Seeking Nominations for Jimmy Creech Scholarship

Reminder: Deadline Approaching April 13th

Nominations Now Being Accepted for
2012 Nebraska MFSA Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice Scholarship Award

Scholarship Information:
The MFSA Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice Scholarship was created in l998 by Jimmy's family and friends. It was established to carry on his legacy of peace and justice advocacy for all persons. It was fully endowed for in 2004 and gives approximately a $1000 scholarship every year now thanks to many gifts from committed persons who care about a fully inclusive UMC and justice work of all kinds. This scholarship will be awarded in June 2012 by the Nebraska Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action to a nominee chosen on the basis of her or his involvement in Social Justice issues.

Specific Criteria for Nomination:
- Member of a United Methodist Church in Nebraska.
- Post high school student enrolled in further education.
- Active in social justice work.

Students who meet these criteria can be nominated for the MFSA Jimmy Creech Profile of Justice Scholarship. Anyone may nominate a student for the scholarship or a student may nominate themselves.

Nomination Material Should Include:
- A short one-page letter of application written by the nominee.
- A brief resume of the nominee including educational and vocational goals.
- A short one-page letter written by a parent, colleague, mentor, pastor, or teacher stating why the nominee is deserving. The letter can be written by the person nominating the student. This letter should include activities and leadership related to social justice. It is also helpful to show how these interests might affect their career goals and future plans.

Deadline to submit materials: April 13, 2012

Submit Materials to: Zach Anderson, 324 S Jackson Street, Papillion, NE 68046 or by email,zachan85@gmail.com

QUESTIONS?: Contact Zach Anderson, zachan85@gmail.com or 402-480-3852

CWAC newsletter

Robert  Wheeler and Sam Patterson in N Platte have two blogs that are active:

"The Bible through Artists'Eyes," at http://bibleartists.wordpress.com/; and "Love and Do Not Judge," athttp://lovejudgenot.wordpress.com/.

 

Let the stories begin with General Conference coming and -- Another year of GREAT spiritual Awakenings -  check out www.RMNetwork.org  and www.cwac.us along with MFSA for the Common Witness that will be happening at General Conference in Tampa, FLORIDA for two weeks this spring : April 24 - May 4!   Lighten the Burden IV Conference in HIV AIDS is April 23 in Tampa at Hyde UMC too!   The spirit of God is moving in our stories, in our lives and as we reach out!

 

Send your prayers,  give to Statewide Reconciling groups, MFSA groups and local reconciling groups!

Write your stories, tell your stories like Terry below :  stories change people!   We will be sharing a few stories every now and then on email!   Send your stories to our blogs, to our Facebook and more -  gather friends in Reconciling groups and share your stories, put together stories on paper, in booklets and in our hearts!  

 

Maureen Vetter and Wendy Smith, RMN Contacts for NE, PRN Contacts, Local church contacts and Main Email Contacts : Recruit youth and young adult contacts.  Remember the Jimmy Creech Scholarship is accepting nominations and let the stories begin! Celebrate your local groups and birthdays! Terry's story:

----- Original Message -----

From: Church Within A Church Movement

To: mvetter@charter.net

Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 8:20 AM

Subject: March Reflection: What Would My Life Be Like?

