THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW an edition of the United Methodist Reporter

Leading congregations to lead people to actively follow Jesus Christ On Tour Charred Offerings l Fire damages 024000 Volume 158 Bob Farr shares Annual Conference Number 50 l April 13, 2012 about his interview North Park UMC offerings help people experience. 4A in Holy Week. 5A near and far. 6A Two Sections, Section A

Fathers and daughters enjoy a dance at St. James UMC. New role Rev. Cody Collier (center), head of the Missouri Conference UMM has strength, Baker named direc- delegation, and Brian Hammons listen to Elijah Stansell tor of Mission, Service answer questions during the episcopal candidate interview purpose at St. James and Justice Ministries process. Getting men to commit to support and vitality to be as come to church on Sunday morn- active as it is. Jeffery Baker has been named Delegation reviews ing can be challenging. So how “The heritage of the men who as the next Missouri Conference about getting them to come to a have been with us a long time is Director of Mission, Service and Episcopal candidates service that starts at 6 a.m.? And very important to us,” Ngomsi Justice Ministries. Baker will let’s make it on New Year’s Day. said. replace Rev. Max Marble when he The Missouri Conference by delegates what her greatest That’s the kind of challenge that But the group is also aware retires after Annual Conference Delegation joined the Kansas gifts are that she would bring to the United Methodist Men at St. of trying not to rely too heavily Session. East, Kansas West and Nebraska the office, she responded that it James UMC in Kansas City aren’t on the heritage, and to also plan Baker grew up in Hallsville. He Conference delegations at Platte would be her attitude. afraid to try. for the future. Ngomsi is inten- has a degree in business admin- Woods UMC on March 23 and “I think Bishops are in a “We thought it would be tional about trying to incorporate istration from Columbia College, March 24 to hear from 13 people unique position to be strong good to bring in the new year in more young men into the group, with an emphasis in finance. He who are offering themselves as encouragers, teachers, listening church, in worship and in prayer,” and make them an active part of worked at a bank through col- candidates for the episcopacy this with an ear for various opportu- said UMM President Doug everything that they do. lege, and following college he year. nities and unique ministries in Ngomsi. “For the past few years, we’ve attended a police academy, and The delegations met in sepa- an area,” she said. “In addition Rev. Emmanuel Cleaver III been trying to get more of the was employed as a Boone County rate rooms, and heard from the to experience, I think the most wasn’t so sure that anyone would younger set involved, and we’re Sheriff’s Deputy from 1997 – 2004. candidates one at a time for valuable thing I bring is the joy I be ready to come to church at 6 beginning to see more of a mix of Following his time as deputy he about an hour. One of the can- have in being a disciple of Christ. a.m. the morning after New Year’s ages at events,” Ngomsi said. was self employed as a home secu- didates was Cheryl Jefferson I don’t think there are enough Eve, but if the UMM were willing Every Sunday there’s a men’s rity alarm contractor and a car- Bell, an elder from the Kansas happy Christians in our church. to give it a try, he would give it a Bible study. penter. He has also worked in new area. She started her session by We need to get in touch with go as well. He’s glad that he did. “We really study the word, home construction. telling about her background as who we are, and whose we are. “We had about 175 people and how it applies to our lives,” Baker is married to Laura, and an electrical engineer, working It’s kind of a weird thing, but I there,” Cleaver said. “It was a Ngomsi said. they have three children, ages 8 for companies like Mobile and think it’s an important thing that great service of praise and prayer, The UMM group is also to 13. He has been a member of Boeing. She has served in an I bring.” that reached well beyond the involved in mission. There’s a Fairview United Methodist Church African-American church, and in One of the candidates being United Methodist Men’s group to men’s group called the “Minute in Columbia for 11 years. He first cross-cultural appointments. This interviewed was a familiar other men in the church.” Men,” who have made themselves became involved in mission by is the second time she has come face to the entire Missouri The big event to open 2012 available to members of the working on Habitat for Humanity forward to be considered for Conference delegation. Elijah was just one example of the type church for work needed around projects. He began work at the the episcopacy. When asked See Candidates, pg. 4A of activity that the UMM at St. the house, which might be shov- Office of Creative Ministries as James can make happen. eling the driveway, doing yard Volunteer In Missions coordinator The UMM at St. James has a work, or even fixing a problem in 2008. strong legacy, and Ngomsi credits with wiring or more technical “My work with the sheriff’s many of the older members of the repairs. group with giving it the strength, See Baker, pg. 2A See See UMM, pg. 4A

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profi t, Dallas, TX 75247-3919. Periodicals Rev. Jeremy Vickers (second from right) asks Rev. Cheryl Postage Paid at Dallas. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter, PO Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275. Jefferson Bell a question during the interview process. 2A Opinions and Insights April 13, 2012 The Challenge Baker continued from page 1A department helped me understand call,” Waller said. “He also knows the process of working in a crisis our system from the local church of the Ages situation, which was valuable to to the international level.” me in our disaster response work, Waller said there were many Some time ago, National as was my carpentry experience,” qualified candidates for the job, Geographic magazine included a Baker said. and serving on the interview panel poster of the most typical human Baker first became involved in was very rewarding experience. being on earth, a composite repre- international mission following the “It was amazing to hear every- sentation that interweaves physi- earthquake in Haiti in 2010. one point to the ways God had cal features of the single largest “That experience really brought changed things in their lives,” demographic niche. The single Center for Church Leadership, ble procedures—these don’t make me out of the bubble I was liv- Waller said. most common human being in identified our most critical chal- sense to those simply motivated ing in, and caused me to develop Baker was recommended as the world is a Han Chinese male lenge: how to reach more people, to a deeper spirituality and ready much deeper spiritual maturity,” the new director by the personnel who is 28 years old! There are younger people, and more diverse to serve a hurting world. Younger he said. committee to the Mission Council, more 28-year-olds in the world people (see “Reaching More people offer a wonderfully pro- Both clergy and laity applied for and the Mission Council unani- than any other single age; the larg- Diverse People,” 2009). Lovett has phetic critique of our generation. the position. Robert Courtney of mously approved him being hired. est ethnic population on earth is succinctly identified what it takes How can we offer an ancient St. Louis was the only lay person Missouri Bishop Robert Chinese; and there are slightly for us to fulfill the mission God and true message in fresh and on the personnel committee. He Schanse said he is delighted that more male humans on our planet gives us right where we live. In the compelling ways? Maybe this is had not met Baker before, or any Baker was selected for the role. than females. US, the population is increasing, something we (most of us in our of the other candidates. Courtney “Jeff brings extraordinary expe- Wouldn’t it be interesting to becoming younger, and becoming 50s and 60s) can’t figure out on was impressed with Baker’s disas- rience in helping our churches explore a similar exercise with The more diverse while the church is our own. Maybe this is something ter response work in Joplin, and focus on the needs of hurting United Methodist Church world- declining, becoming older, and we learn from our younger sisters his work with UMCOR and other people around the world,” he said. wide? What about for The United struggling to reach across ethnic and brothers. One young pastor relief agencies in Haiti. “He’s has a critical role with our Methodist Church in the US? Or boundaries. told me, “We have a foot in both “We sensed real leadership denomination in Haiti, and has for your own congregation? How How do we reach the next gen- worlds. We’re stuck in the nether capabilities in Jeff,” Courtney said. been a central leader in helping might this compare to the demo- eration when most of our leaders region, recovering from past mod- “He also has the interest and vital- rebuild homes and lives in Joplin.” graphic profiles of the communi- and people with authority are one els that don’t connect while wait- ity to carry us to the next step in Baker is the first Missouri ties that surround our churches? or two generations removed from ing for new models to emerge.” mission, and connect us with new Conference Director to be hired The results might surprise us. the people we seek to serve? We need reverse mentoring, an generations.” under the new structure who is a For instance, does our percep- And yet there are among us intentional process for listening to Rev. Monica Jefferson, senior lay person. tion of the United Methodist fam- many young followers of Christ younger people who see challeng- pastor of St. Andrew UMC in “As a lay person, I think Jeff ily acknowledge our strong growth who are eager to serve and lead. es from a different perspective. Florrisant, also serves on the per- brings a valuable new perspective in Africa and the Philippines? Of They are not the church of the For the young among us, I sonnel committee. It was impor- to our Conference leadership,” the 12 million United Methodists future but the church of today, the pray that you let your voices be tant to her to find a well-rounded Bishop Schnase said. “Along with in the world, more than 4 million doorway people whom we do well heard, that you offer your best and person who can live in a diverse the selection of Sarah Bollinger as live in Africa, nearly 150,000 are to listen to, to trust, and to follow. highest, and that you don’t allow world. our new Mozambique Initiative in the Philippines, about 80,000 Many more young adults will be cynicism and frustration to over- “I’ve seen Jeff present in inner- Coordinator, the two bring a new are European or Eurasian, and just present at General Conference as whelm you. We need a church that cities, suburbs, rural areas…every- generation of leadership to our over 7.5 million live in the United delegates than in previous years, goes where young people go and where. There isn’t a place he’s not team.” States. and this is good. They help us cares about what young people willing to go,” Jefferson said. “He’s Baker said the Office of The median age of United remember the future in every con- care about. You are a part of the willing to work with people who Creative Ministries has an out- Methodist members in the US is versation. Their ways are not our picture of United Methodism, are different than him in consen- standing legacy of fruitful mission between 55 and 59, and women ways, and that’s why we need to a member of the body, and we sus building ways. He’s not going work, and he hopes to build on outnumber men 58% to 42%. In learn from them. belong to you as you belong to us in with all the answers, but he’s that reputation. our US churches, we are 90.5% One of the tasks of leadership because we all belong to Christ. I helping volunteers be the presence “I understand how the mis- white, 5.8% black, 1.1% Asian, is to pass the mantle to the next pray for your passionate, patient, of God, and be the church.” sion experience can draw people and .9% Hispanic. These num- generations within our congrega- and persistent leadership. Missouri Conference Director into a deeper relationship with the bers present a sharp contrast to tions, conferences, and the general Paul writes to Timothy, “Don’t of Business and Administrative church, and with Christ,” Baker the demographics of most of the church. Unfortunately, this often let anyone put you down because Services Kendall Waller agreed said. “There is a lot of opportunity communities in the US that our takes the form of inviting youth you are young. Teach believ- that Baker’s work in mission was for growth. I hope to lead congre- churches seek to reach. and young adults to serve on com- ers with your life: by word, by impressive. gations in new, different ways to If the only statistic we could mittees, boards, and agencies that demeanor, by love, by faith, by “Jeff demonstrates a combina- engage their communities beyond fully comprehend about The were formed for the purpose of integrity” (1 Timothy 4:12 The tion of passion, experience and their weekly worship services.” United Methodist Church in the church in the past. We squeeze Message). the US is that our median age is them into our mold, urging them For the rest of us, I pray that approaching 60 while the median to play the role we used to play in our deliberations, we find the age of our culture is 35, we would and do things the way we used to courage to get out of the way Paul Schlapbach dies see with stark clarity the missional do them. This is not what passing sometimes and to balance our challenge we face. There is an the mantle means. vision with fresh expressions of at age 81 in St. Louis age gap of nearly two generations Much of how we do things— ministry. between the average US United our worship styles, internal squab- Rev. Paul W. Schlapbach died a Doctor of Divinity from Central Methodist and the local mission bles, organizational structures, Yours in Christ, March 24 at age 81 of brain Methodist in 1990. field. And across that gap lie sig- and approaches to ministry—seem cancer. Schlapbach was born in Schlapbach served in sev- nificant differences in perception, impenetrable, archaic, and out of Jamestown, Moniteau County, in eral capacities with the United spirituality, musical tastes, com- touch with real human need and 1930. He graduated from Central Methodist Church in his 46 year munity, life experience, use of authentic spiritual hunger. The old Methodist University in Fayette, ministry. He led a number of technology, and cultural value. ways of petitions and resolutions, and seminary at Perkins School of churches, and served as District A few years ago, the research of dividing between us and them, Robert Schnase, Bishop Theology at Southern Methodist Superintendent and asssistant to of Lovett Weems and the Lewis of lengthy processes and inaccessi- MO Conference of the UMC University in Dallas. He received the Bishop. April 13, 2012 Missouri Conference News 3A

