mission trip for us. — the Rev. Ron Harris, Geneva UMC

GENEVA UMC

OMAHA WATER’S EDGE UMC

BLUE HILL/BLADEN UMCsThe members of Blue Hill and Bladen

UMCs have made a habit of leaving the church building to serve others in their community and beyond.

Their service includes:A group of youth helped out at Camp

Comeca for a week over the summerA total of 86 sack lunches were donated

and delivered by a group of youth to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection for homeless people in the Kansas City area (pictured above).

Church members recently went to a Kids Against Hunger center in Hastings and packed over 2,000 food packs for children/caregivers in Haiti

“I pray especially hard for the disciples of our Redeemer who support our Church’s mission and purpose,” said Blue Hill Bladen pastor, Steve Marsh. “Without their participation, work, attendance, offerings and all of their help, we would be unable to continue serving God and doing what Jesus calls his Church to do.”

Nebraska Messenger fall 2012

Documents

Transcript of Nebraska Messenger fall 2012