MessengerNebraska

VOL. 49, NO. 2 Check us out online: www.umcneb.org Spring 2012

By rev. stephanie ahlschwedeExecutive director of United Methodist Ministries and GC 2012 alternate delegateGeneral Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. The 988-member assembly will gather April 24-May 4, in Tampa, Fla. Delegates from around the world will set policy and direction for the church as well as handle other business. The General Conference is the only entity that speaks for the United Methodist Church.

During the 11-day session, delegates will revise “The Book of Discipline,” which regulates the manner in which local churches, annual conferences and general agencies are organized. Delegates will also revise “The Book of Resolutions,” a volume declaring the church’s stance on a variety of social justice issues.

The Nebraska delegation recently met in Kansas City to interview episcopal candidates to be voted on at the South Central Jurisdictional Conference, July 18-21, in Oklahoma City.

While in Kansas City the delegation also spent time on General Conference matters, including the proposals for structural change in the UMC. Recognizing that a number of amendments will likely be made to the proposed legislation during the course of General Conference, the Nebraska delegation opted to make the following statement, rather than endorse a specific proposal:

“We embrace change that would create a structure for The United Methodist Church that is responsive to the needs of the global Church. In this time of change, we share a concern that in the midst of our desire to be flexible and efficient we not lose the diversity of voices at every level of decision-making. Our concern is not so much about the ability of individuals to represent the perspectives of others, but a concern that our decision-makers themselves reflect the rich diversity of The United Methodist Church.”

The delegation is announcing the following statement, accepted unanimously at their November meeting, regarding diversity in the episcopacy.

“Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst, and drawing from the blessings we have received from our many bishops, the Nebraska Annual Conference delegation affirms our willingness to trust in the episcopal election process, and the work of the episcopacy committee. We embrace the notion of a diverse episcopacy, and specifically welcome bishops who are women and/or who are representative of a diverse ethnic background.”

After interviewing episcopal candidates from the South Central Jurisdiction, the Nebraska Conference delegation voted March 24 to officially endorse the Rev. Cynthia Fierro

Harvey for the episcopacy. Harvey is a member of the Texas Conference and currently serves as the Deputy General Secretary of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Delegation members listed her administrative, communication, pastoral and relational skills as assets that Rev. Harvey would bring to the episcopacy. This is the first episcopal endorsement that the Nebraska delegation has made since 2000, and it was a unanimous decision.

The Nebraska Conference will be represented by four delegates: the Rev. David Lux (Lincoln Saint Paul UMC), the Rev. Cindy Karges (Hastings Grace UMC), Tom Watson (Kearney First UMC), and Lavina Schwaninger (Hallam UMC). Lux will serve as lead delegate. For a complete list of Nebraska delegation members, visit umcneb.org/Gc2012. For more General Conference details, visit gc2012.umc.org.

A UMNS PHOTO by MAile brAdfield

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, a United Methodist and the first female head of state in Africa, addresses the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, April 29, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Nebraska delegation announces endorsement, statement regarding inclusivity in the episcopacy, and response to Call to Action legislation

GC delegation releases statementGeneral ConferenCe 2012

By lisa elliott diehlKansas Area communications director

The Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team spent its final face-to-face meeting prior to the 2012 Annual Conference sessions refining its reports and reviewing lingering questions about the proposal to create one new annual conference. The team met in Manhattan, Kan., in March.

“This team has done great work in pointing a new direction for the United Methodist mission in Nebraska and Kansas,” said Bishop Scott Jones, Kansas Area. “It has been a privilege to dream, pray and work with this group from the three conferences. Now, it is up to the lay and clergy members to decide if they believe this is the direction God is calling us to go.”

The Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West annual conferences will be asked to vote this May and June on a resolution creating one new annual conference. Kansas West will meet first, May 23-25, and Kansas East and Nebraska will meet June 6-9. The results of all three votes will be announced simultaneously and be webcast on the Internet at 10:15 a.m.

CDT, June 9. Links to the live stream will be available from each of the conference websites.

Clergy and lay members of the three conferences will vote on the motion with paper ballots, which will contain the motion and space to write an explanation of the individual’s vote, should a person desire to do so. Ballots from the Kansas West session will be collected, sealed at the conference session, then counted at the same time as the other two conferences’ ballots.

“The transition team has taken the task assigned it very seriously. We have understood this work to have both spiritual and organizational significance,” said Tom Watson, team chairperson and Nebraska Conference lay leader. “We have learned a great deal about each other and our mission field.”

The motion will be: “The Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska annual conferences will join together to form the Great Plains Annual Conference beginning Jan. 1, 2014.” This will take place in accordance with the principles and guidelines endorsed by the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team.

See VOTe, p. 2

Nebraska-Kansas Transition Team:

it’s time to vote

• Epworth Village, CT Story, Second front• Epworth special offering, P. 9• School of Christian Mission, P. 6• Nigeria/Nebraska Orphange offering May 13, P. 11

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

2

conference or as one for the states of Nebraska and Kansas. The Transition Team composed of persons from all three conferences has been working on this for two and-a-half years. They propose that we call our new Episcopal Area the Great Plains and that we form one new annual conference, also called the Great Plains. The recommendation is to become one new annual conference and to work cooperatively with one another to enable the best use of our fiscal and people resources to help local churches fulfill their mission.

Now we as an annual conference must discern if this is the best vehicle to accomplish what God is calling us to do (our purpose). Our purpose is not always synonomous with our preferences. How do we keep purpose central?

We, as God’s people, have other decisions that have to be made in our local communities and in our hearts. These are the decisions about what it means to follow Jesus out into the world. Changed by God’s love, grace and forgiveness, we are called to live as Jesus lived, to be willing to lose our life in order to find it. Some questions to discern:

1) What are we going to do for the children, especially those whose families are broken and hurtful? Will we work with others to provide these children and their families the behavioral, mental and physical health care they need? Will we be sure they have enough to eat, a place to live, and the structures to support them when life brings difficult problems? (Please be generous with your offering for Epworth Village.) Even more, what is just and pleasing to God?

2) How are we going to talk about race? When I was a young mother living in Mississippi, Mr. and Mrs. McGowan and their 3 year-old son Willie lived across the street. My son Robbie was the same age and Mrs. McGowan and I often watched the children as they played. One afternoon she began to share how she hoped she could teach her African-American son how to survive in a world where many were afraid and reactive when they saw him. “I want to keep him alive,” she said with tears in her eyes. I thought of her as I read the stories of Trayvon Martin. How can each local church help lower the fear and racial barriers that are destroying many young men’s lives and our society’s life as well?

3) How are we going to practice radical hospitality to our newest neighbors? What can you do to make everyone in your community feel welcome in the community and in the church? What has to change in us so that genuine love and interest in others is shown in every part of our lives?

4) How shall we cross the economic divides in every community? How can Jesus help us see the persons on the margins as people He loves and will nurture us into loving? What is just and right for the church and the state to do for those who live without enough resources to thrive?

As I move toward my last months of episcopacy, I am reminded of a line from a poem by Deitrich Bonhoeffer: “They haunt me, these lonely questions of mine.”

I offer these questions, these decisions that confront us, out of my own prayer life, and pray that God will grant us courage, insight and capacity to decide wisely.

Confident that we are God’s own people and that resurrection and transformation are a possibility every day.

Ann B. Sherer-Simpson, Resident BishopNebraska United Methodist Conference

This church season reminds us of life that is eternal. What if life is about now? Has “eternal” begun? Is God with us now?

Isaiah begins and ends with visions of the peaceable kingdom. “They will hammer their swords into plows, and their spears into pruning knives.” (2:4) “How wonderful it is to see a messenger coming across the mountains, bringing good news, the news of peace!” (52:7) What if this were not an out-of-this-world vision, but God inviting us into life now?

It is life now. God’s unconditional love is for you, for your neighbor and for your adversary! For me, the heart of Holy Week is that Jesus gave himself without reserve. There are many ways of stating that, from lifting up his teaching ministry to words about salvation. The amazing part, whatever our words, is that Jesus gave himself unconditionally, for all.

So what does that mean for life now? Whatever our favorite part of the Jesus story, life now means we are to be alive now to undeserved love and to justice — to equal treatment for persons God has created.

We have all received caring we did not deserve. We were babies. Cute and cuddly or noisy and sleepless, we did not earn the caring we received. God loves you that way. If I act like any person is not worthy of God’s love, I am calling God a liar.

A common question is “What would Jesus say about our country if he were to come to

church Sunday?” We can quickly respond that he would commend us for coming t o g e t h e r t o establish justice a n d g e n e r a l welfare. Building community is God’s work, and we have put time, energy and resources into it, for many decades. Then, there would be the questions of gaps.

Just to throw comfortable believers off balance, I would ask the question with a slow curve ball. What would Jesus wear? A robe or dress? Jeans and a question t-shirt? Suit and tie? Narrow black tie, or wide, with psychedelic color? Each image we discuss is a projection of what we assume, not of who Jesus is. His appearance is for everyone.

Justice is how God reaches out to the world. It is doing the right thing at the right time in the right place for the right reason. It is found 421 times in Scripture and is always about being fair to everyone.