High-Tech Chat UMCOM surveys tech Lay Leader Column among Methodists While most younger people gies like mobile apps, Twitter, By Brian hammons in the church are immersed in Yammer, blogging and YouTube. new technology, many older Responses from adults over 35 members are also jumping on the show little or no growth in the use bandwagon. That’s according to a of Twitter, blogging and YouTube. new study conducted by United Why are older United Pray for the General Conference Methodist Communications that Methodists less involved or tracks how United Methodists are engaged in technology? This How about a spiritually empowered movement? adopting and using new technol- appears related to attitudes ogy. towards technology. Younger “Pray without ceasing.” (I Thess. anxious. Hundreds of delegates Conference. The purpose of the United adults are much more likely to 5:17) and bishops are working hard and Many are sensing a great need Methodist Emerging Technology describe themselves as interested This familiar scripture admoni- spending long hours discussing for prayer around this General Survey was to help determine the in learning new technology or as tion is appropriate anytime – espe- and preparing, including our own Conference, and we know that need to broaden the use of cer- early adopters. They also are more cially now as we approach the next Bishop Schnase and our Missouri God will answer. Will you be part tain new technologies in order to likely to show signs of “addiction” important gathering of United delegation led by Rev. Cody of it? We believe in the power reach members and seekers. The to technology, needing to check Methodist leaders called “General Collier. I want to make a differ- of prayer and the power of your survey found younger members for email frequently during meet- Conference”. That 10 day event in ence and be part of significant prayers. There are many great are busy texting, watching videos ings or feeling lost without their Tampa, Florida is coming up very change, but I’m concerned about resources to help you, and two I’d and socializing online, and older smartphone. quickly. And of the nearly 1,000 exactly how it will all work out. suggest for the next few weeks are: members are making progress Although findings indicate delegates there, 14 (7 lay and 7 Then I remember – it’s not really Upper Room’s 50 Days of in technology use, though they there is indeed a divide between clergy) will be from our Missouri up to me, or our delegation, or my Prayer, daily scripture and still have some catching up to do younger and older church mem- Conference. Plus, there will be legislative committee, or even the meditations through the last before the same digital tools are bers when it comes to technol- many alternate delegates and sev- bishops. And, really, it’s not up to day of General Conference integrated into their daily lives. ogy usage, older members polled eral thousand “observers”. whatever majority carries the day (May 4). It’s on the web at According to the Rev. Larry say they are accepting of new Many of you may be wonder- regarding legislation. http://50daysofprayer.upperroom. Hollon, chief executive of United technology, but are more likely ing what all the fuss is about. If we are to be the church of org. Methodist Communications, the to “wait and see” how new prod- After all, it’s hard to see exactly Jesus Christ, a renewed Methodist Bishop Schnase’s excellent survey reveals a different conver- ucts evolve. On the other hand, how whatever happens at General movement in our time, it’s up to blogs for the 30 days leading up sation going on between younger younger persons tend to jump Conference affects your work in God – and a spiritual empower- to General Conference, found at digital natives and older digital right in when new technologies your local congregation and com- ment that fills each person with www.ministrymatter.com/30days immigrants.“We inhabit differ- and products are introduced to munity. Actually, this time, that’s passion for Christ and for all of or at www.fivepractices.org. ent worlds depending on when the market. the point – the local church. THIS God’s people. Everywhere – from Laity of the Missouri we came to the digital terrain,” What do all these percent- General Conference, more than General Conference delegates Conference, let’s get more spiri- Hollon said. “Digital immigrants ages and predictions have to tell recent ones, could be pivotal to in Tampa, through Annual tually-engaged and “pray without are people like me who were born us about the way churches and the future of the church and all Conferences and every local con- ceasing” for God’s Holy Spirit to before the Internet, while digital church leaders are using technol- our congregations. All of our gregation’s leaders. Every clergy empower a movement of renewal natives are younger persons who ogy? “connection”. IF it can embrace and lay leader. YOU! and purpose throughout our have experienced broadband It’s pretty obvious that elec- the call to redirect attention, The Call to Action report iden- church. Each one of us can be part access and cell phone use as a part tronic tools like websites, e-news- energy, and resources toward a tifies key “drivers” of vital congre- of that. Let’s pray that God will fill of their everyday life from birth.” letters, and now Facebook are sustained focus upon helping gations, one of which is “a high Tampa and General Conference Findings from the survey becoming common marketing local congregations become more percentage of spiritually-engaged with wisdom and discernment, include: and evangelism avenues; however healthy and vital, more purposeful laity” in leadership. Spiritually helping God to use the United The old and young are fans of local churches may still be miss- and effective. More fruitful. With engaged laity. One of the first ways Methodist movement to truly Facebook. In the last two years, ing some significant opportunities all the various proposals, differing for laity, particularly lay leaders, to transform the world through con- Facebook use among United to keep in touch with younger perspectives, and heartfelt anxiety be spiritually engaged is through gregations of new and renewed Methodist members went from 43 adults through apps and texting. about change, is it possible? prayer – listening for God’s spiri- disciples of Jesus Christ. That’s a to 63 percent among older mem- While those 45 or older spend Only with God’s help and by tual voice, discerning directions vision worth praying for! bers. Among 25-34 year-olds, its about 11 hours a week communi- the power of the Holy Spirit. and actions. Prayer for your own Thanks again for your leader- usage increased from 83 to 95 cating electronically (answering As I’ve spent hours reading work, for your pastor and con- ship and prayers! percent, and 84 percent of 35-44 email, on Internet sites and using the material sent to delegates gregation, for your community, year-olds, up from 65 percent. Facebook), younger adults have and pouring over the legislative for our conference and bishop. Brian Hammons, Lay Leader Older adults are discovering them beat. Adults 25 to 34 spend proposals, I find myself getting And, yes, prayer for the General MO Conference of the UMC that texting is a pretty handy twice that (22 hours), and those means of communications. Usage 34 to 44 spend an average of 18 of texting by adults 35 and older hours a week. THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE REVIEW increased from 49 percent in 2009 When it comes to learning Robert Schnase Toll Free: (877) 736-1806 to 63 percent. Other than the use more about digital communica- Bishop, Missouri Area Columbia: (573) 441-1770 of apps, which was just beginning tions, church leaders and pastors Sherry Habben Fax: (573) 441-1780 at the time of the earlier study, want to know more about set- Director of Connectional Ministries Subscription rate is $15 per year. Make checks texting and Facebook are the ting up websites (37 percent) and Contact information payable to the Missouri Conference. only new technologies garnering e-newsletters (37 percent), but are 3601 Amron Court Fred Koenig, Editor Columbia, Missouri 65202 Lorraine Sanders, Circulation increased usage by older adults. less interested in being trained to E-mail for news submission: Circulation e-mail: [email protected] Younger adults in the church create podcasts and various other fk [email protected] Next Deadline: April 13 Next Issue: April 27 are still way ahead on technolo- tools. 4A Missouri Conference News April 13, 2012

Election process takes a year

When you run for Bishop, you’re not running a 5K. It’s more like a marathon. The race is nine- months long, with moments of intensity, and lulls of recovery. To be clear, however, no one really runs for Bishop. There is no filing process, you’re not officially a candidate. Similar Bob Farr noted that Episcopal candidates see each other to the clergy delegation elec- coming and going at the airport, but never get together as tion, when the South Central a group. This photo of eight is more than you will typically Jurisdictional Conference con- find together at once. venes in Oklahoma City July 18 - 21, they can vote for any United Methodist elder in the jurisdic- Farr enjoys opportunity tion who will not turn 72 before Ivan James asks a question of Elijah Stansell during the the four-year term is up. to discuss transformation episcopal candidate interviews. A surprise election is very Bob Farr has a passion for before the Board of Ordained unlikely, though. The com- church transformation. So Ministry again, 30 years later,” mon candidacy process starts for him, the recent barrage of Farr said. Candidates continued from page 1A in fall before the year before Episcopal candidate interviews he Farr is known for being frank, Jurisdictional Conference. People went through was an enjoyable perhaps even blunt, in express- Stansell, treasurer of the Texas You have to consider whether or willing to put themselves forward experience. ing his opinions. One question Annual Conference, lead a learn- not an organization is at a place as Episcopal candidates typi- “I’ve had the opportunity to that came up more than once was ing time at the Missouri Annual for restructuring. You must deter- cally let the delegations in their have 14 conversations about trans- would he be able to listen to oth- Conference Session last year. mine what’s broke before you try Conference know. Their delega- forming the United Methodist ers and work collaboratively. Stansell worked in upper man- to fix it. It could just be broke tions then interview them, and Church with groups of significant “I just explained that people agement for corporations before leadership, or broke vision.” vote whether or not to endorse leaders in 14 Conferences,” Farr who walk close with me see responding to the call to minis- Larry Fagan asked Stansell if it the candidates. They can also said. “I walked out of every inter- that I partner and collaborate in try. He has served on cabinet for was a typo in his bio where it stat- be endorsed by a caucus, like view feeling like I had an engag- everything that I do,” Farr said. “I 12 years, and has served on the ed that the church he had served the Black Methodist for Church ing conversation about the future understand how to work within General Council of Finance and previously had paid 163 percent Renewal. After candidates are of the church. How many clergy the processes we are given.” Administration for eight years. of its apportionments. Stansell endorsed, their names are shared get the opportunity to do that? It’s Farr was sometimes asked Rev. Matt Miofsky asked said that 163 percent is accurate, with other Conferences in the been great. No matter how things questions regarding social issues Stansell about his thoughts and there wasn’t a trick to it, they jurisdiction. Then nothing turn out, I wouldn’t trade the and points of controversy in the regarding the structure of an just rose up to meet a need. happens for a period of a few experience for anything.” church. Annual Conference. “I believe when you agree to months, other than speculative The interviews have been “My answer is always that if I’m “We’ve gone though some do something, you get it done,” conversations among people different in each Conference. elected Bishop, my obligation is to restructure, some good and he said. who take interest in things like Sometimes Farr is given time for uphold the Book of Discipline – bad. If come into an Annual Rev. Bob Farr did not Episcopal elections. opening comments – sometimes it period. It’s the glue that holds us Conference with restructure in interview with the Missouri The next step is candidate goes straight to the questions. together,” he said. “It doesn’t really mind - you’re wrong,” Stansell Conference delegation, because interviews with the delegations. “They’ve all been different. matter what my opinion is.” said. “You must understand where he had already participated in In the case of the South Central It’s not like after you have a few Back in Missouri, the Healthy an Annual Conference is, where similar process with them before Jurisdiction, this started in of them done you’re set. You Church Initiative is in the midst it’s been, and where it wants to go. they endorsed him last fall. February and amounted to five really can’t anticipate the ques- of 20 church consultations right weekends in a row, with two or tions,” Farr said. “Every Annual now. Farr has been present at five three interviews most weekends. Conference handles this process of them, and is very confident in UMM continued from page 1A Then there was a break, fol- uniquely, and they each have their the team of leaders who have been The UMM at St. James devel- One of the most recent events lowed by the last set of interviews own personality.” conducting the others. He’s also oped a quarterly journal, treat- put on the UMM was the father/ with the Kansas East, Kansas In some conferences, it was sit- been working with Missouri’s 17 ing it just like a commercial daughter dance on March 24. West, Nebraska and Missouri ting back on couches and having new church starts, and helping magazine, with a cover story and “With the father/daughter Conference, all coming together a living-room style conversation. form plans for two more in the special sections, like sports. The dance, the girls are demonstrated at Platte Woods UMC. In others, it was standing before coming year. publication addressed contem- proper courtship,” Ngomsi said. Then again a pause, for about tables arranged in a horseshoe- Farr said the interview process porary issues in faith. The UMM “They really look forward to it. four months. General Conference shape with a camera and micro- hasn’t required much preparation, business chamber promotes busi- It’s a very popular event. It’s one happens in April and May, but it phone in front of you, calling on because he wants to just be him- nesses owned by members of the of the ways we get other pockets doesn’t have anything to do with raised hands for questions like the self, and speak from the heart. church. of the congregation involved in Episcopal elections. Finally in July, President in press conference. In “I think there’s a real hunger Every year at Men’s Day there what we do.” Read more about the right after Annual Conferences other Conferences, printed ques- to hear people speak honestly in is a special worship service, often dance on page 4A. have been wrapped up, there is tions were given to the candidates love about the church,” he said. with a guest preacher. On May 18-19, the UMM will jurisdictional conference. The at the beginning of the interview. “I always ask the delegation I’m “It’s our Sunday to re-energize be having a retreat at the Missouri newly elected Bishops will get Questions involved personal addressing to elect three transfor- the group,” Ngomsi said. Conference Wilderness Retreat started in their new Conferences experience, leadership, the Call To mational leaders, whether I’m one Heartland Central District and Development Center. in September, and the appointive Action proposal, theology, social of the three or not. We will all live Superintendent Yolanda Villa was Cleaver characterizes the cabinets in their home Conference issues and management styles. with the people whom we elect.” very impressed with the worship UMM at St. James as very active, will work on making mid-year “It was somewhat like being service at Men’s Day. and getting stronger. appointments to fill in gaps cre- “It was one of the most incred- “They are becoming involved ated by the change. ible, powerful expressions of wor- in more ministries throughout the ship I have ever seen,” she said. life of the church,” he said. April 13, 2012 Local Church News 5A More than 125 enjoy Father Daughter Dance at St. James

