JANUARY 2015 Beginning Again — Church Starts Over At Age 100 United Methodists Fund Church in Mozambique Applications Being Accepted for Hosting Mobile Camps ack in November, Pizza Hut came to Gasconade County. They set up at the city park in Bland on a cold Saturday for a family fun day. They Bdonated $10,000 to the park for planned renovations. With them were two celebrities, Ozzie Smith and Kat Graham. You’re probably either too old or too young to know one of these names. Smith is a St. Louis Cardinals baseball superhero who played shortstop from 1982 to 1996, known for both his athletic prowess on the field and his celebratory back flips. Graham is an actress on The Vampire Diaries, a popular prime-time show on the CW Network. Fred Koenig, Editor Pizza Hut made a commercial about the day. When the celebrities got off Missouri Conference the bus, everyone at Bland cheered and showed excitement. They lined up to Publications shake their hands and have their pictures taken with them. The fact that both celebrities were African American, and everyone in Bland, or at least everyone Published by The Missouri who showed up that day, was white was irrelevant. Race didn’t matter. Conference of the United Methodist Church The commercial depicted Bland as a rural, historic town where the 3601 Amron Court community is pulling together to fix up the park, and make the town in general Columbia, MO 65202 a better place. Someone watching the commercial, black or white, might have

Phone: 573-441-1770 said, “Gasconade County looks like a place I would like to visit, maybe even move to.” On the Cover: A few weeks later, the NAACP came to Gasconade County. Not on purpose People at Wilkes Boulevard United Methodists Church – they were leading a march from Ferguson to Jefferson City, and Highway 50 look at the Angel Tree, in just happens to pass through there. When they got to Rosebud, their protest which volunteers purchase bus was stopped by counter-protesters, who employed the now popular protest Christmas gifts for children whose parents are in technique of standing in the road to stop traffic. The sheriff was called to prison. This year the people move them aside. Protest signs said things like “NAACP Go Home,” accused of Wilkes sponsored 15 protestors of not having jobs, and one sign took a strange analogy from a children. For more about Bible verse. Pictures from the protest were widely circulated on social media. Angel Tree, go to www. prisonfellowship.org/ Someone who sees the pictures, black or white, might have said, “Gasconade programs/angel-tree County looks like a place that I need to drive a wide circle around to avoid.” I have the good fortune having a lot of friends and family in Gasconade For inquiries regarding content: County, some of the most upright people I know. Not that long ago there were [email protected] seven United Methodist Churches in Gasconade County. There are still four. The couple on the back of this magazine attend one of them. For inquiries regarding circulation: When you see online media coverage, it’s usually followed by comments. [email protected] Following coverage of the Rosebud protest, comments belittled that community, then were countered by people saying the Rosebud protestors were better people than those who set fires in Ferguson. The exchanges went on and on. There’s been a troubling lack of respect in how we speak with one another. Either you have a boss, or you probably did at some point in your life. Let’s consider how we function professionally. In instances of excessive police use of force, consider “If the person being arrested was the son of the chief of police, would he be treated differently?” But it’s easy to judge others. Let’s make it more personal. If you’re feeling either rage or sadness over the lack of indictment of officer Darren Wilson, and you were employed by Wilson’s father, would you still use the same words in a conversation with him that you’ve used publically? If you believe officer Wilson simply did what he had to do, would you use the same words about Michael Brown if he was the son of your boss? Are we not all children of God?

Fred Koenig, Editor Missouri Conference Publications

2 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists JANUARY 2015 CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Beginning Again: The Next 100 Years 10 Loyal Through the Ages: Holding Fast While Church Makes Turnaround EDITOR 11 Wesley in the World Fred Koenig 12 Church Funds New Primary School in Mozambique 14 Intentional Faith Development: What is a Disciple? WRITERS 16 Going Mobile & Administtrative Shift in Camping & Retreat Ministries Dan Cambridge 18 Tech Talk: Attract Your Community Using Content Marketing Shirley Davis 20 Lawyer Turned Preacher Takes Helm of Historic Downtown Kansas City Sherry Habben United Methodist Church Brian Hammons 21 South Central Jurisdiction Black Methodist for Church Renewal Hosts John Heskett Youth Oratorical Contest Hal Knight 22 What Do You Tell the Kids? Mark Roach 23 MO EXPLO Eric Seiberling 24 Music Matters: Clean Slate Raymond Varner 25 Missouri Annual Conference District Changes PHOTOGRAPHY 26 Laity Voice: Happy New Year Beth Duckworth 27 Christmas in India Jenny Gragg 28 Missouri Foundation Scholarships Fred Koenig 30 Now Watch This: Rich Hill 31 Calendar of Events

www.moumethodist.org 3 BY FRED KOENIG

Bishop Robert Schnase preaches at the 100th 4 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists birthday celebration of Wilkes Boulevard UMC. elebrating its 100th year this year, Wilkes Boulevard UMC certainly isn’t the oldest church in the Missouri Conference – some Cchurches double that age. But it does hold the distinction of being the oldest new-church start. Make that a restart. So what’s so new about it? The church still carries the same name, and is in the same historic building that sits catty- corner to the athletic fields of one of the largest high schools in the state. But over the course of the past four years the church has transformed, with the core of that transformation being the very purpose of why the church still exists at all. Wilkes Boulevard was established to reach out to the community built around the Hamilton-Brown Shoe Factory. That factory closed Rev. Meg Hegemann is pastor of Wilkes Boulevard UMC. in 1939, but the church was strong at that time, and the sanctuary was expanded in 1944. In the early 1960s it expanded again, and had a And the values: “To pray, be real, be provided by other organizations, membership of nearly 800 and an respectful, work on it, and change including other United Methodist average attendance of around 300. the world.” Churches around Columbia. More Lately times haven’t been as bright. Living into that vision wasn’t than 70,000 meals have been served The church got down to about 60 in easy. Attendance dropped from at Wilkes Blvd. since the program attendance, and wasn’t keeping up about 60 to 30. But the church relocated there. The church is now with maintenance on the building. also began to step up and take about to begin a kitchen remodel The congregation recognized that one of the largest roles of any to better serve Loaves and Fishes. they were in a cycle of decline that church in Columbia in terms of The estimated cost is $80,000, and would quickly lead to the church no being in direct service to the most $75,000 is already in place, much longer being sustainable. The church marginalized people in society. of which was donated by other entered the Small Church Initiative churches in Columbia. process in 2009, but decided not to Loaves & Fishes Missouri Conference Director pursue consultations. In 2012 the church voted to host of Congregational Excellence “The church knew they needed to Loaves and Fishes, the interfaith Bob Farr notes that this was the develop a more outward focus and soup kitchen in Columbia. It had beginning of a transformation reconsider their vision, and they previously been located in a small which involved two things spent a year discerning this as a apartment in a HUD housing developing at the same time – congregation,” said Wilkes Boulevard development. Wilke Boulevard was starting to Pastor Megan Hegemann. “It seemed like an easy win for hone in on revitalizing the church, In 2011 the church adopted a new us,” Hegemann said. “We had and there was also an emerging vision and values, and considered the kitchen and the space. All the ministry rapidly developing around moving to a part-time appointment, volunteers and logistics were already helping people in poverty and or closing altogether. Finally, the in place.” addressing social justice. church adopted the vision “To love Wilkes Boulevard was already “Sometimes churches have an the Lord our God with all our providing the meal once a month, so emerging ministry like a soup heart, soul, mind and strength and they stuck with that schedule. The kitchen or a shelter, and it’s just to love our neighbors as ourselves.” rest of the month the meals were something that they allow to take

www.moumethodist.org 5 People gather for breakfast before worship in the back of the sanctuary of Wilkes Boulevard.

