MessengerNebraska

VOL. 50, NO. 3 Check us out online: www.umcneb.org Summer 2013

Six ordained at Nebraska Annual Conference Session

By Stuart DaviS

“Why does God keep choosing people like this, people with great faults?” asked the Rev. Dr. John Holbert, preacher at the Ordination Service at the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Session held Friday, June 7, at St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln.

Six were ordained during the service. In his first (and last) time presiding at Nebraska’s ordination, Great Plains Area Bishop Scott Jones leaned in intimately to each ordinand as he told them to go forth and preach the gospel. Bishop Jones was joined by Nebraska Synod Bishop Brian Maas of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Maas commented that the ordinands should remember they are sent “to serve rather than be served.”

In his message, Holbert pointed out that biblical characters such as Adam and Eve, Noah, Jacob, Joseph and

PHOTO by bill wiley

Bishop Jones performs the ordination service at the Nebraska annual Conference Session. Those ordained (from left) Pat Norris, Bonnie McCord, tom Lucas, Jim Carson, Zach anderson and Jeff adams.

NUMB 2013 a Success

David were certainly less than perfect. “And Peter; he was a sponge.”

Holbert concentrated on God’s call as a burning bush to Moses. “Moses continually questions God: ‘Who are you? Who am I? I don’t talk very well ... choose someone else!’ and, ‘Got any tricks?’” He said that casting Charlton Heston as Moses was “the biggest mistake in casting in Hollywood history. Moses is not Charlton Heston; Moses is Woody Allen!”

Holbert talked about his own resistance to God’s call, noting he went to seminary only because his then-girlfriend (now wife) said, “I can only marry a Methodist pastor.” It was one month into a Hebrew class that he felt God talking to him, letting him know that God would “be with me always.”

He continued to say that God has called all gathered for the Ordination Service, especially and uniquely the six ordinands, in spite of the fact that we are “people like this, people with great faults.”

“We all, like Moses, are prone to say ‘Who are you? Who am I? Got any tricks? I don’t speak well ... choose someone else!”

He concluded by urging all to listen to their call. “The bush is still burning. It’s still on fire. If you listen hard enough you’ll hear it say ‘I will be with you’ ... I need to change the title of my sermon to “Liar, Liar Hearts on Fire. Grab It and Go!”

In the closing segment of the worship, several people came forward responding to Bishop Jones’ call to ministry.

The Nebraska united Methodist Bike ride for Hunger (NuMB) concluded June 26, in Norfolk, Neb. The 147 riders (and 19 support people) came from 14 different states and ranged from teenagers to several riders in their 70s.

The nearly 300-mile ride was marked by beautiful scenery and warm hospitality by the host churches of Norfolk First, Norfolk Westridge and Madison, Oakland, Laurel and Creighton.

The riders were challenged, but not deterred by numerous hills and one day of strong storms. By the end of the ride over $52,000 had been collected for the four projects: Nebraska Food Banks, Heifer international, Bread for the World and the Nigerian Hunger advance. it is not too late for individuals or churches to donate for NuMB by either sending a gift to the Conference Center marked for NuMB or donate online at www.numbride.org. NuMB has now exceeded $672,000 donated for hunger since its inception in 1996. NuMB 2014 is scheduled for June 27-July 2, in central Nebraska.

PHOTO by KaTHryn wiTTe

See ANNUAL CONFERENCE SUMMARY, SECOND FRONT

Got a plan?Uniting Conference Session readies for

vote on “Plan of Organization”

See story, Second Front

Summer 2013Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

2

for that whole time (when she was home from college). These proved to be wonderful years for Marynell and for our whole family.

The lesson can be summarized that new beginnings provide new opportunities. For the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, getting a new bishop last year was a kind of new beginning. The creation of the Great Plains Conference is an even more comprehensive new beginning. The Transition Team has used this as an opportunity to think more about the purpose of an annual conference in the 21st century, and our new conference will reflect the best thinking we have on that topic.

Now is the time to rise to the challenge provided by this new beginning. For each United Methodist Christian, we need to ask how God can use us to accomplish his purposes. For each United Methodist congregation, we need to ask how we can become more vital and how we can develop stronger and better lay and clergy leaders. For the Conference as a whole, we need to ask how we can more effectively increase the number of vital congregations and equip local churches to transform the world.

Here are some questions worth asking:

• What talents do you have that God could use to strengthen your church?• Are you tithing, or moving toward a

tithe, in your giving to God?• If your church’s mission shares decline

for 2014, can you give money to a mission project that is meaningful to your congregation?• How will your church increase the

number of people who profess their faith in Christ this fall?• Is your congregation’s youth ministry

reaching kids outside your church family?• Is your congregation engaged in

ministry with the poor locally, statewide and internationally• Do you know someone who should, in

your view, be encouraged to think about a call to full-time ministry? Have you encouraged him or her?

New beginnings come in various forms. By the power of the Holy Spirit we can rise to the occasion, and embrace the new opportunities they provide. May it be so for the United Methodists of Nebraska.

Bishop Scott J. Jones,Resident BishopGreat Plains Episcopal Area

From the Bishop

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

Kathryn Witte, editorRachel Moser, 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 68504Email: kwitte@umcneb.orgFax: (402) 464-6203

Circulation changes: rdelisi@umcneb.org

DEAThS

EDITORIAL

(ISSN 0194-7761 USPS #376-540)Vol. 50, No. 3 Summer 2013

biSHOP ScOTT j. jOneS

New beginnings provide new opportunities

robert Wigert, 91, a retired clergy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Saturday, April 13, 2013.

Survivors include his wife Helen, 1314 10th Ave., Mitchell, NE 69357; sons, the Rev. Lee Wigert, Howard Wigert and Dr. Bob Wigert; and daughter, Marilyn Stoddard.

Memorial services were Friday, April 19, 2013, at 2 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 2002 4th St., Scottsbluff, Neb., with the Rev. Charles H. Richardson officiating, and again on April 27, 2013, at 10:30 a.m., at Grace United Methodist Church, 1832 W. Ninth, Hastings, Neb., with the Rev. Lee Wigert officiating. Interment at the Blue Valley Cemetery, Ayr, Neb.

Memorials to Regional West Medical Center Foundation or Hastings College Scholarship Fund.

The following is a fast-facts approach to content in the “Plan of Organization.”

Mission/Calling/visionThe mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The calling of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference is to equip and connect congregations to make disciples of Jesus Christ. The vision of the Great Plains UMC (our preferred future) is captured in this statement: Great Churches. Great Leaders. Great Disciples. Transformed world.