That word is the cutting edge ... “everyone!” What about those with whom we disagree? What about those who have dumb ideas or an obstinate way of expressing them? Who do not, in our mind, deserve our listening ear, let alone our respect? Who we feel are hurtful to the community and/or to persons we care about?

History is not a show. God has not pre-scripted how we will act or respond. We act with kindness and mercy even if others do not deserve it — because that is how God acts toward us. God, help us!

From the Bishop

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.

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: kwitte@umcneb.orgfax: (402) 464-6203

circulation changes: rdelisi@umcneb.org

EDITORIAL

(ISSN 0194-7761 USPS #376-540)Vol. 49, No. 2 Spring 2012

Those principles and guidelines address retiree health benefits in Nebraska, surviving spouse benefits in Kansas West, staffing issues, endowment funds and other designated funds given to annual conferences. They include:

No clergy person who is already retired or retires before Dec. 31, 2013, will receive a smaller amount of pension or health-care benefit than he or she is currently receiving.

Nebraska clergy who retire before Dec. 31, 2013, will continue to receive retiree health insurance in accordance with policies as of July 1, 2012, using the funds currently in escrow. This will continue as long as funds last and as long as churches in Nebraska are willing to pay a separate mission share to support the benefit.

Kansas West surviving spouses of clergy who retire before Dec. 31, 2013, will continue to receive 100 percent of their spouse’s pre-1982 benefits, a benefit that is fully funded.

All funds, including endowment funds, given to an annual conference before Dec. 31, 2013, and designated for one or more particular purposes will be used for those purposes. This includes designations that require funds be used within the geography of the conference that raised the funds.

All clergy who retire after Jan. 1, 2014, (the date a new annual conference is created) from the Great Plains Annual Conference will receive pension and health benefits determined by a new, common benefit plan. The pension plan will be that voted into place at the 2012 General Conference. The health plan will be adopted at a uniting conference in August 2013 and take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

Conference staff whose positions are altered, eliminated or transferred due to the formation of a new conference can count on fairness and generosity.

All existing campsites and boards will remain intact, with camping organized under one camping oversight board for the whole area.

All existing campus ministries will remain open, and local site boards will remain intact under one campus ministry oversight board.

Regardless of how the vote to form one new conference comes out, some changes will be made as the three conferences become one episcopal area:

The episcopal residence and office will be located in Wichita, Kan., through 2016. During that time, a permanent location will be determined.

Housing for the bishop will be secured, in Lincoln, Neb., and an office will remain in the Nebraska Conference Center.

The episcopal area will be named the Great Plains Area.

Resolutions for these three items will be presented by each conference’s episcopacy committee and will be voted on separately from the transition team motion.

With a positive vote for becoming one new annual conference, a staff transitions committee will be established to look at staffing for mission, including an evaluation of office locations. In addition, a Council on Finance and Administration team will be formed and tasked with devising a new Mission Share formula to be phased in over time, with annual increases and decreases in apportionments of no more than 10 percent annually. The formula will be sensitive to the former annual conferences’ practices, missional needs of local churches and the new annual conference ministries.

“The recommendations the Team is making are the result of much prayer, study, discussion and discernment,” Watson said. “We submit them to the three Annual Conferences for their serious consideration.”

The team also discussed lingering questions about the decision-making process, clergy benefits and what it means to become a new annual conference.

Many have asked if any of the annual conferences are carrying debt. None of the conferences are in debt. Nebraska has some decisions to make about how it will fund health-insurance benefits for those who retire prior to Jan. 1, 2014. These decisions will need to be made whether or not the three conferences come together as one.

Others are asking questions about itinerancy and if pastors could be forced to serve outside their current geographic conference.

“We already operate a modified itinerancy in both conferences,” said Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson.

Both Jones and Sherer-Simpson continue to say that today’s appointment process takes into account input from the pastors.

“Having more pastors and more churches provides new opportunities to match pastors and churches for flourishing ministries,” said Jones.

A complete list of the lingering questions and their answers will be posted as a supplement to the full transition team report in the online versions of pre-conference workbooks for all three conferences. In addition, brief reports from each of the five dream teams and the two technical teams will be posted. The reports will be posted in mid to late April on all three conferences’ websites.

VOTe, from p. 1

biSHOP ANN brOOkSHire SHerer-SiMPSON

We are in the midst of a radically changing denomination and world that is calling for prayerful discernment, careful conversation, knowledge of our local and global mission field, intense Bible study, and thoughtful use of resources if we are to find God’s mission for us.

We are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Yet that looks different in every place and therefore we seek the next steps in being fruitful mission stations in each place. It is difficult, but we are called to ask at every point what is our purpose, not what is our preference.

This is the year of conferencing: General Conference, April 24-May 4; Annual Conference Session, June 6-9; and Jurisdictional Conference, July 18-21. Decision points are before us.

General Conference edits and revises our books of “Discipline” and “Resolutions.” Major questions we face: What is the role of the larger connectional United Methodist Church? What is the best way to structure support for local churches, annual conferences, and the mission field? Do we need general agencies? If so, for what purpose, at what cost, and how many? How do we most competently do our work locally and around the world and what are our guiding principles as we engage in our mutual ministry? What clergy and lay leadership do we need to lead us in discipling and mission outreach? Should all elders have guaranteed appointments? What is the role of bishop and how many do we need? What is the ministry of all Christians in this radically changing social and economic time? We are at a pivotal point on many of these issues.

The Jurisdictional Conference deals with a few regional issues and institutions, but their primary purpose is to elect, and through the episcopacy committee, deploy bishops. What do we want bishops to be and do? What skills and aptitudes are required? Which of the candidates for the episcopacy have the spiritual depth and the temporal skills for such a time as this? You will read elsewhere what our Nebraska delegation is discerning.

Then at our own Conference Session in June, we will decide whether our missional purpose can best be achieved as a separate annual

Decisions confront us

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 3

DeaThSconnie J. Buehler, 81, a retired clergy

member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011.

Survivors include his wife, Marie, 721 S. 1st Ave., #225, Hastings, NE 68901; daughter, Brenda Wisner of Holdrege and two sons; John of Phoenix, Ariz. and James of Lincoln. Preceded in death by his wife, Metta, in 1996.

The service was held Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012, at 10 a.m., at Good Samaritan Village, All Saints Chapel, 926 East E St., Hastings, Neb. Officiating were the Rev. Dr. Harold Backus and Pastor Joel Remmers. Burial was at Hopewell Cemetery in Sterling, Neb.

Memorials to Hopewell United Methodist Church General Fund, or donor’s choice.

James l. voigt, 82, the spouse of a retired clergy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2012.

Survivors include his wife, the Rev. Martha Voigt, 1421 Wallace, St. Paul, NE 68873; daughter, Susan Voigt; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Barb Voigt, Doug and Darla Voigt.

A Celebration of Life service was held Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012, at 2:30 p.m., at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1320 Baxter, St. Paul, Neb. Officiating was the Rev. Donna Dudley.

Memorials to St. Paul Public Library, Davenport Community Center or church of your choice.

c. irene coates, 84, retired pastor and widow of a clergy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012.

Survivors include four sons; Lawrence, the Rev. Dale, Duane and Glenn Coates; daughter-in-law, Pastor Carole Coates. Irene was preceded in death by her husband the Rev. Harold Coates, and son Gerald (Gary) Coates.

The service was held Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., at Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 N. Elm, Grand Island, Neb. The Rev. Matthew E. Fowler officiated. Burial was at 2:30 p.m. in the Beaver Crossing Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to donor’s choice.

delpha Yoder Findley, 81, widow of a cler-gy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Findley, 8485 SE Highway 33, Osborn, MO 64474, a son, Steve Yoder; daughter, Kim Goff; and two step-sons, Bob Findley and Dennis Findley. She was preceded in death by her first husband the Rev. Ingram Yoder, in 1963.

The first service was held Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 10 a.m., at Osborn UMC, Osborn, Mo., a second service was held at 4 p.m., at First UMC in Falls City, Neb. Cremation.

Memorials to Osborn UMC, Falls City First UMC or Delpha B. Yoder Findley Nursing Scholarship, c/o Falls City Education Founda-tion.

nye o. Bond, 95, clergy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Monday, March 12, 2012.

Survivors include two daughters, Judy Beu-tler and Cynthia Lee MacNab, and one son, Lar-ry Bond. Preceded in death by his wife, Garnett, July 13, 2011.

The memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 10 a.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street, Lincoln, Neb. The Rev. Jim Miller will officiate. Crema-tion.

Memorials to Christ UMC, 4530 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510, Center for People in Need, 3901 N. 27th, Unit 1, Lincoln, NE 68521, or Nebraskans for Peace, 941 O Street, Suite 1026, Lincoln, NE 68508.

Joree c. “Joe” Bennett, 74, clergy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Wednesday, March 21, 2012.

Survivors include his wife Deloris Bennett, 356 S. Cotner, Lincoln, NE 68510; daughter, Christy Wacker and husband Bruce and son, Brian Bennett and wife Judy.