place in their building,” Farr said. Room At The Inn, a cold-weather very compatible with the emerging “With Wilkes, they said, ‘This is interfaith homeless shelter. Then ministry that was assisting people in who we are’.” during Lent of 2013, they did a poverty. Brad Bryan has just started Wilkes Boulevard voted to accept sanctuary remodel. That meant as worship leader at the church in a their prescriptions from their Small Sunday mornings during Lent part-time associate pastor capacity, Church Initiative process, and the started with the wakeup of the 50 in order to give Hegemann more Missouri Conference Congregation people in the homeless shelter/ time for community outreach and Development Team opted to invest fellowship hall, and putting away long-term planning. The service in Wilkes Boulevard as a church the cots. The room was then set up is blended in style, with music restart. “Wilkes Boulevard is for Sunday morning worship. Then provided by Bryan’s guitar, a piano doing the ministry that all United after worship, it was set up for the and drums, and a mix of songs from Methodist Churches say they want Loaves and Fishes meal that night, current pop culture and classics from to do, but most of them aren’t doing after which the tables were taken the United Methodist Hymnal. it,” Farr said. down and the cots were set back up The remodeled sanctuary has a for the homeless shelter. fellowship area in the back with Making Room At times, though, the church tables. The back rows of pews that Things can get complicated when restart and the ministry to the were taken out to make room for the restarting a small church, and marginalized created some tables were repurposed into a coffee simultaneously starting to serve serendipitous situations. The bar. Breakfast is served there on as the primary church in helping sanctuary was remodeled by 47 Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. ministries for a city of 115,000 volunteers, for a cost of about “People of all races and people, but Wilkes Boulevard $10,000. Of those volunteers, 11 backgrounds cook together and didn’t flinch. were people who were living in the eat together on Sunday mornings,” In the winter of 2012/13 (the church basement at the time. Hegemann said. same year they took on Loaves The restart led them toward a At the beginning of every worship and Fishes), the church hosted different style of worship, which was service, the church stresses that it is

6 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists open to all, and all have sinned and are in need of forgiveness. That following winter, the cold- weather homeless shelter was moved to different locations. “Volunteers from other churches came here and were saying, ‘Our church is bigger than this, why can’t we do this?’” Hegemann said. “Having Room At The Inn here inspired the whole community to work together.” The ministry is now rotated between six different churches. From left, Mark Risch and Rocket Kirchner perform at the Wilkes Turning Point Boulevard 100 year celebration Although it no longer houses people on a Saturday night in the church fellowship hall. overnight, in the spring of 2014 Wilkes Boulevard became home to the city’s drop-in center. This happened much in the same way it even an art studio, with art classes a “I try to be as lenient as possible, started hosting Loaves and Fishes – couple of days a week. and understand that people I’m the previous location had to close, Stephany Williams is the manager dealing with may be in a different and no one else wanted to take it of Turning Point, and has seen the frame of mind than me,” Barnes on. But the organization behind ministry double in size in the last said. “I treat this like it’s a job.” it had lost its community support, few months. because the center had a reputation “We serve about 70 people a day Sustainability for a being a violent hangout out. now,” she said. Wilkes faces the challenge that A new culture was adopted when “Pete” Peterman volunteers many churches, including church it moved to Wilkes Boulevard, at Turning Point as part of a restarts or new starts in the Missouri with an emphasis being put on the work therapy program he is Conference, face. center’s mission to help people turn participating in through the Veterans The places where churches are their lives around. A new name was Administration. For much of his life needed the most are usually areas established: Turning Point. he’s dealt with anxiety issues and of poverty, where the people in “There are now clear expectations has self-medicated with alcohol. His the neighborhood do not have the for people coming here. It’s not just anxiety and addiction has made it financial means to provide the a hangout or a place to sleep off a challenging for him to get along with church much support. And people drunk,” Hegemann said. others. He’s now been sober several that are new to church are not Bathrooms and showers that were months, and he takes pride in his role accustomed to being large givers. A added for the center were paid for by as custodian at Turning Point. small cash donation feels like a lot – donations from other area churches “If it weren’t for God’s grace, I’d be it’s more than they were giving a few and a grant from the Missouri dead. I’m a believer in that,” he said. weeks ago before they were going United Methodist Foundation. At Jesse White also volunteers at to church. But it’s not enough to 1,000 square feet, the facility on Turning Point, providing guests support a pastor, or maintain a large the top floor of Wilkes Boulevard with towels, razors and socks, and historic building. UMC is four-times larger than giving them information about But Wilkes is different than the previous drop in center the social services in the area and low- some inner-city churches, in that Columbia Housing Authority had income housing options. He’s joined it is not deep inside a challenging been renting. It’s open from 8 a.m. to by Tony Barnes, another volunteer neighborhood that people avoid out noon Monday through Friday. There who takes care of the laundry of fear. Most of the nearby homes is room for about 40 homeless and machines and the snack area. Both are inexpensive, but it’s only a couple low-income people to rest, shower men also serve in a security role, of blocks off of Providence, one of and do laundry. There is a private patrolling the property. The church the busiest streets in town, and it office space available for meetings, recently banned smoking on the looks out on one of the town’s three and people can use the facility for property. A rule violation means a high schools. The church’s role in its their home mailing address. There’s one day ban. outreach ministry has contributed

www.moumethodist.org 7 Book Recommendations

“Pete” Peterman and Tony Barnes are volunteers at Turning Point.

For churches that have reached a pivotal point when it is apparent that a change is imminent, Bob Farr recommends the following books: Vital Merger: A New Church Start Approach that Joins Church Families Together by Dick Elliot and Legacy Churches Stephany Williams is by Stephen Gray and Frank Dumond. Turning Point manager.

8 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists People gather at the back of the sanctuary of Wilkes Boulevard. This area was formerly filled with pews.

to more people in worship. That Hegemann said. “We’re trying to to the flock. He reminded the increase comes both from people create a safe environment where congregation how Jesus Christ was benefitting from the services, and people can hold their privilege in associating with outsiders while from people who are choosing the silence while they hear someone insiders were grumbling. church because they recognize the else’s perspective.” “If you want to do the good important role it is serving in the shepherd’s work you have to stop community. 100 More grumbling and search for the lost,” “We’re starting to do a better The church celebrated its 100th year he said. “We’re the ones who offer job of diversity, and have been on November 23, with Missouri ministries of support so people can attracting some middle-class people Bishop Robert Schnase preaching. break through destructive habits that with a passion for social justice,” “We think today not just of the separate them from God. About 60 – Hegemann said. “The community as tens of thousands of lives that have 70 percent of the people in Columbia a whole is coming to know that we been shaped here in the last 100 have no relationship with a church. are meeting a need here.” years, but also of the children who That ought to weigh on us.” It’s not just economic diversity, the have not yet been born who will Bishop Schnase described God’s congregation is more racially diverse have their most spiritually profound grace as an initiating love, one than most churches on Sunday experiences in this place,” Bishop that drives and pushes people into morning. On December 7 the Schnase said. ministry wherever they are led, be it church took in four new members, In telling the story of the lost the streets or prison cells. an African American couple and sheep, Bishop Schnase offered “God’s grace never gives up on a white couple. The church has explanations of the parable and anyone,” he said. initiated Listening Sessions, which how it demonstrated the ease For more on Wilkes Boulevard aim to be reasonable conversations of nibbling your way lost, the United Methodist Church, go to about difficult topics. relentless persistence of God’s love http://wilkesblvdumc.org. “It can be too easy for middle- in reclaiming the lost and the joy class white folks to think they that is created by that, and the know what’s best for everyone else,” need for shepherding the lost back

