Friday, February 1, 2008
Request for Prayers
Your prayers are requested for the following persons in our community of faith:
Deborah P. (Marilyn's daughter) serving as a missionary teacher in Africa
Carolyn D. (troubles with neighbors)
Judy R.'s granddaughter-in-law's baby-to-be's name is Sadie
Belinda K.'s dad is recoving from an illness
Marilee's wrist isn't broken
Don L. with serious illness in Omaha
Don B. struggling with cancer
Beulah L. (health)
Beth's neighbor needing a liver transplant
Elva L. (respitory issues)
Elva A. (bad fall last week)
Prayers are also sought for: Those attending the Cabela's H.R. conference here in Sidney. Also for the young women trying to raise funds to attend the Revolve Tour in Denver next month.
Deborah P. (Marilyn's daughter) serving as a missionary teacher in Africa
Carolyn D. (troubles with neighbors)
Judy R.'s granddaughter-in-law's baby-to-be's name is Sadie
Belinda K.'s dad is recoving from an illness
Marilee's wrist isn't broken
Don L. with serious illness in Omaha
Don B. struggling with cancer
Beulah L. (health)
Beth's neighbor needing a liver transplant
Elva L. (respitory issues)
Elva A. (bad fall last week)
Prayers are also sought for: Those attending the Cabela's H.R. conference here in Sidney. Also for the young women trying to raise funds to attend the Revolve Tour in Denver next month.
Researcher analyzes State of the Church report
Researcher analyzes State of the Church report
(As printed in the GOOD NEWS magazine for United Methodist Renewal and this article may be reprinted without change and in its entirety for non-commercial purposes without prior permission of GOOD NEWS Magazine.)
The United Methodist presence is the United States today is the same as it was in 1820. And, if trends in aging and membership losses continue at their current rates, the church will shrink to its size at the time of the Christmas Conference in 1784.
The analysis came from the Rev. Lovett Weems, a United Methodist researcher, speaking on November 6th to the denominations Council of Bishops in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, after examining the State of the Church report released in June.
The report provides a baseline of the thoughts, feelings, values, and judgments of a cross-section of United Methodist leaders and members, said Ohio East Bishop John Hopkins, president of the Connectional Table, the leadership entity that coordinates the mission, ministries, and resources for the denomination.
The Connectional Table commissioned the report in 2005 and asked Rev. Weems to review the resulting data and feedback and identify emerging questions, contradictions, and implications.
Weems is professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Weems provided his analysis in the form of questions related to ten area: 1) theological grounding and spiritual vitality; 2) a global church; 3) church structure; 4) the aging church; 5) finances; 6) young clergy recruitment; 7) diversity; 8) the church’s future; 9) large churches; and 10) pastoral effectiveness.
The questions “lead us to wonder if we can have a future worthy of our past,” said Weems, adding that “without a new vision, the future does not look bright.” However, he also told the bishops that new visions often emerge in times of hardship. Church leaders have been struggling for decades to understand the gradual decline of the denomination’s reach in the United States, where membership is less than 8 million, and a decline of 19 percent since 1974. Forty-one percent of United Methodist churches in the U.S. did not report a single profession of faith in 2005.
Weems said the denomination has a future in the U.S. only if it can reach younger and more diverse people. “As the last century unfolded, the nation changed and the church did not,” he noted. Today, the U.S. church is smaller and older and less diverse than the country’s population, he said, noting the denomination has steadily grayed since 1975.
Weems said the issue of race and ethnicity is not as prominent in the State of the Church report as would be expected given that the U.S. is undergoing one of the most dramatic racial and ethnic shifts in its history. He said all mainline churches have statements about inclusiveness, but “there is not a single mainline denomination in the United States that has shown that it can reach any group of people other than white people as well as it can reach white people.”
The United Methodist Church is most effective at reaching whites and African Americans but is even struggling today to reach those groups, according to Weems. “The need for a renewed spirit of inclusion of people is crucial today,” he said. The church’s future will be shaped by “its willingness and ability to respond to the changing face of America.”
Weems called the lack of young United Methodist clergy both a crisis and a “complex, multidimensional phenomenon” and asked if they should be declared an endangered species. Over the last 20 years, the denomination’s U.S. clergy under the age of 35 has dropped below 5 percent.
(As printed in the GOOD NEWS magazine for United Methodist Renewal and this article may be reprinted without change and in its entirety for non-commercial purposes without prior permission of GOOD NEWS Magazine.)
The United Methodist presence is the United States today is the same as it was in 1820. And, if trends in aging and membership losses continue at their current rates, the church will shrink to its size at the time of the Christmas Conference in 1784.
The analysis came from the Rev. Lovett Weems, a United Methodist researcher, speaking on November 6th to the denominations Council of Bishops in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, after examining the State of the Church report released in June.