The service was held Saturday, March 24, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 O Street, Lincoln, Neb. The Rev. Richard LeBlanc officiated. Burial at Wyuka Cemetery.

Memorials to People’s City Mission, 110 Q St., Lincoln, NE 68508.

AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Twelve options for engaging in risk-taking mission and justice work.

Engage your congregation in one or more of the following: 1 Organize a class to discuss the UM Social Principles and how they relate to the issues being debated in this election year. Remember to stay focusedontheissuesandnotpoliticalpartiesorspecificcandidates.

2 Summer is just around the corner. Organize a Volunteers in Mission experience.

3 Join former Micah Corps intern, Rachel Lee, in fasting for the DREAM Act on the 3rd of each month.

4 Invite a speaker to your church from a risk-taking mission and justice organization, that your Mission Share dollars support. Learn about and pray for the six young leaders who will be the Micah Corps 2012 summer team.

5 Make plans to observe Peace with Justice Sunday, June 3.

6 Facilitate a class study of Michelle Alexander’s book, “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.”

7 Organize a class study of “On Behalf of God’s Children,” a Nebraska authored curriculum which focuses on children in poverty in Nebraska. 8 Offer prayers in your local church prayer chain for those whom we might call “other” … immigrants, persons who have low-incomes, those who abuse drugs, those who perpetuate domestic violence, those in jail, adversaries of our country. 9 Show the video by Katie Lamb, one of our young leaders, about the life of Rachel Corrie and discuss ways in which the church can speak out against violence in the Middle East.

10 Promote the Panama/Nebraska Partnership.

11 Make plans to observe August as Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Fair Trade Month in your church.

12 Promote the Nebraska United Methodist Bike Ride (NUMB) against Hunger. Dates for the ride are June 23-27, umcneb.org\numb.

For more information on each of these, go to umcneb.org/RTMJ.

SChOlarShiPS fOr 2012-13 SChOOl yEar

fOuNdatiON OffErS SEMiNary SChOlarShiPSThe Nebraska United Methodist foundation is accepting application materials

for the 15 seminary scholarships it administers for students planning to pursue careers in the ministry within Nebraska.

The deadline for application submissions is June 30, 2012, with the exception of the baldwin f. and Amy l. kruse Scholarship, which is due May 31.

for more information and printable application materials, please visit the foundation’s website, numf.org. The information is located under the Special Programs (Scholarships) section.

PHOTO by kATHryN wiTTe

Ed Kail, pastor, teacher and song writer, wrote “This is Your Land,” a popular hymn focusing on land as a holy trust with God. Kail, a long-time advocate for rural churches, is the field outreach coordinator for the Southwest District of the Iowa Conference.

By rev. stuart davisKenesaw-Holstein-Upland UMCs

The Rev. Ed Kail was the featured speaker for a workshop held in Norfolk Feb. 3-4, focusing on small-membership churches. He hosted a Friday night concert at Norfolk First UMC. Kail’s music was appreciated and so was his message based on G-R-A-C-E as an acronym: Guidance, Relationship, Acceptance, Calling, Energy and Giving. As Elkhorn Valley District Superintendent Nan Kaye-Skinner said, “Every pastor in the room now has the ability to do a six-part sermon series for Lent.”

Whether you accept it (grace), or not, there’s nothing you can do about the fact that God offers it to us and loves us. The concert closed with “Spirit of the Living God,” the second time singing “ … fall afresh on us, melt us, mold us …” with all standing and doing hand motions was moving and powerful.

An offering was taken for rural revitalization followed by a short break. The group came back together for a dramatic monologue with Kail portraying the newly-sighted Barimaeus (Mark 10:46-52).

Kail focused on revitalization throughout the day on Saturday.

Kail featured presenter at “hope for rural Congregations” event

uNitEd MEthOdiSt MErit SChOlarShiPThe UM Merit Scholarship (for undergraduate study) is awarded annually

by the Nebraska Conference leadership Team from the portion of the Student day Offering returned to the annual conference for that purpose. The number of scholarships is determined by the amount of funds available. Applicants must be a member of The United Methodist Church and must be attending a United Methodist college or university. The application deadline is April 30, 2012. The application form can be found at umcneb.org/scholarships.

additiONal SChOlarShiPSOther scholarships being offering include the fleming family foundation and

United Methodist Men’s 100 Club scholarships. Application forms can be found at umcneb.org/scholarships.

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

4 RISK-TAKING MISSION & JUSTICE

By andrea paretRisk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team chairperson

What joy it was for Norfolk First UMC last May to host Willie Berman, a United Methodist missionary working in Reynosa, (Rio Bravo area) Mexico. Berman coordinates medical and construction Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams and is the director of Manos Juntas Mexico. With Mexico being in the news so frequently with reports of violence, the number of VIM teams coming to this project has decreased significantly. Despite this change, Willie has been busy expanding current ministries and focusing on new areas.

He emphasized the importance of developing relationships and partnerships.

“We don’t want teams to help build a church and then leave,” he explained. “We want mission teams to help equip and empower the Mexican churches to be able

to continue ministries once the (VIM) team leaves.”

Since Berman’s visit, several church members at First UMC in Norfolk have been praying about ways to build on this relationship. This January, the adult contemporary issues Sunday school class decided to enter into a covenant relationship with Berman and his project. Through our United Methodist connectional system, even a small group can join with others to support mission work around the world.

For more information about how local churches can enter into a covenant relationship with a missionary, visit the Missionaries page of the GBGM’s website, new.gbgm-umc.org/work/missionaries or contact our Conference Secretary of Global Ministries, the Rev. Lyle Schoen, at lschoen@umcneb.org. To learn more about VIM work, visit the VIM page of the Conference website, umcneb.org/viM or contact VIM Coordinator Lisa Maupin at lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.

a small group has big dreams at norfolk First uMc

COUrTeSy PHOTO

United Methodist missionary Willie Berman (holding box) delivers UMCOR health kits and other donations to the Social Services Department of Rio Bravo City, in Mexico. Berman recently visited Norfolk First United Methodist Church.

By rev. adaM davenport

in february i was honored to represent Nebraska at the Capitol Hill young Clergy leadership forum in washington, d.C., at the home of the General board of Church and Society (GbCS), the United Methodist building.

The primary purpose of this gathering was two-fold; first, to put a human face on the GbCS, and second to network with other clergy from across the connection. i joined 52 other clergy from across the United States representing 30 annual conferences and one clergyman from Nigeria as we spent three days discussing creative and participatory ways of teaching the “Social Principals of The United Methodist Church.”

we were able to dialog with GbCS advocacy staff as well as General Secretary, Jim winkler, on a number of topics. we also met with two

Congressmen, rep. James e. Clyburn of South Carolina and rep. emanuel Cleaver ii of kansas. we were blessed to hear from bishop forrest Stith as he shared with us devotional words as well as some of his own poetry.

i am grateful to have had this opportunity. The resources shared and the connections made will be a well i will

draw from for years to come. Check out our Conference facebook page, facebook.com/umcneb, as i will be posting information and ideas you may wish to use with your congregation. Also go to the General board of Church and Society’s website, umc-gbcs.org, for bible studies, action alerts, and other campaigns for social justice.

davenport attends gathering of young clergy leaders in d.C.

adam davenport is pastor of hershey-Paxton-Sutherland united Methodist churches, in the Great West district.

COUrTeSy PHOTO

The Rev. Adam Davenport outside of the United Methodist Building, in Washington, D.C.

By ellen cuMMinGhaMPanama/Nebraska Partnership chairperson

The Nebraska Conference has a new partnership with our sisters and brothers in Panama.

The partnership has been developed through a “common agreement between the Evangelical Methodist Church of Panama and the Nebraska Conference.” Upon retiring last year, the Rev. Secundino Morales returned to his home in Panama, in the village of Bongo, a province of Chiriqui; he will serve as coordinator/liaison for the Partnership.

This agreement of cooperation will work in areas of mutual needs such as:

•Volunteers in Mission (VIM) groups from both Panama and Nebraska.

•Student and teacher/faculty exchanges•Training leadership for the church in

Panama.•Exchange experiences.

•Working with the people of the village of Bongo: gardening, canning, health classes, adult education, etc.

Nebraska United Methodists can be involved in three ways: pray for the partnership and the people of Panama; join a VIM experience to Panama in the future (contact Ellen Cunningham at 308-324-2397 for more information); and give to the partnership through The Global Advance.

The Global Advance number is 00441A; the Nebraska number is 588. All checks can be made payable to “Conference Treasurer,” write: 588—Panama/Nebraska Partnership in the memo line and send to the Nebraska UM Conference Center, 3333 Landmark Cir., Lincoln, NE 68504.

Nebraskans build upon a mutual ministry with church in Panama

Panama/NebraskaPartnership official

COUrTeSy PHOTO

Bishop Pablo Morales of Panama (left) and Former Gateway District Superintendent, Secundino Morales.

Six young leaders have been selected for the summer 2012 Micah Corps Internship Program. They have been nurtured in local churches across the conference: Elsie, Craig, Randolph, Lincoln and Bellevue. The team is also blessed to have a graduate of Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, and resident of Juarez, Mexico join the group. Their first day on the job is May 29. Follow their activities throughout the summer at their blog, micah-corps.blogspot.com.