www.moumethodist.org 9 BY FRED KOENIG

Holding Fast While Church Makes Turnaround

enneth Parmer has been part of term members get K Wilkes Boulevard UMC since upset over what he 1957. It’s where he met Anita. discounts as “silliness.” “The pastor told me a young lady Many of the original visited the church who was interested members who were in singing in the choir. I asked, ‘How there before the restart young?’, and he said, ‘She’s old enough are now gone. He was for you’,” Parmer recalled. Soon he met sorry to see people her in person, and that was all that it leave the church, but took. “I fell for her like a ton of bricks.” he understands. “If The couple married 50 years ago, and someone is unhappy have been mainstays of the church since where they are, then. Kenneth was an engineer for the sometimes the best University Hospital for about 30 years, thing for them to do is and is a licensed electrician. Anita to move on,” he said. worked at Boone hospital for more than Anita is the volunteer secretary 38 years, in the operating room, train- for the church, and is officially there ing operating room techs, and working Monday and Thursday mornings, but in infection control at the hospital. lately she has been there most days. The Parmers think a lot of their Kenneth is confident the church will pastor, and her husband. “Brad keep growing and growing. Anita is (Hegemann) has been a tremendous encouraged by what she has seen in help to us here,” Kenneth said. recent months, but she still worries. Kenneth still does a lot of She is happy to see more people in the maintenance around the church, pews, but knows that many of them although he’s beginning to ease into can’t afford to give much, and she’s more of a supervisory role. He doesn’t concerned about the church’s ability climb ladders anymore, if a light to pay its bills. But she is hopeful fixture needs repair, he has someone that they’ve come back enough to be else take it down so he can work on it sustainable. at the table. He says when the Lord “I think we’ve come far enough that calls him home, he hopes he is there we will be OK,” she said. She said at Wilkes Boulevard tying wires. The many of the people who can’t afford other day he took a fall while working to give money are volunteering their at the church. services to help in any way that they “I tore up my leg and bled clear can. “The donation of time saves us a summer Anita Parmer was given through my britches,” he said. “I’m lot of money,” she said. The Unity Award for the Missouri lucky I didn’t break anything.” Anita When someone new starts coming to Conference at Annual Conference. worries about some of the work he the church, Anita tries to quickly work Their service through the years has does, but he wants to do what he can. them into a role such as greeter or usher been as critical to the future of the “The Lord is still giving me the so they feel they are part of the church. church as the recent changes have been. opportunity to serve in whatever small Things didn’t used to be that way. “Without people like the Parmers, things I can do,” he said. “We were – I hate to say it – sort of that church wouldn’t be there,” said When the church transitioned a closed society,” she said. Their loyalty Mid-State District Superintendent to being more focused on helping to the church, and their dedicated Lynn Dyke. “They are work horses ministries, Kenneth saw other long service, doesn’t go unnoticed. Last who have made courageous decisions.”

10 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists s each that were present found that God Anew year was there.” (April 17, 1758). On begins, millions another occasion he writes “And of Americans make at six in the evening we met at the resolutions, resolving church in Spitafields, to renew our to change for the better in covenant with God. It was blessed the days ahead. But whether these time. The windows of heaven were resolutions have to do with relationships, open, and the skies poured down lifestyle, growing the mind, or reducing the righteousness.” (February 29, 1760). body, they have one thing in common: for the Wesley’s Methodists began to hold these most part, after a few weeks or months, we no services at the beginning of the year. United longer keep them. Our wills are not able to Methodists today can do the same. We have keep us on track, because our intentions are in our Book of Worship a version of Wesley’s undermined by other desires, the business of life, Covenant Service [#288]; we also have a service and the seductive temptations of our culture. of the renewal of our baptismal covenant John Wesley knew the problem, and believed (The Baptismal Covenant IV in The United there was only one real solution. We cannot Methodist Hymnal). change our own desires and motives, but God But even without these, we can begin the new can and will. In fact, God has already taken the year with the prayer with which Wesley concluded decisive step through Jesus Christ. In Christ his Covenant Service (607 in the Hymnal): God has loved us so much as to die for us on a I am no longer my own, but thine. cross, and when we encounter that love, through Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with the Holy Spirit, we are reconciled to God and whom thou wilt. begin to love God and others in return. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Wesley’s Methodists did not begin each year Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for by making resolutions they were unlikely to thee, exalted for thee or brought low by thee. keep, but by recommitting their lives to God. They knew God was the only source of deep and Let me full, let me be empty . lasting change. They did this through a Covenant Let me have all things, let me have nothing. Service in which they remembered God’s I freely and heartily yield all things faithfulness, confessed their own unfaithfulness, to thy pleasure and disposal. and renewed their commitment to God. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Wesley has numerous accounts of these Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, services. In his Journal he records “We met thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. in the evening to renew our covenant with And the covenant which I have made on earth, God. It was a glorious season. I believe all let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

www.moumethodist.org 11 Church Funds New Primary School in Mozambique BY JOHN HESKETT

12 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists he Mozambique Initiative federal education department of need and the willingness to expand the advanced another step in Mozambique. The government partnership. Equally supportive were T November. A Mission Team agreed to provide two teachers for the Provincial Education Officials of from Manchester United Methodist the school and agreed to provide the Massinga. Senior education officials Church led by Rev. Beth Elders, ongoing operational costs of running identified 119 villages in which there Director of Missions and Outreach the school if the school building was were no school facilities, or inadequate participated in the dedication of a new provided by outside funding. The facilities, and offered these villages as primary school in Mabumbuza. Other Mozambique Initiative engaged in prime locations for further partnerships team members from Manchester UMC discussions with Bishop Nhanala, with churches in Missouri for the included Rene’ Feldkamp and John education officials for the Provincial construction of school facilities. Senior Heskett. The team was facilitated by Educational Officials of the Massinga staff with the Mozambique Initiative Sarah Bollinger, Associate Director Province, and the pastor and other are currently identifying which of of the Mozambique Initiative for the leaders from the Mabumbuza area those communities have Methodist Missouri Conference of the Methodist to identify the needs and obtain Churches that have prioritized Denomination, and Ezequiel commitments necessary to move education as a critical need for their Nhantumbo and Naftal Oliverra forward with a $28,000 commitment village. When completed, these needs Massela Naftal with the Mozambican from Manchester UMC for the will be communicated to churches in Conference. construction of the two room school. the Missouri Conference to facilitate Manchester UMC has been in In addition to education facilities, the coordination of identified needs and relationship with the UMC church construction of the school contributed available resources. in Mabumbza for over 10 years. The to the local economy. Funding from The Mozambique Initiative is membership has supported the church Manchester UMC purchased local a dynamic partnership between in Mabumbuza through prayers and design services, materials, and labor for the Missouri Conference and the by way of a Parsonage for the pastor, the construction of the school and the Mozambique Conference. The partial support for the pastor’s salary, necessary furniture for the teachers and relationships it has engendered have a well that provides fresh water; and, the students. proven to be strong and committed now, a two room primary school to The broader purpose of the mission to serving as Christ’s hands and provide facilities for up to 150 children trip was to engage in conversations feet in this important country. The in the area to attend school. Before the with Bishop Nhanala and her cabinet, partnership continues to grow and Mabumbuza school, children in the and Mozambique education and offers other churches in Missouri village and surrounding area had to health officials to investigate the need the opportunity to be of service to walk up to 15 kilometers (that’s almost for additional education and health our brothers and sisters in Christ. If 10 miles) to attend school. care opportunities throughout the your church has an interest in this The school is a partnership between country. The conversations with Bishop opportunity, please contact: Sarah E. Mabumbuza, the Methodist Church Nhanala and her staff provided an Bollinger at 314-623-0401 or email of Mozambique and the provincial/ enthusiastic affirmation of both the [email protected].

