Summer 2012 Messenger

Nebraska

Messenger VOL. 49, NO. 3

• Michaud retires after 50 years at Conference, p. 6 • TiM update, p. 6 • Appointments, p. 7 • Ordination and AC2012 recap, p. 8

Check us out online: www.umcneb.org

Summer 2012

One new annual conference Great Plains Eispcopal Area goes into effect Sept. 1, 2012; new conference begins January 2014

On the morning of Saturday, June 9, Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones and Nebraska Area Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson simultaneously announced the results of the one-conference vote to combine the current three United Methodist conferences in Kansas and Nebraska into one new conference. Jones was at the Kansas East Annual Conference Session at Church of the Resurrection, in Leawood, Kan., and Sherer-Simpson was at the Nebraska Annual Conference Session at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, in Lincoln, Neb., when the announcement was made. Votes were announced in the order they were taken.

The motion was approved by at least 70 percent in all three conferences (see graphic).

The three conferences will become one new annual conference — the Great Plains Conference — effective Jan. 1, 2014.

“I’m excited and there is every reason to be hopeful,” Sherer-Simpson said. “Our conferences are committed to positive change.”

Kansas West voted May 24. Ballots were sealed and counted ansas following the votes K Yes: 409 in the other two No: 140 conferences. Kansas Abstain: 1 East voted June 7 and 74.4% Total: 550 Nebraska voted June 8. All the ballots were counted the evening n s a a s K of June 8. Results Yes: 415 were webcast live No: 62 across the two states.

Abstain: 1 “There’s a lot of 86.8% Total: 478 discussion that needs to go on here,” Jones Nebra said. “Change is hard, Yes: 370 we know that.”

No: 158 “I am hopeful Abstain: 0 this shift from three 70% Total: 528 to one offers us as United Methodists in

The Tally

BISHOP JONES PHOTO BY BRITT BRADLEY; BISHOP SHERER-SIMPSON PHOTO BY KATHRYN WITTE

Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones and Nebraska Area Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson announce the results of the oneconference vote June 9, during the 2012 Kansas East and Nebraska Annual Conference Sessions, respectively. The motion was approved by at least 70 percent in all three conferences (Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska).

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the Great Plains Area a time to creatively realign our life together,” said Sherer-Simpson.

She continued, “We build on 156 years of faithful witness — a foundation that each conference rightly cherishes.

We look at the mission context in the 21st century as an opportunity for each local church to reach out and make disciples of Jesus Christ whom God can use to transform the world.”

The three conferences will not vote on the plan for the new conference next spring but will have opportunity to provide feedback on the plan, which will be voted upon at a uniting conference Aug. 23 and 24, 2013, at the Bicentennial Center in Salina, Kan. Because the conferences will still be separate legal entities, each will vote separately on the plan.

Jones said all three conferences will have an opportunity to celebrate the many vibrant and important ministries in which they’ve been engaged.

“God’s going to be in this; the next 18 months are going to be a special time,” Jones said. “We need everybody’s

prayers. We have to figure out how to make this work as well as possible.”

This vote came about as a result of a recommendation from the Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team comprised of representatives from all three conferences.

The Transition Team was formed when the South Central Jurisdiction enforced a directive from the 2008 General Conference to reduce the number of bishops in the jurisdiction by one. The announcement to have one bishop serve the episcopal areas of Nebraska and Kansas was made in September 2009.

In The United Methodist Church, bishops sometimes serve more than one conference. The move to one episcopal area results in one bishop overseeing the three conferences. The bishop assigned in July 2012 will serve three conferences only from September 2012 through Jan. 1, 2014, when the three conferences become one new conference to match the geography of the episcopal area.

MOMENTUM CONTINUES Momentum for the one new conference plan continued during the June 22 NebraskaKansas Episcopal Area Transition Team meeting held in Beatrice, Neb. (Minutes from the meeting can be found on the Web at umcneb.org/nebkan.) Highlights of that meeting include: An in-depth discussion of the comments made on the ballots collected at each session.

“I am hopeful with more than 70 percent indicating they are on board,” Sherer-Simpson said. “But we need to continue to dialogue and receive input to help transition the 30 percent who are not (on board).”

“Coming off General Conference, having people agree on 70 percent of anything is an accomplishment,” said the Rev. David Livingston, from Lenexa, Kan. The group committed to the development of the 2014 budget with leadership development as the primary driver.

Dream teams will be re-engaged; a new team will focus on risk-taking mission and justice work.

Transition Team members were assigned to work with dream teams to review their work and facilitate ongoing collaboration toward adaptive change.

The group recognized the need to work on technical issues, (such as how to integrate databases and other administrative tasks) while ensuring that adaptive work has the freedom to continue (adaptive work is the creation of new concepts and innovative ways of doing ministry).

For example, a July 12 meeting will bring together all three new chairs of conferences’ boards of ordained ministry along with three Cabinet representatives, staff liaisons and Micki McCorkle, registrar for the Nebraska and Kansas boards of ordained ministry, to discuss a holistic model for the recruitment, discernment, education, deployment and evaluation of clergy for consistency across the new Great Plains Area.

The uniting conference will include a mission/justice work day. In exchange for three days at the uniting conference, all three spring annual conference sessions will be shortened.

“Informal connections work the best when people network on their own and it helps avoid the institutionalization of programs coming from the conference,” said the Rev. Wayne Alloway, from Lincoln, Neb. The energy of the Transition Team was evident as they discussed ways to support doing ministry in new ways. There is a desire to legally incorporate only those things necessary to conduct the business of the new annual conference.

Bishop Jones noted what Transition Team consultant Gil Rendle said upon learning about the vote.

“Congratulations,” said Rendle. “Now the real work begins!”

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Summer 2012 Nebraska Messenger

EDITORIAL

www.umcneb.org

From the Bishop

BISHOP ANN BROOKSHIRE SHERER-SIMPSON

In just a couple of months I will be handing off the baton to a new bishop who will journey with you. For what we have shared together and for what is yet to be, I am grateful. You have indeed been a gift to me and my family.

A couple of weeks ago Wayne and I went to see the movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” You may know the plot even if you have not seen the movie. Several retired persons who find themselves at loose ends and without financial resources respond to an ad and travel from the U.S. to India to stretch their money and have another kind of life. Many of the characters discover alternatives that involve risk, new relationships and experiences, and are able to rejuvenate their lives. At least one of the characters refuses to even experiment with change. All she wants is her past life back and she cannot open herself up to new opportunities. Of course I resonated with the retirement story and the choices the characters faced.

I have been so fortunate. So many doors have opened for me in my lifetime and I have had incredible experiences through the church and especially in this office: The chance to travel all over the world and catch a glimpse of how diverse people live and form community. The opportunity to build friendships with people around the globe. The possibility to make a difference, through creating new faith communities, cultivating and deploying spiritual leaders to local churches, encouraging churches and pastors to embrace new paths of discipleship, affirming personal holiness and the means of grace, opening small doors to see paths toward social holiness and more justice. The gift of finding my home in many UM churches across Nebraska,

With gratitude and hope Texas and Missouri and getting to know many faithful people who give themselves away for the sake of Christ, the Gospel and their neighbors, near and far.

My children and grandchildren, a brother, a spouse and good friends have loved me and allowed me to love them. I have the opportunity to love and be loved

by God made known in Jesus Christ. I have been blessed with enough financial resources to be able to share and live comfortably.