By Mike Hobson, Chairman UMM Father/Daughter Dance The 12th Annual Father Daughter Dance, sponsored by the St. James United Methodist Men, was held on Saturday, March 24, 2012, in the Ministry Mall @ St. James United Methodist Church. The event was attended by over 125 Fathers & Daughters, who enjoyed music, dancing, catered meal, with cupcakes & cake for desert. Attendees were overwhelm- ingly excited to have as our special guest, “Cinderella” & her “Prince”. The little girls were in awe and greeted her with smiles and laugh- equally exciting, as participants being decorated with hundreds of ter. Cinderella enjoyed taking pic- danced competitively for the win- balloons and an array of beautiful tures and dancing with the girls. ning prize of a Sunday Brunch decorations. It was truly a beauti- A professional photographer Certificate for two. ful and magical setting. was on hand to capture the eve- Free limousine rides have been On behalf of the United ning and to have a memory of a part of the dance for the last Methodist Men, our President, the event. Our MC, Keith Rainey several years and have continued Doug Ngomsi, Co-Chair, Bobby got the crowd on their feet as to be hit with the guests. Lastly, Baker & all that worked hard to they danced the night away. thanks to Tamara Sykes and the make the dance a success, thank Our featured dance contest was Sykes Team for the Ministry Mall you!

Fire damages North Park UMC in St. Louis

Rev. Ronald Graham was woken up the back door. ken in there,” he said. about midnight April 1 with bad news “The church was filled with black The firefighters responded that was no joke. smoke, from the ceiling to about a foot quickly and the blaze was soon “Our neighbor was telling us that off of the floor,” Graham said. extinguished, but the altar of the it looked like our church is on fire,” Graham went around to open the church was burned, along with Graham said. front door so when the firefighters some pews and light fixtures. They couldn’t see flames, but saw arrived they would have access from Stained glass windows were embers in the air, and smoke coming both sides, but when he got there he damaged, and the entire sanctu- from the building. Graham and the found the front door was ajar. ary received smoke and water neighbor rushed over there and opened “It appeared that someone had bro- damage. A cross and two candle holders were missing from the church. “If the neighbor hadn’t seen it, there would have been a lot more damage,” Graham said. As of press time, the church was planning on having its Easter services in the chapel, which wasn’t damaged.

Firefighters respond to North Park UMC. Photo courtesy of KMOV St. Louis. Fire damage at North Park. Photo by Gina Washington. 6A Missouri Conference News April 13, 2012 Annual Conference Pan-Methodist hold offerings to help spring meeting in Florida people in need By Jerry Ruth Williams member churches. Bishop Bishop Alfred L. Norris (UMC) near and far The Pan-Methodist McKinley Young, once chair of Bishop Sharon Rader, The following offerings will be collected at Commission held its final meeting the Commission, delivered a Ecumenical Officer, (UMC) Annual Conference Session in Springfield, June 8-11. of the 2008-2012 quadrennium dynamic, soul-stirring message Bishop Teresa Snorton (CME) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The using John 17:11-21 which had Bishop John White, Ecumenical Kit Offering – Family Food Packs meeting was led by Bishop Alfred been read by Dr. Stephen Sidorak, Officer, (AME) Please bring your offering of kits to Annual Conference and load L. Norris, chairperson. Hosted General Secretary of the General Bishop McKinley Young them on to the Office of Creative Ministries/Festival of Sharing trailer locally by the African Methodist Commission on Christian Unity (AME) during the street party Friday evening. There will be plenty of youth Episcopal Church, the meeting and Interreligious Concerns of Bishop George W. Carver on hand to help unload. The Family Food Pack is the most requested began Friday, March 23 and ended The United Methodist Church. Walker, Sr., Senior Bishop and most needed kit this year. on Saturday, March 24. Bishop Young reminded an (AMEZ). Family Food Pack-$25.00 Value In addition to the usual busi- enthralled congregation of what The Pan-Methodist 3 cans assorted vegetables ness sessions, the Commission it means to be sent and how both Commission has as its purpose “to 3 cans assorted fruits visited a community agency which clergy and laity are compelled to work to define, plan, and in coop- 3 cans tuna supports families, men, women respond to the call. eration with established agencies, 1 can pasta sauce and children. On the afternoon of On Saturday morning, March execute activities that foster mean- 1 pound pasta March 23, the Commission visited 24, continuing business included ingful cooperation.” The member 1 jar peanut butter the Broward Partnership for the the finalization and adoption of denominations are the African 1 can Spam Homeless, Inc. (BPHI), “a non- the 2012-2016 budget, and the Methodist Episcopal Church, 3 packages macaroni & cheese profit organization committed to composition of a letter to the the African Methodist Episcopal Place items in a sturdy box or book carton, tape and label “Family reducing homelessness by promot- Attorney General of the State Zion Church, the African Union Food Pack.” ing independence and self worth of Florida and to the Attorney Methodist Protestant Church, the through advocacy, housing, and General of the United States. The Christian Methodist Episcopal comprehensive services.” As is the letter expresses the collective dis- Church, the Union American Haiti Water Project Commission’s custom, a donation dain and outrage at the murder of Methodist Episcopal Church, and A child dies somewhere in the world every 15-20 seconds due to for assisting the on-going work in Trayvon Martin and the seeming The United Methodist Church. water or sanitation related diseases. Safe water can cost a family 25 the war against poverty was pre- lack of concern of law enforce- The Commission’s administra- percent of their income. Through the use of HydrAid Biosand Water sented to BPHI. ment officials for the apprehen- tive secretary, Dr. Mary Love, has Filters we can make a difference. This filter provides clean drinking Following the tour of BPHI, the sion and retention of George forwarded a comprehensive report water at the cost of about $100 per family. This filter has no mov- Commission members were trans- Zimmerman. The Commission to each of the general conferences ing parts, it can be cleaned in place, requires little maintenance, and ported to the Mt. Hermon AME also discussed the mounting of the member denominations. operates on demand. The Haiti Water Project supports the purchase Church for the enjoyment of gra- conflict surrounding voter regis- The report reflects the work of and installation of these waters filters as well as allowing volunteers to cious hospitality and a delicious tration. Several members of the the Commission spanning the last install filters where they are needed in Haiti. For more information go meal served banquet-style in the Social Concerns Committee are four years. to www.ifyouknewthegift.com. fellowship hall completed during developing a statement of concern The 11th Consultation of the 7-year tenure of Bishop John about that issue, as well. Methodist Bishops has been set White, ecumenical officer of the To mark the conclusion of for March 10-12, 2013 in Atlanta, The Mozambique Bridge AME Church. Bishop White was the quadrennium, Bishop Alfred Georgia. More details are forth- A vital bridge connects congregations in the Missouri Conference to elected to the episcopacy just after Norris presented certificates of coming. Every Pan-Methodist partner congregations in Mozambique. This special annual conference the completion of that modern appreciation to the Commission bishop will receive notification of offering honors the work of retiring Coordinator Carol Kreamer and facility. members. the meeting. celebrates the new ministry of Sarah Bollinger as Coordinator. The An inspirational and exciting Bishops attending the meeting For more information, visit offering will keep this bridge strong. In Missouri it will provide support worship and communion service were: [email protected] and for Sarah. In Mozambique it will provide for Capacity Building training was held in the sanctuary with Bishop Violet Fisher (UMC) www.panmethodistcampaign- and tools for the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. representatives in attendance Bishop Kenneth Monroe forchildren.org. from most of the Pan-Methodist (AMEZ) Ludhiana Christian Medical College and Hospital Local pastor’s licensing school to be in May At the Ludhiana Christian Medical College and Hospital young Christian men and women are educated to become doctors, dentists, The 2012 Missouri Conference from the Conference Board of feiture of $100 of your registration physical therapists and nurses. Most of the students are from the very Local Pastor’s Licensing School Ministry. Additional assistance money. poor Christian minority population of India. This ministry is so very will be held on the campus of may also be available from your If you have any questions you important because the Ludhiana Medical College provides much need- Central Methodist University May District Office or from your local may contact one of the school ed medical professionals for hundreds of mission hospitals across India 13-19. Certified candidates for church. directors: Richard Northcutt, which were started by missionaries and which serve the poor in under- Licensed and Ordained Ministry For registration forms, infor- First UMC, Kirksville, 300 E. served areas. Five Missouri Conference mission ambassadors went to who will be appointed to serve a mation about required texts, Washington, Kirksville, MO Ludhiana last March and are available to speak in churches. For their local church are eligible to attend. written assignments, and class 63501, Phone: 660-665-7712, contact information go to www.ludhianamissouri.org The $450 per student tuition information you may go to the Fax: 660-665-7713, e-mail covers room, meals, snacks, and following link: http://www.mou- [email protected]; or printed materials relevant to class methodist.org/pages/detail/1154. Fred Leist, First UMC, Kearney, Imagine No Malaria work. Participants are responsible Registration forms must be 1000 E. State Rt. 92, Kearney, MO In Africa one child dies from malaria every 30 seconds. Imagine No for purchasing the required texts. postmarked no later than April 30, 64060, Phone: 816-628-5560, Fax: Malaria is the bold campaign of our United Methodist Church to put Financial scholarships of $200 are 2012. Cancellation after May 7, 816-628-7325, e-mail Fleist@kear- an end to this terrible disease. You generous contribution in this spe- available for Missouri candidates for any reason, will result in for- neyfumc.org. cial annual conference offering for Imagine No Malaria will make such a difference in the lives of families and individuals in Africa. April 13, 2012 Opportunities 7A Conference Calendar Date Event Location Phone/E-Mail Contact Job 4/13/2012 Confirmation Retreat - Wilderness Camp Wilderness Camp (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Postings 4/14/2012 Surge 2012 MO UMC (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden Director of Ministries / Volunteer Coordinator 4/20/2012 Confirmation Retreat at Camp Jo-Ota Camp Jo-Ota (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer The First UMC in North Kansas City is seeking director Francesca 4/21/2012 Counselor Workshop & Event Director Training Blue Mountain (573) 441-1770 of ministries/volunteer coordina- Burton tor. The position is 30 - 40 hours per week including scheduled Heifer Int. - Caring for People & the Earth in 4/22/2012 Calvary Episcopal (573) 474-7155 Terri Williams evenings and weekends, with Guatemala some flexibility. Sunday morn- ing availability is required. The 4/24/2012 Earth Care in a Guatemala Cloud Forest MO UMC (573) 474-7155 Terri Williams salary range is $20,000 - $30,000 depending on experience. A background check is required. 4/27/2012 Confirmation Retreat - Blue Mountain Blue Mountain (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Application can be made by send- ing a resume with salary require- Alexis ments to First UMC of North 4/27/2012 Youth & Women's Retreat Rickman Center (314) 521-7891 Robinson Kansas City, 2100 Howell Street, North Kansas City, MO 64116 or 5/2/2012 Coaching4Clergy - Basic Training Conference Center (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden responding to fumcnkc@gmail. com. The complete job descrip- mpope@centralmethodist. 5/8/2012 CMU Leadership Institute Central Methodist Michael Pope tion is available upon request. edu 5/19/2012 Mid State Lay Speaking Community UMC [email protected] Michael Sykuta Office Coordinator