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

"A progressive Methodist-related Movement dedicated to BEing the fully inclusive church" Is the Church Within A Church Movement for you? Visit our website at:www.cwac.us Become a  MEMBER of the CWAC Movement! Join with others to make a path to justice and inclusion.  Need a progressive liturgical resource? "Celebrating Life:Liturgy That Transforms!"  A resource from the CWAC Movement, edited by Rev. Vernice Thorn, based on the writings of Rev. Greg Dell.  Order yours today! "Celebrating Life"  ORDER FORM    Find CWAC Movement on Facebook  www.cwac.us March Reflection: What Would My Life Be Like?                                                      by Terry Schwennesen Have you ever had your life pass before your eyes? They say it happens when people have near-death experiences. The other night I was watching a television show where the main character's life passed before his eyes even as a bullet was racing toward his chest. In this split moment, he had the opportunity to see how his life would have turned out differently had he made different decisions at certain pivotal points in his life. Ah, the wonders of television, that we might be able to see how making different choices in our past would have affected our future. I must admit that the program set me to wondering about how my own life's decisions had affected my future and the future of my loved ones. In a moment of self-reflection, I thought about how some of the decisions I've made have led me to where I am today. I wondered what my life would be like now had those decisions been different. If anyone had ever asked me 25 years ago what my life would be like in 2012, I'm not sure that I would ever have been able to dream-up what is now my current reality. And I am thankful. I thought about how most of the really pivotal decisions in my life were made during difficult and emotional times of crisis, upheaval and sometimes, fear. It was at those times that I summoned up the courage to strike out in a new direction. I guess that makes sense, though. It's human nature: If all seems to be going well for us in the status quo, we're not as inclined to come out of our comfort zones and initiate change. As I reflected on it, I realized that some of the best life changing decisions I ever made took place under some of the worst circumstances I ever encountered. I'm a member of the Church Within A Church Movement. The Church Within A Church Movement was formed about 10 years ago. It was born out of times of crisis and upheaval in the United Methodist Church. Its founders made a pivotal decision to strike out in a new direction - a direction that rejected unjust systems of oppression in the United Methodist Church - a direction that was not focused on pursuing legislative change from within the church, but rather, was focused on Being fully inclusive and just now, and providing pathways to ordination and resources for those oppressed and rejected by the church. Had I not been an object of that oppression and rejection in 2006, I might never have sought out the Church Within A Church Movement. It was at that time that my partner, a local pastor in the United Methodist Church, made a pivotal decision that she must speak the truth about us and our marriage. She could no longer live with the damage that a "don't ask, don't tell" regime engenders. Within hours of speaking the truth, she was removed from her position and prevented from having any contact with her congregation. From that day forward, she was to be excluded from ordained ministry in the UMC. What she did took tremendous courage, honesty and integrity. Because of that event, I no longer felt at home in the UMC, even though I had called it my church home for my entire life. Though no member of any UMC congregation to which I've belonged has ever been unkind to me, I found it more and more difficult to be associated with a church where the Discipline states that who I am is, "incompatible with Christian teachings".   I count my decision to become a member of the Church Within A Church Movement as one of the best decisions I have ever made. Immediately, I was celebrated for who I am. I was among the rejected and the outcast and those choosing another way of BEing church and found that I was not alone. Being a member of this community has strengthened my resolve to dismantle all forms of oppression, whether it be sexism, heterosexism, racism or any other "ism" that prevents me from authentically following the ways of Jesus.   It has helped to draw me out of my own isolation and to value my own worth. In this Movement, we have the opportunity to create a new way of being Christian community without the oppressive systems and hierarchy of the church. As a result, my horizons are expanding, I understand that I need to do my own work to dismantle oppression, and I'm learning and growing in ways that I might never have realized had I not taken this path. I am truly thankful.  Where would I be now if those courageous founders had not decided to start this Movement?   What would my life be like? How will the decisions we're making now as a Movement affect the future? How would the future be changed if I had the courage to come out of my comfort zone, take an active part in this Movement, and BE the change I hope to see in the world? How would the future be changed if everyone reading this did exactly that?   I have great hope for this Movement, for me, and for you. Terry Schwennesen Terry Schwennesen Co-convener of the national Coordinating Team Co-leader Anti-Racism Work Area Legally married to Rev. Annie Britton. SAVE the DATE: The Church Within A Church Movement celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year! October 19-21, 2012. Chicago. More coming - stay tuned!   The Church Within A Church Movement is a Christian Ministry of hope and life. We have roots in the Methodist church and are growing into an Ecumenical community that lives into our Theological statement that includes:   We believe in a loving God, who blesses all creation as good. We believe that the nature and purpose of God are disclosed in Jesus Christ, who comes among us as One filled with grace - teaching, expressing love, and above all caring for those who have been rejected.   ... Therefore, we are called to hold the church universal accountable to be an inclusive community. ... We stand for the celebration of the sacred worth of all persons and the rest of creation. We witness to God's work of breaking down the dividing walls of hostility and will co-operate with God in restoring humanity to an image that more fully reflects God's love. The CWAC justice ministry is guided by these Working Strategies: Provide a pathway to ordination for those who choose to be ordained by CWAC and for those denied in the United Methodist Church because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or progressive and inclusive theology. Promote progressive church plants and ministry development. Break down the walls of racism, white privilege and other "isms" that divide us. Provide curriculum and worship resources for the progressive, justice-seeking church. Promote Ecumenical partnerships.   Read CWAC's full Theological Statement HERE     www.cwac.us               Is the Church Within A Church Movement for you? Become a MEMBER!   www.cwac.us