Missional PrioritiesEnhancing the ministry of local churches – Disciples are made in the local church. Providing resources in a variety of forms to the local church is an important element in the Great Plains Plan of Organization. Special emphasis will be placed on:

• Developing youth ministry• Developing clergy preaching skills• Ministering to our communities outside of our church walls• Using the UM connection to take part in the global church in mission and ministry

New church starts – Changing demographics call for new ways of doing ministry and outreach. The “Plan of Organization” calls for:

• New Hispanic/Latino faith communities• Focus on diversity and supporting under-served groups, communities and

neighborhoods• Priority given to multi-site approaches to new church starts as well as free-standing

faith communitiesLeadership Development – Emphasis is placed on recruiting young clergy and alternate forms of pastoral leadership for smaller congregations and communities. Training and credentialing will ensure quality pastoral leadership for the Great Plains Conference. Emphasis will be placed on:

• New ways of recruiting young men and women who are passionate followers of Christ• Offer greater resources for, and attention to, the spiritual and leadership development

of lay people• Opportunities for strengthening partnerships between clergy and lay leadership

Global Mission Partnerships – Formal covenant relationships will continue. However, local churches are encouraged to reach out with the partners of their choosing. Our established global partners will become Great Plains relationships, including:

• Haiti – The Haiti/Kansas East partnership with the Haiti District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas.

• Nigeria – The Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership supports an orphanage in Jalingo, Nigeria, hosting more than 80 students.

• Zimbabwe – The Kansas West Chabadza Covenant is named for the Shona word "Chabadza," which roughly translates to people in relationship working alongside each other for mutual benefit.

Connecting CouncilThe Connecting Council is a 75-member body that will act on behalf of the Annual Conference between sessions. The Connecting Council will also provide another level of advocacy and enlistment for the “Plan of Organization.” Those serving on the Connecting Council will be expected to attend meetings twice per year and as called. The group is representational in order to include all aspects of the body of Christ.

District and Conference Offices District office locations will remain the same for at least the next quadrennium. A simplified way of thinking about the Great Plains UM Conference office locations:

• The Episcopal Office and the Congregational Excellence Team are housed in Wichita.• Administration will be led from the Topeka office.• Lincoln will be the home of the Clergy Excellence Team including Board of Ordained

Ministry.• Communications will have staff members in both the Lincoln and Wichita offices. The

communications director will be in Lincoln.

Portable EmailThe portable email that gives all clergy and certain lay leaders a greatplainsumc.org email address is intended to provide consistency in messaging. The idea is that all official Great Plains UM correspondence will be sent to the GP email address. This address is portable so that no matter where there is an appointment or whenever a lay person moves, the email may stay the same. Documentation and help is provided to aid redirecting email accounts.

Church StatementsChurch statements will be housed at www.greatplainsumc.org/churchstatements.

resourcesOnce the “Plan of Organization” is approved, explanatory materials will be provided to district leaders and made available on the Great Plains website. Resources will include videos and a Funding Plan narrative. Clear, concise messaging will help Area United Methodists understand the new structure and Funding Plan. The more consistent our understanding of the “Plan of Organization,” the more engaged our congregations can be in pursuing our like-ministries.

Review the Plan at www.greatplainsumc.org/plan. You are also invited to engage in group discussion with your church members. Feedback is welcome.

Contact informationFeedback and questions can be directed to your district office or to info@greatplainsumc.org.

GREAT PLAINS “PLAN OF ORGANIZATION” Quick take

Preachers’ kids move a lot. Thus, Marynell’s story may be similar to those of others who move. She was entering eighth grade when I was appointed to the faculty of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. For 11 years she had been the preacher’s daughter in relatively small communities. This meant that she had a certain place in the church community and a number of pre-determined relationships in the school and town.

In a talk at a Chrysalis retreat (Walk to Emmaus for youth) she once told how the move to a large Dallas suburb, and a large congregation where her father was not the pastor, created a spiritual crisis for her. She had to decide for herself why she was going to church. No longer could she hang out in the pastor’s office between Sunday school and worship. She had to find her own set of friends and build her relationships from scratch. As she tells the story, this was a scary time, but one that ultimately proved beneficial. She found that she had a strong faith, that she wanted to be in church for her own relationship with Christ, and that she was capable of finding friends and a new community to belong to. She rose to the challenge. We lived in this house for seven years and worshipped at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church

CONT. FROM p. 8

Summer 2013Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 3AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Emily Spearman is the newest Transition into Ministry (TiM) participant to come to Nebraska. Spearman will serve for two years at Lincoln Saint Paul UMC. Transition into Ministry is funded through a grant to the Kansas Area from the Lilly Foundation. As a part of the Great Plains Area, Nebraska has been given the opportunity to host TiM pastors.

Lincoln Trinity has enjoyed the ministry of Andy Frazier for the past year. Frazier commented as he spoke in front of the group, “Last year at this time, I could not have done this (speak in front of big group).”

Transition into Ministry pastor assigned

By katHryN WittEcommunications director

Ombaku O. Lomoto is a General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) missionary assigned as the Nigeria Conference financial officer. General agency Advance money and other conference monies specified for projects in Nigeria get distributed in Nigeria through Ombaku’s office, located in Jos.

He arrived on April 2 and spent time in GBGM’s New York office where he met with agency leaders before arriving in Nebraska on April 6. On April 17, he visited churches in the Iowa Conference that support him and returned to Nigeria on May 4.

While in Nebraska, he visited churches, individual pastors and took time to visit a few local attractions that provide a cultural flavor of Nebraska and the area. He also had a meeting with Bishop Scott Jones on April 10.

The main purpose of his visit was to tell Nigeria partnership stories. In Nebraska, those are primarily around the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Orphanage. As a missionary, he also told his own personal story, intending to raise support for his missionary work in Nigeria.

He traveled to meet congregations and pastors so that he can personally assure that all monies given in support of the orphanage and other programs like the Iowa-supported junior secondary school, are professionally managed. He said the ministry of the orphanage is important and that ongoing support is critical.

The orphanage is especially close to his heart, as Ombaku was orphaned at age seven when his father passed away and circumstances did not allow for him to stay with his mother. His grandmother cared for Ombaku and his two brothers and sister. When Ombaku was 15, he received support from a pastor and missionary to go to secondary school.

Ethel Homfeldt from Clay City, Kan., was a United Methodist missionary who took special interest in Ombaku. He gives tribute to her for what she did for him — supported his school costs and took him on as her “son.” He called her, “Mama Anatunda,” a Congolese endearment for someone who provides such support.

Ombaku graduated from the University of Lubumbashei, Congo, where he majored in political science and administration. He also received a teaching endorsement and studied accounting. His first job was as a principal at a secondary school, his next position was the vice principal at the College of Education, in Wembo Nyama, Congo. He left that position to become the Central Congo of the United Methodist Church financial representative, which means he was the equivalent of a conference treasurer.

After that he became a missionary and was sent to the Sierra Leone Conference, to serve as that area’s financial executive. Currently he is in Nigeria, serving as a missionary assigned as the financial officer for the Nigeria Conference.

Pastor (he is a deacon), missionary, financial professional, consultant and father of nine — Ombaku is an accomplished man.

His nine adult children, ages 19-39, are spread across three African countries. He has four grandchildren with two more on the way. His wife lives in Kinshasa, Congo, where she maintains the family home.