5/28/2012 Adult Mission Trip - Joplin Joplin, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer The First United Methodist Church in North Kansas City is 6/2/2012 Mid State Lay Speaking Community UMC [email protected] Michael Sykuta seeking a part-time office coor- dinator to oversee the adminis- Springfield Expo trative functions, communica- 6/8/2012 Annual Conference (573) 441-1770 Sherry Habben Center tions, and building maintenance. Accounts payable and payroll 6/12/2012 Mission Trip - St. Louis St. Louis, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer experience is a plus. The posi- tion is 20 hours per week. Set 6/17/2012 Mission Trip - Colorado Colorado (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer office hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. The salary range is 6/22/2012 Explore Leadership Camp Central Methodist (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer $10,000 - $15,000 depending on experience. Application instruc- 6/25/2012 Mission Trip - Cherokee Nation Oklahoma (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer tion are the same as the posting above 7/1/2012 Mission Trip - Arlington, TX Arlington, TX (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer

7/8/2012 Mission Trip - Joplin Joplin, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Executive Director Position for SUMC 7/15/2012 Mission Trip - Joplin Joplin, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer Schweitzer United Methodist Church is seeking an Executive 7/20/2012 MO School of Lay Ministry CMU [email protected] Rick Matson Director to administer the daily operations of a multigenera- 7/22/2012 Mission Trip - Joplin Joplin, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer tional church as they support the church’s vision and mission. 7/26/2012 Cooperative School of Christian Mission CMU (314) 432-1091 Sally Holston Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated ability to work with a variety of leaders of major 7/29/2012 Mission Trip - Joplin Joplin, MO (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer ministry areas, facilitate the leadership development of the 8/2/2012 MO Candidacy Summit Camp Jo-Ota (573) 441-1770 Karen Hayden church staff and provide excellent supervision of the staff. Serve as 8/10/2012 Holy Ghost Party Camp Clover Point (573) 291-9122 Bev Boehmer a member and a resource of the Paula Church Council, Trustees, and 8/11/2012 Finance & Mission Team Meetings Conference Center (417) 437-9628 Ackerson Finance Committees is required. If you or someone you know Sheraton Westport - St. Tammy 8/16/2012 School of Congregational Development (573) 441-1770 is detailed oriented and pos- Louis Calcote sesses the ability to work in a multi-project fast paced environ- 9/8/2012 SERVE 2012 State-wide [email protected] Audrey Phelps ment, please email your resume with salary requirements to Wood's Chapel - Lee's karen.hayden@ [email protected] by 9/11/2012 CONVERGE Karen Hayden Summit moumethodist.org April 15, 2012. 8AA Office of Creative Ministries News April 13, 2012

This photo is from a Women’s Lambing Weekend that Carol Oliver and her daughters participated in at the Heifer Ranch. Schrader named HRA for Society New information available on FOS focus projects of St. Andrew Mark Schrader, veteran in the By Carol Oliver of Change in Arkansas and sustainable livelihood. In addition, publications, it was suggested that ranks of the United Methodist Festival of Sharing publications Appalachia.” With this additional Heifer will engage the school sys- we support gardening compo- Men and in the fight against such as the booklet are printed information, the decision has been tem by providing a curriculum for nents; seeds and trees - $80; hoop hunger, has officially joined and packets of Festival informa- made to add an option to contri- children and youth that provides house - $100; green house - $500; forces with the Society of St. tion are already in the hands of butions for that project. instruction in gardening skills and school garden plot - $1,500. Those Andrew, to dedicate even more some church members. Details The “Seeds of Change…” important information about the opportunities are certainly still of his energy to feeding people about the Heifer International project will help marginalized direct link between health and encouraged. However if funding a in need – with the fresh food of projects targeted for support for families by providing them with diet. What is new to this project is sheep ($120 per sheep) is a more God’s Good Earth! this year are included. But the training and gardening resources the addition of livestock. fitting choice for your congre- As of March 1, 2012, Mark Heifer International Americas necessary for them to grow their With the announcement that gation, then you are invited to, donned the mantle of Missouri program director has recently own healthy food. These families livestock will now be included as “share a sheep!” Hunger Advocate for the Society released new information perti- will also receive help accessing part of this project, the decision For further information contact the of St. Andrew. This position was nent to the domestic project we local markets for their produce, has been made to add an option Office of Creative Ministries at thack- previously held by Jeff Baker and are promoting which is “Seeds providing them with a means of of funding sheep. In previous [email protected] or at 573-474-7155. Joe Bartelsmeyer. He will work with Lisa Ousley and Karin Page from the Western Headquarters Mission connects church, community office in Kansas City, represent- ing SoSA West in UMC pulpits, By Lois Green mission and vision statements, three of our HUMC youth: fields and parking lots across I love surprises especially when and our involvement in the com- Dakota Mathew, Liam Redinger, the state as he spreads the good they are rewarding someone who munity. HUMC became aware of and Tucker Quinn, helped get the word about fighting hunger with is helping others. That is exactly grant money for working on new clothes sorted to be hung (with fresh produce, gleans fields and what happened on December 21 projects that reach out to the com- hangers donated by Kohl’s) and orchards after the harvest and at Harrisonville Middle School munity. One of the requirements displayed. hosts Potato Drops at churches (HMS) during their Christmas was that the church had to com- As the work was going on, the around the state. Assembly. A grant of $1,000 mit to helping to fund the project need for clothes from the Closet Mark and his wife, Debi was awarded to the counselors, also. After much discussion, it was was great. A young person needed attend St. Mark’s UMC in Leigh Weatherspoon and Kristen decided that HUMC could donate something warm to wear dur- Florissant, Mo., where he has Stallbaumer, so that they can con- $500. So an application was sub- ing the school hours because he been a member for more than tinue their efforts to clothe middle mitted for the Costner-Fulton only had on a short sleeve t-shirt. 27 years. They have two grown school students who need help in grant for $1000. This all happened Another youth needed jeans, a in making sure that the clothes are daughters, Jessi and Anna. For these tough economic times. They between Oct. 3 and Dec. 21. It all winter coat, shirts and socks; then straightened up and ready for use. the past three years Mark has coordinate the efforts of teachers, came together in “God’s time”. asked if a sister could also get After recently talking with the served as the Hunger Relief student leaders and also volunteer With the help of a lot of some clothes. Through our help, counselors, they are excited to Advocate for Gateway Central their time to do this through “The HUMC people and the funds middle school students were able have HUMC involved in other District of United Methodist Cat’s Closet”. made available from the grant and to have clothes so that they could ways also. They are seeing a need Men. The grant was given through HUMC, the renovation began in participate in the holiday choir for hygiene kits for the students Mark has been hosting Potato the Missouri United Methodist December. Taylor Morse, a senior concerts. Almost every day stu- as there is a high percentage of Drops for the Gateway Central Office of Creative Ministries. at Harrisonville High School dents go to the Closet for clothes. middle school students that are UMM for the past three years. HUMC became aware of “The who is interested in becoming The renovation has made a considered homeless. The students He has been a strong partner Cat’s Closet” through what an architect was asked to be on huge difference to the students. don’t even have the basic personal for SoSA West, and SoSA West can only be described as “God the design team. George Morse It is much easier for the students items for cleanliness. Almost 40 Director Lisa Ousley said she is moments”. The counselors had was also involved in design and to find things in a timely manner. percent of the students are on free grateful to have him on board – applied for Foundation money; construction of the shelving units. With all of the clothes hung up or or reduced lunches so the need is officially! “Mark’s hobby is fight- however, that money is only avail- The HUMC youth painted the on shelves, they can quickly locate great. ing hunger,” said Ousley. “He’s a able for education. Through a shelving units (great way to spend the items needed. It is much more HUMC continues to donate perfect fit for SoSA West.” series of conversations with mem- Christmas break). Storage units convenient to see what is needed clothing items as the need is iden- If you need to reach Mark for bers of HUMC, Lori Bruens, Ann for clothes were bought so that in the closet for the students. The tified. This has been an excellent a Potato Drop, speaking engage- Morse and Pastor Scott Bailey- the Closet could be opened and Closet is being used more by the way for HUMC to reach out to the ment or gleaning., please call Kirk, it was thought that help- ready for student use in January. students because the appearance community and show God’s love 314-504-7879, or email him at ing the Cat’s Closet would work The Harrisonville Middle School is much more inviting. The HMS in a tangible, very real way. [email protected] . within the parameters of our new leadership team which includes leadership team takes more pride umportal org The independent source for news, features and commentary about the United Methodist Church