We live in a world so beautiful that its everyday scenes make my heart sing. Each night as we say grace before our evening meal the thank-yous pour forth. I am blessed beyond measure and I cannot wait to see what is still ahead for the church and for our family. Grace upon grace flows through my life.

Even personal sadness and trouble are made lighter by an awareness of God, His loving presence and the gift of community and family. There is never a complete dead end. The God who overcomes sin and death in Christ Jesus just keeps giving a future with hope, even when it is not the future I expected or even wanted. Everything in my experience affirms that God is at work to make all things new.

That is my experience in the church as well. Change is here and it has been here before. Every time, we have experienced God making a way where there seemed to be no way. This journey to become the Great Plains Conference is challenging, exciting, scary, unnerving and ultimately hope-filled. Tomorrow ( June 22) the Transition Team, made up of persons from all three conferences, meets for the first time since the vote was taken. We have an incredible opportunity to let God guide our conversation and help us develop even better ways of being who God calls us to be.

Pray for this team and work alongside them to birth new ways to be God’s own people.

Fear can control us and we can find ourselves only able to long for the old ways and the former times, maybe even romanticizing them a bit. Like Lot’s wife we turn into pillars of salt, frozen in place.

We only allow ourselves to think of what we already know.

To overcome fear, we can look for the doors God is opening. Some will turn out to be blind alleys and we will need to look for a different door. Yet other doors will open up incredible opportunities to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ whom God can use to transform the world.

DEATHS (ISSN 0194-7761 USPS #376-540) Vol. 49, No. 3 Summer 2012 To inform, educate and inspire Nebraska United Methodists in all areas of mission and ministry in the church.

Kathryn Witte, editor Trisha Johnson, communications coordinator RoxAnn 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 402464-5994 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 affi liation. 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 Messenger 3333 Landmark Circle Lincoln, NE 68504 e-mail: kwitte@umcneb.org fax: (402) 464-6203 Circulation changes: rdelisi@umcneb.org

Alice F. Dinsdale, 96, widow of a clergy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Sunday, May 27, 2012.

Survivors include sons Richard W. Dinsdale Jr., and Randall E. Dinsdale. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Richard W. Dinsdale Sr. The memorial service was Saturday, June 2, 2012, at Roper and Sons, 4300 O St., Lincoln, Neb. The Rev. Lynda Dinsdale officiated. Interment at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to Lincoln Public Schools Foundation, Eastmont Towers, Lincoln Trinity United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, New Braunfels, Texas, Abendmusik, or donor’s choice.

Colleen J. Atherton, 85, widow of a clergy member of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, died Friday, April 13, 2012.

Survivors include daughter and sonin-law Lynn (Rev. David) Lux, sons and daughters-in-law, Lee (Roseanne) Atherton and Paul (Gina) Atherton. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Richard E. Atherton.

The memorial service was Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at Saint Paul UMC, 1144 M St., Lincoln, Neb. Interment was at Culbertson Cemetery in Culbertson, Neb. Memorials to be sent to church of donor’s choice.

These new experiences will change us.

They will cause us to reach out beyond the status quo. They will help us reinvent ourselves. They will, if we are open to them, equip us for fruitfulness that only God can imagine.

I am grateful that such opportunities are before us. Let us make the most of them.

Open your next door with a hopeful and grateful heart.

God’s blessing as you journey into the future.

With gratitude,

Ann B. Sherer-Simpson, Resident Bishop Nebraska United Methodist Conference

A personal note from Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer-Simpson My family and I are honored and grateful for the gracious retirement dinner, worship, contributions to the Nigeria Secondary School Scholarships and the many gifts of word and action which you have offered. I am so priviledged to have served among you. Thank you.

Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson and her husband Wayne share a lighthearted moment during the special event honoring the Bishop’s career, held during the 2012 Annual Conference Session at Lincoln St. Mark’s UMC. Bishop Sherer-Simpson will retire Aug. 30, 2012. Her biography and other photos from the retirement program can be found on the Bishop’s page, umcneb.org/bishop.

ON FAITH AND POLITICS Editor’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.

Christians will have to push back on the d i v i d e d b y new national pastime of demonizing the politics and opposition or our nation will be weakened. religion.” He Jesus taught us to pay attention to one is on target. another, to recognize the marginalized and to “ Po l i t i c s i s treat others — of every class — as we want about sacredness.” Compromise my ‘rights’?! to be treated. However, with a zillion dollars We have two teams, each righteous in its own going to negative advertising in the next few mind. Under threat, each sees the other as months, truth and creative solutions are in evil. He analyzed the beliefs and found a solid for a rough ride. core value structure in each. Yet each distorts It is outrageous. Less than 20 billionaires the other as evil. Simplified, one says the other (from both sides) intend to talk and vote for is only into making money; let the rich get the rest of us. The only defense we have is our richer and let the poor beware. The other says numbers, which is more powerful than bucks the first group discounts work and investment if we insist on our values. and is only focused on rewarding lazy people Our two major parties have chosen their with welfare. Both are demonizing, are clearly candidates, in a lengthy process. We are told wrong and are compromising their own both candidates are bums. No, they are not. values in the process.

They are each the best for the job, according We are patriots. We all celebrate an to millions of people. They should be economic system which benefits hard work honored, respected, and thanked for all they and investment. We all feel it unfair when go through. It is a huge commitment. someone works hard and is poorly paid. We We of course have the responsibility to want all persons to earn their way. We all listen and evaluate. Talk with each other, sort groan as someone has a tragedy that brings out truth from lies — and vote. dependency.

Our values are the rub. We talk up “ours” so That paragraph contains the chaotic mix steadily we begin to doubt “theirs” are worthy. of who we are. None are demons, and those Reject the demonizing. Neither candidate is who put a pox on any group of people are a demon. They are outstanding moral men, not truthful. with strong faith and family values, and strong How can persons of faith progress? we ideas from their study and experience. We can have to listen to what others say, even as we evaluate their proposals without trashing the disagree. These are tough times, worldwide. candidates.

If we are to work together to get to better A social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, times we must reject those who trash and analyzed our political tensions: “The listen thoughtfully to those who care. We Righteous Mind: why good people are prayerfully reflect on what will build.

AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Summer 2012 Nebraska Messenger www.umcneb.org

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Bishop Ann — leader, feminist, courageous

A tall woman

By KATHRYN WITTE Communications/marketing director “I was this tall at 13,” said Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer-Simpson when asked if her height had been an advantage to her growing up and in her ministry. She is 5’ 10” and in dress shoes on many occasions appears at least 6’ tall.

She said it was life shaping as she recounted a school dance class and dancing with young men she described as having “their noses at her belly button.” So she experienced her early height as more of a hindrance than a help.

“We all have insecurities,” she said.

COURTESY PHOTO She found her place in North Wilkesboro Even at a young age, Ann Brookshire First Baptist Church youth group where she towered over her peers. began to experience her God-given worth and to learn how to be a leader. That sense of worth led her to take on a variety of leadership roles in her high school. And with a nudge from an adult church member, she even tried out for the cheer squad, and made it.

Sherer-Simpson credits this woman and many other men and women in her life who nurtured, loved, nudged and cajoled her into accepting herself, claiming some of her gifts and opening herself to a call into ministry.

Pointing to her parents as her biggest supporters, she noted that they never missed one of her school events. Her parents also valued education; when she was a little girl, her father would regularly take her to the bank with him, where she witnessed the deposit of money into a college fund.

She said her parents’ expectations were that she might become a teacher or a nurse and have a traditional family, perhaps somewhere near the area where she grew up. They also gave her the sense that she could do anything.