www.moumethodist.org 13 oy to the world, the Lord is a disciple. As sad as I found that to “J come, let earth receive her be, I was glad to see the discussion King! Let every heart, prepare him taking place acknowledging that we What is a room, and heaven and nature sing!” had a problem! So sings the grand old Christmas What does it mean to be a carol, with the implication that disciple, a follower, of Jesus Christ? Disciple? now, with the coming of Jesus into I suggested then and today that our world and our lives, things are we have a foundational answer going to be really different. And in our Scriptures...we may just that theme is sustained through not want to hear it because it the ages up to the present.” (Dallas does make us uncomfortable and Willard, The Great Omission, challenges our status quo. Introduction) Take a look at the Scriptures on But...has it? Has the coming of the facing page and highlight the Jesus into the world really made a words you see that speaks to who difference in my life? In your life? a disciple is called to be. These In the lives of our congregations are only a few of many Scriptural and in the world? Are we actually references on discipleship—search disciples of Jesus Christ, following for more. Willard says that “the him, and living in the way he word disciple occurs 269 times in modeled for us? Dallas Willard the New Testament.” (pg. 2) in his book, The Great Omission, What did you find? What words would suggest that what has been jumped out at you? Write those omitted is the actual making of words in your journal or on a piece disciples. We have many members, of paper and pray about them. In but they have not been discipled! the first Scripture it says follow He speaks about “…the me and I will send you out. That disappointment many Christians suggests a change in the status quo feel who find that what they right there at the beginning! One profess “just isn’t working”. There is an obvious Great Disparity statement that always jumps out between the hope for life expressed at me is “do not worry about your in Jesus...and the actual day- life...” A disciple is called to trust in to-day behavior, inner life, and God’s provision for even the clothes social presence of most of those that we will wear and the food we who profess adherence to him.” will eat. (Willard, Introduction) Dallas Willard in the Great Have we lost the understanding Omission says that “In the heart of what it takes to be a disciple of of a true disciple there is a desire, Jesus Christ? Many would say that and there is a decision or settled In 2015 the following we have redefined it to make it intent. Having come to some workshops will be offered: something we are comfortable with understanding of what it means, What does it mean to be a disciple? instead of letting it challenge and and thus having counted up the How do we become disciples? costs, the disciple of Christ desires How can congregations grow spiritually? change the way we are living our How do we share our faith? everyday lives. above all else to be like him, A couple of years ago I was at a to devote oneself to becoming Contact Sherry Habben at 573-441-1770 gathering of those who are in the like Christ...systematically and or [email protected]. same role as I am. The main topic of progressively rearranging his affairs discussion was what it meant to be to that end.” (Willard, pg. 7)

14 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists BY SHERRY HABBEN

Mt. 4:19 | “Come follow me,” Jesus said, Reflections “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Bishop Robert Schnase in his book, Five Practices of Fruitful Living, says that, “Jesus uses fruitfulness to draw Mt. 28:19-20 | “Therefore go and make disciples our attention to the impact, the consequence of our life in Christ.” He of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the goes on to say, “Jesus expects our life Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, of faith to make a difference.” (pg. 139) In Romans 12, verses 1-2 in The and teaching them to obey everything I have Message translation by Eugene commanded you. And surely I am with you Peterson read like this: So here’s always, to the very end of the age.” what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to- Luke 12:22 | The Jesus said to his disciples, work and walking around life—and place it before God as an offering. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your Embracing what God does for you life, what you will eat; or about your body, is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted what you will wear.” to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be Luke 14:33 | “…those of you who do not give up changed from the inside out. Readily everything you have cannot be my disciples.” recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging John 13:34-35 | “A new command I give you: Love you down to its level of maturity, God one another. By this everyone will know that you brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. are my disciples, if you love one another.” Considering Bishop Schnase’s words on fruitfulness and after reading the Romans 12:1-2 passage above, take John 8:31 | ...Jesus said, “ If you hold to my the words that jumped out at you in teaching, you are really my disciples.” the Scriptures you read earlier and reflect on the questions below: • Do you desire to devote yourself John 15:8 | This is to my Father’s glory, that to becoming like Christ? • Are you willing to rearrange you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to your everyday life to follow Christ’s be my disciples. training? • Are you willing to be changed from the inside out? Luke 9:23-24 | The he said to them all: “Whoever • What would need to change? wants to be my disciple must deny themselves • What would “bearing fruit” look for you? and take up their cross daily and follow me. Next month we will talk further For whoever wants to save life will lose it, about what it means to be a disciple in our interior lives and in outward but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” actions. FROM THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION www.moumethodist.org 15 Administrative Shift in Camping Going Mobile & Retreat Ministries BY CAMPING & RETREAT MINISTRIES Local Churches Can Apply In order to best meet the needs of Next Generation to Host Mobile Camps camping and retreat ministries, BY RAYMOND VARNER The Missouri Conference announced an administrative shift in the oversight related to these ministries for youth and young adults. This dynamic this partnership will assist the Next ministry will now be managed Generation Ministries in the launch within the Office of Mission, of our own mobile camping ministry. Service and Justice (a.k.a. The Next Generation Mobile camp Creative Ministries) and Rev. ministry is an incredible week filled Garrett Drake will work under with adventures and unforgettable the direction and supervision of the director, Rev. Jeff experiences right in your own Baker. Creative Ministries backyard. With five full days of possess both the expertise amazing activities, United Methodist and experience in logistics college-age caring and enthusiastic and mobile events, which staff, and engaging Bible studies, will best serve the ministry in campers will experience the best of this critical first year creating camp on-location. transformative discipleship During the summer of 2015, experiences through camping. churches can take advantage of a The Missouri Conference is special introductory rate of $25 per committed to being a leader in camper. United Methodist Churches this area of ministry and this administrative shift will allow applying for a Next Generation Mobile us to be more nimble with the Camp agrees to reach a minimum of logistical and organizational 50 children/campers (a maximum 100 changes anticipated in the children may attend) between the ages coming months. of 7 to 12 years old in their community As progress is made toward at $25 each. The Office of Next the vision cast by the Camping Generation Ministries will resource and Retreat Ministries Board, churches with free marketing materials Creative Ministries fully and a mobile camp consultation to help expects more changes in the prepare local churches for an effective coming weeks and months. That is part of the adaptive and fruitful outreach experience. In change that comes with being addition, all of the registration will an innovator. be handled by the Office of Next Look for more details about Generation Ministries and our partner. Summer 2015 camping and Download the application to retreat ministries in the Next get started: www.moumethodist. Generation Catalog of Spiritual he camping division of org/…/2015_Application_Form_ Formation Experiences early the Missouri Annual PNMYWHP. Once you have next calendar year. CCYM, Conference Next completed the application, email it to WOW, Confirmation T Generation Ministries Raymond Varner, the Next Generation Weekends and College is pleased to announce a one-year Mobile Camp Director at rvarner@ Age Ministries (including Congregational Development partnership with the Eagle Lake moumethodist.org or mail to Missouri grants) remain critical pieces Navigators. Under the direction Annual Conference, Attn: Next of Next Generation Ministries of our Next Generation Mobile Generation Ministries, 3601 Amron and will remain under the Camp Director Raymond Varner, Ct. Columbia, MO. 65202. purview of the Office of Pastoral Excellence. 16 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists Summer Job Opportunities for Mobile Camp Counselors The Next Generation Camping division is now accepting applicants for mobile camping. A total of twenty college-age United Methodist applicants will be hired (ten female and ten male). Applicants must be available for mandatory paid training May 20-30. There will be ten weeks of mobile camp. Safe Sanctuary certification will be required. Counselors will receive all meals, travel, and lodging provided. For more information, please email Raymond Varner by email at [email protected].