“As the only missionary in Nigeria, I would like to make Nebraska churches aware of the importance of partnerships and covenants with General Board of Global Ministry missionaries,” said Ombaku. “Specifically, if a church does not currently have a missionary partnership I would like you to consider a partnership with me.”

(Ombaku Lomoto’s general agency Advance number in support of missionaries is 15166Z.)

“I am helping the orphanage manager (Simon Benjamin) work with general accounting practices to enhance the quality of the reports of the financial activities of the orphanage,” said Ombaku. “I appreciate so much the way Nebraska people are supporting the orphanage in Nigeria. You are giving hope to young people who otherwise would be lost. I am praying for Nebraska to continue praying, giving and loving to offer hope to these young people.”

The Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Orphanage Advance number is 851.

Missionary assigned to Nigeria itinerates in Neb.

PHOTO TriSHa jOHnSOny

Ombaku Lomoto, with Bishop Scott Jones at the Nebraska united Methodist Conference Center, in Lincoln, Neb.

The Nebraska Conference and Great Plains Area have experienced a lot of changes in staff the past few months. Nebraska Conference

Patrick Walsh began as the site director for Camp Comeca on Monday, May 15. John Butler who has been acting as the interim manager is now the program manager. Walsh joined Comeca just as the summer camp season began. He says his priorities include immaculately clean facilities, great food, safety and great programming. He spent his first day meeting people in the Cozad community and Cozad United Methodist Church members, especially those instrumental in the support of Camp Comeca. Walsh previously served as the director of the YMCA in Sioux Falls, S.D. Prior to that he was the Espiscopal Church Area camp director for the Episcopal Diocese of Utah and then Wyoming for a combined 20 years. Early in his career he was a forest ranger.

The rev. Eduardo Boussón is the new university minister at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. He started July 1, 2013. He succeeds the Rev. Mara Bailey, who served as university minister since 2010. Bousson served as campus minister at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., since 2009. He also served in pastoral roles in Atchison, Kan., and in the Kansas City area, where his work included young adult ministry, youth ministry and pastoral counseling. He has an M. Div. degree from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico, majoring in psychology.

“Please join me in extending to Rev. Bousson and his family a warm welcome as they relocate from Washburn University and Topeka, to Nebraska Wesleyan and Lincoln,” said Fred Ohles, Nebraska Wesleyan University president, in a press release.Great Plains area

Nancy Lambert became an area employee on July 1, as the director of clergy excellence/assistant to the bishop/staff leader. Nancy will office in Lincoln after serving the Minden UMC for five years. Lambert has a Bachelor of Science in home economics education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a M. Div. from Saint Paul School of Theology.

“I am excited to welcome Nancy Lambert to the position of director of clergy excellence and assistant to the bishop for the Great Plains Episcopal Area,” said Bishop Scott Jones. “She brings exceptional administrative skills and significant pastoral experience to an important post. I look forward to working with her in implementing the plan for the new annual conference.”

The rev. Karen Jeffcoat began work as the Great Plains’ new board of ordained ministry registrar on July 1. Jeffcoat is an ordained elder in the Kansas East Conference and has served as pastor at Overbrook UMC, in Overbrook Kan., since 2009. She has been a member of the Kansas East Board of Ordained Ministry since 2008 and also has served on two different district committees on ordained ministries over the past eight years.

“It is exciting to be part of the evolution of the Nebraska Conference becoming the location for clergy excellence for the Great Plains Area,” said Nancy Lambert. “Having the new registrar for the board of ordained ministry, Karen Jeffcoat, also working from this office will sharpen our focus on recruiting and developing the best clergy leaders for the local church.”

Destiny Kucera started July 1 as the Great Plains Area administrative assistant to Karen Jeffcoat and Carol Roettmer Brewer (associate director of clergy excellence and liaison to RTMJ). Kucera previously worked at Lincoln Public Schools where she was a secretary for eight years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in human resources and family science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

NEW HIRES/APPOINTMENTS FOR NEBRASKA CONFERENCE AND GREAT PLAINS AREA

New staff members

Walsh Bousson Lambert Jeffcoat Kucera

Summer 2013Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

4 UNITED METHODIST MEN/WOMEN

Paid for by UMMenumcneb.org/ummen

Contact:Mike wilson

cmwilson2@mac.com402-504-4908

14106 S. 21st Streetbellevue, ne 68123

PHOTO PrOViDeD by UMMen

The 2013 Cowboy Bike ride/Walk participants.

Nebraska uMMen: Summertime excitement

The Great Plains United Methodist Women Steering Committee is excited to announce the new structure and conference officer slate for the Great Plain United Methodist Women. The proposed structure offers the opportunity for greater flexibility, representation and the ability to care for the missional and spiritual priorities of districts, local organizations and membership.

The Great Plains Conference officers will be comprised of the following positions: president, two assistants to the president, secretary, treasurer, communications coordinator and nominations co-chairs.

Great Plains Nominations Slate for 2014President — Esther Hay (NE)Assistant president — Marcee Binder (KE)Assistant president — Diane Thompson (KW)Secretary — Rose Roberts (KW)Treasurer — Avalyn Reissig (KE)Communications coordinator — Lisa Maupin (NE)Nominations co-chairs for 2014 — Doris Whitacre (NE) and Page Campbell (KE)

Nominations Committee2015 — Jan Hawley (KE), Virginia White (NE) and Evy Hoyt (KW)2016 — Diane Mc Reynolds (KW), Janet Vaughn (KE) and Peggy Walters (NE)2017 — Joyce Jacobson (NE), Gwen Sharpe (KW) and Charlotte Morrow (KE)

Along with officer positions, the new structure will be comprised of action teams. The action teams will focus on the specific priorities of United Methodist Women. Each action team has a team leader and 10-15 members. The Team Leader will be a part of the Conference Leadership Team.

action teamsJourney in Faith – a focus on organizing retreats, providing resources for Bible studies, devotions, etc.Journey in action – a focus on social/racial justice

While the temperature says it’s summer, it’s time to begin thinking about fall. If you haven’t done so already, you will want to mark Oct. 11 and 12 on your calendar for our annual meeting in Kearney, Neb. We want to see you at this historic meeting when we will have a “Celebration for All Times.” We will celebrate who we’ve been and who we are, as we close the final chapter as the Nebraska United Methodist Women. However, our ending is really only a new beginning full of promise and new opportunities.

We have the privilege and honor of hosting the Uniting Meeting of the Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West Conference United Methodist Women to become the new Great Plains Conference of United Methodist Women. This will happen at the conclusion of our final annual meeting. Make plans to stay for the Uniting Meeting and to join in luncheon fellowship as we welcome and begin to get to know our Kansas sisters.

Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to get to know some of our Kansas sisters. We have much in common as well as expanded opportunities for being United Methodist Women. In our new conference, you will find some things such as the Corsages for Mission that are already familiar as well as new opportunities. Our annual meeting will be our chance to show our Nebraska radical welcoming hospitality as we host our sisters from Kansas. It will also be an opportunity to participate in the formation of the new conference, to elect the very first officers for the new conference, to approve the 2014 budget and adopt the transitional Standing Rules. I’ll be looking for YOU at our annual meeting Oct. 11 and 12!

