Great West District News

Administrative Corner
*Local Church Audit Due in District Office February 15: The 2007 Audit Report should be sent to the Great West District by February 15, 2007. Audit guidelines and the audit form may be found on the Conference website (www.umcneb.org) by clicking on the ‘Administration’ tab. There is a column
of icons (black and white) on the right-hand side of the Administration screen. The Audit information is at the bottom of the column, entitled Local Church Audit – Guide and Report Form.

Laity Convocation on - March 28- 29 At Kearney First UMC
Join laity from around the conference for two days of leadership and ministry development. This convocation is intended for those who want to learn how to enable lay leaders to thrive in leadership in the local church. Members of lay leadership committees in particular will benefit from learning how to identify and nurture spiritual gifts. Attendees will also learn how to enlist congregational involvement and engage the congregation in ministry. Laity leadership sessions will be led by Bishop Bruce Blake and the Rev. Janice Japp. Nebraska United Methodist Foundation Executive Director Jim Heller will lead a session on stewardship as a lifestyle—helping congregations understand the Biblical concept of tithing. Registrar for the event is Donna Holland, 402-228-0720 or hollandfarms@alltel.net. (Due 24 March)

UNITED METHODIST MEN’S WINTER RALLY
The link below offers the registration and program information for the 2008 Nebraska United Methodist Men Winter Retreat at Camp Fontanelle, Feb. 15-17, 2008. The year 2008 is also the centennial celebration for UMMen. This year’s featured speaker is retired Major General Roger P. Lempke (Ret.), Adjutant General, Nebraska National Guard, and former Prayer Advocate-Nebraska United Methodist Church.
http://www.umcneb.org/pages/umconnect/pdfs/010408_UMMRally_registration.pdf
Laity Convocation March 28- 29 At Kearney First UMC
Join laity from around the conference for two days of leadership and ministry development. This convocation is intended for those who want to learn how to enable lay leaders to thrive in leadership in the local church.

Members of lay leadership committees in particular will benefit from learning how to identify and nurture spiritual gifts. Attendees will also learn how to enlist congregational involvement and engage the congregation in ministry. Laity leadership sessions will be led by Bishop Bruce Blake and the Rev.
Janice Japp. Nebraska United Methodist Foundation Executive Director Jim Heller will lead a session on stewardship as a lifestyle—helping congregations understand the Biblical concept of tithing.

An email including an attachment with detailed information and registration form (due March 24th) was sent to all the Pastors in the District. Registrar for the event is Donna Holland, 402-228-0720 or hollandfarms@alltel.net.

Basic Lay Speaking Ministries Training
Friday evening and all day Saturday, February 29-March 1, 2008
BASIC COURSE – Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course

The Basic Course includes a study of what it means to be God’s called people and how we may be at work for God in our own communities. The guide for this course is practical, including check list, outlines, and step by step plans. Exercises draw on the individual’s personal experiences and on what they know about their communities. The course provides learning opportunities in three areas of service for Lay Speakers: leading, caring, and communicating.

Where: Archer Zion UMC, 1998 7th Road, Archer, NE Phone: 308 946-3578 or 946-3958
Time: Friday – 6:00 – 9:00PM (Supper on your own),
Saturday- 8:30AM – 4:00PM (Lunch is provided)
Cost: $30 -includes textbook and lunch Saturday
Leaders: Denice Dietz, CLS and Rev. Rich Savage
Lodging: Super 8 Motel in Central City (308 946-5055)
or call for staying with a host couple if needed.
Please register by February 18th (We need a count to plan snacks, meal, and so we can mail the texts.)

Marriage Encounter Weekend
Want a better marriage in the New Year? Say these little words to your spouse. "I'm really glad I married you." Those simple words will let them know that you still value and cherish them. If they're feeling insecure or undesirable, it will give
them confidence in your love. If you and your spouse are in a rough patch, give it a try anyway. You can say it over candlelight at a nice dinner or in the van on the way to an event. The place isn't important but the words are!

A perfect place to say these words would be at a Marriage Encounter Weekend. Sign up for one now and give that special gift of love to each other. Marriage Encounter United Methodist winter/spring weekends are scheduled in Nebraska for: Feb. 29-March 2 in Omaha and April 25-27 in Lincoln.

To register or for more information, contact Russell and Lanita Evans, Box 125, Mullen, NE 69152, 308-546-2745, lanita@nebnet.net. Marriage Encounter is the official marriage program of the United Methodist Church and is affiliated with the General Board of Discipleship.