Communiqué 342 – July 14, 2010
News
Buesing hired as new assistant treasurer for KEC
Niki Buesing, the new assistant treasurer for the Kansas East Conference, thoroughly impressed the hiring team with her interview and her references.
Rev. Gary Beach, director of Connectional Ministries and Administrative Services, said, “I’ve never heard people rave about a former employee like [her references] did. Three people from two of her former employment places said they’d hire her back ‘at the drop of a hat.’”
Learn more about Buesing at http://www.kansaseast.org/news/detail/611.
Global Young People Convocation blog by Kansas East delegate
Miriah Anderson, a member of Olathe Aldersgate UMC in Olathe, was selected as one of five South Central Young Adults to attend Global Young Peoples Convocation and Legislative Assembly this summer in Berlin, Germany. Follow her experiences during the trip on her blog at http://miriah-gypc2010.blogspot.com.
Soccer Sundays: How do churches compete?
Any given weekend, you’re more likely to find many American youngsters dressed in a soccer jersey than their Sunday best. Most blue laws restricting Sunday activities and commerce are a distant memory. On Sunday, stores are open, people are at work and youth sports leagues are at play. At a time when Sunday is no longer the national Sabbath, how do churches find a place in families’ busy schedules?
Find out more at http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=8493205&tr=y&auid=6580115.
Interfaith statement calls for chemical policy
U.S. religious and lay leaders are being encouraged to indicate support for the new “Interfaith Statement for Chemical Policy Reform” released June 29 by the National Council of Churches, GreenFaith, the Union for Reform Judaism and other faith-based groups. It calls for a federal chemical policy that protects people and all life on Earth.
Read the statement at http://nccecojustice.org/health/interfaith_statement_eh.php?tr=y&auid=6580068.
Aug. 10 is deadline for Ethnic Local Church Grant
The deadline to apply for an Ethnic Local Church Grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society is Aug. 10 is. The grants program is to strengthen ethnic local churches through education, advocacy or leadership training and development as they engage in social justice.
To qualify for grant consideration, applicants must be either:
A United Methodist local church, district, annual conference, racial/ethnic caucus, or other affiliated ethnic group/organization; or
An ecumenical group/organization working with and through at least one United Methodist agency or organization, whose program impacts at least one United Methodist ethnic local church.
Find out more at http://www.umc-gbcs.org/atf/cf/%7B689FEA4C-8849-4C05-A89E-C9BC7FFFF64C%7D/2009-2012ELC.DOC.
Featured events
Mission and fellowship event for young adults, July 31
The Young Adult Council on Ministries will host a mission and fellowship in Ottawa Saturday, July 31. Mission projects will include working with the developing homeless shelter, Habitat for Humanity and the Ottawa schools.
Free childcare will be provided, as well as free barbeque and live music by the band, Cloverton, in the evening.
Registration begins at 1 p.m. at Ottawa Trinity United Methodist Church, 628 N. Cedar St.
Find out more at http://www.kansaseast.org/events/detail/3337.
Or register on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=123141921061467&ref=ts.
For additional questions, contact Danielle Mills at Danielle.Mills@lenexaumc.org.
Youth day at Worlds and Oceans of Fun, Aug. 2
The Conference Council on Youth Ministries invites youth to attend Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun Day Aug. 2. The cost is $46, which includes one Parkhopper Pass to both amusement parks, a YSF donation, lunch at the Coco Palms Pavilion and insurance.
For the day’s details and registration, download a registration flier at http://www.kansaseast.org/console/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/Worlds_and_Oceans_of_Fun_Flyer_XY5M3HNZ.pdf.
Creating a Culture of Generosity, Aug. 14
Join Rev. Dr. Clif Christopher, United Methodist elder and founder of the Horizons Stewardship Company, for a one-day workshop, “Creating a Culture of Generosity” Aug. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Countryside UMC in Topeka.
Christopher is the author of “Not Your Parents' Offering Plate: A New Vision for Financial Stewardship." He says donors today expect churches to earn their gifts.
Churches can market their ministries in a way that touches both hearts and checkbooks by showing the results of the ministries. People send their money where they see the most results.
Registration is $15 per person with one to four attending from the same church or $5 each with five or more people attending from the same church. Lunch is included in the registration fee.
A mailing about the event is being sent to pastors, lay leaders, lay members and finance chairpersons of local congregations.
Or get the details and a registration form at http://www.kansaseast.org/events/detail/3363.
The workshop also will be offered in Chanute in the spring.
Visit the conference calendar at www.kansaseast.org/calendar.asp for additional events.