What are Victoria Osler’s expectations of the Micah Corps? “The world is changed by small groups of thoughtful, committed people,” she

said. “The Micah Corps is a group that I am excited to be a part of in order to make the world a better place by spreading Christian love.”

2012 summer Micah corps interns announced

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spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 5AROUND THE CONFERENCE

By trisha JohnsonCommunications coordinator

Recidivism is a word you may be familiar with but not be sure of its exact definition. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, recidivism is “a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially: relapse into criminal behavior.” What it boils down to is inmates returning to prison for violations after release.

Around 98 percent of the inmates currently incarcerated in Nebraska’s 10 prisons will be released and return to our communities and neighborhoods. The U.S. Dept. of Justice statistics declare that 67 percent of the inmates released from prison and jail will re-offend and return to prison.

Ruth Karlsson’s goal is to lower the recidivism rate in the state of Nebraska, through Released and Restored, a restorative justice ministry, and an approved Advance of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference. It may seems like a lofty goal for one woman to take on, but once you meet Karlsson and see her in action, it becomes apparent that she has been blessed with a gift and a passion for helping the men and women in our state prisons. She doesn’t just see them as inmates or criminals — she sees them as just ordinary people, and as potential disciples of Jesus Christ.

followinG her CallKarlsson fully realized her call to

restorative justice in 2002, while taking part in a School of Christian Mission course on the topic.

“The restorative justice study brought into clear focus the enormous hurdles inmates and their families face as they strive for successful re-entry into mainstream society,” Karlsson said in an interview on the Women’s Division website. (United Methodist Women units are among the ministry’s biggest supporters.)

She went on to create Released and Restored and serves as its executive director. The non-profit’s mission statement is: “To provide inmates and ex-offenders with access to the tools and support systems they need to learn how to live moral, ethical and legal lives in our communities; to restore family relationships harmed or broken by incarceration; and to renew their lives.”

This is accomplished through two courses: Planning with Purpose and Jobs Readiness/Life Skills. Released and Restored offers programming in a number of Nebraska’s state prisons, including the state penitentiary in Lincoln, and the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution in Tecumseh.

PlaNNiNG With PurPOSEAccording to their website,

releasedandrestored.org, the focus of the Planning with Purpose course is “to teach new thinking skills, in particular critical thinking and good decision making skills.”

The program combines a study of Rick Warren’s best-selling book, “The Purpose Driven Life” with a curriculum designed to teach new and constructive thinking skills. Inmates sign up voluntarily and there are no faith-based or crime-related restrictions. In other words, it doesn’t matter what they believe or what they’ve done. The class is in high-demand at the state penitentiary; two 20-week courses are offered per year, one in January and one in July, and each is limited to 15 participants who are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The marvelous thing about those we work with at the state penitentiary is they

have nothing to gain from the system by attending our programs,” Karlsson said in the Women’s Division interview. “Our programs are not a requirement of the parole board. The individuals enrolled in our program attend because they want to live better lives once they are released.”

The class has the feel of a Bible study or book group, and many deep, philosophical questions are posed by the participants. Subjects like predestination and the fall of man are discussed. Karlsson is well versed in Scripture and adeptly answers even the toughest of questions. She stresses to participants that there are consequences to every choice they make. But she also makes it clear to them that they don’t have to live their lives being defined by the crimes they’ve committed.

“The only way to wholeness is to own what we’ve done and come to the foot of the Cross,” she recently told the seven men currently taking part in the course at the state penitentiary.

She also encouraged them to pray, but told them they can’t just wait for good things to come their way.

“You have to take action, you can’t sit by and idly wait for God to answer your prayers,” she said.

Karlsson shared her own “leap of faith” story — nearly seven years ago she quit her full-time job of 27 years to run Released and Restored on a full-time basis. It isn’t something she gives just five or 10 hours to a week — she devotes most of her waking hours to helping these individuals who so desperately need it. She felt God was calling her to and she chose to listen.

“From my perspective, my job is easy,” she said. “I am so privileged! Each day I am allowed to share the good news of the Gospel with men and women in prison and jail. I am allowed to bring programming into prison to prepare these individuals for their release back into our local neighborhoods and communities. “

JObS rEadiNESS/lifE SKillSThe Jobs Readiness/Life Skills course

focuses on preparing individuals to be self-sufficient after release. According to releasedandrestored.org: “The primary emphasis of the program is preparing individuals for long-term, gainful employment. A secondary emphasis is on money management and budgeting. In addition, landlord/tenant relations are also addressed as are various health and hygiene issues.”

The class is limited to 15 participants from the general prison population who are within six to nine months of discharge or parole.

This course, combined with the Planning with Purpose course, plays a pivotal role

in helping ensure inmates are prepared to function in society after being released. The fact that most individuals don’t have marketable skills and have the stigma of a prison sentence on their resumes certainly doesn’t make it easy for those who are released to find employment. They leave prison with the clothes on their back and $100 in their pocket if it’s the first time they’ve been released; if they’ve been incarcerated more than once, they receive even less.

For every individual that is able to get their life together and stay out of trouble, there are many more that end up returning to lives of crime and going back to prison.

SuCCeSS STorieS anD menTorSReleased and Restored is making a

difference in the lives of these men and women.

Karlsson shared the inspiring story of Les, who served 11 years in the Nebraska State Penitentiary. He was released a little over a year ago. He has a job, he just graduated from Kaplan University with an associate’s degree in human services, and he is the father of a baby girl whom he carried across the stage as he received his diploma.

Les’ story is just one of many. An essential component of success stories has to do with the mentors that are provided for recently released inmates.

“Mentors are a key component to help demonstrate how church members and congregations can minister to ex-offenders and their families,” Karlsson said.

Extensive training is provided to those who choose to be a mentor. The rule is that men mentor men and women mentor women; meetings take place between mentors and mentees at least once a month, and never alone, it is required that a third party always be present.

The mentoring page of their website states, “The most important thing in mentoring is to teach life skills and job skills by simply being a resource. By being willing to listen, to care, to empower.”

DeVoTeD VolunTeerSThe inmates aren’t the only ones who

are finding their lives changed by Released and Restored. Karlsson may not have a staff to assist her, but she does have some “truly amazing and dedicated volunteers.“

Bob Parish is one of those volunteers. A member of Lincoln Trinity United Methodist Church, Parish said, “I would say that our weekly planning with purpose study has shown me that I have the ability to live and think in holy ways that glorify Christ. The theme that runs through all our meetings at the prison is that those that participate want to live their lives more Christ-like.

“My own growth has been encouraged by these men,” said volunteer Don Foxhoven. “Their desire to learn the Bible and grow in faith has been an inspiration. Their hunger has inspired me to spend more time with the Bible myself, and more importantly to follow the commands ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind,’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Karlsson recently wrote in an article for umcneb.org, “Volunteering is almost always a mutually rewarding endeavor. When it comes to volunteering with a prison ministry, we’re talking quadruple rewards! The rewards benefit the ministry, the inmates touched by the work of the ministry, the taxpayers (lower recidivism rates mean lower costs for taxpayers), and last but certainly not least, the volunteer herself/himself.”

‘a bEttEr Way Of dOiNG thiNGS’“After prison, then what?” is the question

posed on Released and Restored’s home page. It is a question that affects not just the men and women in our prison systems, but truly affects everyone in society.

It’s a very cyclical process: communities are safer and taxpayer costs are reduced when fewer crimes are committed.

Karlsson believes “there is a better way than simply continuing ‘business as usual’ and recycling these individuals back through the prison system.”

That better way is to not just restore lives, but to help these men and women come to know Christ and live new lives.

Volunteer Parish quoted an inmate who participated in a past “Planning with Purpose” course who said, “I don’t want to be restored to what I was — I want to go beyond that.”

Effects of restorative justice ministry go beyond prison walls

a purpose driven life

COUrTeSy PHOTORuth Karlsson (far right, at end of the table) leads a released and restored class at the nebraska state penitentiary. Karlsson is the executive director of the prison ministry, an advance of the nebraska conference.

hOW tO hElP Volunteer: released and

restored has various opportunities both inside and outside of prison, and offers training to volunteers; if you think you or your church/group might be interested in prison ministry, they offer a workshop called “Prison ministry, is it for you?” for more information, email info@releasedandrestored.org, call 402-806-0565 or visit releasedandrestored.org.

donate: if you are interested in contributing to the work of this ministry, you can donate online at releasedandrestored.org/donate.html, or mail a check made payable to “released and restored,” to released and restored, inc. P.O. box 94633 lincoln, Ne 68509.

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

“That All May Have Life”Nebraska Conference Cooperative School of

Christian Mission for Clergy & LaitySponsored by Nebraska United Methodist Women and The Common Table Leadership Development and Risk-taking Mission and Justice teams.

Kearney Holiday Inn, 110 S. 2nd Ave, Kearney Weekend Session, July 27 - 29, 2012, Friday, 6 p.m. - Sunday, 12:30 p.m.