Join me on our continued journey as United Methodist Women!

Paid for by nebraska UMwumcneb.org/umw

Contact:lisa Maupin

lisamumw@gmail.com

By MiKE WiLSON, UMMen secretarySummer finds many of us making plans

for vacations, family gatherings and many fun outdoor events. Summer weather can also force us to nurse sunburns, fight dehydration and clean up storm damage. Whatever this summer brings you, pray in thanksgiving for the good times and pray for comfort and guidance when it is not so good. Pray for Nebraska UMMen.

Upcoming Opportunities

SOCiETY OF ST. ANDREwSociety of St. Andrew offers a powerful

opportunity to significantly reduce hunger in Nebraska by re-directing otherwise wasted fresh farm produce to local food pantries across the state. Our Nebraska UMMen would like to initiate a Nebraska roll-out of the process successfully implemented by the Society of St. Andrew in so many other areas across the U.S. If you know of someone who might want to help with this project, please let someone on our leadership team know.

STRENgTh FOR SERviCEWe are excited about a completely new

version of Strength for Service called “Strength for Service to God and Community.” The pocket-sized soft-cover has new content, every devotion and is specifically targeted to its intended audience: local community first responders who deal with life-impacting situations throughout each of their workdays. UMMen desire to partner with other civic and community-based organizations (i.e. service clubs, inter-denominational church groups and individual donors) to put a copy into the hands of every first responder in our communities.

Nebraska UMMen are also considering two additional Strength for Service devotional booklet projects. The hope is to make a copy of the military version of the Strength for Service devotional available to each active-duty resident living on base at Offutt AFB (Bellevue, Neb.). This would be through the Operation Holiday

Nebraska uMW announces Great Plains structure and officer slateBy EStHEr Hay

Nebraska UMW president

UPCOMiNg CONFERENCE EvENTS

Oct. 11-12, 2013 nebraska conference UMw annual MeetingKearney First UMc

April 25-27, 2014 UMw national assembly louisville, Ky

Oct. 17-18, 2014 UMw Great Plains annual Meetinglincoln St. Paul UMc

issues, advocacy, prison ministries, service work days, legislative days and participation on ways to change the worldJourney in Growth – a focus on innovative ways of “telling our story” as we reach out to new membersJourney in Learning – a focus on Mission u at all levels, the reading program and assist local United Methodist Women in understanding our history, finances and mission at all levels.Journey in Planning – a focus on special events planning such as annual meeting and other conference events and be a resource for district and local events.Journey in Giving – a focus on the financial mission giving, National Mission Institutions and stewardship.

The Steering Committee plans to identify the Action Team Leaders in August. If you would like to be considered for an Action Team Leader position or as member of a particular action team, please contact a member of the Steering Committee (information listed below) prior to August 20.

The Great Plains Conference Officers will be elected at the Great Plains UMW Meeting in Kearney, Neb., on Oct. 12. This meeting will be conducted following the conclusion of the Nebraska UMW Annual Meeting. The Action Team Leaders will also be introduced at this time.

The 17 district presidents are members of the Conference Leadership Team according to the UMW national bylaws.

The members of the Great Plains UMW Steering Committee continue to gather input from the members of the Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West conferences. Contact information is listed below. Your feedback is encouraged and appreciated.

Steering Committee members include:Mollie Haberer — mhaberer@russellks.netEsther Hay — esther.hay@windstream.netElaine Heskett — mebph827@nckcn.comLisa Maupin — lisamumw@gmail.comThelma Miller — tgmiller1949@att.netCharlotte Morrow — mazlimo@kc.rr.comLouise Niemann — lou_niemann@hotmail.comAvalyn Reissig — areissig@kc.rr.comSharon Springer — springer@bluevalley.netDiane Thompson — rdthompson1942@sbcglobal.netTeresa Tuchscherer — tesak@cox.netMarilyn Zehring — mbzehri@megavision.com

Cheer community gift package provided during the Christmas season by the surrounding communities and civic organizations. There is also an opportunity to provide a devotional to veterans through a group based in Lincoln.

Recent Activities

COwBOY BiKE RiDE/wALKEighteen people teamed up to ride, walk and

help with the 12th Annual UMMen Bike Ride/Walk for missions. Many more were involved in giving to raise $4,100 for nine UMMen missions here and around the world including: Society of St. Andrew hunger relief in America, Stop Hunger Now international hunger relief, Nebraska VIM disaster response, UM camps in Nebraska, Released and Restored jail ministry, rural ministries, 100 Club scholarships for Christian service, Epworth Village youth ministry and Upper Room Prayer Line.

The ride/walk was May 25 on the Cowboy Trail starting at Norfolk, and riding or walking toward Battle Creek/Meadow Grove and back. The trail was in fine shape and the weather was near perfect. Thanks to the Rocky Plettner family for their hospitality and organizational efforts. Participants came from Columbus, Bellevue, Denver, Genoa and Utica. Please consider joining this cause in some form at the 2014 ride/walk to be held Saturday, May 24 (Memorial Day weekend).

ANNUAL MEETiNg OF PRAiRiE RivERS DiSTRiCT UMMEN

Forty-six men attended the annual meeting of the Prairie Rivers men held at Hastings First UMC, on March 25, 2013. Highlights included a roast beef dinner, singing by Dave and Brandee Schramm and Fred Catlett, greetings from Conference President Craig Nordaker and an encouraging message by the Rev. Tony Dawson including six pieces of advice and a closing hymn song led by conference prayer advocate Gary Spivey. The following 11 churches were represented: Aurora, Bellevue, Central City,

Columbus, Grand Island Trinity, Hastings First, Hastings Grace, Kenesaw, Palmer, Sutton and York.

Elected to continue as president, Ed Dexter of Central City, led the evening program and business meeting. All other officers were also elected to continue: Ed Felske, Grand Island – vice president, Barry Marsh, Central City – treasurer, Doug Kallesen, Columbus – secretary/communicator and Duane Daake, Utica – scouting/youth coordinator.

An offering of $423 was collected. That, combined with the meal surplus given by Hasting First UMC men of $219, resulted in $642 to be divided equally between UMCOR and Epworth Village.

Other itemsgREAT PLAiNS ORgANizATiONAL STRUCTURE — A UMMen planning team is working toward finalizing a Great Plains organizational structure, including initial nominees to fill the go-forward positions. Let Craig Nordaker 402-453-6666 or Mike Wilson know if you have a nomination.

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 www.gcumm.org/support.

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

Summer 2013Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 5

Nebraska United Methodists traveled to Tucson Ariz., and Nogales Mexico, to learn about the impact of border and immigration policies from different groups living on both sides of the border.