www.moumethodist.org 17 Attract Your Community Using Content Marketing

18 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists BY ERIC SEIBERLING

C.C. Chapman and Ann Handley, financial seminar over four weeks social media sites. Keep the smaller in their book Content Rules, compare in January every year. Use that chunks of content conversational content to a campfire. It attracts event as an anchor to create content and focused on what really people, provides warmth, is a place that provides practical financial matters. You have about three to where people tell their stories and advice that people can use whether five seconds to catch your reader's often creates a sense of "instant they show up to your seminar or attention and about 12 seconds to community" and camaraderie. not. Plug the seminar at the end keep it. and trust that your quality content Sequence your content and place Just as it takes care and patience to will draw people. It's like planting it on various social media sites. build a lasting fire, the same is true seeds. The people who don't show of creating a content strategy that will remember your church. Your Look at your "chunks" of content will build a center of warmth and new financial resources will outlast and sequence them in a way that instant community for your church the seminar, and the seeds will helps people understand the and those you are trying to reach. continue to grow. problem you are trying to solve, It requires thoughtful planning and recommends how to solve it, gives Looking at your key event, create a preparation to attract people from examples of what your church is single piece of remarkable content. your community to you and then doing and provides specific "calls to to engage them in conversation to This needs to be a piece of content action" on how others can respond. create relationships. that people would find interesting, Build a content calendar including relevant and helpful in their owners and deadlines. Understand your community. everyday lives. One example could Start by understanding your be a "budgeting guide" for people Create an integrated content community, the specific calling of to build their New Year's budget. calendar, assign who will produce your church and why people would Start by looking at the content it and create deadlines. Make sure want to engage you in conversation. your church has already created. to include time for writing, editing For some, it may be to create a Whether it is an old newsletter and molding the content to fit into conversation about the struggles article, a written sermon or a the different outposts (other social of poverty. For others, it could be pamphlet, you will find content networks and social media platforms helping families instill values in you can combine into a single piece connected back to your website). their children. Whatever it is, it that people in your community Build your fire, start telling stories! needs to be a passion for you and would find helpful. Turn it into a important to the community you beautiful, well-written one-to two- People build community through are trying to reach. page document covering the topic. stories. You may rarely remember facts and figures, but everyone Brainstorm topics and events Break your remarkable single can recall a funny story or one around which to build content. piece of content into "chunks." that touched the heart. Use the List topics about which you would Now think about ways to turn art of storytelling to show how like to communicate and build a your large piece of content into God created each of us, constantly calendar of topics. First, look at interesting, short pieces that are sought after us when we fell and both church and community event easier to read and share. Post the sent Jesus as a perfect act of love to calendars. Next, determine how you full document on your website reconcile us to God. could surround selected events with and summarize each section as Your churches should be content. If your overall content blog articles. Create a podcast or extensions of that story into our marketing strategy is to strengthen Slideshare to talk about a particular communities. Start sharing your the position of your church in the topic, expanding on your thoughts. campfire stories today! community, the content cannot Create several infographics that all be internal promotion. For represent key ideas that can be example, your church may hold a posted on Blogs, websites and other

www.moumethodist.org 19 Lawyer Turned Preacher Takes Helm of Historic Downtown Kansas City United Methodist Church

rand family and G Avenue friends of Temple United Rev. Harris Methodist and the Church formally members installed its of Grand first African- Avenue American Temple. female pastor “I am on Sunday, Nov. 9. Tina L. Harris, an absolutely attorney and diversity expert with two thrilled to international law firms before being lead this called to the ministry, becomes the congregation 37th pastor of the downtown Kansas that has been They will find it here.” City church, which celebrates its 150th making such an important impact by Before answering her call to the anniversary in 2015. meeting needs and serving God in ministry in 2008, Harris was director Missouri Methodist Conference downtown Kansas City,” said Harris. of strategic diversity initiatives and Bishop Robert Schnase took part in “This ministry gives a voice to the the installation service, leading those voiceless, welcomes the outsider, feeds of counsel at Shook, Hardy & Bacon assembled in laying hands on the new the hungry and demonstrates Jesus’ law firm and chief diversity officer at pastor. Other guests included Kansas love to all. People are looking for Bryan Cave law firm, both in Kanas City Councilman Scott Wagner, something different, something real, City. After graduating from St. Paul numerous United Methodist clergy, something that will change their lives. School of Theology with a Master of

This ministry gives a voice to the voiceless, welcomes the outsider, feeds the hungry and demonstrates Jesus’ love to all. People are looking for something different, something real, Those attending were invited by something that will change Missouri Methodist Conference Bishop Robert Schase to join in a laying their lives. They will find on of hands for Tina L. Harris at her it here.” installation as the 37th pastor of Grand Avenue Temple United Methodist Church in downtown Kansas City.

20 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists BY DAN CAMBRIDGE South Central Jurisdiction Black Methodist for Church Renewal Hosts Youth Oratorical Contest BY SHIRLEY DAVIS

Divinity degree in 2012, she served as pastor of children and youth at St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Addressing the needs and interests of people from all walks of life has been a key aspect of Harris' mission and purpose, even prior to being called to the ministry. “Tina Harris is exactly the right person at the right time for Grand Avenue Temple UMC,” said Rev. Kendall Waller, District Superintendent of the United Methodist Heartland ongratulations to the youth who participated in the District, of which Grand Avenue South Central Jurisdictional (SCJ) Black Methodist Temple UMC is a part. Waller was Cfor Church Renewal (BMCR) Oratorical contest. The instrumental in recommending Harris participants submitted a speech on the SCJ BMCR meeting to Bishop Schnase for appointment to theme “People Pleasers or God’s Leaders” (Colossians 1:10). the Grand Avenue pastorate. “With The three youth recited their speech at the Annual SCJ her background, faith and dynamism, BMCR Jerry Ruth Williams Prayer Breakfast, October 25, she is going to be the leader we need for 2014 at the Marriott St. Louis Airport. this unique congregation in downtown The three participants represented the St. Louis BMCR Kansas City.” Caucus. Timberlyn Shakira Jones, age 17 (Beloved Commu- Harris is a native of Galesburg, nity UMC), was the first place finisher and received a $250 Ill. and graduated with honors from award; Deontae Graham, age 14 (Union Memorial UMC) DePaul University in Chicago and the placed second and received a $150 award; and Camryn Ke- Northern Illinois University College of aton, age 16 (North Park UMC) placed third and received a Law. She is a dynamic public speaker $100 award. The St. Louis BMCR Caucus is very proud of all and presenter and regarded as an three participants. innovative and forward-thinking leader Each speech had to be original, not more than 7½ minutes in diversity initiatives. or less than 4½ minutes, using a formal outline and standard Harris succeeds Rev. Dr. Ron Brooks, college English. The speech had to be logical, correct in who served the congregation for ten form and content and address the theme established by the years and transitioned the church’s Oratorical Contest Committee. The speech had to show a Lazarus Ministries to a non-profit command of vocabulary, and submitted in writing to the corporation, strengthening Grand Committee for approval prior to the competition. Avenue Temple’s 30-year commitment The judging items and categories included: Speech to providing bodily and spiritual support Development (Structure, organization, support material; to the homeless population. Effectiveness (Achievement of purpose. Interest and The Grand Avenue Temple reception); Speech Value (Ideas, logic, original thoughts); Methodist congregation was founded Physical (Appearance, body language); Voice (Flexibility, in 1865. The church building at 205 volume); Manner (Directness, assurance, enthusiasm); E 9th St was built in 1912. Both the Appropriateness (Speech address purpose and audience) and church and its E.W. Skinner Opus 190 Correctness (Grammar, pronunciation, word selection). organ are on the National Register of Thanks to Josephine Graham, Dorothy Heyward and Melva Historic Places. Jones for a wonderful job coordinating the Oratorical contest.