Weekday Session, July 29 - Aug. 1, 2012, Sunday, 6 p.m. - Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.

reGiSTraTion Registration is $45; a late fee of $55 will be assessed after July 1. Register online using one of the friendly urls listed below, or make checks payable to School of Christian Mission and mail to (if mailing a check, please be sure to indicate which sessions you plan to attend):

umcneb.org/scmgeneralumcneb.org/scmchildrenumcneb.org/officer

SCM Registrar: Denise Larsen 902 S. 25th St. Beatrice, NE 68310-4108 necoopscm@gmail.com

aCCommoDaTionSweekend session — $90, 2 to a room for 2 nights. Single, $130, includes all meals. commuter — $25 for lunch and dinner Saturday, or $40 for all meals.

weekday session — $150, 2 to a room for 3 nights. Single, $190, includes all meals. commuter — $50 for lunch and dinner for 2 days, or $75 for all meals.

(Please remember to add together all registration fees and accommodation charges when writing your check. )

all May havE lifE In John 10:10, Jesus proclaims “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”(NRSV) God’s ultimate will for humankind is that all persons will have a full life — a life of wholeness and hope; a life of freedom from oppression; a life of justice and truth; a life of inner peace and strength. Jesus’ ministry and teaching embodied this will. Yet, how is fullness of life for all possible in a wounded, broken and sometimes hostile world where systems oppress, hearts are hardened, margins separate, and attitudes demean? • Fullness of life for all is possible when we as people of Christ: • Challenge and change systems that oppress and impede. • Welcome and fully embrace the stranger, the immigrant, the marginalized. • Advocate for the least and the lost. Partner with others to restore and rebuild lives and communities.

STuDieSimmigration and the BibleRev. Stephanie Ahlschwede2012 Spiritual Growth Study

haiti: challenges and hope Rev. Dr. Jacques E. Pierre “Dr. Jep”Study Overview

poverty Dr. Roger Selley2012 Issue Study Overview

All attendees will participate in “Immigration and the Bible,” you will choose between “Haiti: Challenges and Hope” or “Poverty.”

As people of Christ, let us change what needs to be changed, say what needs to be said, do what needs to be done and love as Christ would have us love so that all may have life and have it abundantly.

Each year the Nebraska United Methodist Conference and United Methodist Women offer opportunities for Schools of Christian Mission. Attendees, both clergy and lay, are encouraged to take the learnings from these events and share them with others. Schools of Christian Mission and Mission Education events are opportunities to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of the church.

nebraska cooperative school of

christian Mission

Joyce Solomon, Dean

Denise Larsen, Registrar necoopscm@gmail.com

umcneb.org/scmgeneralumcneb.org/scmchildren

umcneb.org/officer

MiSSiON diSPlaySContact Marilyn Zehring at mbzehri@megavision.com, 402-564-0756 or 402-270-7046 to reserve space.

WOrKShOPSintroduction to centering prayerRev. Donald Bredthauer

Music Rev. W. Jerald Brabec

caring Ministries Martha Davidson

The child welfare system Tom McBride, Epworth Village

When Ruth Karlsson attended Nebraska Conference’s 2002 School of Christian Mission, an idea was born. Having long felt a call to work with prison inmates and their families, she enrolled in the restorative justice class.

“The restorative justice study brought into clear focus the enormous hurdles inmates and their families face as they strive for successful re-entry into mainstream society,” Karlsson said. “I was standing at the threshold. It was either step through the door or remain forever on the sidelines of my faith.”

Karlsson stepped through the door, creating Released and Restored, a ministry aimed at reducing recidivism — inmates returning to prison for violations after release. The ministry is about hope and restoration once a sentence has been served and the inmate wants to change and turn away from a life of crime.

ChildrEN’S SCMchildren’s school of christian MissionJuly 27-29, 2012Offered with the weekend session.Registration fee is $10 per child.

Photo of Ruth Karlsson in front of the Penitentiary, taken by Trisha Johnson, story by Michael Karlsson. This is just one of many stories demonstrating the impact of the School of Christian Mission.

6 SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 7AROUND THE CONFERENCE

 

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 thatcherm@epworthvillage.org  

Visit our website at www.epworthvillage.org  

confirmation day 2012 provides a “spark” in the lives of youth

COUrTeSy PHOTO

More than 100 youth participated in this year’s Confirmation Day, held March 4 -5, in Lincoln. The theme was “Spark: Stay in love with God.” Confirmands had the option of staying overnight on Friday, after first attending a Jewish Shabbat service with Congregation Tifereth Israel. Members of the Camp Fontanelle staff taught the youth camp games, while other leaders in the Nebraska Conference led the youth in a series of workshops ranging from how to get involved in their churches to how God can work through them in their lives.

On Saturday, Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson spoke words of encouragement to the youth, reminding them of God’s unconditional love for them in their faith journey. Before departing everyone took part in a worship experience that included an ancient form of Communion that included olives, cheese, oil, milk and honey alongside the traditional elements (pictured above). This tied a part of the historical traditions from the church universal to the practices of United Methodists today.

View more photos of Confirmation Day 2012 on the Nebraska Wesleyan University Ministries Facebook page, facebook.com/nwuniversityministries.

COUrTeSy PHOTO

(Left to right) Sarah Ashley, Katie Lamb and Marcia Huff share in leadership at Legislative Briefing Day, Feb. 11, 2012, at Lincoln Christ United Methodist Church.

ecumenical legislative Briefing day 2012 recap

By katie laMBRisk-taking Mission and Justice intern

On Saturday, Feb. 11, Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska’s 39th annual Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day was held at Christ United Methodist Church, in Lincoln.

The event started off with a worship service led by Marcia Huff and Katie Lamb, the Risk-taking Mission and Justice (RTMJ) intern. Huff presented a sermon while Lamb was the liturgist. After the service, attendees split up into groups to discuss topics such as immigration, the environment, and young adults as advocates. The young adult’s workshop was led by Sarah Ashley, a junior at Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU); she is an RTMJ intern at NWU and her internship work deals with HIV/AIDS. She discussed her experience as a young adult advocate and expressed how others could help encourage people like her. This was Ashley’s second year attending the conference.

“My work with HIV/AIDS as an RTMJ intern is due to my first year of Legislative Briefing Day where I was introduced to so many advocates who inspired me to do advocacy of my own,” she said.

Writer’s note: People were very excited to hear Ashley credit her advocacy to the briefing day. Personally, I am very glad I got the chance to attend the event this year as well, because it reinforced my passion for advocacy for many different things. It was nice to be in a Christian environment with so many passionate advocates. Next year, I invite more young people to participate because it is a very inspirational and educational event.

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

8

Fontanelle Comeca Norwesca 2012 Summer Camp Calendar

ComecaFontanelle Norwesca

9677 County Road 3Fontanelle, NE 68044(402)478.4296fontanelle@umcneb.org

75670 Road 417Cozad, NE 69130(308)784.2808comeca@umcneb.org

79 Norwesca Road Chadron, NE 69337(308)432.3872norwesca@umcneb.org

Pick up a camp schedule and RegisteR today! To register online, go to www.umcneb.org.

*Financial assistance may be available, ask your pastor or camping representative for more information.

Testimonia

ls

“I found God in the rain, sunshine and

rainbows.” – Norwesca Camper

“My three children, ages 14, 12, & 6, experienced

your camp the past 2 weeks and came home

very thrilled. They loved using their Bibles and

having devotions on their own. Keep up the

great work!”  – Comeca Parent

“This week, I have learned that God works in

crazy ways, I LOVE IT!” – Fontanelle Volunteer

Girls Only: Grades 3-8 & CIT

Summer Retreat: Grades 6-12

Performing Arts: Grades 3-8

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 1 2 3 4

June 2012 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Guardian Angel: PK-K

SonShine Camp: Grades 1-2

Family Camp: May 25-27Sonshine: G1-2: May 29-31Guardian Angel: PK-K: June 1-2

Man Camp: Grades 3-6

Zoobilee: Grades 3-6 & Confirmation: Grades 7-12

Girls Only: Grades 3-6

Off-Road: Grades 6-9

Survivor: Wilderness Outpost: Grades 7-12

Tree Frog: Grades 3-4

F.R.O.G.G.E.D.: Grades 10-12

Tree Frog: Grades 5-9

Confirmation: Grades 7-12

Giddy up for God: Grades 3-4 & Saddle Up in the Son: Grades 5-9

Splish Splash: Grades 3-6

F.R.O.G.: Grades 5-9

Sonshine Camp: Grades 1-2

Live Like Jesus: Grades 3-5

Live Like Jesus : G3-5

No Boys Allowed: Grades 3-8

No Boys Allowed: G3-8

Man Camp: Grades 3-8

Week in the Son: Grades 6-12

Camp Hope: Intergenerational / DaySpring: Grades 1-3 & CIT

Camp Hope/DaySpring...