In the community Wesleyan Wisdom Freedom Collection Section B Church’s private school Quaker scholar’s words Bush Center unveils goes public this fall | 4B can speak to UMC | 7B human rights archive | 8B April 13, 2012 United Methodists clash over ‘i’-word question in this country illegally. B Y S AM HODGES The UMC’s General Commission Managing Editor on Religion and Race has joined the If you drop the “i” word, you may national “Drop the I-Word” campaign pick up controversy. sponsored by the Applied Research That happened to the First United Center, a racial justice think tank. Methodist Church of Salt Lake City Through its website and printed when its council approved a resolution materials, the commission calls on opposing the use of “illegal” to refer to United Methodist congregations to people, meaning such terms as “illegal monitor their language in regard to immigrant” and “illegal alien” were of- immigration and argues that “illegal” ficially discouraged. unfairly summarizes those who are The March 12 decision, urged by “out of (legal) status.” the pastor, the Rev. Eun-sang Lee, ap- The commission argues that “ille- parently was a first for a Utah church. gal” used this way is inflammatory, The Salt Lake Tribune covered the and can even be racist, serving to pit move, and hundreds of comments racial and ethnic groups against one rolled in via the newspaper’s website another in the search for scarce jobs. and social media. On the website, the commission “We have received some nasty re- notes that only General Conference sponses, but also encouraging re- can speak for the UMC, something it marks,” said Mr. Lee, who immigrated hasn’t done specifically on language legally from South Korea in 1978. “All and immigration. But the commission we’re trying to do is to put a human cites the Book of Discipline’s call for face on this issue.” affirming “the worth of all humanity Language is definitely part of the and value of interrelationship in all of contentious immigration debate, and God’s creation,” as well as its own United Methodists are speaking out— charge to work toward eradication of mostly, but not exclusively, on the side racism, as its reasons for pushing PHOTO COURTESY ONFIRE of substituting “undocumented” for Drop the I-Word. Members of OnFire, the young adult chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, supported “illegal” in describing people who are  See ‘I-Word’ page 2B immigration reform in a march on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in March 2010. Debate event focuses on restructuring proposals superintendent and a candidate to be 10-year focus on sustaining and in- for more than 40 years. discussion, asking the debaters ques- B Y H EATHER H AHN bishop. creasing the number of vital United United Methodists “would have to tions submitted by the audience there United Methodist News Service Each of the debaters has been in- Methodist congregations—that is, be blind and unconcerned” not to and online. “More than we need a new organi- volved in some way in developing re- congregations on a trajectory of know that local churches need more zational chart, we need a new Pente- structuring legislation and dealing growth and engaged in their commu- vitality and that too many people do Three proposals cost.” with the ramifications. All three nities. not know Christ, he said. However, he Most of the conversation centered The Rev. Kim Cape, top executive agreed that the United Methodist “There isn’t a plan out there that’s disputed the effectiveness of agency on the Call to Action Interim Opera- of the United Church needs to change, and all going to accomplish the Call to Ac- reorganization. tions Team’s proposal, which would Methodist General agreed that restructuring alone would tion,” Mr. Brim said. Still, he quickly “I don’t think we can solve a spiri- merge nine of the denomination’s 13 Board of Higher Ed- not achieve the goal of renewed disci- added, a new structure can help. tual problem with a structural solu- general agencies into a new United ucation and Min- ple-making. “What we’re trying to do with that tion, and I think we have a spiritual Methodist Center for Connectional istry, shared that But, they differed greatly on what legislation is find a more efficient and problem,” he said. “I know that’s a Mission and Ministry. thought as part of a good a new structure would do. economical way to run our general simplistic answer, but I think we The plan would replace boards larger debate on pro- Mr. Brim spoke of the need for church staff and to ensure that the would be better off if we did a lot of now governed by more than 500 un- posals to restructure structural change and greater nimble- way we run that staff will make it eas- repentance and have a lot of revival paid volunteers with a 15-member United Methodist ness in decision-making. As chair of ier for us to be the global church we rather than tinker with structure.” board of directors who also are volun- agencies. Kim Cape the Connectional Table’s legislative hope to be and are at this moment The United Methodist Men of the teers. Those 15 board members of the Joining Ms. Cape task force, he helped draft legislation with tenuous connection,” he said. Southwest Texas Conference spon- new center, in turn, would be account- in the three-hour debate March 31 to consolidate agencies under the Call Dr. McClendon echoed Ms. Cape’s sored the gathering at Windcrest able to a proposed 45-member Gen- were Jay Brim, Southwest Texas Con- to Action proposal that launched the desire for a new “Pentecost” for the de- United Methodist Church in San Anto- eral Council for Strategy and ference lay leader, and the Rev. Tim discussion. nomination, which has been steadily nio. Gil Hanke, the top executive of Oversight, which would replace the McClendon, Columbia (S.C.) District The Call to Action proposal urges a losing members in the United States United Methodist Men, moderated the  See ‘Debate’ page 3B 2B FAITH focus Dallas-area  I-WORD Continued from page 1B “It’s been said that our words the statement said. shape our world and I would add our The UMC officially supports com- twisters hit words shape our church,” said Erin prehensive immigration reform, in- Hawkins, top executive of the com- cluding a path to legal status for those UM church mission, in an email interview. “How here illegally, and the Board of Church can we expect people to be part of a and Society leads the lobbying effort. church when the language we use to At that agency, too, the practice is to B Y S AM HODGES describe people is derogatory, hurtful avoid using “illegal” to describe a per- Managing Editor and fails to recognize them as chil- son. St. Barnabas UMC in Arlington, dren of God?” “Dropping the ‘i’ word is simply a Texas, was badly damaged in the April First UMC Salt Lake City—where first step toward becoming more mis- 3 tornadoes that swept across the Dal- about half of the 200 members are im- sional in our relations to immigrants,” las area. migrants—is the latest UM church to said Bill Mefford, Church and Society’s “The sanctuary took the brunt,” respond to the commission’s call to director of civil and human rights. said Vance Morton, director of com- join the campaign. The commission munications for the Central Texas identifies 17 other churches as having ‘Descriptive,’ ‘precise’ Conference. signed on, as well as some UM campus But the United Methodist Church That building’s roof was nearly groups and two UM “Justice for Our is, as has often been stated, a big tent, ripped off, he said. The sanctuary also Neighbors” immigration ministries. and within it are those who take a dif- UMNS FILE PHOTO BY KATHLEEN BARRY had blown out stained-glass windows One participant is Oak Forest ferent view. The Rev. Eun-sang Lee (center) is pastor of First UMC in Salt Lake and water damage. UMC, in Little Rock, Ark. It’s an all- Mac Buttram is a retired United City, where the church council voted March 12 to ban use of the No one was injured. Anglo congregation, but one with a Methodist pastor and a Republican word “illegal” when referring to undocumented immigrants. At left As the storms approached, the free medical clinic where many of the member of the Alabama House of is Mr. Lee’s wife, the Rev. Yvonne Young-ja Lee. church’s daycare/pre-school was in patients are Latinos, including “un- Representatives who backs the state’s immigration law, which has been op- session in another building on cam- documented folks,” said the Rev. Russ Meanwhile, Liza Kittle, president substitution of ‘undocumented’ brings posed by many UM clergy of the state. pus. Church staff and teachers put Breshears, pastor. of the RENEW Network—an evangel- into the discussion a whole range of Mr. Buttram avoids “illegal into effect an emergency plan, shep- “Drop the I-Word was just a natu- ical network of laity and clergy that other possibilities that are confusing alien”—“To me an alien is somebody herding more than 80 children, tod- ral fit,” he added. “The church had al- promotes the acceptance of more and obfuscating on an issue that des- from another planet”—but does use dlers to 5-year-olds, from classrooms ready embraced that core value of women’s ministry options in the perately needs precision and clarity.” “illegal immigrant.” to the building’s safer interior. reaching out to Latinos.” UMC—offers a denominationally He noted that the language issue “It’s descriptive,” he said. “The per- “We just waited,” Amy Richardson, The same is true at Trinity UMC specific complaint. has been around “since at least the son is an immigrant and they’re here director of the church’s Early Educa- and Las Americas Comunidad de Fe “I believe this is an example of the ’90s.” News organizations are still de- illegally.” tion Center, told the Fort Worth Star- in Des Moines, Iowa. The latter is a partisan political advocacy of some of bating it. Indeed, the Salt Lake City Roy Beck is a longtime United Teleg ram. “We had pastors coming in Spanish-speaking faith community our boards and agencies and leaders story helped prompt a newsroom dis- Methodist (and former Reporter asso- to tell us when to duck and cover. . . . that meets at Trinity, and the commu- who are attempting to frame the de- cussion at The Tribune about whether ciate editor) who leads NumbersUSA, But the kids were very calm. Some of nity’s pastor, the Rev. Barb Dinnen, bate on immigration, a topic which is to go with ‘undocumented worker’ or which advocates limiting immigration them got upset when the power went said she has been giving talks on im- very divisive among United ‘illegal immigrant.’” to the United States. He argues that il- out.” migration, including the need to be Methodists,” she said. “In the end, we decided both terms legal immigration is a huge problem Ms. Richardson also told the mindful of language, for years. “By trying to ban the word ‘illegal’ are acceptable in The Tribune and at that costs poor people who are here paper: “Our plan worked. It’s nice to “The advocacy piece of Drop the I- by saying it ‘creates an environment of sltrib.com,” wrote Lisa Carricaburu, legally through suppressed wages and have a plan.” Word is a no-brainer for us,” she said. hate by exploiting racial fear,’ GCORR assistant managing editor, in a recent competition for scarce jobs. The church planned to have Easter Even beyond the campaign, United is in turn labeling those who disagree column. “Both are precise language we Mr. Beck takes issue with “undocu- services at an alternate location, and Methodists have been speaking out with them on immigration issues as believe accurately describes individu- mented worker,” saying, “Nearly every- several local churches volunteered to about language and immigration. Ear- racist.” als’ immigration status if they are in one who is supposedly undocumented be host, Mr. Morton said. lier this year the Tennessee Confer- the United States—or any other coun- does have documents. . . . They have North Texas Conference officials ence joined an interfaith appeal to Newsroom discussion try—illegally. It is incumbent on our fraudulent documents.” were hoping to provide relief through GOP presidential candidates arriving At Southern Methodist University reporters and editors to verify immi- And he intends to keep using “ille- early response teams to the hard-hit for the state’s primary. in Dallas, Tony Pedersen, former exec- gration status to the extent they are gal alien” and “illegal immigrant.” areas of Lancaster and Forney. But “Please do not inject our state with utive editor of the Houston Chronicle, able before using either term, and— “The argument of course is that no damage was so severe that police were the language of ‘illegals,’ the unwork- chairs a journalism department in as always—to report on immigration person is an illegal human being, but limiting access. able ideas of deporting millions of in- which students are taught to cover the issues accurately and fairly.” nobody is saying these people are ille- The conference reported numer- dividuals and thereby destroying news objectively and follow the Asso- One United Methodist long known gal human beings,” he said. “They’re ous calls from United Methodists families, and the heated claims that ciated Press Stylebook, which stands by for speaking forthrightly, even bluntly, saying they have a status. They’re here eager to help. characterize the undocumented and “illegal immigrant.” is Bishop Will Willimon of the North illegally.” Tom Hazelwood, a top disaster re- their children as a class of criminals,’” “I believe ‘illegal immigrant’ is a Alabama Conference. He has also led sponse official with the United precise and correct terminology,” said UM opposition to Alabama’s immi- Methodist Committee on Relief THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER (USPS954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications Inc., 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas, Texas Mr. Pedersen. “To ban the use of ‘ille- gration law. That’s his priority, but he (UMCOR), said he had been in touch 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas and additional gal’ seems to me PC (political correct- supports Drop the I-Word and bristles with the North Texas and Central mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER. PO Box 660275, Dallas Texas 75266-0275. ness) run amok. To insist on a at the idea that it is, for him, a matter Texas Conferences. He said he was THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER has provided denominational of political correctness. www.umportal.org ready to receive any request for an news coverage since its beginning as the Texas Methodist newspaper in “I don’t give a rip about political 1847. The Reporter has no official ties to the United Methodist General CHOIR ROBES emergency grant to help those af- [email protected] Conference or to any of the denomination’s general boards or agencies. EXPERT $ 95 correctness,” Bishop Willimon said. fected by the tornadoes. This newspaper aims to provide readers with a broad spectrum of TAILORING 35 &UP “But I am ordained to worry about The tornadoes damaged about 650 information and viewpoints consistent with the diversity of Christians. Alan Heath, CEO All material published in this newspaper is copyrighted by UMR Finest fabrics including permanent gospel correctness.” homes, and caused about 150 people to Communications Inc. unless otherwise noted. Reprint of material from press and wash & wear. Superior The debate about words is certain spend the night in emergency shelters, Sam Hodges, Managing Editor this newspaper must be authorized in advance by the Editor, and fees quality. Free color catalog and are assessed in some cases. To request reprints, e-mail [email protected], fabric swatches on request. to continue. The Commission on Reli- the Dallas Morning News reported. Bill Fentum, Associate Editor or fax a request to (214) 630-0079. Telephone requests are not accepted. GUARANTEED SATISFACTION gion and Race has submitted a peti- About 90 homes in Arlington alone Call Toll Free: 1-800-826-8612 tion to the 2012 General Conference, were leveled, and the mayor declared Send Correspondence and Address Changes (in- Mary Jacobs, Staff Writer clude mailing label) To: P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, TX asking United Methodists “to commit that city a disaster area, the paper 75266-0275 Telephone: (214) 630-6495. Subscriptions are in both written and verbal communi- Cherrie Graham, Advertising Manager $26 for 52 issues per year. Click on “subscriptions” at Please recycle. said. We do! www.umportal.org, e-mail [email protected] or send www.rcgown.com cation that no child of God is ‘illegal.’” Dale Bryant, Senior Designer a check to UMR Communications, Attn: Circulation, 1221 [email protected] Profit Dr., Dallas, TX 75247. P.O. Box 8988-T Jacksonville, FL 32211 [email protected]