www.moumethodist.org 21 What do you tell the kids?

nited Methodist Church children and youth Jennifer Finley, director of children and family ministry workers in the St. Louis area took up the topic at Manchester UMC, related how the situation is on Uof Ferguson during their monthly meeting on children’s minds, and they can draw their own conclusions. November 20 at Kirkwood UMC. Most hadn’t been “We were teaching the story of the good Samaritan, asked about the situation in Ferguson directly, but they and asking the question of who is your neighbor, and know it is an issue the children and youth are facing. one of our kids responded, ‘What about the people in “Even if they aren’t asking about it or talking about it Ferguson?’” she said. with their parents, they are seeing it on the news every The youth workers have seen posts from parents on day,” said Andrew Jones, director of Next Generations at Facebook that are sometimes disturbingly divisive. Morning Star UMC in O’Fallon. “The kids are taking sides that mirror their parents, Jones was a public school teacher during the Columbine just like with politics,” said Ryan Gibbs, director of shooting, during which he saw children begin to question youth and growth ministries at Webster Hills UMC. their own security in places they had always felt safe. Jones offered two documents to the group relating This was even more pronounced when he was a school counselor during the terrorist attacks on September 11, to talking to children about tragedy and the situation 2001. He knows that although things are relatively quiet in Ferguson (http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/blog/ in the St. Louis area at this time, tensions remain. talking-about-ferguson#). He also suggested setting For some the situation has already hit close up prayer stations for youth to pray over and reflect on to home. Assistant Pastor Michelle the situation, and set up several examples of low-cost Shoger of New Hope UMC in prayer stations, using things like a scrabble board or a Arnold said the mother of a girl notebook, that could be used in a youth meeting (http:// in her youth group was called practicalyouthministry.com/prayer-retreat-for-high- into active duty in the Missouri school-students). Army National Guard when “These prayer stations allow youth to express the governor declared a themselves in a way that is intimate and personal, yet state of emergency and anonymous,” Jones said. activated the troops. Others The regional monthly meeting of youth workers has mentioned that they know been taking place for years, but was adapted to include children with family members all of Next Generation Ministries (children through in law enforcement who have college-age) three months ago. People interested in been putting in long hours learning more or participating in the meetings can policing protests. contact Jones at [email protected].

22 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists PHOTO BY JENNY GRAGG

BY FRED KOENIG n November 15, the Missouri people ages 18 – 25. The Missouri Conference sponsored MO event occurs on the off years from OEXPLO, a day for persons the national event, and it open to all discerning how God might use them in ages. This year participants ranged in ministry in the Church. age from teenagers to people who are “I like to say it’s for people thinking second career. about thinking about going into minis- “Questions about exploring ministry try,” said Missouri Conference Director may not be answered in a day, but of Pastoral Excellence Karen Hayden. you’ve got to stick with it, because Presenters included retired pastors, current new-church start pastors and God is sticking with you,” Hayden said. people in their first year of pastoral For people who are seriously ministry. There were also presentations exploring the call to ministry, the about college-age ministry and Missouri Conference also offers missionary work. Candidacy Summits every January The national Explo event occurs and August. For more information every-other year, and is restricted to email [email protected].

www.moumethodist.org 23 MUSIC MATTERS

e talk about clean slates all you to carefully the time, but rarely do we ride the fence W discuss them more than at on this one. the beginning of a new year. Now, just Take advantage as a bit of clarity right up front, I’m of the freedom not entirely sure how much God really found in the cares about us entering a new calendar willingness year. What if the emphasis on clean people have slates at the beginning of January is for newness largely a phenomenon of humanity? this time of According to Lamentations, His year, but take mercies are new every morning (thank advantage of You GOD!) so we certainly don’t God’s lack of have to wait for January 1 to feel the emphasis on the freedom of a clean slate. Sometimes, new year when though, a clean slate can feel like a you’re feeling weight...not freedom at all. the weight. Go Therein lies my encouragement to ahead, pick those of us in the trenches of Music and choose Ministry. If you’re anything like me, a bit. You’ve and most of you are—at least a little earned it. Put bit—you worked your tail off last year... on some fresh especially the last quarter...especially glasses, find that last month...especially toward the some things end of that last month. You watched that you’ve people all around you bathing in the been holding wonder of the season, prioritizing onto that just family, getting Christmas bonuses and aren’t working extra days off.. meanwhile, you put or necessary your hands to the plow. anymore and After all, it’s Christmas, there’s cut ‘em out—in ministry to be done. You tried the name of ramping up to the amazing sequel to tirelessly, and mostly in vain, to gently newness! Simultaneously, leave the our Christmas story that is the Cross battle the secular pull of Christmas by stuff alone that seems more about and Resurrection. programming wonderfully spiritually- change for change sake, remembering Above all, pursue God. Pursue infused moments into your services, that God has no expectations of you newness in your relationship with reminding people that it isn’t their to make January look so radically Him and the overflow will feel fresh, birthday, right? Then you closed out different than December. He lives honest and relevant. Remember that the new year, looking back on another outside of the constraints of time. you have been given an amazing stress-filled Christmas, thankful it Regardless, I hope you all have a opportunity to tell His epic story of came, but just as thankful it went. phenomenal start to 2015. This is my love and redemption by growing and And now, it’s a new year. So it’s a 15th January in ministry, and if I’m stewarding your artistic gifts. new series, a new liturgical calendar, a being honest, I’m awfully tired. If I Always remember: God is still so new focus, new goals, new approaches, take my own advice, though, I’ll be glad you said yes. new songs...and new stress. able to look afresh at the ministry Get some rest and then get after it, Maybe that’s humanity, though, not and boldly change that which will fellow creatives, carefully navigating God. Maybe people care about the re-energize me, while avoiding the waters of the proverbial clean annual clean slates and resolutions, unnecessary newness that will leave slate, where freedom and weight often not God. With that in mind, I invite my soul even more worn while flow mingled down.