The report provides a baseline of the thoughts, feelings, values, and judgments of a cross-section of United Methodist leaders and members, said Ohio East Bishop John Hopkins, president of the Connectional Table, the leadership entity that coordinates the mission, ministries, and resources for the denomination.
The Connectional Table commissioned the report in 2005 and asked Rev. Weems to review the resulting data and feedback and identify emerging questions, contradictions, and implications.
Weems is professor of church leadership and director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.
Weems provided his analysis in the form of questions related to ten area: 1) theological grounding and spiritual vitality; 2) a global church; 3) church structure; 4) the aging church; 5) finances; 6) young clergy recruitment; 7) diversity; 8) the church’s future; 9) large churches; and 10) pastoral effectiveness.
The questions “lead us to wonder if we can have a future worthy of our past,” said Weems, adding that “without a new vision, the future does not look bright.” However, he also told the bishops that new visions often emerge in times of hardship. Church leaders have been struggling for decades to understand the gradual decline of the denomination’s reach in the United States, where membership is less than 8 million, and a decline of 19 percent since 1974. Forty-one percent of United Methodist churches in the U.S. did not report a single profession of faith in 2005.
Weems said the denomination has a future in the U.S. only if it can reach younger and more diverse people. “As the last century unfolded, the nation changed and the church did not,” he noted. Today, the U.S. church is smaller and older and less diverse than the country’s population, he said, noting the denomination has steadily grayed since 1975.
Weems said the issue of race and ethnicity is not as prominent in the State of the Church report as would be expected given that the U.S. is undergoing one of the most dramatic racial and ethnic shifts in its history. He said all mainline churches have statements about inclusiveness, but “there is not a single mainline denomination in the United States that has shown that it can reach any group of people other than white people as well as it can reach white people.”
The United Methodist Church is most effective at reaching whites and African Americans but is even struggling today to reach those groups, according to Weems. “The need for a renewed spirit of inclusion of people is crucial today,” he said. The church’s future will be shaped by “its willingness and ability to respond to the changing face of America.”
Weems called the lack of young United Methodist clergy both a crisis and a “complex, multidimensional phenomenon” and asked if they should be declared an endangered species. Over the last 20 years, the denomination’s U.S. clergy under the age of 35 has dropped below 5 percent.
Youth News from the Conference
2008 Peace with Justice Contest for UM Youth
The Board of Christian Ministries is offering this opportunity to all youth, grades 9-12. There are two contests: a speech contest and an “alternative” contest. Contestants will compete at the District level with the winners going on to judging at the Conference level. The first and second place winners
present at Annual Conference in Lincoln in June and receive scholarship monies for higher education.
Each youth can choose from one of the following three topics:
Topic One: The significance of the 1908 Methodist Social Creed
2008 marks the 100th anniversary of this creed. Contestants can address various aspects of the creed, such as the social circumstances which prompted the creed; evolution of the creed and the Social Principles over the
years; comparison of the first creed with the one we have today and why the changes were made; comparison of the 1908 creed with the proposed new creed to be voted on at General Conference, 2008.
Topics Two & Three: How people of faith can help cut extreme poverty in half by 2015 by working on goal one or two of the Millennium Development Goals. Background: At General Conference, 2004, our denomination voted to support the Millennium Development Goals to cut extreme poverty in half by 2015. Our Nebraska Conference has voted to include these goals in our
three year emphasis on Children and the Poor, 2008-2010. For the 2008 contest, youth can address either goal number one or goal number two.
Topic Two: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* Reduce by half the proportion of people who live on less than one dollar a day.
* Reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from hunger. (This is the first goal of the MDGs)
Topic Three: Achieve universal primary education *Ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling. (This is the second goal of the MDGs)
More details will be provided by February 1st at www.umcneb.org, click on the Board of Christian Social Witness in the “groups” box, upper left. Please get this information to your youth ASAP.
Youth Group Opportunity
Your Youth Group is invited to become a “Steppin’ Out Youth Group!"
Walking with Jesus means we walk on two feet of Christian service. One foot represents doing acts of charity and the other represents working for justice to change structural causes of suffering. Peace with Justice Ministries is offering a model to involve youth groups in steppin’ out in faith with both feet of Christian service; doing acts of charity and acts of justice. After completing the model, which involves selecting four issues to learn about, pray about, and act upon within a year. The youth group will be recognized as an official steppin’ out youth group and will receive the Golden shoes of Charity and Justice.
For more information, go to www.umcneb.org & click on Youth Ministries Council under the “groups” box.
The Board of Christian Ministries is offering this opportunity to all youth, grades 9-12. There are two contests: a speech contest and an “alternative” contest. Contestants will compete at the District level with the winners going on to judging at the Conference level. The first and second place winners
present at Annual Conference in Lincoln in June and receive scholarship monies for higher education.