Because of the shaping she received from many other mentors, her parents’ expectations were simply a launching point for Sherer-Simpson to dream bigger, and ultimately achieve much as a clergy woman in The United Methodist Church.

While women’s rights issues were center stage in the 60s and 70s, Sherer-Simpson said she didn’t consider herself a feminist until much later. Her focus was on civil rights and racial justice issues. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., inspired her and made her believe God was working in the world.

She attended Mars Hill College, a private liberal arts institution located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Mars Hill was considered a very conservative school, however many of the faculty were gifted scholars who instilled in Sherer-Simpson an inquiring mind and as she said, “opened the academic study of Scripture” to her. She then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), where she became president of the Baptist Student Union and participated in an eight-week mission trip to South Korea, along with nine American and 17 Korean college students.

Faculty connections once again played an integral role, as Bill Moyers, who was a friend of one of her professors and later served on President Lyndon B. Johnson’s cabinet and became a staple host on many a public broadcasting series, led the 10-day cultural orientation for the Korean trip.

“So many doors to new experiences just kept opening, “she marveled.

While in Korea, where they called her “bean sprout” in Korean, the group built what they called the “tad off ” school. It was a badly needed structure to house education classes for the children in Seoul. As they layered the next level of mortar for the bricks they were placing, they would often notice that they were a “tad off ” and would begin anew, adding a bit more mortar.

“We built a school that helped the village and a community that would change my life,” Sherer-Simpson said.

In addition to time spent traveling to several cities in Korea, the trip took her group to San Francisco, Hawaii, Tokyo, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. She saw her first oil well 10 miles outside of L.A. In each of those places she learned about the local culture and was exposed to local mission projects. Before going to Korea, Sherer-Simpson had never been outside of her North Carolina setting.

After graduating from UNCG and continuing to hear a call to ministry, she went to Andover Newton, an American Baptist/UCC seminary, in Boston, Mass.

“I didn’t expect ordination,” she said. “I just wanted more theological education.”

Professors at Andover Newton were encouraging to the four women who were in the theological school, but even they did not bring up being ordained.

“I noticed that if you gave of yourself and had the audacity to walk through open doors there continued to be opportunities to learn,” said Sherer-Simpson.

The result was she also completed her masters of divinity degree at Andover Newton after originally planning on just two years for a Master of Arts and Religion. Once again she credits God’s nudge. She studied there from 1965-68 and was surprised to be asked to give the graduation speech.

Her time spent at these institutions of higher learning was during the era of sit-ins and civil unrest. The exposure to great teachers, exposure to the broader world and her trip to Korea all contributed to her ability to think more deeply, think for herself, ask questions, care about global issues and affirmed the value of each person she met. Her professors encouraged her to learn and grow and see what God might do. These values were transformational for Sherer-Simpson and guided her career.

“I hope every young person who feels a little bit outside the circle socially sees the freedom to try new things because they are on the outside,” she said.

Sherer-Simpson noted that she discovered when she was about 14 or 15-years-old that there were really more kids on the “outside” than “in.” That paved the way for her to demonstrate leadership among those people and see that their voices were heard.

Her first work experiences were in mission/service settings. She spent three years working at the Blue Hill Christian Center and was active in social change movements in Boston and on the Andover Newton campus.

“Social justice issues became enormously important to me,” she said.

She noted at the time, even within the civil rights movement, women were in the background, usually running the mimeograph machines, not serving in leadership roles.

To read the complete article and view photos from recent retirement events, visit umcneb.org/bishop.

“That All May Have Life” Nebraska Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission for Clergy & Laity 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.

Nebraska Cooperative School of Christian Mission Joyce Solomon, Dean Denise Larsen, Registrar necoopscm@gmail.com umcneb.org/scmgeneral umcneb.org/scmchildren umcneb.org/officer Registration is $45, a late fee of $55 will be assessed after July 1.

Register online at www.umcneb.org\umw or make checks payable to School of Christian Mission and mail to (if mailing a check, please make sure to indicate which sessions you plan to attend): SCM Registrar: Denise Larsen, 902 S. 25th St., Beatrice, NE 68310 necoopscm@gmail.com

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Summer 2012 Nebraska Messenger www.umcneb.org

RISK-TAKING MISSION & JUSTICE

Why leave the doors open? The story of the Haigler UMC

By Karen Harford Circuit riders went to country schools on a monthly basis to provide the message of God and the love of Jesus to farmers and ranchers and their families. Schools and homes were always open then — why change? We must remember the Bible verses in Matthew 7: 7-8 where Jesus said “knock and the door shall open, seek and you shall find.” What better place to find a place of comfort, a place of rest, or a place of community, than a church?

The year was 1888 and the town of Haigler, Neb., had a Methodist church.

Doors were open and the community was COURTESY PHOTO welcome. Our doors were open then and Pastor Carol Coates stands outside the open doors have remained that of the Haigler United Methodist church. way — 24 hours a day, seven days a week for his way across America, with anyone from any walk of life, his 30-pound pack on his back, from anywhere in the world. which held a tent and his Strangers and friends may stop clothing. to use the restroom, cook a There was a family of five that meal or spend the night. Often stayed at the church for several times friends just want to meet days. They were traveling in a and it’s too chilly or windy (yes, tiny pickup with a baby and we live in Nebraska) to be in sleeping bags and were on the park. The church is always their way to Missouri to seek open.

Often times the owner of the family and jobs.

Because of our open door local grocery store, LaVonne Jeager, or the owner of Jake’s policy, we are also a designated Place, Craig Kamla, will give the storm shelter for the village of president of the Haigler UMC Haigler.

Did the congregation ever board, George Peterson, a call and tell him that someone consider locking the doors? needs a place to stay for the Yes. Once, a couple of children night. Most of those seeking from the community decided shelter are men who are “down to come in to the sanctuary and on their luck” or destitute. Many light the candles with matches. have family problems and have The candles were melted away no money for a motel. George’s and several matches had been wife, Carol, will usually cook up lit. No real damage had been some soup or hamburgers and done, but there could have George will take the meal back been serious damage. The to the church to feed them. church board held a meeting.

On one occasion, a man The congregation was split as came to the church seeking to whether the doors should shelter. George didn’t think remain open or locked. Most he looked like he was in good of the “old timers” felt that the shape, so he stopped by the doors should be left open and next morning to check on him. stressed strong opinions on the “He still wasn’t looking very subject. The “old timers” won good, so I loaded him in my and the doors are still open. pickup and took him to the The Christian message is not hospital,” George said. without sacrifice. The sacrifice The hospital needed $35 in of the risk of vandalism is small order to see him, so George compared to the sacrifices that paid it.

Jesus made on the cross.

One of the most interesting By leaving the doors open, over-nighters was a 77-year-old people can visit with God gentleman from France, who in a church.

They might lose spoke very little English. He their courage if they had to was traveling across the United States on a bicycle. His wife ask. Open doors give them a had passed away six months chance to talk or be with God. earlier; they had always talked We’ve had bicyclists, cowboys about driving across the U.S. and wanderers just stop by to This gentleman did not have pray. The church is not just a enough money to drive, but building or something that only he could afford to bike and he takes place one day a week. was doing just that, in memory We are all children of God — of his wife, and to help fulfi ll we are the church with our their dream. He had come all open door policy. the way from France to pedal Karen Harford is a member of the Haigler United Methodist church.