24 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists Missouri Annual CHURCH NAME CURRENT DISTRICT NEW DISTRICT

Abbott’s Chapel HN Mid-State Conference District Alma Federated (Alma) HN Heartland Amsterdam HS Southwest Changes Arcadia Valley (Ironton) GR Southeast Avondale (Kansas City) HC Northwest Belleview GR Southeast Buckner HN Heartland Casco GR G Central ast summer the Missouri Annual Cedar Grove (Robertsville) GR G Central L Champion City GR G Central Conference voted to reduce the Church of the Resurrection - Blue Springs HN Heartland number of districts from 12 to nine. Concordia HN Heartland The results of what that means to local Corder HN Heartland Dockery Chapel PE Mark Twain churches has now been finalized, with Elmwood (Blackburn) HN Mid-State 75 churches changing districts. Fairview (Galt) PE Mark Twain Fairview (Grubville) GR G Central This was approved during the Faith (Grain Valley) HN Heartland November 18 cabinet meeting. Faubion (Kansas City) HC Northwest First (Blue Springs) HN Heartland The 2012 Book of Discipline, First (Marshall) HN Mid-State paragraph 419. 9, gives the District First (North Kansas City) HC Northwest First (Odessa) HN Heartland Superintendent, in consultation First (Slater) HN Mid-State with the bishop and cabinet, the First (Union) GR G Central First (Washington) GR G Central responsibility of establishing the Gashland (Kansas City) HC Northwest best strategy for the realignment of Gilliam HN Mid-State Grace (Higginsville) HN Heartland pastoral charges. Grace (Osceola) ON Southwest The changes include: Northwest Grace (Sullivan) GR G Central District number of churches from 146 Grand Pass HN Mid-State Gray Summit GR G Central to 117, Heartland District number of Grundy Center PE Mark Twain churches from 103 to 104, Southwest Hardin HN Heartland Hatton Chapel PE Mark Twain District number of churches from Humansville ON Southwest 71 to 83, Ozarks District number of Immanuel (Senate Grove) GR G Central Labadie GR G Central churches from 106 to 100, Southeast Leslie GR G Central District number of churches from 87 Lexington HN Heartland Lowry City ON Southwest to 89, Mark Twain district number Malta Bend HN Mid-State of churches from 85 to 93, Mid State McMurry (Kansas City) HC Northwest Meadowbrook (Kansas City) HC Northwest District number of churches from Mercer PE Mark Twain 81 to 93, Gateway Central District Mt. Olive (Robertsville) GR G Central Mt. Olivet (Butler) HS Southwest number of churches from 48 to 63 Mt. Tabor (Odessa) HN Heartland and Gateway Regional number of Mt. Zion (Butler) HS Southwest Napoleon HN Heartland churches from 92 to 76. New Haven (formerly Emory Memorial) GR G Central The modifications for the Norborne HN Mid-State district boundaries are to enhance North Cross (Kansas City) HC Northwest North Street (Marshall) HN Mid-State the alignment of churches to Northmoor (Kansas City) HC Northwest their district, and to provide Oak Grove HN Heartland Oakland (Buckner) HN Heartland greater similarity in the number Ohio Street (Butler) HS Southwest of the churches served by each Pacific GR G Central Passaic HS Southwest superintendent. In addition, the Princeton PE Mark Twain modifications will help to more Rich Hill HS Southwest Smith Chapel (Napton) HN Mid-State effectively accomplish the mission of Spickard PE Mark Twain leading congregations to lead people St. James (St. James) ON G Regional St. Peter (Blue Springs) HN Heartland to affectively follow Jesus Christ. Stockton ON Southwest Congregations transition to a United Methodist Church of St. Clair GR G Central Virginia (Butler) HS Southwest different district as of July 1, 2015 Vista ON Southwest (for supervision, evaluation, church Waverly HN Mid-State Wellington HN Heartland conferences, etc.), yet will continue to Wesley (Sweet Springs) HN Mid-State make their financial commitment to the Wesley (Trenton) PE Mark Twain old district through December 31, 2015.

www.moumethodist.org 25 BY BRIAN HAMMONS

Happy New Year! practices that allow God’s Spirit to transform me through renewing my mind, so that I can be a more What an opportunity we effective follower of Jesus? have! 2015 – a whole year in For one thing, starting each day with devotional front of us. 365 days of life, time – reading the Bible and a regular guide like each one a gift from God. As Upper Room Disciplines, with prayer and reflection. I look back on 2014, there are When possible adding some other reading – in 2015 many blessings; and also many I plan to work through John Wesley’s sermons and challenges, frustrations, and another book about his theology. Then during the day painful times. Which will I focus upon? Which will I I’ll really try to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow build upon in 2015? to become angry” (James 1:19). Not thinking of myself Somehow I’m drawn to the wisdom of Romans “more highly than [I] ought to think, but to think with chapter 12. Especially verse 2 as Paul writes “do sober judgment” (Romans 12:3). not conform to the pattern of this world, but be Actually, the New Testament letters and Jesus’ transformed by the renewing of your mind.” words in the gospels are full of great ideas to renew the You see, I’m a news junkie – I listen to and read mind and keep us hopeful and optimistic. Those of us about news, especially local, national and world events. who are leaders HAVE to keep up such practices that Often I find myself frustrated, even depressed, about lift our spirits toward God’s purposes. Then, I’ll try much of it. Issues of violence, racial division, budget not to get distracted or upset by issues that I can’t do priorities, and political power struggles create inner anything about – that’s easier said than done. tension that distract me from blessings, hope, and This New Year provides a great opportunity to relationships. The “pattern of this world” seems to be strengthen daily practices that transform us by tearing down rather than building up. Even church renewing our minds, so that we’re more closely news can create that kind of response at times. following Jesus. Why do I put myself through it? Yes, I’d like to Then our work and our leadership can be more fruitful understand and maybe make a difference somehow. in our mission of making disciples to transform the But I find myself conforming to a pattern of world according to God’s (not the world’s) purposes. bitterness and division rather than seeking truth with What practices are you planning in 2015 that help hope and encouragement. So being “transformed by keep you focused and your mind renewed, especially in the renewing of your mind” speaks to me. your church leadership? What can I expose myself to that renews my mind Let’s seize upon the great opportunities God gives us in the spirit of Christ? How will I begin 2015 with in the days ahead. Happy New Year!

26 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists Christmas in India

n mid-December Max Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Rise Marble, executive director Up Shepherd and Follow, Oh Iof the Ludhiana Christian Holy Night (NSYNC version), Medical College Board USA Christmas Lullaby, And He accompanied Kara Meyers Shall Purify, All My Heart This from Grace United Methodist Night Rejoices, Carol of the Church in Lee's Summit and Bells (Pentatonix version) and Rachel Sapp from Huffman Have Yourself a Merry Little Memorial United Methodist Christmas. Church in Saint Joseph to India There were more songs by so they could serve as Missouri the senior choir, solos and a Conference Ludhiana Mission Christmas play (The Innkeeper). Ambassadors for the next The night concluded with the two years. singing of Silent Night and a The timing of the trip closing prayer. allowed them to experience the Meyers and Sapp are now Christian Medical College’s available to make presentations Christmas production. Many to UMW, UMM and youth non-Christians attend as well groups as well as congregational as students and faculty. It is events like fellowship dinners attended by around 2,000 people. and Sunday morning services. The music at the production To request a presentation was a mix of traditional contact Marble at marblelcmc@ Christmas carols and gmail.com. To view the video contemporary songs. The junior and learn more about the choir started with Oh Come ambassador program visit youtu. All Ye Faithful, followed by be/GJkK4-gDbiY.

www.moumethodist.org 27 Foundation Scholarships Growing Resources for Missouri Students

osts for higher education continue to rise. National C average tuition, fees, and room & board expenses for four-year undergraduate education exceeds $23,000 annually. Some top institutions and graduate programs can double or triple that amount. To help minimize debt, students and parents are well- advised to seek out scholarship assistance from a variety of sources. United Methodists in Missouri are fortunate to have access to a number of resources through the Missouri United Methodist Foundation. “We have a number of scholarships for students who are members of United Methodist churches in Missouri,” states David P. Atkins, executive director of the Foundation. “We also partner with the United Methodist Dollars for Scholars Program to offer additional assistance to eligible students at Central Methodist University and Saint Paul School of Theology.” Eligibility requirements and application materials are available through the Foundation website (www.mumf.org) or by contacting the Foundation office (800-332-8238). The deadline for applications is April 1, 2015. Named scholarships include: • The Judge Leah B. McCartney Scholarship – 2 @ $2,000 • The Mary Alice Reinhardt Scholarship – 2 @ $1,000 • The Merrydelle G. May Scholarship – 10 @ $1,000 • The Clint & Marge Hawkins Scholarship – 3 @ $1,000

In 2014, the Foundation also provided $1,000 to each of 35 students at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri and to three students at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City through the Dollars for Scholars program administered by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF). Eligibility information and a link to the UMHEF website and application are also found at www.mumf.org. Applications become available on January 2, 2015 and the deadline for application is March 1, 2015. Scholarships for seminary students up to $3,000 per year for full-time study are also available from the Foundation. The application deadline is June 30, 2015.