Each youth can choose from one of the following three topics:
Topic One: The significance of the 1908 Methodist Social Creed
2008 marks the 100th anniversary of this creed. Contestants can address various aspects of the creed, such as the social circumstances which prompted the creed; evolution of the creed and the Social Principles over the
years; comparison of the first creed with the one we have today and why the changes were made; comparison of the 1908 creed with the proposed new creed to be voted on at General Conference, 2008.
Topics Two & Three: How people of faith can help cut extreme poverty in half by 2015 by working on goal one or two of the Millennium Development Goals. Background: At General Conference, 2004, our denomination voted to support the Millennium Development Goals to cut extreme poverty in half by 2015. Our Nebraska Conference has voted to include these goals in our
three year emphasis on Children and the Poor, 2008-2010. For the 2008 contest, youth can address either goal number one or goal number two.
Topic Two: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* Reduce by half the proportion of people who live on less than one dollar a day.
* Reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from hunger. (This is the first goal of the MDGs)
Topic Three: Achieve universal primary education *Ensure that all boys and girls complete a full course of primary schooling. (This is the second goal of the MDGs)
More details will be provided by February 1st at www.umcneb.org, click on the Board of Christian Social Witness in the “groups” box, upper left. Please get this information to your youth ASAP.
Youth Group Opportunity
Your Youth Group is invited to become a “Steppin’ Out Youth Group!"
Walking with Jesus means we walk on two feet of Christian service. One foot represents doing acts of charity and the other represents working for justice to change structural causes of suffering. Peace with Justice Ministries is offering a model to involve youth groups in steppin’ out in faith with both feet of Christian service; doing acts of charity and acts of justice. After completing the model, which involves selecting four issues to learn about, pray about, and act upon within a year. The youth group will be recognized as an official steppin’ out youth group and will receive the Golden shoes of Charity and Justice.
For more information, go to www.umcneb.org & click on Youth Ministries Council under the “groups” box.
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.
*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.
Administrative Board Minutes
The digest of the January Ad Board minutes will be posted here when it is received.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
First Blog entry for 2008!
The blog has returned to First UMC in Sidney after a long hiatus. Please return on a regular basis as news and notes will be added regularly!!! Since the last entry in November a lot has happened here.
Among the highlights in late November:
24th - Pastor Charles & Belinda celebrated their 10th anniversary!
29th - The annual Church Conference was held with 45 members in
attendance. The 2008 Discipleship Plan was approved and a healthy
discussion was held concerning the budget, membership report and the
lay leadership for the coming year.
A special presentation was made by our District Superintendent of a plaque recognizing FUMC as a "Welcoming Congregation." FUMC is one of five UMC's in the conference and the only one in the Great West District with this identity.
30th - A dynamic group assembled for the decoration of the church for the
Advent & Christmas seasons. The effort really was impressive and the
result was over the moon!
Among the highlights in December:
1st - The Christmas Craft Bazaar was a great success with "Cookies by the
pound" and the UMYF selling out of everything they had!
9th - The "Ringing in the Season" concert by the Gloribells was another
amazing effort by our music ministry.
This was also the day for the 11th Annual Nativity Display with over 200
nativities on display. The UMYF held a soup supper after the concert.
12th - The last meeting of the 2007 Ad Board approved the budget for the
coming year and the slate of lay leadership.
16th - The children offered a terrific Christmas pageant which was followed by
an awesome turkey dinner and a visit by St. Nicholas.
24th - Nearly 300 attended the Christmas Eve service.
*An Advent study using Charles Wesley hymns was held each Sunday evening.
*The Prayer Shawl Ministry reported over 80 shawls were given away in less than nine months.
Highlights in January included:
6th - A Wesley Covenant service was held on Epiphany Sunday.
6th - The 2008 Ad Board made the commitment to pay 100% of the Mission
Shares due from 2007.
6th - An exciting new study using Handel's Oratorio, "Messiah," started
meeting with two sessions each week being offered.
20th - Shatzie Gillming (from Calvary UMC in Bushnell) brought the morning
message while Pastor Charles was on vacation.
22nd - The Tuesday evening study group began to read "Really Bad Girls of the
Bible" with Marilyn Wiles and Belinda Alkula serving as leaders of the
study.
25-26th - The School of Christian Mission was attended by two of our UMW
members.
27th - The chapel services at the Golden Living Center and the Memorial
Health Center were attended by a total of 24 residents.
28th - Photo albums of church activities were added to the web site, www.sidney-firstumc.org.
These are just the highlights! There is a passion growing in the church for the Gospel and for the world that will continue to grow in 2008. Come and be a part of FUMC, you'll be glad you did!!!
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