UMconnect 12-23-09

No UMconnect week of Dec. 28

There will be no UMconnect issued the week of Dec. 28, 2009.
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Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center holiday closing

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1.
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Council of Bishops adopt "God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action"

At a meeting at Lake Junaluska, N.C., on Nov. 4, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church adopted "God's Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action." In a statement that says, "We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it," the bishops of The United Methodist Church announced a significant call to all United Methodists, ecumenical and inter-religious partners and people of goodwill around the world.

"As bishops, we know that critical issues of the day have left people feeling fearful, cynical, hopeless and overwhelmed," said Bishop Gregory Palmer, president of the Council of Bishops. "'God's Renewed Creation' contains our pledges to work in hopeful and robust ways for transforming change as God's stewards of creation. We invite the church and our partners around the world to join us."

Stating that they "cannot remain silent while God's people and God's planet suffer" the 69 active bishops of The United Methodist Church addressed the pastoral letter and foundation document - both attached below - to the 11.3 million global members of the denomination.

The bishops recommended that the pastoral letter be read aloud in worship on the second Sunday of Advent, which fell on Dec. 6, in each of the 42,600 UM congregations worldwide. Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson sent the letter to clergy in Nebraska.

The focus of the bishops' message was three interconnected global threats to God's good creation: pandemic poverty and disease; environmental degradation; and the proliferation of weapons and violence.

In a letter that will appear in the January-February 2010 issue of "The Nebraska Messenger," Bishop Sherer-Simpson encourages all Nebraska United Methodists to take part in a Lenten study based on "God's Renewed Creation." The materials for this are being created and will be released in January 2010.

Visit the Conference Web site, www.umcneb.org, and click on the "God's Renewed Creation" Quick Link on the left side of the home page for more information and to download all of the relating documents. Or visit www.hopeandaction.org for further details and a timeline.
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Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center seeks administrative assistant

We are seeking an experienced administrative assistant who will assist the conference treasurer with all administrative functions and support the administrative services department. The qualified candidate will possess three years of experience in a similar position and be proficient in technology applications. Associate degree preferred. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2009. Send letter of application and resume to: NE United Methodist Conference Center, Attn: Conference Treasurer, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504.
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Pastors—register for 2010 Clergy Special Session

Pastors, if you are interested in attending the 2010 Clergy Special Session, Jan. 19-21, you can learn more about the session, register online and find convenient hotel accommodations by selecting the link below. The session will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, Neb.
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Blue River District Safe Sanctuaries training—Jan. 24, 2010

The Blue River District will hold a Safe Sanctuaries training on Sunday, Jan. 24, at South Gate UMC in Lincoln, from 2-5 p.m.. The Rev. Steve Flader will lead the training; it is open to all members of the Blue River District. The cost is $20, which covers course materials. Make checks payable to Conference Treasurer (payment not due until day of course). Please fill out the packet of forms below and bring them with you to the training.

To register, please contact Julie Snyder, South Gate UMC administrative assistant, at 402-489-1641, or e-mail southgate@windstream.net. Registration is due by Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010.
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Deadline for Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission is Jan. 15, 2010

The Mid-Winter Nebraska Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission Education Event will be held at Camp Norwesca in Chadron, January 29-31, 2010.

The mission studies will be "Food and Faith," led by Kathy Pierce, Conference United Methodist Women education and interpretation coordinator, and "The Courage and Beauty of Sudan," led by the Rev. Heidi McGinness. McGinness is a Presbyterian clergywoman and is the outreach director for Christian Solidarity International and has been to Sudan several times in that capacity.

Click on the links below for the registration form and health waiver. Send completed forms with $45 registration fee to registrar Brenda Alt, 225 W. Washington, Shelby, NE 68662-5619. Registration deadline is January 15, 2010.

For further questions, please contact Joyce Solomon; dean of Nebraska Conference School of Christian Mission, at 308-643-9461 or e-mail her at solomon.joyce@gmail.com.
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2010 Youth Winter Retreat

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Youth Ministry (along with the Nebraska-Nigeria Partnership and the Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Team of The Common Table) are hosting a youth event for all senior high youth starting Friday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. and ending on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 at 12:30 p.m.

Camp Comeca will be the site for this event. The B1 Campaign is a program of the General Board of Global Ministries promoting the idea that each person should live with a sense of responsibility and connection to others. Participants will be encouraged to take part in voluntary food fasts, education and contributions to anti-poverty projects. Education will be centered on understanding how youth around the world struggle each day to survive. Participants will be empowered to make a difference in the lives of others and in turn the participants' own lives will be changed.

The weekend will also be infused with time for recreation, meeting new friends and enjoying the amenities of Camp Comeca.

Watch for more details to come in a mailing to all pastors as well as in the "Nebraska Messenger" and on the Conference Web site, www.umcneb.org. For more information contact the Rev. Michael Patzloff, Hanscom Park UMC at 402-553-3312 or e-mail michael@hanscomparkchurch.org.
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2010 Basic Lay Speaking Ministries training

This basic course is the foundation for other texts in the Learning and Leading Series for lay speakers. In this new basic course, individuals are encouraged to recognize and employ personal spiritual gifts for the church in order to use them as God fully intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices and being part of a group that holds members accountable for discipleship. It offers guidelines for best practices as a church leader and outlines a number of ministries in which lay speakers may assume roles.

The first course will be held, on Jan. 29, 2010, at Shelton United Methodist Church, Shelton, Neb. The cost is $30, which includes textbooks and meals. Registrations must be submitted by Jan. 20. The second course will begin April 30, 2010, at Arapahoe United Methodist Church, Arapahoe, Neb. The cost is also $30 and registrations must be submitted by April 20, 2010.
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2010 Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries training

This class is intended for teacher and leader development in working with adults in classes, workshops and/or Bible studies. It is designed for persons seeking advanced certification for lay speaking and for teachers, and other education volunteers, in the local church. The participants will look at personalities, habits (both old and new) and resources to assist the trainees in becoming a better leader/teacher.