Center for Rural Affairs helps advance Social Principles United Methodists helped start the Center for Rural Affairs in the early 70s. Today the Conference Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team partners with the Center in advancing our United Methodist Social Principles.

The following are excerpts from a report from Executive Director, Chuck Hassebrook. The italicized paragraphs are excerpts from our “Social Principles.”

Therefore, let us recognize the responsibility of the church and its members to place a high priority on changes in economic, political, social and technological lifestyles to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all of God’s creation. ¶160. I. The Natural World The Center for Rural Affairs has been a leader in the farm bill debate, working to win funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program, which rewards farmers for sustainable practices.

Through our newsletter and speeches, we are one of the nation’s leading rural voices for addressing climate change. We have added a new project and new staff to promote electric transmission lines that advance wind energy development.

We support the basic rights of all persons to equal access to housing, education, communication, employment, medical care, legal redress for grievances and physical protection. We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or economic status. ¶162. III. The Social Community The Center is pressing the state of Nebraska to implement the Health Insurance Exchange required by the federal Affordable Care Act in a manner that makes health insurance more affordable to struggling families.

We continue to be the nation’s leading rural voice for policy to make health insurance affordable to rural people.

We have expanded our microenterprise development services to Nebraska Hispanic communities.

The hundreds of Latinos we serve each

year now account for one-fourth of our microenterprise development clients.

We support measures that would reduce the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. We further support efforts to revise tax structures and to eliminate governmental support programs that now benefit the wealthy at the expense of other persons. ¶163. IV. The Economic Community The Center prepared analysis, published guest opinions in influential newspapers across America and rallied rural citizens against unlimited farm subsidies that help mega farms drive smaller and beginning farmers out of business. Working closely with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), we were instrumental in winning a reform in the U.S. Senate farm bill that closes the loopholes in the farm program payment limitation.

We championed a new Rural Microenterprise Investment Tax Credit that would be the first business tax credit designed to primarily benefit low to moderate income microentrepreneurs.

It was introduced by bipartisan sponsors, both members of the influential U.S. House of Representatives’ Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for federal tax policy.

We deeply appreciate your support.

Thank you, Chuck Hassebrook For more information about the Center’s work, visit cfra.org or visit their offices in Lyons, Neb.

Micah Corps speak to youth

COURTESY PHOTO

Matt Bowden, a participant at Youth Annual Conference from Omaha St. Paul UMC, rescues babies (dolls) from an imaginary stream as the Micah Corps interns help YAC attendees understand the difference between acts of charity and acts of justice. To learn more about the baby story and what the Micah Corps is up to this summer, go to micah-corps.blogspot.com.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN/MEN A penny for your thoughts: Bishop honored

Summer 2012 Nebraska Messenger www.umcneb.org

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SAVE THE DATE Nebraska Conference UMW Annual Meeting “Journey to Wholeness Through Reconciliation” Scripture Emphasis: John 10:10

Oct.12-13, 2012 Omaha First United Methodist Church 7020 Cass St. Optional mission experience prior to annual meeting.

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.

Quilts to raise money for Epworth Village Nebraska UMW President Louise Niemann (left) presents Nebraska Area Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson with a corsage for mission, at the Bishop’s retirement dinner held during the 2012 Annual Conference Session, on June 7, at Lincoln St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. The Rev. Jim Keyser (right) served as the evening’s emcee.

By LOUISE NIEMANN, Nebraska UMW president “A Penny for Your Thoughts” was the theme for the Bishop’s retirement ceremony held at the 2012 Annual Conference Session. But, United Methodist Women always give two cents and a prayer! Women in mission began in 1867, giving sacrificially, combining their faith in God to make the world a better place for everyone.

For this special occasion we designed a corsage for mission with Bishop Ann’s picture and pinned them on every person attending the celebration. The corsage for mission is unique to Nebraska United Methodist Women and represents $1 to mission giving for each corsage.

A mission recognition pin at the $1000 level was added to the Bishop’s corsage. The dollars from the corsages and the mission pin support mission projects of greatest need as designated by Women’s Division and are in addition to the yearly pledges of each local group.

Lastly, United Methodist Women made a $4,000 donation to Saint Paul School of Theology for the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund for seminary students.

Nebraska United Methodist Women gave generously to honor Bishop Ann with gifts which support mission. Monies are still accepted for anyone who would still like to participate in the recognition. Donations may be sent to district treasurers.

Epworth Village has incorporated a quilt challenge into their annual Heart of the Matter Banquet. The theme is “Mending Hearts.” All quilts that are entered into this challenge will be judged, awarded and auctioned off during banquet on Sept. 13, at Stone Creek Event Center in McCool Junction. The above quilt was made by Betty Newhouse of Lincoln Christ UMW. Pictured are Helen Marsh (seated at left), Beverly Noble (holding quilt at left), Betty Newhouse (seated in front of quilt) and Sally Schnieder (holding quilt at right). umcneb.org/umw Paid for by Nebraska UMW

Nebraska UMMen: What’s in your garden?

Summer finds many of us tending a garden — planting seeds, watering, pulling weeds and hopefully enjoying the plants that grow. Christ also calls us to plant the seeds of faith, water them, avoid temptations, and hopefully we will see the fruits of growing faith in ourselves and in others. Tend God’s garden.

Upcoming Opportunities 2012 SUMMER UMMEN RALLY The summer rally will be Aug. 10-12 at Camp Norwesca, near Chadron. Carpools will be available. Program to include: men’s ministry reports from Scottsbluff area, Chadron, etc.; international student views, Fort Robinson buffalo cookout and playhouse, motorcycle ministry, band, outdoor worship, and election of new officers. Check the Conference website, umcneb.org, for registration information.

WINTER RALLY, CAMP FONTANELLE,

BY FREMONT. FEB. 15-17, 2013.

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

Recent Activities

UMMEN’S 100 CLUB SCHOLARSHIP DINNER AND AUCTION The 23rd annual UMM’s 100 Club scholarship dinner and auction was held June 6, at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln. The event raised over $4,150.

Emcee/auctioneer for the night, Randy

Fleming, welcomed the approximately 60 people in attendance. Following an opening prayer by Dusty Sprague, attendees were treated to a delicious dinner made by the United Methodist Women of Lincoln First UMC. Following dinner, the 2012 scholarship recipients were recognized; each was presented their check(s) and a certificate

by Ben Baldwin, chairman of the 100 Club Board of Directors. Thirteen scholarships, totaling $9,500, were awarded. One-hundred percent of the proceeds of the dinner and auction go towards scholarships for men and women entering full-time Christian service. In the photo at left, Baldwin (far left) is pictured with scholarship winners Jonathan Poarch, Cesar M. Duran, Mollie Louise Ronge, Janice Louise Farrell, Mrs. Doug Gahn (standing in for her husband) and Dusty Sprague.

BIKE RIDE/WALK FOR MISSIONS Forty people teamed up to ride, walk, and help with the 11th annual UMMen Bike Ride/Walk for missions (pictured at right). Many more were involved in giving to raise $6,550 for 20 UMMen missions here and around the world. The ride/walk was May 26 on the Cowboy Trail, starting at Battle Creek and riding or walking toward Oakdale and back, or part-way. Thanks to the Rocky Plettner family for their hospitality and organizational efforts. Participants came from Norfolk, Columbus, West Point, Bellevue, Genoa, Utica, Scottsbluff, Kearney, and Emerson, Iowa.