Hillary Alberts from St. Paul UMC in Omaha, Andrea Palacios from Ebenezer UMC in Imperial and Andrea Paret from First UMC in Norfolk spent four days at the border. Hillary Alberts says that:

“…traveling to the Arizona desert with BorderLinks was such an eye opening experience, even for me, an immigration lawyer who on a daily basis works with individuals who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border through the desert.

From conversing with individuals in Mexico, who were about to risk their lives by entering the U.S. through the desert with the hopes of creating a better life for themselves and their families, to learning about the experiences of the individuals on the U.S. side of the border, who voluntarily wander through the desert in search of distressed border crossers with the aim of preventing

RISK-TAKING MISSION & JUSTICE

Editor’s note: Thanks to those who give to the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, 11 Nebraskans were able to participate in an environmental seminar organized by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society in Washington, D.C. Sam Fisher, a student at Nebraska Wesleyan, was part of the group.

During the week of June 17, 11 Nebraskans met in our nation’s capital to experience a seminar hosted by the General Board of Church and Society. Members of the group included the Micah Corp interns, the Rev. Cathy Cole, Micole Harms-Brazell (associate conference lay leader), Andrea Paret (chair of the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries team), Brian Williams and Sam Fisher (Nebraska Wesleyan students) and Hayes Chohan (a high school student from Ainsworth).

Upon arriving in D.C., the delegation met at the arranged hostel where all 11 members would share a room with overlapping mattresses on the floor. It was close quarters indeed, but nothing the group couldn’t handle. Tuesday morning the seminar began at the United Methodist Building across the street from the Supreme Court. We were warmly welcomed by our United Methodist brothers and sisters and began our seminar

PHOTO PrOViDeD by rTMj

Nebraska participants in the General Board of Church and Society’s seminar take a boat ride on the polluted anacostia river with folks from the Earth Conservation Corps.

a river, an old building, poetry and faith

Each spring, congregations across the U.S. and world send representatives to the Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference in the nation’s capital; forming a single voice in addressing key issues of faith. At the conclusion of three days of discernment, worship and sharing, participants make their way to Capitol Hill to provide Christian perspectives on legislation being deliberated by lawmakers. This year’s meeting focused on the food system, as it relates to justice and stewardship in the world.

During the weekend of April 5-8, more than 750 participants, representing over 50 denominations and Christian service organizations, met together in Washington, D.C. During three days of seminars, workshops and sharing meals, the participants contemplated the bounty the Lord has given and learned more about the challenges and needs that exist in something many take for granted – having enough healthy food to eat. To view keynote speeches, photos of lobby day and more, go to: http://advocacydays.org/

Harold Stone, from Davenport, Neb., was the Nebraska United Methodist representative at this gathering and shared insights about what he experienced and learned. Dr. Stone’s expertise is in economics, grant writing and statistical analysis. He has years of experience in vegetable production and a passion for the culinary arts. He is currently working on economic development in Davenport, Neb., with a focus on bringing whole food systems to rural communities. To read more about the Ecumenical Advocacy Days conference from his perspective, go to: www.umcneb.org/rtmj. To learn more about his work in Davenport, go to:

PHOTO PrOViDeD by rTMj

Congressman James McGovern from Davenport, Neb., spoke to the group about whole food systems.

Food justice

PHOTO PrOViDeD by rTMj

Carol roettmer Brewer is the new staff liaison with risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries (rtMJ). She joins rtMJ Chair andrea Paret, in this important ministry through December 2013. The Peace Pole was originally installed at the Conference Center on St. Paul Street, in Lincoln. it was dedicated to honor a Peace with Justice Ministries anniversary and was planted at the base with dirt from Nebraska districts.

God’s love has no borders

PHOTO PrOViDeD by rTMj

Nebraskans traveled to arizona and Mexico to learn about border and immigration policies.

AT GOD’S TABLE

experiences. Our seminar was focused on the environment. How do we as people of faith respond to, live in and with, and care for the world in which we live? How are our lives interconnected with not only other people, but also the web of life? Presenters and their topics ranged from poverty, consumption, environmental racism, the Social Principals, the Keystone XL pipeline and even artistic poetry and spoken art. Each day of the three-day seminar stretched our minds, engaged us in the materials, and made us engage with one another. So much information that we continued to process it as a group every evening.

Our seminar also included a field trip to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (Quaker Lobbying Branch) building which is an old structure that is now a LEED certified building, a boat ride on the polluted Anacostia River with folks from the Earth Conservation Corps and time with Congressman Adrian Smith and a staff person from Senator Deb Fischer’s office.

For many, the trip was a reminder of the differences in opinions the church represents, but with the common goal of protecting God’s creation. It also reminded us that we are called to do more than fix the visible needs as part of our faith, we are

also called to seek out the causes and work tirelessly for change.

to learn more:LEED buildings in Nebraska: For a list of LEED certified buildings in Nebraska. Go to: http://greenbuildingwire.com/LEED-certified-building-NE.

Environmental racism: Lessons for youth groups about environmental racism. Go to: http://www.tolerance.org/lesson/reporting-environmental-racism.

Keystone Pipeline: View a short video, United Methodist Women Listen to Nebraska Farmers produced April, 2013. Go to: http://vimeo.com/64402660.

their deaths, I discovered that there are so many more layers to this issue of illegal immigration than we can ever know by simply turning on the TV or listening to what our government representatives tell us.

If we, as Americans, truly want

to ‘solve’ this problem, we need to listen to the people most affected by the problem, remembering that we are all God's children and that because of this there is much more that unites us than divides us.”

At our Annual Conference Session, Resolution #1 was approved with one amendment. The resolution calls on:

“…every United Methodist in

the Nebraska Annual Conference to openly and forcefully advocate before the U.S. Congress for changes that will reunify families; protect separated children, provide a path for citizenship, protect the rights of all workers including the undocumented and recognize the gifts and the contributions that immigrants are making to our nation.”

To read the entire resolution, go to www.umcneb.org/ac2013recap.

If you are interested to learn more about what United Methodists in our conference are doing in regard to immigration, please feel free to contact Sandy Sypherd at ssypherd@windstream.net or Andrea Paret at amparet08@umcneb.org from the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries team.

Summer 2013Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

6 AROUND THE CONFERENCE

By triSHa JOHNSON,former communications coordinator

The Rev. Carol Windrum retired July 1, after 30-plus years of ministry in the Nebraska Conference. Her story is one of listening to the call of the Lord and doing her best to be a good steward of the resources God has entrusted to us.

A lifelong United Methodist, Windrum was very involved in the church growing up in Gothenburg. She earned a degree in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she was active with campus ministry. Her first job after graduating college was teaching art in small-town Brady, Neb. While she enjoyed teaching, she decided to go to seminary for a year to explore her Christian faith in a deeper way.

“I had no intention of actually becoming a pastor, though,” Windrum said.