Pine Ridge Riders: G5-8

Guardian Angel: PreK & Kindergarten & CIT

Guardian Angel: PreK & Kindergarten

Survivors: Grades 8-12

Family Camp: Connecting with Creation

Connecting with Creation

Mission Possible: Grades 3-5 & CIT

God’s Notes: Grades 3-8 & Expressions In Music: Grades 8-12

Pine Ridge Riders: Grades 5-8 & CIT

SonShine Camp: Grades 1-2 & CIT

SonShine Camp: G1-2

July 2012

Road Rules: Grades 7-12

Guardian Angel: PK-K

Sonshine Camp: G1-2

Straw Bales & Fields for Energy: Grades 6-9

Discovery Day: PK-K

Guardian Angel: PreK & Kindergarten

Tepees, Trails & Spirit: Grades 3-5

Leadership Camp: Grades 8-11

August 2012

UM CAMPS

*Financial assistance may be available, ask your pastor or camping representative for more information.

Visit www.umcneb.org/camps or call your camp for a brochure.Do you want to see our kids and youth grow to be mature, responsible,

adult Christian leaders? Summer camp is a unique experience where the spirit of God works in ways different than in the church.

Many children and youth have life-changing faith experiences that affect their future decisions through lives given and rededicated to Christ. Make a difference in the lives of the children in your life and send them to camp. Amidst the fun and excitement is intentional Christian community with Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and worship along with a challenge to live life for Jesus.

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

Reaching Conference funding goals would not possible without churchwide support. Nebraska United Methodist Churches reaching the 100 percent Mission Share goal in 2011 are listed in district order as follows:

Blue river Adams First Beatrice CentenaryBurr Cheney Clatonia Salem Crete GraceDaykin Denton Dewitt First Dorchester Douglas Elmwood St Paul Endicott Fairbury First Friend Greenwood Hallam Hopewell Ithaca Lincoln Calvary Lincoln Christ Lincoln First Lincoln Horizons Community Lincoln Newman Lincoln Saint Paul Lincoln South Gate Lincoln St. James Lincoln St. Luke Lincoln Trinity Malcolm Martell MilfordMurdock Ebenezer Odell Palmyra Pickrell Prairie HomeRaymond Roca Seward Swanton Syracuse Unadilla Valparaiso Wahoo First Waverly First Wilber Wymore

elKhorn valleY Ainsworth FirstAlbion First Alder Grove Amelia Bartlett BeemerBloomfield Christ MemorialCarroll Clearwater Craig Crawford Valley Creighton UMC-UCCDakota City DecaturElgin Ericson

EwingGreeley Homer Johnstown Laurel Logan Center Looking GlassLorettoMadison TrinityMeadow Grove Newman Grove Norfolk FirstNorfolk Westridge OakdaleOakland FirstOrchard OsmondPage PiercePonca FirstRandolph FirstSouth Sioux City St. Paul SpencerSpringviewStanton Tekamah FirstTilden Faith Walthill FirstWausaWayne FirstWest Point Trinity WinsideWisner UMC of Christ

GatewaY Alma Amherst Anselmo Ansley Arapahoe FirstArcadia Arnold Atlanta BannerBartleyBeaver City First BertrandBrady Broken BowBurwellCallawayCambridge Trinity Cozad ParkviewEddyville GraceElwood FirstEustisFarnamFranklin FirstGibbon BethelHaven’s ChapelHazard Holdrege First HollingerHuntleyIndianolaKearney Faith Kearney FirstLexington FirstLitchfieldMaconMascot BethelMerna MindenMira Valley EvangelicalMorning StarOrd First

OxfordPleasantonRaganRepublican CitySargent Scotia FirstSheltonTaylor CalvaryWestervilleWilcoxWilliamsburg Great west BenkelmanBig Springs Bushnell CalvaryChappell Clinton Culbertson Trinity Curtis FirstElsieGarden PrairieGering First GrantHaiglerHarrison Memorial Hay SpringsHemingford Henry LymanImperial FirstKilgoreKimball TrinityLakesideLewellen Madrid MaxMaywoodMcCook MemorialMelbetaMitchellMorrill Mullen OshkoshPalisadePaxton Rushville Morse Memorial Sidney First Stratton CommunitySutherlandTrenton FirstTryon CommunityWauneta

Missouri river

AshlandAuburn FirstBellevue AldersgateBellevue St. JamesBlair FirstBrockBrownvilleBurchardCedar HillDu BoisFalls City Bethel Fremont CalvaryFremont FirstGretnaHooper FaithHumboldtJohnsonJulian Louisville First Mynard Liberty Nehawka

NemahaOmaha DietzOmaha Faith-WestwoodOmaha First Omaha Hanscom ParkOmaha Lefler MemorialOmaha St. Andrew’sOmaha St. Luke Pawnee City FirstPlattsmouth First Rulo TrinityTable RockValley United Faith CommunityWaterlooWeeping Water

pRAirie rivers AldaArcher ZionAurora Beaver CrossingBelgradeBellwoodBenedict Blue HillBoelus GraceBradshawBrainardBruningCairoCentral CityCentral City FairviewChapmanChesterColumbus FirstCotesfieldDavenportDavid City St. Luke’s EbenezerElbaExeterFairmont Community GenevaHarvard FirstHastings FirstHastings GraceHebronInlandJuniataMilliganMonroe OngOsceola FirstPalmerPaulinePhillipsPierce ChapelPolkRising CityRosedaleSchuyler Christ ShelbyShickleySilver CreekSt. EdwardSt. PaulStromsburg Superior First Sutton SalemTrumbullUtica WacoWolbachWood River

The Nebraska State Department of Health and Human Services has reduced its support for agencies such as Epworth

Village. As a result, Epworth’s ability to serve its clients is being placed in jeopardy.

Epworth Village Inc., is both a Nebraska and global church Advance. In 2011, funding from all United Methodist sources to Epworth Village totaled $29,306.18. In addition to monetary contributions, Nebraska United Methodist Women give substantial support to Epworth Village in the form of label donations, paper goods, toiletry items and other collections.

Now is a time of great urgency. Epworth Village President and CEO Tom McBride said, “The past three years have been tremendously stressful on ever yone providing services to children and families. Artificially created barriers restrict access to care by those in need so when they can’t get to us for care it unfortunately affects our ‘bottom line.’”

To aid Epworth Village in these trying times, Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson has

announced a special offering will be taken during the Annual Conference Session, on Wednesday, June 6, at 1:30 p.m. Individuals and congregations are encouraged to take their own special offerings to support Epworth Village. Those donations can be gathered and brought to the Annual Conference Session, or given directly to Advance 881.

Sherer-Simpson said, “We rejoice that it looks like the passage of LB 1076 in the Nebraska Unicameral will enable the payment for services offered to Epworth unless there is a veto.”

“The Nebraska Legislature has been tremendously responsive to this crisis. In addition, Bishop Sherer-Simpson has continuously been very involved and supportive and together with those churches and individuals that support us so wonderfully. We will blow past this disruption

and continue the mission that has been intact here for more than 122 years,” McBride said.

Located in York and Grand Island, Neb., Epworth Village Inc., is a modern, state-of-the-art program for male children ages 7 to 18 and their families who are dealing with severe, emotional and behavioral disorders. Children enter the program because they need the tools to build brighter lives. They can find those tools at Epworth. Most importantly, the entire family can find a path towards positive change.

Donations in check form can be written to the Conference Treasurer with Advance 881 written in the memo line. Donations can be sent to: Epworth Village Offering, Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504, or placed in your congregation’s offering plate as an ingathering, in preparation for the offering taken during the opening worship service of the June annual conference session.

Epworth village endures funding challenges By kathrYn witteCommunications/marketing director

9HONOR ROLL

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

By MiKe wilson, UMMen secretarySpring is a time of new life as the weather

warms, flowers bloom and tree leaves return. It is also a time we traditionally do spring cleaning to shake off the effects of a long winter and the feeling of being bottled up inside. What about your spiritual life — is it ready for some spring cleaning? There are several opportunities here to get involved and refresh your Christian life.

upcoming Opportunities:

miSSouri riVer DiSTriCT miSSion PrOJECt

The Missouri River District UMMen are sponsoring a mission project at the Hispanic Senior Center in Omaha on April 21, 1-4 p.m., followed by a dinner, 5-7:30 p.m., at Bellevue St. James UMC. Learn more about District Men’s activities and hear Dr. Dan Flanagan and Juan Carlos Veloso talk about Hispanic ministries in the area. Anyone is welcome to participate. Details are available at ummenmoriver.com

COWbOy trail biKE ridE/WalK Help to raise money for mission projects

on May 26. The ride is open to bikers of all ages and skill levels. If you are not able to ride a bike or walk in Norfolk, you can help by donating or start your own local ride/walk. The event registration is available at our Web page listed at the end of this article. The UMMen support about 20 missions locally and around the world.

100 Club Dinner anD auCTion

Scholarships for men and women studying for careers in full-time Christian ministry will be awarded at the 23rd annual UMMen’s Scholarship Dinner and Auction at Lincoln’s First United Methodist Church, on Wednesday, June 6, at 5 p.m. One of the auction items is a framed autographed Gale Sayers NFL jersey! For more information or to donate items or money, contact Randy Fleming at auctioneer_32@msn.com, or call 402-210-4885.