MISSOURI RIVER DISTRICT UMMEN MISSION PROJECT Twelve men supported the Intercultural Senior Center the afternoon of April 21, working at three sites in south Omaha doing yard work and home repairs for Hispanic seniors in need. That evening, 30 people attended a dinner provided by the Hispanic community at St. James UMC in Bellevue.

District Superintendent Dr. Dan Flanagan presented his vision for Hispanic ministry in the Missouri River District and Juan Carlos

Contact: Rogene Silletto trsilletto@windstream.net 8000 Lowell Ave. Lincoln, NE 68506

By MIKE WILSON, UMMen secretary

Veloso told the story of his calling to start a Spanish language worship community in Bellevue.

ANNUAL MEETING OF PRAIRIE RIVERS DISTRICT UMMEN Fifty-four men attended the annual meeting of the Prairie Rivers men held in Columbus on the evening of March 26.

Highlights included a roast beef dinner, singing led by the Rev. Bill Ritter of Columbus, a message titled “Rags to Riches”

by Pastor Dusty Sprague of Columbus, and closing thoughts and prayer by Prairie Rivers District Superintendent Harold Backus. Men came from 13 different towns: Aurora, Bellevue, Central City, Columbus, Fullerton-Pierce Chapel, Grand Island Trinity, Hastings First, Kenesaw, Palmer, Shickley, Sutton, Utica and West Point.

Ed Dexter of Central City, continuing as president, led the evening program and business meeting. Barry Marsh of Central City was elected treasurer. Other officers continuing are Ed Felske of Grand Island as vice president; Doug Kallesen of Columbus as secretary/communicator; and Duane Daake of Utica as scouting/youth coordinator.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE UMMen were well represented at annual conference by hosting the 100 Club

Scholarship Dinner and Auction, President Dave Mendyk’s report to the conference, and booths for UMMen and scouting.

Thank you to Willie Lucht who represented the Boy Scouts at a booth, and Danielle Smith, who represented the Girl Scouts in their 100th year.

Other Items GET CONNECTED — Renew your annual unit charter and individual membership through EMS (Every Member Shares through Evangelism, Mission, and Spiritual Life) or the Legacy program.

Get the necessary information online at gcumm.org/support.

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

Paid for by UMMen umcneb.org/ummen Contact: Mike Wilson cmwilson2@mac.com 402-504-4908 14106 S. 21st Street Bellevue, NE 68123

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Summer 2012 Nebraska Messenger www.umcneb.org

AROUND THE CONFERENCE

A service celebrating the assignment of a bishop to Great Plains Area

Michaud retiring after 50 years at Conference

LINCOLN, Neb. — St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Neb., will be the setting for the welcoming of the new Great Plains Episcopal Area bishop. Scheduled for Saturday, Sept.

29, at 10:30 a.m., in the St. Mark’s sanctuary, this will be a time of great celebration as members and guests of the new Great Plains Episcopal Area install its first bishop.

Reception times are scheduled before the event at 9:30 a.m. and following the service in order to offer ample time for attendees to socialize and get to know one other. Participants are expected from all three annual conferences — Kansas East, Kansas West and Nebraska.

Food and refreshments will be served.

Keep in mind it is a University of Nebraska football Saturday. Some travelers may find it easier to stay in nearby towns rather than in Lincoln. More information to come in the fall “Nebraska Messenger” and in our weekly e-newsletter, UMconnect.

The new bishop will be elected during the South Central Jurisdictional Conference, July 18-20, in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Transition into Ministry pastor assigned to Lincoln A program of the Nebraska/Kansas Areas For the past 10 months, the Rev. Connie Wilson has worked diligently to launch the Transition into Ministry Program in the Nebraska and Kansas Areas.

Effective May 1, the Rev. Nicole Conard FRAZIER has been appointed as the new director of the Transition into Ministry program (TiM). Conard comes from an appointment at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection where she has worked extensively in the recruitment and mentoring of young clergy.

The purpose of the Transition into Ministry Program is to assist young pastors in making the transition from seminary to effective full-time pastoral leadership. This

program of the Nebraska-Kansas Area begins in 2012 with a pilot class of three seminary graduates younger than 35 who are eligible for full-time appointment and who have shown outstanding potential for clergy leadership.

TiM is funded through a grant from the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment. The Nebraska-Kansas program is a five-year residency with two phases of learning. In Phase I of the program, the Lilly associates are appointed for two years to a healthy congregation with a teaching pastor and lay committee. At the end of Phase I, the resident will be appointed as a solo pastor in a position. During this Phase II, the resident will continue to meet with a peerlearning group for feedback and support.

Phase II will last for three years.

Andy Frazier, a May 2012 graduate of Saint Paul School of Theology, has been appointed to Trinity UMC, in Lincoln, Neb., as a Lilly Associate, effective July 1. The process for selecting Lilly Associates and teaching congregations for the class of 20132014 will begin in September. For more information, visit umcneb.org/TIM.

SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 6-7, 2013

WHAT does it MEAN to

ENGAGE YOUR COMMUNITY? Rethink Church is an initiative of United Methodist Communications that offers tools, resources and promotional support for getting outside church walls, partnering with our communities and making a local difference through service and outreach activities.

PHOTO BY TRISHA JOHNSON

Elaine Michaud will retire in September, after nearly 50 years of service to the Nebraska Annual Conference. She came to work for the Conference Office, then known as “Methodist headquarters” in December 1962.

By TRISHA JOHNSON Communications coordinator Elaine Michaud, assistant to Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson, will retire this September. On June 7, at the Annual Conference Session, she was recognized and honored for nearly 50 years of service to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference.

To put into perspective how long she has been a member of the Conference staff, here are some telling facts: Michaud came to work six years before the merger of The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church, creating The United Methodist Church (in 1968). According to Michaud, the Conference Center was known as the “Methodist headquarters” when she started.

Her starting salary was $210 per month; shortly after starting she got a $5 a month raise for working Saturday mornings.

She started six months after the original Conference office (in University Place) was built.

She created the Conference’s first media catalog — it was a catalog of film strips.

During her tenure, eight bishops have served the Nebraska Area.

Everyone she worked with her first six months at the “Methodist headquarters” is now deceased.

Michaud graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in spring of 1962, and came to work for the Conference in December 1962. She has done pretty much everything except work in the accounting department.

“They’ve been very careful to keep me out of accounting,” she said with a smile.

From 1966-68, Michaud lived in Germany, as her late husband Rollin was stationed there. But when they moved back to the U.S., she started right back at the Conference office, first part-time, then eventually back to full-time, in 1974.

She has served as the bishop’s assistant since 2004, when Sherer-Simpson was elected to serve the Nebraska Area.

Michaud admits 50 years is a long time to work at one place, but said there’s always been enough variety involved – or as she put it, “you just never know what’s going to happen from day-to-day” —- that it’s kept her more than happy, as have the relationships she’s formed along the way.

“I have loved the people I’ve met, from my co-workers, to clergy and laity across the Conference,” she said. “People have come and gone, but it’s always been a very family and community-like atmosphere.”

Her post-retirement plans include traveling, spending more time with her three grandchildren and volunteering.

April 6 and 7, 2013, will mark the first Great Plains Episcopal Area-wide work days (or pick another day or weekend of your choosing). Plan to join other United Methodists across Nebraska and Kansas in changing the world, one community at a time. Be watching for more information about how your congregations can participate.

If you are interested in being part of the planning group for this effort, contact Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org. More information will be forthcoming via eblasts, email, webcasts and print.