28 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists Ways to Read The Missouri Methodists

Individual Mailed Subscription Read Via Email This magazine is automatically sent to all clergy and Subscribe for free to have a PDF of each issue emailed to you selected church leaders, but is also available to anyone by selecting The Missouri Methodists at for $20 per year. Send checks payable to the Missouri www.moumethodist.org/stayconnected Conference to Lorraine Sanders at 3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO, 65202. Use An App Bulk Subscriptions The magazine is available as an app for most smartphones and tablets. Just search your usual marketplace (like iTunes This is a good way for churches to distribute to members at connect or Google Play Store) for Missouri Methodists. less than half the cost of individual subscriptions. Share & Speak Up Prices are $100 to receive a box of 10 magazines monthly for a year, 25 magazines monthly for $200; 50 magazines Reading this magazine on paper or online? Don’t forget to for $350, or 100 magazines for $500 per year. Send checks share. Paper copies can be passed around, and links to the payable to the Missouri Conference to Lorraine Sanders at digital version can be e-mailed, posted on social media or 3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO, 65202. posted on websites. If you have anything you would like to share about the magazine, or if you want to connect Fred Read Online Koenig, Editor of The Missouri Methodists, with a talented Every issue of The Missouri Methodists is available on our writer, photographer or videographer in your congregation, website at www.moumethodist.org/momethodists. e-mail [email protected].

www.moumethodist.org 29 BY FRED KOENIG RICH HILL: A DOCUMENTARY

et’s be clear right off the bat: the documentary photographed and interviewed people in poverty. I Rich Hill is not about the town, Rich Hill, Mo. always question whether I’m exploiting their situation The town of Rich Hill is a small town located just to get a “good” story. L south of Kansas City. It is much like any small So the easy answer is to just focus on the bright and town in the Midwest. It can be a lovely, picturesque pretty – the positive stories of success. But that course community. I spoke to Rev. Mark Kailbourn, pastor leaves important stories of struggle untold. of our United Methodist Church there, and he shared So as you watch the documentaries at the True/ that many of the children that grow up there go on False festival, locked in your own dilemma of to college, earn graduate degrees in education, and whether you are learning about a situation, or just work their way back to Rich Hill to teach at the school being entertained by the drama in the story of because they love the community. someone else’s dilemmas, things are about to get The documentary Rich Hill is set worse. When the lights come up in Rich Hill, Mo., but the movie at the end of the movie, the film is not about the town. It is a very makers are standing there on personal, intimate look at the lives stage, usually with the subjects of three young adolescents who are of the documentary you’ve just live in poverty. They are the kids watched, and they are available for you’ve encountered as a parent, questions from the audience. This teacher or school volunteer. They was the case with Rich Hill when are kids with poor attendance and it showed in Columbia last spring. behavior problems. In Rich Hill, All three boys featured in the film, you spend time in their homes and their parents, were present. It – you see the struggles, and you was undeniable that these were real come to understand the back story people, not just a story. behind the bad attitude. I encourage you to watch In early March in Columbia Rich Hill, but for goodness sake there is a film festival called True/ don’t pass any judgment on the False, in which documentaries play community of Rich Hill by the at multiple venues, morning until movie. The stories told should be evening. People come from all over considered representative examples the country. You can buy passes to of the stories of the lives of youth attend as many as you can handle. in poverty who are living in the There are around 40 documentaries communities of every one of our shown, and if you run from one 850 churches in the Missouri to the next, you can make it to about 17 of them over Conference. It brings to light the life that most of us the course of the three-day festival. The Family Life have not had to live. Center of Missouri United Methodist Church is Be forewarned, being a documentary, there is profane transformed into a movie theater for the weekend so language, smoking and adult themes in the movie Rich that it may serve as a venue. Hill. It’s a film about children, but it’s not a film for The documentaries can make you uncomfortable, children. Rich Hill can be downloaded online by searching particularly those focused on people in poverty. It’s “Rich Hill” at www.amazon.com. For more on the True/ the same discomfort I’ve felt as a journalist when I’ve False Film Festival, go to www.truefalse.org.

30 January 2015 | The Missouri Methodists JANUARY 24-25, 2015 WOW 2015 Time: Begins January 24 at 10am, Ends January 25 at 11:30am Location: Expo Center - 635 E. St. Louis Street, Springfield MO Contact: Sarah Sims, Assistant to Next Generation Ministries at [email protected]

Wow is the single largest weekend event for youth-age ministries in the state of Missouri. With passionate worship and contextualized faith development sessions, both junior high and senior high students find this event serves as a catalyst for their faith journey. Performances include Slap Happy Comedy, Rhett Walker Band, DJ Hyping the Crowd, & MORE! Youth, grades 6 through 12th, and adult mentors who are Safe Sanctuaries certified are invited to attend. Registration deadline is January 17, 2014.

JANUARY 31, 2015 Early Response Team (ERT) Training Time: 6-9pm Location: Sikeston First UMC, 1307 N Main Street, Sikeston,MO 63801 Contact: Dan Steska, [email protected]

Early Response Training provides an overview of how early response works in the UMC MO Conference. Topics include team building, safety, invitation protocol, communication, team preparation, and a summary of various kinds of response efforts that volunteers can participate in. This 3 hour course is required for certification for team recognition and approval to serve in a disaster response situation. It is recommended that teams attend as a group for planning and communication, but individual participants are encouraged to attend as well.

View more events online at www.moumethodist.org/events THE MISSOURI METHODISTS

Missouri Annual Conference 3601 Amron Court Columbia, MO 65202

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ometimes the kids can bring the parents Sto church, even when those kids are adults and no longer live at home. Mary Jo and Jim Bemke spend Christmas Eve with Jim’s (adult) children at O’Fallon. Part of that tradition is going to Christmas Eve Services at SonRise UMC. A few years ago on the drive home, Mary Jo told her husband that she had something on her mind – how about they try going to the United Methodist Church in their hometown of Hermann? He said he was thinking the same thing. They went there the next day. Both had not been in church for years. They were each originally Catholic, but were married before, and found the Catholic church to be unwelcoming for people in their second marriage. “Now we’re very happy to be Methodists,” Mary Jo said. The couple had previously lived in St. Charles, and had spent their last years there caring for family members in their final stages of life. When that role was over, they retired and moved to a place in the country near Hermann. The person who had built their house had invited them to church. “We just weren’t ready then,” Mary Jo said. He was surprised to see them walk in the door four years later. Now Jim serves on the Pastor-Parish Relations committee, and Mary Jo is in the United Methodist Women, on the board of trustees, and is starting an event team to organize fund-raising events.

PHOTO BY BETH DUCKWORTH