A PRIL 13, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH focus 3B Pastor named  DEBATE Continued from page 1B Connectional Table. April 24-May 4 in Tampa, Fla. Mr. resources general agencies provide. structuring. The Connectional Table, which co- Brim, Dr. McClendon and Mr. Hanke “It’s the mid-sized and smaller Dr. McClendon said that United for troubled ordinates the denomination’s mis- are all General Conference delegates churches that need the general agen- Methodists need to participate more sion, ministry and resources, refined who will serve on the General Admin- cies,” she said, “although bishops and in what he called “friend-gelism”— Dallas church and approved the Interim Operations istration Legislative Committee, district superin- reaching out to Team proposal. Mr. Brim as well as which gets first crack at the restruc- tendents call the Di- friends, relatives, Dr. McClendon, another Connectional turing proposals. vision of Ordained acquaintances and B Y S AM HODGES Table member, helped to draft the re- Ministry almost neighbors. Managing Editor structuring legislation, though Dr. Impact on local church every day.” Mr. Brim echoed The Rev. Henry L. Masters Sr., con- McClendon has since become a vocal One of the main questions the de- She added that that sentiment. He firmed an announcement by St. Luke critic of that plan. baters discussed was whether any of the Interim Opera- and other laity, he “Community” UMC Mr. Brim said the proposal would the restructuring proposals would tions Team’s pro- said, “are the ones in Dallas that he will reduce confusion between sessions of make a difference to local churches. posal to allow the who must go out be its new pastor. General Conference, the global de- “That is the question we’ve all new center’s board Tim and ask people to Jay Brim Dr. Masters said nomination’s top lawmaking body, been asking,” Dr. McClendon said. to redistribute up to McClendon come. by phone from Los which convenes every four years. He pointed out that about 2 cents $60 million of gen- “We’ve got to be ready to talk to Angeles, where he is “What we do right now is we have of every dollar given to the local eral church funds during the next people in our workplace and every longtime pastor of about 600 people who between Gen- church goes to support general four years could drastically reduce place. We’ve lost that.” Holman UMC, that eral Conferences reinterpret what church operations, including the resources agencies provide to local Ms. Cape explained in detail what both he and his wife, General Conference did in 13 differ- bishops, Africa University and gen- churches. she meant by a new Pentecost. She the Rev. S. Dianna Henry ent ways,” he said. “Part of what the eral agencies. Most of every dollar, he Mr. Brim countered that the ques- cited Ephesians 4:11: “The gifts he Masters, will join the Masters [Interim Operations Team/Connec- said, goes to the local church, the an- tion about local churches presumes gave were that some would be apos- St. Luke staff in early tional Table’s] petition will do is to nual conference and support for the general church does not make tles, some prophets, some evangel- July. take away that complexity of gover- clergy pension and health benefits. any difference now. ists, some pastors and teachers.” With 5,000 members, St. Luke is nance and simplify it significantly. It “I am not sure we can fix the sys- “We believe the general agencies “I think in the past generation, one of the largest predominantly is radical change.” tem by which we see more of the gen- make all the difference in the world the church was asking us for pastors African American churches in the Since submission of the initial re- eral church resources coming to the globally in who we are as United and teachers, and pastors and teach- UMC, but was rocked earlier this year structuring legislation Sept. 1, 2011, local church except making sure that Methodists,” he said. “Within the ers are great. . . . But pastors and by clergy sex abuse allegations. other alternative plans have followed. more and more clergy and layper- U.S., which funds the vast majority of teachers take care of the folks you “We’re very much aware of the These include legislation titled “A sons read their emails and call up operations at the general church level have. It’s the apostles, the prophets struggles of St. Luke,” Dr. Masters said. New UM Administrative Order” sub- general boards and agencies,” he today, this will make a significant and the evangelists that go out after “I don’t come with any specific mitted by the Methodist Federation said. “It takes initiative. We need difference if each local church . . . the folks you don’t have. That’s why agenda, other than my wife and I be- for Social Action, an unofficial pro- leaders—lay and clergy—who are feels a greater confidence that the ap- I’m talking about a new Pentecost. coming a team to offer our skill set to gressive caucus. An ad hoc group also willing to be proactive and willing to portionment dollars are being used God is calling these people, and we enable this church to rebound.” has put together an alternative called do church in new and vibrant ways. in ways that make a difference for need to help them discern their call.” Dr. Masters said he met with a “UMC Plan B,” for which legislation is . . . I am not sure any of these propos- Christ.” She added that when visitors do church committee and with North still being drafted. Dr. McClendon als help the local church be more show up at United Methodist worship Texas Conference Bishop Earl Bledsoe, was a consultant on Plan B. vital.” Beyond restructuring because they have been invited, and that Bishop Bledsoe appointed The 2012 General Conference will Ms. Cape acknowledged that The three debaters also discussed “Please don’t say you’re sitting in my him as senior pastor and Ms. Masters take up the proposals when it meets many large churches do not need the ways to foster vitality beyond re- seat. Say instead, ‘Come sit by me.’” as associate pastor. Dr. Masters, a 65-year-old Waco native, spent much of his career in the North Texas Conference, serving as Oregon church’s ‘atheists’ sign goes viral pastor at Hamilton Park UMC, among others, and as a dis- atheists have said, ‘If there were more grove who put a photo of the sign on less it is needed to advertise a church B Y S AM HODGES churches like yours, we would proba- the Internet. event. trict superintendent. Managing Editor He studied for the bly reconsider.’” “Our custodian saw someone out- But this week’s message has expo- ministry at Dallas’ The Rev. Tom Tate is always look- Mr. Tate has fielded a few negative side taking pictures of it. We have no nentially exceeded any other in re- Perkins School of ing for an arresting, welcoming “non- calls, one from a Massachusetts man idea who it was,” she said. sponse. Theology. churchy” message to put on the sign who said he was considering leaving Mr. Tate is in his ninth year at “It has touched a reservoir for Dr. Masters said outside Rose City Park United the UMC because of the sign. Another Rose City Park UMC, a 385-member people in a way that is very surprising he was drawn back Methodist Church in Portland, Ore- was from a woman in a small town in congregation in residential northeast for me,” Mr. Tate said. to Texas by family, gon. Texas. Portland. He’s always looking for a Dianna the chance to work This week he connected in a big “She said, ‘My son is an atheist good message for the church sign, un- [email protected] with his wife in min- Masters way with “GOD PREFERS KIND and I’m scared he’s going to see this,’” istry, and the chance ATHEISTS TO HATEFUL CHRIS- Mr. Tate said. to lead St. Luke. TIANS.” Mr. Tate said he told her, as he has “St. Luke is a flagship church in A photo of the sign has been told others, that Jesus through the many ways,” he said. spread around the world via Face- Good Samaritan story showed ap- In January, the Rev. Tyrone Gordon book, prompting hundreds of phone proval of kindly people who are out- resigned as pastor of St. Luke and sur- calls and emails to the church, from side traditional faith. rendered his UMC credentials, ending as far as Australia and Hungary. Mr. Tate added that he considers a conference investigation. Two men “We’re just flabbergasted,” said the sign part of his church’s “radical have filed suit, claiming sexual harass- Kay Pettygrove, church administrator, hospitality,” particularly to those who ment by Mr. Gordon and failure of the who has been stuck at her desk field- feel alienated from organized reli- church and conference to supervise ing calls and emails. gion. him properly. She estimated getting 30 positive “Unless we find a way to speak to Mr. Gordon has denied any wrong- comments for every negative one. people of our time, we’re not going to doing and resumed ministry in a new “I got an email from a young Mor- be around,” he said of the UMC. non-denominational church. mon man saying, ‘Thank you so The message is not original, but much. It made me rethink how I treat Mr. Tate can’t recall where he came [email protected] people,’” Ms. Pettygrove said. “Many across it. Nor is it clear to Ms. Petty- COURTESY PHOTO

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | A PRIL 13, 2012 CommunityCommunity ‘Cornerstone’‘Cornerstone’ Church-founded school goes public in Memphis

B Y JANE ROBERTS The Commercial Appeal Editor’s Note: Cornerstone Prepara- tory School was founded in 2010 by Christ UMC in Memphis, Tenn., as part of its ongoing mission in the inner-city Binghamton neighborhood. This fall Cornerstone will move from the church to nearby Lester Elementary, adding local K-3 public school students to its classes under a new name: Cornerstone Prep-Lester Campus.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.—Lester School is tucked in a neighborhood where the work of philanthropists and volun- teers—streets dotted with renova- tions, new playground equipment and community gardens—suggest lots of people see hope in Binghamton. Drew Sippel, executive director of the faith-based Cornerstone Prepara- tory School at Christ United Methodist Church, recently buzzed through the area on his third trip to Lester in seven days. When school starts in the fall, Mr. Sippel will be running grades K-3 at Lester as part of a state experiment to see if outsiders with fresh ideas, en- PHOTOS BY MIKE STUDDARD ergy and track records in schools can During a visit to Cornerstone Preparatory School, Mayor Mark Luttrell (with tie) watches first-graders learning vocabulary words. move the needle at places like Lester. Last year, 28 percent of the Lester ter schools. no evangelical nature at the new ally hard before the school year starts schools in the state into the top 25 student body—some as young as 5— Cornerstone is a faith-based school.” to make sure teachers in every class- percent in five years. were suspended. Only 8 percent were school that now will operate as a state Cornerstone must serve every room have the same approach,” he As part of the deal, state tax money proficient in math, according to state public school. Overnight, enrollment child zoned to attend Lester, including said. will flow to the charters instead of test scores. will nearly quadruple to 250 students. special education students and those Cornerstone, the pride of Christ Memphis City Schools. “We’ve met with most of the Lester Some Lester parents, particularly who do not speak English. United Methodist Church on Poplar Teachers will have one-year con- teachers. We’ve told them we would Muslim families, are wary of Corner- Mr. Sippel is unfazed. Ave., is one of three charters or private tracts but will be at-will employees, love for them to apply if they are inter- stone’s Christian roots. The current “We have been serving low-in- schools that will convert or co-exist which means they can be terminated ested in coming to Cornerstone,” says school’s website says the name “Cor- come kids who entered on average six inside low-performing Memphis City any time. Mr. Sippel, the 40-something former nerstone” was chosen to reflect in part months behind, and we had great suc- Schools over the next several years. The school day will start at 7:15 comptroller at Mueller Industries. that “Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of cess. KIPP Memphis charter will con- a.m. and end close to 4 p.m. Saturday all creation.” “The demographics at Lester will vert Cypress Middle School in North programs will be mandatory. ‘No evangelical nature’ “I have not spoken to anyone who be almost identical. The question is Memphis and Gestalt Community Christ United Methodist started What he knows about school ad- expressed that concern, but Corner- how do we leverage our current suc- Schools will run a charter inside Gor- Cornerstone two years ago, the educa- ministration, he and the school prin- stone Prep-Lester Campus will be a cess with more grades and more stu- don Elementary, also in North Mem- tion component to about $600,000 in cipal learned in a six-week crash public school serving the Binghamton dents?” phis. annual investments it makes in Bing- course through Building Excellent community as part of the [city’s The answer to his own question is The conversions are part of the hamton, including funding the neigh- Schools, a Boston-based academy for Achievement School District],” Mr. staff development. Achievement School District strategy borhood’s active community people who want to lead urban char- Sippel said. “Therefore, there will be “We’ll have four weeks to work re- to turn the bottom 5 percent of development corporation.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Students from Cornerstone Preparatory School and Christ Methodist Day School read together; Niara Young, a kindergarten student at Cornerstone; student Indya Freeman works hard at her desk.

4 B | A PRIL 13, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER ABOVE: Staff at Cornerstone include (from left) Principal Lisa Settle, intern Gardner Story, Executive Director Drew Sippel, and teachers Diana Bey and Lyndee Valenzuela. LEFT: Lisa Purdy, who joined the teaching staff in 2011, celebrates a student’s correct answer.