Former NFL player and coach Jon Kolb will lead a workshop focused on teaching physical fitness, speed and agility skills to middle through high school-aged youth, July 16-19, at Plainview High School’s athletic fields.

The skills that will be taught pertain to all sports. Assisting Kolb will be his son Tanner, the assistant strength and conditioning coach at East Carolina University, in Greenville, N.C. The registration fee is $40. Register at umcneb.org/CSI. Christian Sports International (CSI) is a nonprofit organization that teaches children sports skills, life skills, healthy lifestyles, and the good news of Jesus Christ through an innovative approach so they may have the chance to become the best of the best. For more information, visit teamcsi.org.

The Elkhorn Valley District of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference is sponsoring the event.

“This is more than a sports camp — it’s about changing lives,” said Randy Hildebrant, event organizer.

For more information, contact Hildebrant at 402-371-1313.

2012-2013 APPOINTMENTS Changes are indicated in bold.

BLUE RIVER DISTRICT GALEN WRAY, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Adams-Hopewell ................ Jenae Bauer Alvo-Greenwood ............... Karen Lamb Beatrice .............................. Charles Spence Ceresco-Ithaca-Valparaiso. Brian Kottas CONESTOGA PARISH: Pleasant Dale-Denton .... Joseph Rafique Cortland United Church ...... Casey Karges COUNTRYSIDE PARISH: Wilber-Clatonia-Pickrell . Lila Bottolfsen Swanton ..................... Lori Miller DeWitt ............................. Janice Farrell Daykin-Plymouth ............ Karl Lent Crete ................................... Mark M. Richardson Douglas-Burr ...................... Lyn Seiser Ellis-Odell ........................... Curtis Magelky Jr. Elmwood St. Paul ............... Michael Burgess Fairbury-Endicott ................ Warren Schoming Friend-Dorchester............... Paixao Baptista Hallam-Martell .................... T. Lew Kaye-Skinner LINCOLN: Aldersgate ...................... Nancy Flader Christ ............................. Jim H. Miller First ................................ Larry Moffet Havelock-Eagle ........... Chuck Cornwell Horizons Community .....Jason Kennedy Lakeview ........................ Robert Call NEW VISIONS COMMUNITY: Calvary-SouthminsterSt. James .................... William Hunter ....................................... Jamie Norwich McLennan NEWMAN PARISH: Newman-Faith-GraceWarren ........................ Jesse Foster ....................................... Heather D. Eads ................................................Trevor Rook Prairie View .................... Jonathan Bailey Sacred Winds Native ...... Alan & Beatrice Kitto (Mission) Saint Paul ....................... David J. Lux ...................................... Stephen C. Griffith St. Luke .......................... Dan Safarik St. Mark’s........................ Wayne L.Alloway Jr. ....................................... Kara James. ....................................... John Lacey ........................................Donald J. Stewart South Gate ..................... Steve Flader Trinity .............................. James Keyser ....................................... Andrew Frazier Malcolm ............................. Albert Winseman Milford ................................. Jeffrey Kelley Murdock .............................. Robert Neben Palmyra-Cheney........... ...... Sally Ruggia-Haden Prairie Home....................... Doug Gahn Raymond ............................ Rod Lyon Roca ................................... Hugo Westphal Jr. Seward ............................... Douglas Griger Syracuse-Unadilla .............. Jeff Adams Wahoo ................................ Tamara Holtz Waverly ............................... Jim Wallasky Wymore-Blue Springs......... Daniel Albers APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIESWith Annuity Dir. of Christian Leadership Dev...Jesse Foster Gen Sec UM Communications.....Larry D. Hollon Dir of Admissions, Saint Paul........Lee Johnson Blue River District Superintendent..Galen Wray APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIESWithout Annuity Dir. The Mediation Center... .... Casey A. Karges Dir. Released & Restored ... ....... Ruth Karlsson BryanLGH College of Health Sciences....Lew Kaye-Skinner USA/World Religions Chaplain(LTC).. Mark Thompson Senior Consultant, Gallup,.. ........Al Winseman APPOINTMENT TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES FROM OTHER CONFERENCE Campus Ministry - NWU ..... Mara Bailey LEAVE Incapacity Leave.................

Fred J. Snyder Incapacity Leave................William Draper Finlaw Incapacity Leave................. Robert F. Edwards Incapacity Leave.................

Nancy Keller Incapacity Leave.................

Sondra Atkins Leave of Absence ...............

Raponzil Drake Leave of Absence ...............

Richard Haden TRANSFER OUT TO OTHER CONFERENCE Oregon-Idaho Conf. ....W. Michael Benischek APPOINTMENTS TO OTHER DENOMINATION: Northeast UCC, Lincoln....Melissa Finlaw Draper Scottsdale Congregational UCC. Doyle BurbankWilliams

CRAIG PARISH: Craig-Alder GroveCraig Presby (Yoked) ..... Richard Tiggelaar Creighton (Yoked)-UMC- .... Beverly Lanzendorf ...

UCC & Center UCC Dakota City-Homer ............. Joan E. Frenzel Elgin.................................... Michael A. Davis ELKHORN RIVER PARISH: Meadow Grove-Tilden..Bonnie Linton-Hendrick Greeley-Bartlett-Ericson ..... Delano Cunningham Jamison .............................. Mark Turner Laurel-Logan Center........... Jaime Farias Lyons-Oakland ................... Dean Joy Madison-Norfolk Westridge Cynthia Stewart Neligh-Clearwater-Oakdale Carroll Plisek Newman Grove-Looking GlassTilden Peace UCC ............ Theta Dame Norfolk First ........................ James Brewer O’Neill............................ ..... Craig Collins The United Church of Pender (UMC-PCUSA)Walthill-Rosalie .............. Steve Breazier Pierce-Osmond................... Kevin Burkhardt Plainview-Crawford Valley... Lana Fong R.O.P.E. PARISH: Orchard-Page-Ewing.......S. Eric Ford South Sioux City ................. Carol Jean Stapleton Spencer ............................ Inez Foster Stanton ............................... Grace K. Gichuru Tekamah-Decatur ............... Philip Sloat Wausa-Randolph........... ..... Brian Fong Wayne-Carroll................. .... Peter Phillips West Point (UMC-UCC)Wisner (UMC-UCC)-Beemer. Philip Fischer Winside ............................... Judy Carlson APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIESWith Annuity Elkhorn Valley District Superintendent...Nancy Kaye-Skinner Director Connectional Min/Staff Leader. ................ .............................Carol Roettmer Brewer GATEWAY DISTRICT ALAN DAVIS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Alma-Republican City .........James Bendorf Hollinger-Mascot Bethel..Jane Blum Amherst-Miller ....................Bonnie Brock Ansley-Loup City-Litchfield..Joel Plisek .......................................Stacey Erstrom Arapahoe-Beaver City ........Michael R. Flury Arnold-Anselmo-Merna.......Dale Coates Atlanta-Ragan-Wilcox .......Virginia Fleharty Banner-Brady .....................Janie Freeman Broken Bow ........................Todd Karges Burwell-Taylor .....................Dennis Davenport Callaway-Morning Star .......Roger Gillming Cambridge-Bartley-Indianola...Sherry Sklenar Cozad First-Parkview .........Doug Smith Eddyville-Oconto ...............Doug Jones Elwood-Bertrand ................Mary Fuller Eustis-Farnam ...................Neil Kloppenborg Franklin-Macon ...................Nancy Leonard Gibbon Faith ......................Cathy Cole Gothenburg.........................Jeffrey Thurman Holdrege ...........................Dale Lambert Huntley ...............................Jean Clayton KEARNEY: Faith ...............................Michelle Reed First ...............................Gary Main .......................................Carla Gunn Lexington ............................Tess Hufford Lexington Hispanic..............Cesar Duran ....................................... Gonzalez Minden ................................Nancy Lambert North Loup-Scotia...............Bruce L. Phillips Ord......................................Jeff Wulf Overton-Elm CreekWilliamsburg ..................Stephen Smith Oxford .................................Eldon Fablinger PleasantonHaven’s Chapel... .......Greg Reed Sargent ...............................Marvin Bauer Shelton ..............................Melody Adams TRINITY PARISH: Ravenna-Hazard ............Scott Evans .......................................Peggy Cranford .......................................Norma Asher Gibbon Bethel ............Jane Poole TWIN VALLEYS PARISH: Arcadia-Mira Valley ........Jeff Hale APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSTION MINISTRIES - With Annuity Gateway District Superintendent....Alan Davis APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSTION MINISTRIES - Without Annuity UNK Campus Minister.........Laura Stubblefield LEAVE Leave of Absence .. ... ... ... Michael Anderson Incapacity Leave ... ... ... ... Evie Gulachi Johnson