However, at the end of her first year at Saint Paul School of Theology she realized how much she enjoying preparing and giving sermons and felt like ordination was the next step. She received her Master of Divinity in 1979 and was appointed as the associate pastor at Millard Faith-Westwood United Methodist Church (now Omaha Faith-Westwood). Another pivotal event in her life at that time was marrying Tim Fickenscher at the beginning of her last year of seminary.

Windrum spent four “fantastic years” at Faith-Westwood, which she described as a young congregation that was very open to creative worship. She led confirmation classes and discovered how much she enjoyed working with young people.

In the early 1980s, she got involved in the nuclear weapons freeze campaign (at the height of the Cold War). She felt led to this cause because of her sense of Christian values and her understanding of her Christian journey. The issue spoke to her as a steward of God’s creation.

Windrum said at that time she was still very happy serving in a local church — then on March 11, 1983, she had a “conversion experience.”

“I felt like what happened had to be the Holy Spirit speaking to me,” she said.

She was attending the annual Peacemaking Workshop at Lincoln First UMC, where Dr. Helen Caldecott spoke on the effects of nuclear war. Something happened that night — she felt an urgent calling that she must devote herself to peace and justice. A couple of days later she called former Nebraska Area

A ministry devoted to peace with justice

PHOTO PrOViDeD by carOl winDrUM

Carol Windrum with the 2013 Micah Corp interns. Clockwise from back left: rachel Linch, tori Osler , Carol Windrum, Cassie reid, rachel Bauer and Omar Cruz.

Bishop Monk Bryan and asked him for his support, which he offered wholeheartedly. She was appointed as the director of the newly created Peace with Justice Ministries (a full-time, volunteer position). She and Tim, who was also very supportive, moved out of the parsonage in Millard and committed to living in the inner-city of north Omaha, where they still reside today.

Her initial focus was helping United Methodists in Nebraska link Biblical faith with living in a nuclear age. Windrum traveled to the former Soviet Union twice (in 1985 and 1988) to meet with citizens and try to better understand these people we were calling our “enemy.” She shot video footage while there and did presentations in local churches, sharing her experiences and showing the edited footage. She wanted to put a human face on the issue.

In 1989, she turned her attention to the Central American country of Nicaragua. The Reagan administration had imposed a full trade embargo in 1985. Windrum listened to Christians speak about U.S. policies that were impacting their lives in a negative way and returned to show video from the experience and speak in churches across the conference. Local congregations in the northeast part of Nebraska had gathered medicines for her to take because of the U.S. embargo’s negative consequences on people’s health. (The embargo came to an end in March 1990.)

Windrum recalled a woman in Scottsbluff coming up to her after her presentation there and asking, “Why was I not aware of any of this?” This interaction affirmed to Windrum that she was doing the right thing by making United Methodists aware of these important justice issues.

“I don’t consider myself an expert or think any of these are black and white,” she said. “My goal has always been to foster safe environments where Christians can listen to and learn from each other in love, and not be afraid to grapple with the hard issues. Part of discipleship is to tackle tough issues with love and respect and not avoid them, as we are often tempted to do.”

After four years of serving as director of Peace with Justice Ministries in a volunteer capacity, she was placed on contract, meaning she received a small salary. In 2009, with the creation of the Common Table, Peace with Justice Ministries fell under the umbrella of Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries.

Her position is a very unique one;

according to Windrum, there’s no position like it in any other conference. (Note: A similar position will exist in the new Great Plains Conference; the title will be Mercy and Justice Coordinator.) She said how wonderful it is that Nebraska United Methodists think peace with justice matters are important to who we are as Christians.

Peace with Justice Ministries has worked collaboratively with many conference groups over the years, including the Children and Poverty Committee, Rural Response, United Methodist Women (promotion of Equal Exchange fair trade products), the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership, the Council on Youth Ministries and the Hunger Committee.

Mentoring young adults has been one of her greatest joys over the years. Before the Micah Corps intern program was established in 2009 through the Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team, Peace with Justice began mentoring young adult interns starting in 2000. The intent of the internship was to help young Christian leaders go deeper in Biblical foundations of justice, learn about

social issues facing the church and world and practice leadership skills.

She expressed her deep appreciation for the prophetic and faithful voice of Nebraska United Methodist Women — they have played a significant part in her ministry.

“Without them and their network, my ministry wouldn’t have been as successful,” she said.

Her post-retirement plans include volunteering two days a week at her husband’s junior-senior high Montessori school in Omaha, as well as find volunteer opportunities to work on peace with justice issues. She will continue to serve as Micah Corps coordinator/supervisor. After the Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West Conference become the Great Plains Conference in 2014, the plan is to have four interns from Nebraska and four from Kansas.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Conference — whatever I’ve done has been on the shoulders on those who have been working on peace with justice issues before me,” Windrum concluded.

U2charist to perform at state fair

PHOTO PrOViDeD by UM4Gi

Guitarist Braden Garwood performs while the rev. Matt Fowler leads worship during a u2charist worship service.

Grand Island U2charist will be taking the stage at this year’s Nebraska State Fair. The worship service, featuring the music of rock band U2, will perform on Saturday, Aug. 31, on the Bristol Windows Stage at the fairgrounds located in Grand Island, Neb. The worship

service is slated to begin at 7 p.m., but to guarantee you have your perfect spot, make sure to arrive early. Grand Island U2charist is sponsored by United Methodists for Grand Island (UM4GI) and Great Plains United Methodists.

and providing universal primary education, all by the target date of 2015. The U2charist seeks to raise awareness of the MDGs and call people worldwide to a deeper faith and engagement with God’s mission. While The U2charist was developed by the U.S. Episcopal Church, several other denominations have adapted the concept, including The United Methodist Church in Grand Island. UM4GI has sponsored the Grand Island U2charist at three other worship services.

Members of the group represent several local United Methodist churches: The Rev. Matt Fowler, Grand Island Faith UMC; Braden Garwood, who is active in UM camps; Tony Hillhouse, a staff member at Lincoln St. Mark’s UMC, and the Rev. Bob Rhodes, of Grand Island Trinity UMC.

The first U2charist was performed in Baltimore, Md., in April 2004. Less than 10 years old, U2charist has spread quickly around the world, with services being held in numerous countries, including a “U2-dienst” (U2-service), in the Netherlands in 2006, as well as services in Australia, Italy and Mexico.

UM4GI is a cooperative and outward-focused ministry of Grand Island Faith, First and Trinity UMC congregations, focused on spiritual growth and community building.

Along with U2’s music, the liturgical service will offer communion and a message about God’s call to rally around the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). MDGs range from halving extreme poverty rates to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS

Summer 2013Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org 7AROUND THE CONFERENCE

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The Great Plains Area has currently raised over $255,000 for Imagine No Malaria. Out of the three conferences participating, Nebraska has raised the least amount with $61,990.80, including $4,288.52 raised at the Nebraska Annual Conference Session. Kansas East and Kansas West have raised over $71,000 and over $119,000, respectively.