2012 SuMMEr rallySave the date: Aug. 10-12, for the Summer Rally at Camp Norwesca, near Chadron.

Carpools will be available. Program possibilities: men’s ministry reports from Scottsbluff and Chadron areas, etc.; international student perspectives, Fort Robinson buffalo cookout and playhouse, motorcycle ministry, band, outdoor worship and more. Check the Nebraska UMMen Web page for registration information.

WiNtEr rally at CaMP COMECaThe Feb. 17-19 Winter Rally at Camp Comeca was a great success with 23 men sharing

fellowship and learning from several great speakers. The Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman of Gothenburg UMC gave several thought-provoking talks based on his book “Jesus Through the Eyes of Peter,” and led us in some great music. The Rev. Dr. Joe Scahill, now retired, gave a presentation on his journey to Africa for the World Methodist Conference. Doug and Ellen Cunningham gave a presentation on their Volunteers in Mission work in Panama, and Tom Watson gave us an update on the Kansas-Nebraska Transition Team’s progress. On top of that, there was great food, hiking and a dip in the hot tub for some. Most importantly, friendships and faith were strengthened, and men left with ideas and resources for men’s ministry in their local churches.

oTher iTemSpresident dave Mendyk reminds us to request a uMMen sunday at your church.

For background and ideas, please contact him at superdaveumc@yahoo.com, or call 402-372-2149.

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 updates — Check out the Nebraska UMMen page at umcneb.org/ummen for the latest information. The General Commission has a great site at gcumm.org.

nebraska uMMen: spring into action!

nebraSka ummen ConferenCe reCoGniTion

At the March National Association of Conference Presidents meeting in Nashville, Nebraska Conference UMMen President Dave Mendyk and Western North Carolina Conference President Henry Dozier each received a plaque recognizing their conferences’ support for the Upper Room Ministries.

Each conference donated approximately $1,800 this year, and the Nebraska Men have regularly supported the Upper Room Living Prayer Line at their Men’s rallies. Nebraska was also recognized as one of 30 conferences that had increased the number of chartered UMMen units during the year.

COUrTeSy PHOTO

Henry Dozier (left) and Dave Mendyk (right) are recognized for their Conference support for the Upper Room Ministries. COUrTeSy PHOTO

Attendees gather for a group photo at the 2012 UMMen Winter Rally, at Camp Comeca.

10

umcneb.org/umwPaid for by

Nebraska UMw

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN/MEN

Paid for by UMMenumcneb.org/ummen

Contact:Mike wilson

cmwilson2@mac.com402-504-4908

14106 S. 21st Streetbellevue, Ne 68123

district Spring retreats

blue river — April 21“who Are Our Neighbors?”

Hallam UMC

elkhorn Valley — March 31“discovering Our Spiritual Gifts”

Norfolk westridge UMC

Gateway — April 17“Spring into wholeness”Camp Comeca, Cozad

Great west — April 14“Sing a New Song”

McCook Memorial UMC

Missouri river — April 14“All About Children”

Nebraska City first UMC

Prairie rivers — April 28“Angels Among Us Cultivating

Justice”Aurora UMC

Leadership for United Methodist Women is not only concentrated on the office they hold and the duties associated with it — leadership is learning about and acting upon the injustices that we see in our community and our world. As United Methodist Women, we have accepted the responsibility to bring about change.

The Eunice Harrington Award honors a woman who was a change maker, and who, through the connectional system of our organization, was masterful in involving others in that process. Each district has nominated their representative whose life models that example. The award will be presented during the Courtesies and Awards segment at the 2012 Annual Conference Session in June. Congratulations to the nominees:

Blue River: Pat GrimesElkhorn Valley: Julie ClaybaughGreat West: Ann RegierGateway: Doris MeyersMissouri Valley: Teresa WhiteheadPrairie River: Mardelle Grandstaff

Leadership is also expressed as we dream for the future of United Methodist Women. Young women from across the United States will meet at Duke University in August to dream a vision which will challenge us to put faith, hope and love into action. Representing Nebraska Conference United Methodist Women are Lisa Maupin,

Omaha; Caryn Vincent, York and Caitlyn Bentzinger, Panama.

Eunice Harrington said, “Woman power is one of the greatest untapped resources of our day ... United Methodist women can effectively participate in the struggle towards a solution of today’s problems and injustices.”

Thank you United Methodist Women who are and will be change makers for those who have little or no voice and are willing to stand up and speak out on their behalf!

By louise nieMann

NebraskaUMW president

Nebraska 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 prior to annual meeting.

Possibilities: bus tour to mission and justice sites, hands-on mission work, advocacy workshop.

Keynote Speaker:Ada Maria isasi-diaz, Professor emerita of ethics and Theology at drew

University in Madison, New Jersey

Mark your calendar and plan to join Nebraska UMw on this journey!

Registration forms available at district spring retreats.

COUrTeSy PHOTORuth Knight, Esther Hay, Donna Dornbusch, Rogene Silletto, Paula Latas and Ann Cerveny take part in the Child Welfare Reform Postcard Campaign. Hundreds of United Methodist women sent cards to their Nebraska senators and Gov. Dave Heineman, urging them to make a commitment to children and their families. Senators were reminded that they hold the future of Nebraska’s children in their hands.

SaVe The DaTe united Methodist women: change agents

Contact:rogene Sillettotrsilletto@windstream.net8000 lowell Ave.lincoln, Ne 68506

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 11AROUND THE CONFERENCE

By trisha JohnsonCommunications coordinator

It’s become known as the “100 percent project” — 100 percent of the churches in the Elkhorn Valley District paying 100 percent of their district Mission Shares … by July 1.

“The project came out of a conversation at our administrative committee meeting,” said the Rev. Nan Kaye-Skinner, Elkhorn Valley District superintendent.

She continued, “This past year, I challenged the churches to pay 100 percent of their district Mission Shares by July 1 (2011). The incentive was that I would contribute $20 to the district’s Wesley Fund for every church that met the goal. Approximately 33 churches met the challenge — far more than in recent history. There was great fun at our annual district picnic last summer as I anted up all those $20 bills as each church’s name was announced. We went on to receive 95 percent of our district Mission Shares for the year.”

As the administrative committee assessed the project, they decided to reinforce the goal with a spiritual and educational component. The Rev. Eric Ford offered to provide monthly materials.

“Nan was willing to make the challenge to pay $20 to each church that met the goal, but we needed more ‘umph’ to get the churches excited,” Ford said. “Nan asked for a leader, God tapped me on the shoulder and I volunteered.”

“We have gotten very positive feedback from pastors who appreciate having stewardship materials easily accessible to include in their worship,” Kaye-Skinner said.

Ford uses a stewardship curriculum/program he learned about while serving the Seward United Methodist Church. It’s called “Effective Stewardship: Building on Biblical Principles,” and was developed by stewardship expert Ken Williams; Ford edited the materials to fit the United Methodist denomination.

“It really hits the ‘tell them so many times in so many different ways’ marketing idea,” Ford said. “And in Seward, we saw results — an increase in giving, less worry about ‘meeting budget,’ and just overall good feelings.”

According to Williams’ website, klwenterprises.com, the program is a “low-key, year-round approach that uses both the printed page and lay people as the primary spokespersons to present the principles found in Scripture. The goal: To train people to be stewards.”

Ford said he’s seen great results using the program at the ROPE Parish (Orchard-Page-Ewing UMCs); conference and district Mission Shares have been paid at 100 percent

each year, and one of the churches has worked its way from being in debt to having a sizable amount of money in their checking account.

“Once a month, I do all of the ‘leg work’ compiling resources and then send it to them to use as they’d like.”

The monthly emails include:An intro of the project Our values, mission, goals, etc.A theological statement (e.g., a

focus on the connection)Weekly offering scriptureWeekly offering prayerBulletin storyNewsletter story

Ford added, “I ask them to use the tagline, ‘The preceding message was made possible by your congregation’s 100 percent payment of district Mission Shares.’ I think it’s important to tag this as part of the 100 percent project, and not just ‘good stewardship practices.’”

All of the information Ford provides is available at umcgiving.org and/or gbod.org.Videos are another resource Ford has recently starting including in the monthly email;

he uses links from UMtube, found on the Nebraska Conference website, umcneb.org, and from the General Church’s YouTube channel.

“Sometimes a video is more powerful than a photocopy,” he said.The program seems to be working well in the Elkhorn Valley District; according to

Kaye-Skinner, several congregations have already paid their 100 percent.“I am looking forward to this year’s (district) picnic and am hopeful we will reach the

100 percent goal,” Kaye-Skinner said.

Goal for each church is to pay district Mission Shares by July 1Elkhorn valley district’s ‘100 percent project’

By hassan auduBishop’s secretary for the Nigerian Episcopal Area

One day in the spring of 2011 a baby boy was found lying beneath his dead mother in Makong Danburam, a community in Nigeria.

Danburam is in the far north and about 50 kilometers from Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State. The majority of the community is women. Many of the young females who give birth here are unable to read a book or sign their names. Most exist without adequate shelter, no health care or access to safe water. Children here usually die before they reach the age of The young woman had given birth to the baby boy under a baobab tree, which she used as her residence.