ELKHORN VALLEY DISTRICT NANCY KAYE-SKINNER DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

GREAT WEST DISTRICT KAY ALNOR , DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

Ainsworth-Johnstown ......... Eldon Davis Long Pine ...................... Christopher Gudgel Albion-Loretto ..................... Kaleuati F. Kaleuati Allen-Ponca ........................ Lorri Kentner Atkinson .............................. Teyrl Otto Bassett-Springview .......... Rodney Heilbrun Bloomfield-Verdigre ............ Trudy Hanke BOYD-KNOX PARISH: Bristow-Lynch (Yoked)..

Verdel & Niobrara Presby..Blair Kirkpatrick Chambers-Amelia .............. ..Duane Waddle

Alliance-Lakeside ...............Thomas Lucas Benkelman-Max-Stratton ....Sheila Taylor Big Springs-Julesburg, CO..Alice Koech Chadron ..............................Adam Davenport Chappell-Lodgepole ...........Ezekiel Koech Crawford-Whitney-Harrison..George Kilmer Culbertson-Trenton .............TBA Curtis-Garden Prairie..........Bonnie Forney Elsie-Madrid........................Linda Battello Gering .................................Lauren Ekdahl Melbeta ..........................Beverly Russell Gordon-Clinton ..................Abigail Eltzroth

Grant...................................Nora Mendyk Haigler ................................Carole Coates Hay Springs-Rushville ........Fred Andersen Hemingford .........................Teresa Lucas Hershey-Sutherland-Paxton.Kola Akinnigbagbe Imperial ...............................Valera Heydenberk .......................................Alice Lindekugel .......................................Melody Newman .......................................Amy Prior .......................................Rachelle Richmond Imperial Ebenezer .........Andrea Duran Maywood-Wellfleet .............C. Stanley LaRue McCook ..............................Lance Clay .......................................Brenda McGuire .......................................Alisa Parde Mitchell-Centro Hispano Wesleyano .....................Juan Espinoza Morrill-Henry Lyman ...........Richard Reisig Jr. Mullen-Tryon .......................Shanon Williams North Platte.........................Doug Delp .......................................Alison Frazier Ogallala ..............................Charles Rager Oshkosh-Lewellen ..............Ray Weinerman Prairie West Christian ELCA-UMC... ................Carl “Ed” Hunzeker Scottsbluff ...........................F. Matthew Fowler Sidney.................................Thomas Hyde .......................................Lauri Beach UNITED WEST PARISH: Bushnell-Kimball ............Lynda Parson Valentine-Cody-Kilgore .......Corey Jenkins .......................................Bill Williams Wallace ...............................Harun Gatobu Wauneta-Palisade ..............Bonnie McCord APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES - With Annuity Great West District Superintendent...Kay Alnor APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES - Without Annuity Dean/Asst. Prof, Asbury Seminary....Anne K. Gatobu CPE Res., Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital... .....................................Charles Alkula LEAVE Incapacity Leave............Sandra “Sam” Patterson Leave of Absence ............ Seth L. Leypoldt MISSOURI RIVER DISTRICT DAN FLANAGAN DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Ashland-Cedar Hill ............ John Ewton Auburn ................................ Nita Hinds-Park Barada ................................ Jerry Yount Bellevue Aldersgate ............ Jim Corson Bellevue St. James East & West.. ................. Russell Tompkins ....................................... Wayne Reynolds ....................................... Juan Carlos Veloso Blair .................................... Rebecca Hjelle Kennard Grace ............... Russell Foust Brock-Johnson.................... Larry Tolen Brownville-Nemaha ............ Michael Conner Julian ............................... Sandy Streit Elkhorn Hills........................ Fred Richart Falls City First-Rulo ............ Lyle Schoen Falls City Bethel.................. Richard Fairbanks Fremont Calvary-Hooper .... Susan Sanders Fremont First ...................... Michael McGregor ....................................... Gregory F. Hall Gretna................................. Janice Japp Humboldt-Table Rock ......... Jaclyn Hoy Louisville .............................Robert Wynn Mynard Liberty ................... Belinda Davidson Nebraska City ..................... Charles Murithi OMAHA: Clair Memorial ................ Portia Cavitt Dietz Memorial.- Hispanic..

Ministry...................Cesar Garcia Rodriguez Faith Westwood ............. Steven Todd First & Urban Abbey ...... Jane Florence ....................................... Debra McKnight Hanscom Park ............... Michael E. Patzloff Lefler .............................. Brian Mills Living Faith..................... Michael L. McInnis Living Hope (Mission) .... Ralph Gaines Maplewood..................... James Johnson Olive Crest....................Debra Tompsett-Welch Rockbrook.....................William M. Williams Jr. St. Andrew’s ................... Bruce Davis ....................................... Nancy Davis St. Luke .......................... Chad Anglemyer St. Paul .......................... Keith Johnson ....................................... W. Jerald Brabec ....................................... Kurt Stecker Grace.............................Miriam Peralta Gandarilla TRI-Community .............. Charlotte A. Abram ....................................... Chuck Nelson Union Memorial .............. Jocelyn Foster Water’s Edge ................. Craig Finnestad Papillion .............................. Nancy Tomlinson ....................................... Zach Anderson Pawnee City-DuBoisBurchard ....................... Alan Gager Plattsmouth......................... Laura Felleman Ralston............................... Thomas Buckley Springfield........................... Marvin Neubauer Tecumseh-Sterling .............. Mark Crist Valley Faith United.............. Carl Ratcliff Waterloo ............................. Dorothy Smith Weeping Water-Nehawka ... Sandy Webster APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES - With Annuity Ex. Dir. UM Ministries.....Stephanie Ahlschwede Missouri River District Superintendent... .... .......................................