It’s time we kicked it up a notch. Can you find your church on the map located at www.umcneb.org/map/nomalaria? If not, we have not received any contributions from your church. Summer is a great time for fund raising. If you’re having a hard time coming up with a fund raising activity, you’re in luck. The Shoot for No Malaria website is a great resource where you can see others’ success stories, keep up-to-date with how much has been raised, order resources and more. The Shoot for no Malaria website is www.shootfornomalaria.net.

Don’t forget to send us your fund raising stories, along with total raised and photos of the event. Together we can help eliminate malaria and get the Nebraska Conference out from behind and into the lead.

ABIDE is a leadership development process for small-membership congregations. Focusing on developing clergy-lay partnerships and lay leadership skills, ABIDE seeks to engender a widespread movement for the renewal of small churches.

An ABIDE preview is planned for Oct. 26, at video conference sites in Ogallala, Norfolk and Salina. Facilitators will be on-site to provide leadership as interested congregations learn more about the process and the commitment necessary to participate in ABIDE.

ABIDE works best in congregations that average 50 or fewer in worship with a part-time or shared pastor and no substantial paid staff other than the pastor. Congregations in rural and urban settings are encouraged to consider participation. Congregations with full-time pastors may also participate.

ABIDE is a 15 to 18-month process for a church team. Participants will attend three retreats in February, March and April and in monthly coaching calls through the remainder of the process. Team members should plan to read three to four books over the course of the process. Locations for the retreats have not yet been determined.

To learn more about ABIDE, visit the Spiritual Leadership Inc. website, www.spiritual-leadership.org. If you would like to learn more about implementing the ABIDE program in your local church, contact the Rev. Evelyn Fisher, director of congregational excellence, at efisher@greatplainsumc.org or Rev. Micki McCorkle, coordinator for small membership church ministry, mmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org or call 800-745-2350.

A RESOURCE FOR SMALL-MEMBERSHIP CHURCHES

ABIDE preview Oct. 26

All three Nebraska United Methodist camps will soon be hosting their annual barbecues. Be sure to make note of the upcoming dates so you can take advantage of great fellowship, delicious food and dynamic worship.

Saturday, Sept. 7 — Camp Norwesca Sunday, Sept. 15 — Camp FontanelleSunday, Sept. 22 — Camp Comeca

Be watching “UMconnect” for more information. UMconnect is the monthly email blast with news and events for United Methodists in Nebraska. Go to www.umcneb.org/umconnect to see past editions or to subscribe.

Camps host annual barbecues

CAMPCOMECA

More opportunities

Olga’s Quilt Editor’s note: Maureen Vetter, former chair of the UM Global AIDS Task Force in Nebraska, has been a tireless advocate for the victims of AIDS. She and her husband, the Rev. Jay Vetter have retired. Maureen leaves us one more story written in honor of all AIDS Ambassadors in Nebraska.

By MaurEEN vEttEr, chair, Nebraska United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Task Force

Six years ago we had our first HIV AIDS forum at Trinity UMC, in Grand Island. We were calling them “All God’s Children Forums” held on Sunday mornings on a variety of topics. The forum in December coincided with World AIDS Day on the topic of AIDS. Three of us had planned to come and share as resource people – the parish nurse, the health educator and me. When the morning came only the three of us showed up and I was feeling like this program was a failure. It is then that we walked in on Olga who I knew was active in UMW and quilt making at the church. We talked about HIV and AIDS and included Olga – talking about how mothers with HIV or AIDS can take medication so they do not pass the virus on to their children.

At the very end of this forum of four people Olga spoke up and said she had made two quilts in the past for the “Names Quilt Project.” She went on to explain the quilts were created with exact specifications to the size of a regular coffin. This hit me like a rock to suddenly realize that each quilt was made to celebrate one victim’s life. I knew of the quilt project and I have ordered posters showing the huge number of them on the Washington D.C. mall. I had framed them and taken them to events in the past, but when Olga said this, it hit home in a new way.

She never said who she made the quilts for, however, I knew someone in Olga’s family and others she knew had died from AIDS. I debated on whether to call her, but finally I did. She told me that her dear brother Delbert had died nearly 30 years before from AIDS .

She told me she had an idea to sew another quilt and make it the size of a coffin just like the “Names” quilts she had made, but make it for folks to sign their name on hearts you attach to it if you want to support persons living with HIVor AIDS.

She said she wanted to call it the Hearts of Hope Quilt and she had the design in her head with a red HIV/AIDS ribbon and hearts in pastel colors sprinkled over it.

The next spring we had the “Journey of the Heart Weekend” at Trinity UMC. I will never forget how we had Olga’s quilt out on a counter and how many people walked by it at first and were almost afraid of it. All it had on it was a large red ribbon and small pastel hearts waiting for names. It was as if the quilt had the plague.

The miracle of the Hearts of Hope Quilt was that slowly people began to sign their names to the pastel hearts and they also told their stories as they wrote – their deep, personal stories of the fears and stigmas associated with AIDS.

We thank Olga for coming that morning to the All God’s Children forum. Many stories of pain have been shared with the Hearts of Hope Quilt. Many names have been added. That is our calling of risk-taking mission – to reach out to others who feel they are not part of the community of faith.

PHOTO cOUrTeSy OF MaUreen VeTTer

Summer 2013Nebraska Messengerwww.umcneb.org

8 SECOND FRONT

The 2013 Nebraska United Methodist Annual Conference Session marked the final time the body would gather as a single unit. With the theme, “Leaving Emmaus – With Burning Hearts,” attendees celebrated their heritage as the Nebraska Conference and the coming of the new Great Plains Conference, beginning in Jan., 2014.

The theme was drawn from Luke 24: 13-35. In the walk to Emmaus, the apostles did not recognize Jesus as he walked down the road with them. It was only when they broke bread together that they realized who he was, and then he vanished. The apostles were left with burning hearts, yearning for the past relationship they’d had with Jesus, yet knowing they would soon be leaving Emmaus.”

The opening service started with a video, “Eternal Flame on the Plains,” highlighting many aspects of the Nebraska Conference’s past, present and future. Bishop Scott Jones said change is nothing new for the United Methodist Church.

“We’re cleaning out our attic” Jones said.Jones went on to say that, compared

to other religions, The United Methodist Church falls in the extreme center of the ideological spectrum – especially when it comes to topics like hierarchy, interpretation of the scripture and evangelism.

Before the closing, each congregation was invited to pour holy water from their church into the baptismal font. The water will be combined with holy water from the Kansas East and Kansas West districts at the 2013 Uniting Conference.

On the business side of the conference, Resolution #1 on immigration was passed with one amendment. This calls for Nebraska United Methodists to be advocates and support the work of the interagency task force on Immigration of the United Methodist Church and Methodists Associated Representing the Cause of Hispanic Americans. For more information on the passed resolution, please see page five.

Resolution #2, however, sparked passionate debate. This resolution centered on gun violence and the promotion of alternatives to violence. After 20-30 minutes of floor discussion, the resolution was referred to a committee for writing revisions.