The congregation has pledged help him ramp Lester into a college- Memphis public schools. around work,” said Ursula Wright, in- School Authorizers, known for the $200,000 a year for the school. An prep elementary for inner-city chil- By October, nearly every Corner- terim CEO of the National Alliance for quality of its charter schools in Los anonymous donor, who has already dren. stone child had closed the gap. A Public Charter Schools. Angeles, Detroit and Denver. given $1.4 million, will match the month later, the majority were two Without complete autonomy over Driving home the new mission at church’s gift—plus $60,000 a year— ‘Kids respond to it’ months above grade level. hiring, curriculum—even what Lester will be similar to helping the for the life of the school. The pace may be frenetic action, Outside of its progress this year school they take over—charters are school heal after the Lester massacre, Cornerstone also gets $800,000 in judging by the stopwatches Corner- and last with about 60 inner-city chil- hamstrung, Ms. Wright says. Mr. Gray said. federal funds to cover startup costs in stone teachers wear to time even sim- dren, Cornerstone has no track record. When Tennessee decided it would “All of it was about the commu- the first 15 months. ple tasks while chanting an almost Charters typically do not take over use charters as part of its strategy for nity holding hands, making up in Cedrick Gray, now superintendent mesmerizing mantra of praise and whole schools because it’s difficult to the state’s lowest-performing schools, their minds we were going to do bet- of Fayette County Schools, knows the encouragement. change school culture without start- nine firms applied to take over tradi- ter.” heart of Lester better than most. Cornerstone teachers work the ing over. tional public schools. He served as principal from 2008 line for the bathroom, quizzing chil- “Most [charter operators] do not Applications were narrowed by This story was distributed by the to 2010, arriving in the wake of the dren on addition and subtraction ta- elect to get engaged in school turn- the National Association of Charter Associated Press. Lester Street massacre, in which six bles, said Ali Hill, one of people—including two children— Cornerstone’s stars. were murdered after a family argu- “It’s high-energy all the time. It’s ment. “The timing was great for the fun because the kids respond to it.” JOURNEY TO THE 2012 ACT OF REPENTANCE: kids because everybody was deciding Cornerstone moved into Christ that what happens in our community United Methodist last summer when HEALING RELATIONSHIPS doesn’t define us,” Mr. Gray said. borrowed space for its two-room The message, he said, was “we are school off Summer Avenue and Na- WITH INDIGENOUS PERSONS going to be successful in spite of what tional Street dried up. is happening.” Graphs in the church show 94 per- In the next few weeks, Mr. Sippel cent of this year’s kindergartners APRIL 27, 2012 must whittle a stack of 250 teacher ap- started school five months behind the GENERAL CONFERENCE plications to 20-25 hires he thinks will norm, typical for kindergartners in TAMPA, FLORIDA

SUPPORT CHURCH GROWTH AND EARN INTEREST The 2012 Act of Repentance is an important 1-Year Term 1.5% United Methodist individuals, churches, and fi rst step to begin the process of healing 2-Year Term 2.0% agencies can invest in UMDF for as little as 3-Year Term 2.25% $100. The Fund’s sole purpose is to promote relationships between the denomination and the mission of The United Methodist Church 4-Year Term 2.5% by providing first-mortgage loans to churches. indigenous peoples around the world. Plan to Above rates effective Oct. 1, 2011 This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation be a part of this monumental journey to listen, Flex Demand 1.0% to buy our securities. We will only offer and IRAs 2.5% sell our securities in states where authorized. learn and start a process for on-going change. Above rates effective Nov. 1, 2011 All offerings are made by the Offering Circular. Flex Demand and IRAs may not The Offering Circular contains a list of risk be available in certain states. “If one suff ers, we all suff er.” -- Romans 8:22 THE UNITED METHODIST Visit www.gccuic-umc.org DEVELOPMENT FUND for more information. Notes of The Fund are not factors that you should consider prior to an insured by the Federal Deposit investment decision. For an Offering Circular The Rev. Thom White Wolf Fassett, former chief Insurance Corporation (FDIC), or more information, call or write to us at Securities Investor Protection 475 Riverside Drive, 14th Floor, executive of the General Board of Church and Corporation (SIPC), or any other state or federally New York, NY 10115. Society and author of Giving Our Hearts Away, regulated institution. For an Offering Circular and application: Telephone: 1-800-862-8633 visits the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Email: [email protected] Site in Colorado. Website: www.gbgm-umc.org/umdf Photo by Ginny Underwood

U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | A PRIL 13, 2012 | 5B 6B FAITH forum We need ‘call to holiness’ Faith requires saying more than Call to Action ‘no’ to death penalty an organ, it is no wonder that she or participate in the life of Christ. serve any practical purpose. It does B Y S ARAH S. HOWELL Y ECCA LARK he worries about not finding that con- The church does this by giving it- B B C not save money to execute criminals Special Contributor Special Contributor nection through praise choruses sung self to the world in love in a gesture as as compared to housing them in pris- At Christ in the Desert Monastery to a guitar. wasteful and beautiful as when Mary I’m proud to live in a state that ons for the durations of their lives. in Abiquiu, N.M., when the sun goes It seems to me that this fear is part of Bethany spilled her precious nard does not have the death penalty. I’m a This is because of the lengthy (and down, so do you. of changes in church and society at at Jesus’ feet (John 12:1-8). Jesus calls staunch pacifist, and I believe that often economically and racially bi- With limited electricity and a large, not just in worship. The world is us to behold “the alluring and ‘useless’ nonviolence isn’t weakness, but re- ased) appeals process associated with prayer schedule that begins at 4 a.m., changing and the church along with it, beauty of holiness” (as Bryan Stone quires profound strength. It is by no convicted inmates on death row. Fur- there is no holding back the darkness. and we are afraid that those changes says in his Evangelism After Christen- means easy. thermore, it does not deter people Sunset is not to be fought but em- will cause us to lose God. dom: The Theology and Practice of Vermont State from committing murder, as most braced as a time of quiet reflection Anytime we allow fear to dictate Christian Witness), and to stop being Police arrested a murders are committed by people and rest. how we react to change, of course, we so focused on outcomes and measures couple recently and who are either criminally insane (and In the 16th cen- find ourselves responding out of anxi- of certainty, for the only measure of charged them with therefore incapable of grasping and tury, St. John of the ety and not out of faith. We need lead- certainty available to us is the good second degree mur- being deterred by consequences) or in Cross meditated ers who can calm those fears and news incarnate, Jesus himself. der in the death of the heat of passion (and are therefore upon what he called remind us that even as everything Melissa Jenkins. not thinking about consequences and “the dark night of around us changes, God never does. It God’s love alone Allen and Patricia not deterred by them). Becca Clark the soul.” In 2008, says something about spiritual leader- Efforts at reform cannot be about Prue allegedly But more importantly in my opin- Elaine Heath appro- ship in America that we have manu- institutional preservation. The reali- worked together to ion: priated that image in factured Christian heroes from ties of membership and stewardship lure Ms. Jenkins out of her home, call- 2. The death penalty does not Sarah her book The Mystic professional athletes. As the church in a denomination facing decline can- ing to ask her for assistance with their enact justice, and reduces the commu- Way of Evangelism to Howell flounders, celebrities fill the gap, not be ignored, but a fundamental vehicle. Allen Prue confessed to stran- nity seeking justice to the same level describe the state of though only on a superficial level. shift in posture is needed if the church gling the young woman outside her as the killers. the church today. Many denomina- However, this does not mean that is to remain faithful to God’s call. vehicle and then the couple allegedly It’s not that we are holier-than- tions, including my own United the church needs to produce leaders For, in the end, this is not about worked together to dispose of her thou. The fact that we all have to face Methodist Church, are seeking to re- who will triumph an aggressive march the survival of a denomination or body and other evidence. is that this evil we are confronting, verse decades of decline. With falling out of the darkness. congregation; it is about a God who What they have done is beyond be- this instinct or propensity toward vio- numbers in terms of membership and We do not need better perform- does not need rescuing and to whom lief; it defies understanding. It literally lence, is in all of us. giving, ineffective leadership and un- ance and outputs. What we need is we must yield for rescue instead of disgusts me. There’s no apparent mo- certainty about our mission, the faithful leadership, not by those who trying to be our own savior. The tive, just deranged behavior: cold- Livng out of love church is indeed in a dark night of the are effective, but by those who are church’s dark night of the soul need blooded and brutal slaughter. It’s What makes us human, what soul. holy. Elaine Heath’s approach—and, I not be a threat but an opportunity for inhuman. On the simplest, most reac- makes us better than our brokenness, However, Dr. Heath believes—as would argue, the biblical witness to us as a body to seek humility, to re- tionary level of myself, I want to see is the choice to act not out of that St. John of the Cross did—that the the life of Christ in which we are cover our prophetic voice, to ask to be them suffer for what they did to base, reactionary brain. What makes dark night of the soul is not some- Melissa and to her son, Ty. us a human family, a people of faith in thing to be avoided or escaped. In fact, ‘We do not need better performance But wanting them to suffer and ac- something other or more than our it is a necessary time of stillness, re- tually advocating for it, making it hap- own fears and faults, is the choice to flection and drawing closer to God. and outputs. What we need is faithful pen, are entirely different things. That live out of love. The monks of Christ in the Desert difference, thin a line as it may be to We think, in the moment, that quietly yield themselves to literal leadership, not by those who are walk, represents for me the fullness of vengeance is justice, that it is fair to night and welcome its coming without what it means to live with compas- give to others what they have dished anxiety or fear. effective, but by those who are holy.’ sion, temperance, justice and love. It is out. Even when we can acknowledge The church, on the other hand, has what it means to be human and to that killing the killers cannot bring seen the oncoming spiritual night and yearn for the holy. back the victims, we can’t help but rushed out to buy floodlights and gen- called to participate—has nothing to taught by the God who is love how to think it would feel really good to see erators. We are calling for more effec- do with metrics or effectiveness and live into that self-giving love. Sense of outrage that kind of retribution served. But tive leadership, more programs and everything to do with holiness and We need not fear, and we need not The comments sprout up wherever the truth is, it won’t. Time will help us more styles of worship. None of these kenotic love. stock up on flashlights. Dr. Heath the stories about Melissa Jenkins and heal. Compassion will help us heal. is bad, and in fact many of these ef- The church should not be about writes, “The church will persevere the Prues are posted, calling for mob Helping Melissa’s family and her son forts represent needed changes and building herself up but about giving through the night and emerge alive on justice for Melissa’s killers (“String Ty (for example, there is a trust fund long-overdue reform. But they do not herself away. The church can only the other side, not because of church them up in the streets!”), advocating set up) will help us heal. Learning to get at the heart of the problem. show this self-giving love as embod- programs, but because God’s love has torture, hoping for them to be stran- somehow trust again enough to pull What we need is not a call to ac- ied by Christ when she is more con- kept it.” gled as Ms. Jenkins was strangled, and our cars over and lend a helping hand tion. What we need is a call to holi- cerned about faithful witness in the In the baptism liturgy, we say, “The bemoaning the fact that Vermont does (and I tell you, that will take some ness. world than with her own survival. Ho- church is of God and will be preserved not have the death penalty. Again, I time for me) will help us heal. liness is not about self-aggrandize- to the end of time.” What that will look don’t begrudge anyone those feelings. There is something stronger than Faith over fear ment or even self-preservation, but like is an unknown that is wholly con- They come from our deep sense of violence and death and despair: Love. Last summer, I heard Marcia about being the body of Christ, who tingent upon God’s love, not our ac- moral outrage at a senseless and un- Love has the power to pull us out of McFee speak at the Indiana Annual “emptied himself” (Phil. 2:7). tion—and for that we should thank thinkable crime. the darkness, away from the worst of Conference. She offered a workshop The whole life of the church should God, who never changes and whose But we cannot become the sort of ourselves. But we have to let it. For on worship design and made a point not just stand against but go beyond love alone can see us through the dark monsters who act out of our most pri- people of faith, we have to ask our- that I will never forget. When people the utilitarian impulses of today’s night. mal instincts. That accomplishes selves: If our religion doesn’t make us resist change in worship, she said, they world, insisting that true goodness is nothing. That doesn’t separate us from better people, doesn’t challenge us to are actually expressing fear. Fear found in the extravagant, useless Ms. Howell is nearing completion the alleged murders. rise above instinct, what good is it? around changes in worship reflects an beauty of worship and holiness rather of her studies for a master of I categorically oppose the death unarticulated fear of losing God. If divinity degree at Duke Divinity The Rev. Clark is pastor of Trinity than in productivity and efficiency. School and is a candidate for penalty. My opposition falls into two United Methodist Church in someone has always connected with The church’s task is not to increase its ordination in the Western North main categories. Montpelier, Vt. She blogs at God through hymns accompanied by own membership but to imitate and Carolina Conference of the UMC. 1. The death penalty does not www.pastorbecca.wordpress.com.