Before anyone could help her, the girl fell into a deep coma and bled to death. The child was rushed to the United Methodist Church orphanage for emergency attention.

The boy survived and is now cared for because of the work of the United Methodist orphanage, nestled by the entrance of Nigeria Annual (regional) Conference headquarters in Jalingo.

PartNErShiP With u.S. CONfErENCESFounded in 1999 by the first elected bishop of the Nigeria Conference, the late Rev.

Done Peter Dabale, the orphanage was not commissioned until 2007.The effort brought about partnership between the Nigeria Conference and conferences

in the United States, specifically California-Pacific, Iowa, Eastern Pennsylvania and Nebraska.

The partnership team between Nigeria and the Nebraska Conference was formed in 1999 because of the Council of Bishops’ Hope for the Children of Africa initiative. A group from Nebraska went to Nigeria in 2000 to assess the needs of United Methodists in Nigeria.

The orphanage became the project of the Nebraska Conference. The initial goal was to raise $250,000 to build on property owned by the Nigerian Conference.

In 2005, the orphanage opened with 28 children who had lost their parents and were living with guardians who were most likely extended family members. In the fall of 2007, 20 more students arrived.

The partnership continues today, with the Nebraska Conference the primary source of funding for the orphanage in Jalingo. In addition to the costs of running the orphanage, about $2,000 a year for each child is needed to provide for the resident orphans. Sunday, May 13, 2012 (Mother’s Day) is the designated day for churches across the Nebraska Conference to take a special offering for the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Orphanage.

The orphanage is a place for children to learn together in classes with fun and engaging activities. The orphanage provides three square meals to its charges each day.

A temporary computer lab with an Internet connection provides the children as well as the outside community an opportunity to learn to explore the Web. Microsoft’s PowerPoint and Word are a few of the programs taught.

There are eight teaching staff and 17 non-academic staff.

ChallenGeD To Do more wiTh leSS

This home is challenged to do more with less. In 2011, there were two newly completed and commissioned corrugated aluminum classroom blocks adjacent to the football field.

The home has male and female hostels under construction. Another computer lab is nearing conclusion.

One of the home’s efforts is to help hurting children. The coordinator, Simon Benjamin, travels to villages around the state looking for children in need.

Late last year, another of the many abused young women in Makong Danburam village gave birth to a bouncing baby boy whose father the mother never knew. Two days later, she breathed her last. The child is now with a new parent in the town of Ganye.

The mission of the orphanage has expanded to include not only education, but also the material and spiritual needs of both children and staff.

When asked if there were c h a l l e n g e s , Benjamin was quick to say yes, mentioning the lack of facilities and adequate drugs in the clinic and the lack of a qualified nurse on site.

But, as the children transition to independent living, they benefit by living for a time in a safe and caring Christian community, he said.

Nigeria/NebraskaPartnership supports orphanage in Jalingo

home nourishes body, soul of nigerian young

PHOTO by HASSAN AUdU

Children from a United Methodist-related Nigerian orphanage stand in welcome at the entrance along with coordinator Simon Benjamin. Congregations are invited to take a special Mother’s Day offering on May 13 (or other designated day) in support of Advance 851.

PHOTO by HASSAN AUdU

Orphanage Coordinator Simon Benjamin holds a 2-day-old baby boy whose mother died.

SPECial OffEriNGSelect Mother’s day or any Sunday to take a special offering in support of the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership. Make checks payable to “Conference Treasurer,” put Advance 851 in the memo line, and send to the Nebraska UM Conference Center, 3333 landmark Circle, lincoln, Ne 68504, or place it in your congregation’s offering plate. for more information and resources, visit umcneb.org/nigeria.

spring 2012Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

lexington hispanic Ministry welcomes 18 new members

Ct forwards funding plan to aC session, has workday at Epworth

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Common Table met March 30-31, at Epworth Village, in York, Neb. The proposed 2013 Funding Plan, totaling $6,933,064, will be forwarded to the Nebraska Annual Conference Session members for approval . The vote to approve the plan will take place shortly after 10 a.m., on Saturday, June 9, at St. Mark’s UMC.

The Rev. Dr. Keith Johnson led a bilingual devotion using primarily Spanish. “Tenemos el cuento esto cambia vidas” was the theme. It means, “We have the story that changes lives .” Johnson used the Pentecost story and our call to be in ministry with the world. The devotion was fitting as the next day was full of mission work-day projects on the Epworth Village campus (see the Common Table mission work group in photo, right).

Other business included a briefing from Epworth Village Inc., President/CEO Tom McBride on the current state of the facility’s operations. (See article on page 9.) McBride reported that 16 similar agencies closed this past year due in part to the chaos and reduced funding from Nebraska Health and Human Services. McBride also shared that Epworth runs a very flat organization with only 7 percent of its budget supporting operations. The rest goes directly to support care clients.

Common Table co-leader, the Rev. Galen Wray and the Rev. David Lux, led a discussion on Gil Rendle’s latest book, “Back to Zero.”

The book examines what it might look like if The United Methodist Church wanted to recapture the early church’s fervor as a movement. The book also explores the concept of being a citizen of the denomination rather than a member.

The meeting closed with a communications/marketing process exercise led by Kathryn Witte, conference communications/marketing director.

By kathrYn witteCommunications/marketing director

12 SECOND FRONT

The Lexington Hispanic Ministry recently had a special celebration. The last year and a half in this Nebraska Conference ministry has been a time of growth. Pastor Cesar M. Duran (pictured in the center, wearing tie) has reaped the fruit of many years working in this place. He was appointed to the ministry in 2010 and during this time has focused soley on establishing an Hispanic Ministry.

He has gathered a small group and they are in the midst of a spiritual renewal. Duran, together with the Hispanic faith community members, have worked on spiritual growth and on Jan. 29 they celebrated with a party. Sixteen people were welcomed as members by profession of faith, and two women were baptized.

They also placed a sign outside the church bearing the ministry’s designated new name, Nuevo Pacto (New Covenant). Now the Lexington community knows there is a United Methodist Hispanic church in town. There are new dreams, new visions and a desire to continue growing.

“We praise God for all His blessings!” Duran said.

The briefings will cover the schedule of the session with particular attention to the next steps in the development of the Nebraska-kansas episcopal Area Transition Team recommendations. AC members are encouraged to attend the closest briefing location. Attendees are also asked to bring their copy of the resource book with them. The briefings are open to anyone in the Conference who is interested. if you cannot attend one of the following locations, you can participate from home by logging on to umcneb.org/uMstream. for more information, contact the rev. dr. Carol roettmer

brewer at crbrewer@umcneb.org.

blue river district:lincoln Saint Paul UMC (both days) beatrice Centenary UMC (both)

Elkhorn valley district:west Point UMC (Sunday)O’Neill UMC (Sunday)Norfolk first UMC (Monday)

Gateway district:kearney first UMC (Sunday)broken bow UMC (Sunday)

Great west DistrictPaxton UMC (Monday)

missouri river district:Papillion UMC (Sunday)Auburn UMC (Monday)

Prairie rivers district:Central City UMC (Sunday)Hastings Grace UMC (Monday)

annual ConferenCe SeSSion briefinGS WEbCaSt: May 20, 4 P.M. (Cdt) aNd May 21, 7:30 P.M. (Cdt)

Dr. Marcia McFee worship leader for Nebraska Conference’s annual gathering

“Revive: Worship in the Reign of God” is the theme for the 2012 Annual Conference Session scheduled for June 6-9, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, in Lincoln. Agenda highlights will include the vote on the one new annual conference proposal of the Ne-braska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team, and a celebration of the ministry of Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson who will retire in August.

This year’s special guest is Dr. Marcia McFee who will design the worship services and teach about heart-warming worship (one of the Six Signs of Dis-cipleship).

“Our focus is on the future and the way we can be involved in life-transforming community as agents of God’s change as we create what is yet to be,” said the Rev. Dr. Carol Roettmer Brewer, direction of connec-tional ministries/staff leader.

Bishop Sherer-Simpson will be honored on Thurs-day evening, June 7. The program, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in St. Mark’s sanctuary, is open to everyone. If you cannot be present, there is an opportunity to contribute to a scholarship fund for students at the Jalingo, Nigeria Orphanage enabling students to at-

tend secondary school. You may send checks made payable to the Conference Treasurer, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504. Please mark “Nigeria/NE Scholarships for Students” or Conference Advance 858, on the memo line of your check. There will be an offering taken that evening.

Middle School/Youth Annual Conferences and Children’s Annual Conference will again be offered. The youth will be housed at Nebraska Wesleyan Uni-versity. Children’s Annual Conference and child care are both being offered at St. Mark’s.

The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation will once again offer an evening seminar for interested persons on Tuesday, June 5, from 7-9 p.m., located at Aldersgate UMC in Lincoln. The seminar topic is “Protecting Your Congregations: Employment, Real Estate and Charitable Giving Issues Facing Nebraska United Methodists Today.” The Foundation seminar is open to all on a space available basis. Attendees need not be participating in the Nebraska Annual Conference Session.

Registration will be available online in mid to late April.

COUrTeSy PHOTO