The 650-plus members of the conference session were invited to take part in table conferencing to review and ask questions about the “Plan of Organization” to structure the Great Plains Conference. Great Plains Transition Team members from Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas west were there to help answer questions or clarify points attendees had about the document.

Each day during the conference, Dr. John Holbert held teaching sessions. Holbert is a church pastor, a long-time teacher, a committed researcher in the fields of Hebrew Bible and Homiletics, and he was a special guest for the conference. During these sessions, Holbert would unpack a different piece of Hebrew Bible scripture. Friday’s lecture was “Abraham, Elijah and a Walk to Emmaus: Being Found by the

Holy.” Saturday’s teaching was “Will the Real God Please Stand up?” Holbert’s deep baritone voice and preaching style kept everyone in rapt attention. He also delivered the message for the ordination service.

The Rev. Charlotte Abram preached the memorial service honoring the 12 deceased clergy and four clergy spouses. Abram, the pastor at Tri-community UMC in Omaha, delivered a powerful message of comfort and courage in the face of adversity and change.

Abram’s sermon was called, “Next Chapter ... New Chapter.” Her sermon used Joshua 3: 7-10a, 11-14 and 17-4:7 to set the stage for “memory makers,” and used the imagery from Joshua.

“God used memory makers to ready

his people for the changes in their lives. He wants us to remember all the lessons we have learned to prepare us for the new chapter in our lives,” Abram said.

Referring to the changes from life, to death, to resurrection and especially to the current changing face of United Methodism in Nebraska, Abram asserted that life for us is changing and has already changed. She said we must face these changes with the

2013 AC Session summary

faith that God will be with us through it all.

Each of the deceased was honored by the striking of a bell. A reception followed in the narthex for family and friends.

Clergy memorialized during the Friday evening service were Morland S. Addell, Richard A. Fairbanks, John O. Craig, Paul A. Lepard, John Paolini, Robert E. Frescoln, Gilbert E. Karges, Robert L. Miller, Donald E. Littrell, William C. Simmer, J. Richard Shapland and Robert D. Wigert. Decased clergy spouses memorialized were Keven Keezer, Sharon R. Linder, Ardis D. Bevins and Lois M. Naylor.

Twenty retirees were honored Friday morning. Those recognized included Dorothy E. Aspegren, Harold D. Backus, Linda J. Battello, Nita Gelling Cloran, Charles (Chuck) W. Cornwell, Nancy K. Flader, Steven L. Flader, Brian L. Fong , Inez Foster, F. Cole Fowler, Betsy Galloway-Carew, Jaclyn J. Hoy, Kaleuati (Kelo) F. Kaleuati, Nancy

L. Leonard, Nancy J. H. Phillips, Carroll A. Plisek, Frederick G. Richart, Susan Sanders, Jay A. Vetter and Carol W. Windrum.

The Youth Annual Conference (YAC/MAC) was held at Nebraska Wesleyan University. More than 60 high school and middle school youth attended. YAC members led the worship on Saturday morning in the St. Mark’s sanctuary. On Thursday of YAC/MAC, the group cultivated the community garden on Wesleyan’s campus.

“It’s nice to do something instead of just hearing about things that others have done,” said youth Jacob Patten. “It’s great that it’s (the garden) not just for Wesleyan.”

The Children’s Annual Conference

(CAC) brought in 18 smiling faces on the Thursday of the conference. This year’s CAC theme was “Open Our Eyes: See, Here, Share Jesus.” This theme went along with CAC’s mission priority of helping not only Nebraska foster children, but the foster parents as well. Members of CAC traveled off campus to the Nebraska Foster and Adoptive Parent Association headquarters in Lincoln. The children were given a brief history about the organization and what they could do to help encourage and support other children their own age. CAC was involved with mailings and setting up a meeting space. The most rewarding experience was making homemade birthday cards for foster children. On June 6, CAC traveled to Lost in Fun, the Outdoor Playland-Indoors and on Saturday they held worship with MAC and YAC.

AC offerings and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) donations included:

• UMCOR Material Resource Ministry - $2,767.44

• Contain Your Joy (UMCOR shipping costs) - $1,747.75

• UM Global AIDS Fund - $3,221.76• Imagine No Malaria - $4,288.52• Youth Service Fund - $2,871.08• Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership -

$7,416.15• TOTAL OFFERINGS/UMCOR -

$22,312.70

Additionally, 4,265 UMCOR kits and 68 boxes of bulk supplies were collected on a semi-trailer during the session. They will be delivered to the depot at Sager Brown, La.

Statistical comparisons from 2011 to 2012 were also collected. Membership stands at 74,415, which is down 1,942 from last year. Worship attendance is at 30,596, 584 more than 2011. Church school attendance stands at 8,557, down 307 from the previous year.

The churches that closed during the 2012-2013 year are Union UMC (July 1, 2012); Sterling UMC (Dec. 30, 2012); Greenwood UMC (June 30, 2013); and Mascot Bethel UMC (April 28, 2013).

PHOTO by KaTHryn wiTTe

Bishop Scott Jones inviting everyone to be in the “extreme center” during opening worship.

Uniting Conference fast approaching, Aug. 22-24

We are coming home again! Coming home because the first Kansas/Nebraska Conference session was held in October 1856. Great Plains United Methodists will gather in Salina, Kan., Aug. 22-24, 2013, for the Uniting Conference of Nebraska, Kansas East and Kansas West.

With the theme of “Coming Home Again,” we recognize our roots run deep to give us a firm foundation from which our future will grow. Our roots as Kansas and Nebraska United Methodists provide the grounding for our vision of great churches, great leaders and great disciples.Serving Salina

On Friday afternoon, Aug. 23, United Methodists will cover Salina with willing hands to serve in dozens of local agencies.

There will be a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to accommodate every age and ability. That evening there will be a celebration banquet and worship service.Worship

Bishop Scott J. Jones of the Great Plains Area will be the preacher at all worship services. Offerings will be taken for the Youth Service Fund, the mission initiatives of all three conferences (Haiti, Zimbabwe and Nigeria) and new church development.Business Sessions

The primary business of the Uniting Conference is for all three conferences to approve the “Plan of Organization.” Each conference is reviewing the Plan at their May/June meetings and had

the opportunity for input. The final version of the Plan will be available to on Aug. 10. You can review the plan at www.greatplainsumc.org/plan. Your pastor and lay member(s) will vote on the acceptance of the plan during the Aug. 22-24 meeting. After reviewing the Plan, you are encouraged to offer feedback to your church lay member(s) and pastor(s), who can voice your comments and concerns during the

Uniting Conference. A “quick take” version of the Plan is provided on page 2.youth

Camp Webster has been reserved for the youth delegation.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.greatplains.org/uniting.

See QUiCK TAKE p. 2

VOTE TO BE TAKEN FOR PLAN OF ORGANIZATION

By katHryN WittE, communications directoredited by aMaNDa WiOta, communications intern

More coverage of the Annual Conference Session, including

clergy appointments, can be found on the website at

www.umcneb.org/ac2013recap.