There are two courses available for those seeking further development in their teacher and leadership skills. The first will begin Jan. 29, 2010, at Shelton United Methodist Church, Shelton, Neb. The cost is $30, which includes textbooks and meals. If you are interested, please submit the January registration form by Jan. 20, 2010. The second course is also $30 and will be held April 30, 2010, at Arapahoe United Methodist Church, Arapahoe, Neb. Registration is due by April 20, 2010.
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You are invited to host a Camp Sunday

Camp Fontanelle personnel typically visit the churches of two separate parishes each Sunday until summer camps begin. Available dates and ideas for camping Sundays can be accessed at the below link. Also, other resources for clergy and laity leadership are available at the Camp Fontanelle Web site.
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Youth Service Fund applications now being accepted

The Youth Service Fund is a unique ministry because it is completely by, with, and for youth. Youth contribute the money, they decide what projects receive the money and the projects supported are youth-designed, youth-led, and benefit youth. Youth Service Fund truly is youth in ministry.

Currently, only U.S. annual conferences fund the account. Money is raised at local youth events or by church youth groups. Seventy percent of the money raised is kept in the local community, while 30 percent is forwarded to the national portion of the Youth Service Fund. With that 30 percent, Young Peoples Ministries funds youth-designed and youth-led projects around the world. The youth of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference raise funds year-round through coin wars and other fund-raisers.

If you are interested in applying, please see the application form below or contact Michael Patzloff at 402-553-3312.
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Save the date—Lincoln Trinity to host Marcia McFee worship workshop April 16-17, 2010

Save the date for the Marcia McFee workshop on creating dynamic worship for all churches.

This nationally-known speaker will be coming to Lincoln April 16-17. The worship workshop will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 7130 Kentwell Lane. She will be presenting "Deep Soul Worship Workshop" for people interested in seeing how amazing worship can be with an inspirational leader.

Marcia is committed to teaching the nuts and bolts of worship in an interactive, fun and inspiring way that enables anyone to return home and create a spirit filled encounter with God for their church service.

Be one of the thousands who have been changed by this experience. Start the New Year with a soul enriching look at worship. For registration information, please e-mail worship@trinitylincoln.org or call 402-435-2946. Registration is limited.
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Perkins names 2010 Distinguished Alum—Rev. Adam Hamilton

The Rev. Adam Hamilton has been named recipient of the 2010 Perkins Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Alumni Council of Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. The singular award recognizes annually one graduate of Perkins who has demonstrated effectiveness and integrity in service to the church, continuing support and involvement in the goals of Perkins School of Theology and SMU, distinguished service in the wider community and exemplary character.
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Perkins waiving application fee through March 1, 2010

Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University is waiving its $50 application fee through March 1, 2010, for applicants to the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Church Ministries and Master of Sacred Music degree programs, as well as for all non-degree applicants. March 1, 2010 is the deadline for submitting an application for need-based grant consideration, while Feb. 1, 2010, remains the deadline for submission of applications for merit scholarship consideration.

For more information contact Tracy Anne Allred, director of Student Services, at tallred@smu.edu or 214-768-1480; Herbert Coleman, director of Recruitment and Admissions, at hcoleman@smu.edu or 214-768-2139; or visit the Perkins Web site.
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All about "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Visit the Web site below to learn about the origins of the beloved Christmas carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
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Chappell/Lodgepole UMCs share true meaning of Christmas through pageant

Members from Chappell and Lodgepole churches organized a unique retelling of the true meaning of Christmas in the form of a pageant. On Dec. 20, 2009, the intergenerational Christmas pageant, "All I Want for Christmas...is Jesus," was performed at Chappell United Methodist Church during the Sunday worship service.
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Save the date—Passion Play performing July 20-28, 2010

The Rev. Earl and Eunice Higgins are hosting a nine day spiritual journey to Germany and Austria, July 20-28, 2010, to witness the Passion Play, which is held every 10 years. Arrangements are being made through Educational Opportunities and the departing flight will be from Lincoln, Neb. For more information, please call 402-460-0532 or 402-438-6256 and leave a message.
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Children's Ministries Forum '10

In this busy Advent season, it's hard setting aside time to pause and take a deep breath. There are always the costumes to get ready for the next Christmas program, the information to get out about the January Thaw event, the Christmas gifts to wrap for teachers and endless other items.

So, are you ready to say, "Fill My Cup, Lord!"?

Take a few moments before the end of the year to take a deep breath and make a few plans for next year. Visit the Children's Ministries Web site to find information about Children's Ministry Forum '10. It will take place Feb. 23-25, 2010, at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, Raleigh, N.C.

The speakers will challenge your thinking. The workshops will feed your brain. The time to breathe and reflect will inevitably feed your soul. You will return home renewed and eager to implement new strategies.

Registrations must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2010, to avoid a late fee and are accessible online.
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Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center 2010 closings for holidays

Friday—Jan. 1, 2010; New Year's Day
Monday—Jan. 18, 2010; Martin Luther King Day
Friday—April 2, 2010; Good Friday/Easter
Monday—May 31, 2010; Memorial Day
Friday—July 2, 2010; Independence Day
Monday—Sept. 6, 2010; Labor Day
Thursday—Nov. 25, 2010; Thanksgiving Day
Friday—Nov. 26, 2010; Thanksgiving
Thursday—Dec. 23, 2010; Christmas Eve
Friday—Dec. 24, 2010; Christmas Day
Monday—Jan. 3, 2011; New Year's Day
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