Dan Flanagan Dir. Risk-taking Mission & Justice.......................... .... ....................................... Carol A. Windrum

Summer 2012 Nebraska Messenger www.umcneb.org

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APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES - Without Annuity Chaplain, Bellevue Med Ctr.. Barbra Lenz Chaplain, Children’s Hosp .. Nancy J. H. Phillips Chaplain Neb Med Center .. Russ Terman-White Staff Chaplain, VNA Hospice Joel Walker APPOINTMENT TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES FROM OTHER CONFERENCE Alegent Health-Hospice ...... W. Ray Martin LEAVE Leave of Absence ............... Costa de Oliveira Leave of Absence ............... Pauletta Lehn Leave of Absence ............... Scott Shreve Incapacity Leave................. Terry Tomlinson STUDENT University of Phoenix. .............Laurie Morrison TRANSFER OUT TO ANOTHER CONFERENCE Dakotas Conference ......... Mark Holland APPOINTMENT TO SERVE IN OTHER CONFERENCE Detroit Conference....Patricia GandarillaBecerra PRAIRIE RIVERS DISTRICT HAROLD BACKUS, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Aurora-Bradshaw................ F. Cole Fowler ....................................... Mary Scott Beaver Crossing-UticaEbenezer.....................Betsy Galloway-Carew Blue Hill-Bladen .................. Steve Marsh Cairo-Boelus ....................... Melanie Adams Central City ......................... Paul Blanchard Central City Fairview-Archer Zion..Janet Burgel Chapman ............................ Donna Carpenter Chester-Hebron .................. Mark Baldwin Columbus ........................... Bill R. Ritter ....................................... Dusty Sprague Davenport-Bruning ............. Mike Anderson David City-Bellwood ........... Mark L. Schutt Doniphan-Rosedale ............ Kelly Karges Elba .................................... Martha E. Voigt Exeter-McCool Junction .... Glen Holtz Fairmont-Milligan ................ Karla Sheffy Fullerton-Pierce ChapelClarks ............................ Valjean Warman Cedar Rapids-Belgrade .. Vern Olson Geneva ............................... Ron Harris Giltner-Phillips .................... Marta Wheeler GRAND ISLAND: UM4GI COOPERATIVE PARISH: Faith................................ Matt E. Fowler First................................. Chad Boling Trinity .............................. Jay Vetter ..................................... Robert Rhodes HASTINGS: First................................. Tony Dawson Grace-Juniata..................Cindy Karges ....................................... Lee Wigert Christo Poder de dios..Oscar Perez Kenesaw-Holstein-Upland .. Stuart Davis Osceola-Shelby ................. Robert Perry Palmer-Wolbach ................. Martin R. Leeper Red Cloud-Guide Rock....... Joel Rathbun Pauline............................ Roger Hammond St. Edward-Genoa.........Dennis Linton-Hendrick St. Paul ............................... Randall Dilts Schuyler-BrainardRising City ..................... Fay Hubbard ....................................... Dennis Wheeler Shickley-Ong ...................... Dorothy Aspegren Silver Creek-Monroe........... Murry Johnston Stromsburg-Polk-Benedict.. Daniel Spearow Superior .............................. Jocelyn Tupper Sutton Federated (UMC/UCC)...Eric Biehl Harvard-Trumbull-Inland Travis King Wood River-Alda ................ Theresa Mason York First-Waco .................. Arthur R. Phillips ..................................... Pat Norris APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES - With Annuity Prairie Rivers District Superintendent....Harold Backus APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES - Without Annuity Prof of Psychology, Hastings Coll...Lee R. Wigert APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Civil Air Patrol ..................... Charles A. Moorer LEAVE Incapacity Leave................. Nita Gelling Cloran TRANSFER IN FROM OTHER CONFERENCE Cal-Nevada Conference........Theresa Mason TRANSFER OUT TO OTHER CONFERENCE Central Texas Conference ..Hyeongdong Baek

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Revive!

Summer 2012 Nebraska Messenger er www.umcneb.org w

WORSHIP IN THE REIGN OF GOD 2012 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION

Two ordained, four commissioned at AC2012

PHOTOS BY BILL WILEY

Photos, clockwise from left: Fay Hubbard and Rebecca Hjelle are presented for ordination, while Joel Walker, Barbra Lenz, Ezekiel Koech and Trudy Hanke are presented for commissioning. Fay Hubbard and Rebecca Hjelle experience the “Laying on of Hands and Prayer for Elders.” Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson offers a “Prayer of Commissioning.”

Former Nebraska Area Bishop (now retired) Joel Martinez delivers the ordination message, “Bring Your Own Shoes.”

By REV. STUART DAVIS More than 400 worshipers gathered in the Lincoln St. Mark’s United Methodist Church sanctuary the evening of June 8, for the 2012 Nebraska Annual Conference Session Ordination Service, where they joyously celebrated the call to ministry for the 152nd time.

Joined by the Rev. Dr. Richard Wyatt, Presbyter in the Presbyterian Church USA, and former Nebraska Area Bishop Joel Martinez (1992-2000), Bishop Ann B. ShererSimpson presided over the ordination of elders Rebecca Hjelle and Fay Hubbard and the commissioning of Trudy Hanke, Ezekiel Koech, Barbra Lenz and Joel Walker. This was the bishop’s last time to do so, as she is retiring later this year.

In his sermon, Martinez focused on the variety of ways in which we are gifted by God, and urged those being ordained or commissioned to share their gifts with the world.

“Offer what you have and let God bless it and use it and the whole church will bless the whole world,” he said.

In a series of questions, Martinez asked, “Will you nurture those who are in need of comfort? Will you bring a history of service ... your love and respect of others ... an appropriate suspicion of power ... your gift of welcoming strangers and sojourners ... a passion for the full Gospel, personal holiness and social justice ... so that the message of Jesus Christ might fill the lives of others?”

Referring to the possible changes in the structure of the Annual Conference, Martinez said they would bring “new possibilities, new relationships, new realities, and expanded boundaries.” He went on to explain that it’s a good thing that ministry is “a lifelong gift-discovery workshop” as that allows those in ministry to discover new gifts within themselves when their environment is altered.

“In this time of change and opportunity,” he concluded, “the Great Plains Episcopal Area — and Annual Conference if that is approved — needs all the gifts all of you here tonight can offer; so does the South Central Jurisdiction, the nation, the world, as we seek to serve God in the whole communion of God’s ecumenical church.”

Scenes from Annual Conference Session

MORE AC2012 INFO AVAILABLE ON THE WEB: Visit umcneb.org/AC2012

Photos, clockwise from top, left: Seventeen retirees were honored. Front row, L to R: Katherine Rice, Susan Davies, Charlotte Abram, Barbara Hart, John Henderson. Second row: Valera Heydenberk, Bill Hunter, Cynthia (Samm) Johnston, Frank Butler, Katherine Bullard. Third row: Connie Karr, Marvin Bauer. Back row: Michael Curd, Richard Karohl, Glenn Hubbard. Photo by Bill Wiley Lyle Schoen and his wife Susan load UMCOR kits. Nearly 4,000 kits of all kinds were collected; they were transported to the Sager Brown Depot, in Baldwin, La. Photo by Trisha Johnson The Rev. Nita Hinds-Park was honored for 10 years of service to the Nebraska Conference. She most recently served as the director of congregational development.

She has been appointed to serve the Auburn UMC, effective July 1. Photo by Kathryn Witte Children’s Annual Conference participants did this year’s mission work at Kids Against Hunger; they packaged enough meals to feed 3,600 children. Photo by Tammy Wells Marcia McFee leads worship at the Ordination Service. McFee, of Truckee, Calif., is an author, worship designer and leader, professor, preacher and artist. Photo by Bill Wiley Simon Benjamin, director/coodinator of the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Orphanage, speaks at the Nigeria luncheon.

Photo by Kathryn Witte