A PRIL 13, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER FAITH forum 7B WESLEYAN WISDOM Lessons for the UMC from a Quaker theologian

have reached a firm place to stand are nology has not brought Utopia; the universal. We are called to be salt, not pectations, if I am fortunate enough to B Y D ONALD W. H AYNES able to tell us the road by which they Great Society has not emerged; peace merely of a little group, but of the discover only one thing that is certain UMR Columnist have come and why it was taken.” As a is as elusive as ever; poverty still ex- whole earth. In the same way every and indubitable.” God is not finished As a labor of love, my wife decided title for his book on theology, True- ists. The machines are bright, but the genuine Christian is evangelical, be- with United Methodism unless we be- this winter to catalog all my books blood chose the phrase, A Place to faces of the people are not as bright as cause a Christian is one who answers come embroiled in the “minors” and and place a Dewey Decimal System Stand. the machines they prize and struggle affirmatively the call, ‘Come to me’ leave the “majors” untapped. Did not label on each spine. It saves both time One of Trueblood’s “witnesses” is to purchase.” That is a strong state- (Matthew 11:28).” Jesus say to the Pharisees about rules in looking for a book Will Herberg of Methodism’s Drew ment for a Quaker who loved Emer- Now the challenge is to bring the and regulations: “These you ought to and the expense of University. Herberg wrote, “The moral son. The marvel is that he wrote it gospel to a postmodern culture with- have done, without neglecting the oth- ordering a duplicate crisis of our time . . . consists not so decades before the advent of smart out seeming to play an old record ers”? Structure and social justice are if I can’t find what I much in the violation of standards phones, iPads and Facebook! which people will dismiss. important tools in the carpenter’s remember having generally accepted as in the attrition, To quote Trueblood again, “There apron, but they are not the essence of read! to the point of irrelevance, of these is really no hope for the Christian Tipping point the “faith once delivered to the saints.” Neither of us had very standards themselves.” Trueblood apart from tough-mindedness in mat- Trueblood’s little volume is written As Tony Campolo loves to say, “Fri- any idea that we concludes from Herberg’s insight, “We ters of belief. Christian books dealing from the premise, “The key to the day’s here, but Sunday’s coming.” The would catalog, label have something on our hands much with prayer and worship have been logic of belief lies in finding a firm Easter story is that crucifixion was fol- Donald and re-shelve over more serious than we have ordinarily plentiful; books urging men and place from which to operate.” Religion lowed and pre-empted by resurrec- 3,000 books, My Haynes supposed. Failure to honor particular women to tasks of mercy have been has an important emotional dimen- tion. Broken people became strong, time as her helper moral standards is one thing; rejec- abundant; but good books helping sion but the cornerstone of real reli- confident and bold as lions. They was compromised by my repeated dis- tion of the very idea of an objective people to arrive at sound convictions gious faith is not emotion but the sang, they rejoiced, they taught and covery of “an old friend” that I had moral standard is another.” have been scarce. . . . Popular preach- basic acts of God. Trueblood says that were triumphant even in their suffer- read years ago and whose underlined The wise Quaker had never heard ers stay very close to social issues and “the primary proposition for the ing. Again Professor Trueblood says, and highlighted thoughts were like re- of “postmodernism,” but he had a pre- avoid involvement in the problems of Christian, [one’s] ultimate act of faith, “This they did, not only for a few days covering “acres of diamonds,” as Rus- science for predicting its “end of the ultimate faith. If there is no objective is the trustworthiness of Jesus Christ. It of passing enthusiasm, but for all the sell Conwell put it. world as we know it” philosophy. He right, then there is not even the possi- is here that the Christian finds a place remainder of their lives.” One of the many old wells I have wrote in 1968, “Millions now assume, bility of error, and intellectual and to stand.” Jesus is the Archimedian Wesley’s questions are still perti- re-dug has been the writings of Elton without argument, that the Biblical moral confusion are bound to ensue.” fulcrum. nent: “Have ye faith?” and “Have ye Trueblood, perhaps the greatest view of life is obsolete, but it is con- Note that these are words from the As we come to a General Confer- fruits?” May God bless the United Quaker of the 20th century. While ceivable that they are wrong. The mind and pen of a man who helped to ence that could be a tipping point in Methodist Church. Let us find, as in teaching at Stanford, this brilliant greatest single benefit to our contem- shape the founding documents of the the history of all previous denomina- the days of yore, our “place to stand.” man was tapped as a consultant to the porary civilization may come, not United Nations! tions that now constitute United God’s will is that we again be shakers writing of the United Nations charter, from some new invention, but from Trueblood’s A Place to Stand is Methodism, we need to heed True- and movers rather than hand- and he often spent overnight sojourns the reinvigoration of [our] roots. . . . such a trove that we must continue blood’s words of warning and hope. wringers looking at decline in mem- in San Francisco as World War II was Though these roots have been shame- unearthing his wisdom from a half- Whatever structure the delegates de- bers, attendance and offerings, and coming to an end and dreams were fully neglected, they are not dead, and century ago: “The two great words of termine for millions of us to live by, accepting this as a “new normal.” being shaped for world peace. with sufficient thought they may be Christian history are evangelical and and whatever social justice decisions In browsing through my under- made productive again. . . . We are catholic. Both are so precious that it is are made, the elephant in the room Dr. Haynes is a retired member lined sentences in Dr. Trueblood’s au- driven to the effort by the revelation of a serious mistake to use them merely will still be what William Abraham of the Western North Carolina Conference. He’s the author of tobiography, I found this profound the unsatisfactory character of all to refer to parties or denominations. . . calls our “doctrinal amnesia.” On the Threshold of Grace: insight: “As I sat in one of the San known alternatives.” . The reason why every genuine Chris- Descartes once wrote, “I shall be Methodist Fundamentals. Francisco meetings concerning the tian is catholic is that Christ’s call is entitled to entertain the highest ex- Email: [email protected]. formation of the United Nations, it oc- ‘Cut flowers’ curred to me that world reconstruc- Then he hits the nail on the head: CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING • CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING tion, about which we were conferring, “Part of the weakness of the Christian is impossible apart from a moral movement in our generation has been EMPLOYMENT MISCELLANEOUS DISPLAY & BANNER ADVERTISING The United Methodist Reporter and the UMPortal basis, and that in this regard the Deca- the relative lack of emphasis on belief. FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY offer advertisers the ability to target unique logue is as pertinent as ever. With . . . 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Online library provides your church with range of YOU CAN HAVE YOUR OWN VERSION OF adultery is wrong precisely because fi- these have been severed from their resources, from Scripture commentary, drama and THE UNITED METHODIST PORTAL! delity is right. Today we see, more cultural roots. The sorrowful fact is TRAVEL visual ideas to finished images and videos. Browse News from your local church, stories from the than in 1945 at the close of that hor- that, while the cut flowers seem to go the search bank by topic, lectionary or verse at award-winning staff of the United Methodist Re- TRAVEL SPECIALS www.lumicon.org or call toll-free 1-866-586-4266 porter, real-time information from Yahoo! News and rific war, that without a moral basis, on living and may even exhibit some FAITH-BASED TRAVEL. Fundraiser option for for more information. Google—all in one home page. Visit www.umpor- no free society can abide with any brightness for a while, they cannot do class groups. 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U NITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER | A PRIL 13, 2012 8B FAITH focus Bush Center at SMU launches Freedom Collection

ect of the George W. Bush Institute, Square in China in 1989; Doan Viet B Y M ARY JACOBS the policy arm of the George W. Bush Hoat, a writer, scholar and former Staff Writer Presidential Center, currently under longtime prisoner of conscience from DALLAS—A trio of prominent construction at SMU. The Presidential Vietnam; and Ammar Abdulhamid, a United Methodists headlined the re- Center, which will include the presi- Syrian human rights activist. cent unveiling in Dallas of the Free- dential library, has been a source of At the event, Angel Garrido, vice dom Collection, an archive of video controversy both on campus and president of the Lawton Foundation interviews and other materials docu- within the United Methodist Church. for Human Rights, presented the menting the struggle for freedom, one In 2006, when SMU was named as the Presidential Medal of Freedom of several initiatives underway at the site for the library, a vocal group of awarded by President Bush in 2007 to George W. Bush Presidential Center at professors and alumni petitioned Dr. Óscar Elías Biscet, a human rights Southern Methodist University. against the move. The South Central advocate in Cuba. Dr. Biscet was a po- Former President George W. Bush Jurisdiction of the United Methodist litical prisoner for 12 years, until his and his wife, Laura, both United Church, which owns the land where release about a year ago. Methodists, spoke at the March 28 the Presidential Center is being built, Dr. Biscet spoke via a recorded launch; Liberian President Ellen approved the lease in 2008. About 80 video message and requested that the Johnson Sirleaf, a Nobel Peace Prize protestors turned up for the library’s Lawton Foundation hold the medal winner and also a United Methodist, groundbreaking in 2010. until Cuba is free; Dr. Garrido pre- Former President George W. Bush is joined by Laura Bush and joined via teleconference. The audi- sented the medal to Mr. Bush and the Angel Garrido at the launch of the Bush Center’s Freedom ence of about 200 invited guests in- Preserving stories Freedom Collection for safekeeping. Collection in Dallas on March 28. Dr. Garrido presented the Medal cluded dissidents from around the Nearly 60 dissidents have been in- According to Dr. Garrido, Cuban of Freedom belonging to Óscar Elías Biscet, a Cuban dissident, to world as well as representatives of terviewed for the Freedom Collec- officials offered Dr. Biscet the oppor- the Freedom Collection for safekeeping. local community organizations. tion’s online video archive, including tunity to leave Cuba, but he chose to The Freedom Collection will tell Ms. Sirleaf, the Dalai Lama, and dissi- remain. In March, an op-ed by Dr. the people, systematically violating “When you stand for liberty, we will the stories of human rights move- dents from Syria, China, Burma, East Biscet appeared in the Wall Street our basic freedoms.” stand with you.” ments in the 20th century until the Timor, Venezuela, Iran, Tunisia and Journal, calling the Cuban govern- To dissidents like Dr. Biscet, “Our present day. Mr. Bush said that he be- Egypt. ment a “brutal regime that oppresses mission is clear,” Mrs. Bush said. [email protected] lieves that it is in the interest of the Vaclav Havel, former Czech presi- U.S. to stand with dissidents, political dent and a leader in the 1989 revolu- prisoners and others fighting for free- tion that ended communist rule, was dom. interviewed before his death in De- “One way we’re doing that is cember. through the Freedom Collection,” he “The death of Havel reminds us of said. “We hope it will serve as inspira- the urgency of this task,” Laura Bush tion for those who are in the front said. “Their stories are inspiring, and lines.” beginning today, the Freedom Collec- Ms. Sirleaf, along with Leymah tion makes their stories available to Gbowee, received the Nobel Peace everyone.” Prize last fall as leaders of a women’s Mrs. Bush added that more than movement that helped end the civil half of the world’s population “live in war in Liberia. Asked if she had a countries where rights are restricted message to share with others strug- or denied.” gling for freedom, Ms. Sirleaf said, Others featured online at “Stay the course. Remain courageous. www.freedomcollection.org are Pastor Find your voices and join with others.” Xiqui “Bob” Fu, a leader in the student The Freedom Collection is a proj- democracy movement at Tiananmen

PHOTOS BY GRANT MILLER President Bush is joined by Laura Bush and Bob Fu, president of the China Aid Association, at the launch of the Bush Center’s Freedom Collection in Dallas on March 28.

A PRIL 13, 2012 | UNITED M ETHODIST R EPORTER