Opportunity to sign affirming statement: For the Love of God and Neighbor

Love Your Neighbor - General Conference 2012 - Follow-up to Briefings Dear United Methodist Church Leaders:   The General Conference briefings in Tampa, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines provided delegates and church leaders time to explore the vital issues that will be under consideration at General Conference. As disciples of Jesus Christ, together we seek to embody God's love and justice through The United Methodist Church. With the sometimes surprising leading of the Holy Spirit, we strive to love our neighbors and to embrace our unity in Christ in the midst of diverse opinions. Whether it is seeking peace and challenging war and violence, sharing leadership with Central Conferences, protecting the lives of immigrants or moving beyond judgment to love toward gay people we raise our hands to God in praise and supplication that we might follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.  So what has God been telling us? Scripture reveals richly abundant human diversity and that God loves our diversity. Peter was told not to deny what God had made holy-the uncircumcised.  The Ethiopian eunuch asked whether he could be baptized-God said yes! Mary sat at Jesus' feet and he defended her right to learn. Paul said there is neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek, slave nor free.  The Syrophonecian woman-a foreigner-received healing for her daughter. John 3:16 says that ALL who believe are welcome in the kingdom of God. When human religious and cultural practices kept people out, Jesus turned the tables, challenged exclusion and called people to live out their core faith values.  The Holy Spirit has been changing hearts and calling us out of the wilderness of judging our neighbors to the gospel call to Love Your Neighbor. It is time to take Genesis seriously and be good stewards of the natural world. It is time to trust the Gospel that teaches us to love our enemies.  War, persecution, violence and bullying are not the answers to our deepest fears. It is time to trust the Holy Spirit who through forty years of dialogue has prepared the church to affirm gay and lesbian disciples as church members and leaders. It is time to trust God who teaches us to love our neighbors, not criminalize immigrants among us who seek to make a living or flee from violence. John Wesley's three simple rules for Christian living, now called our "General Rules," are: Do no harm.  Do good.  Stay in love with God. We know what it is to do good and to stay in love with God but we don't always know when we are doing harm.  Here are some actions you can consider: You will be receiving more mailings from the Common Witness Coalition as we go into General Conference. Read everything, watch everything, learn everything. Commit to do no harm.  Trust the Gospel.  Trust Jesus. Love God. In light of Jesus' teachings and Wesley's wisdom. Sign the statement "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBOR" http://gc12.org/sign/love-of-god-and-neighbor-statement/ Sincerely, The Common Witness Coalition ·         Methodist Federation for Social Action ·         Reconciling Ministries Network ·         Affirmation: U

Lincoln news : NE legislature, workplace discrimation, EVENTS

NE RUM's and friends :     Another year of great spiritual awakenings! love your neighbor!

www.RMNetwork.org  for the lastest info with General Conference of the UMC coming April 24  - May 4 in Tampa, Florida for two weeks!

Thanks to Brandi and PFLAG Hastings for sending us this news on workplace discrimination and the NE legislature -  be watching and advocating :  making calls and talking to your neighbors as well as legislators !

****************************************************
Events coming :

Lighten the Burden IV Conference for the UM church : on HIV AIDS is April 22, 2012 : the day before General Conference, Tampa, Florida - Register for $10 for one day conference  : if you are going or encourage others to go!www.umglobalaidsfund.org


Feb 24 : 2 PM, Meetup about UM Global AIDS fund, AIDS Ambassadors  : Baristas, G island

March 10 :  Saturday:  9:30 to 11:30 AM, Clay Class with Nancy Fairbanks, local Potter : at TRINITY UMC : creating pottery from slabs of clay and textures : $15 PREPAID before class :  contact mandy smidt :brianmandy2001@yahoo.com :  to register or call the church :  must prepay to have fun creating with clay!  Thanks Nancy for offering the class!  Site will be TUMC or nancy's place. YOU will be notified.

March 23 - 25 :  Horizons of Faith Weekend at Omaha First UMC :  Joerg Rieger, Theologian

April 1 :  5 PM, Trinity UMC, G Island for Salads, then 6 PM Faith umc for soups and 7 PM First UMC for desserts!

Come to the Mission Bowl of Sharing Progressive Meal with THREE churches in UM4GI and friends : Three MISSION causes : going green with bowls by Nancy Fairbanks or Bring Your own bowl for the same cost : $15 per person - tickets will be sold in march!    If you can bring a salad or bread contact marge lange for the first course at TUMC.

April 13 :   FRIDAY night : 7 - 9 PM, 4th Annual G Island HIV AID Concert, Trinity UMC, Grand Island:  Gollaher Chapel with local musicians raising the roof in song, tell your friends, jewels of love and info too - HIV AID testing at new site : Old Walnut Parish Nurse office : across from the church in the parish nurse office two times a month and also Central Health Center:  call for info at Trinity UMC, 308-382-1952

Freewill donations  at the concert : to the TUMC Emergency HIV AIDS Fund : emergency medical assistance to clients at NAP kearney, bring cookies, bars and cupcakes for intermission :  contact maureen if you can do the coffee that evening and help washing mugs etc!   mvetter@charter.net

April 16 :   MONDAY:  Potluck and Clergy Panel about GLBT affirmation, 6 PM at Hastings College, Hazellrigg Student Union, Hastings, NE -  Bring food to share with Alliance GSA students for dinner -  carpool and meet at 5: 15 pm at Trinity UMC -
Maureen and Wendy Smith, NE Email Contacts, Main Email contacts, Local contact, PRN contacts

Send Email offerings to NE Statewide Reconciling Network :  Make checks to RMN and then send to Maureen Vetter, 4422 Drake lane, G Island, NE 68801 - we hope to send some before General Conference from our statewide Network! Thanks to a donor for sending $100 this past MONTH!
We will list all donors by summer! Support RMN ministries and work for a fully inclusive UMC!

Bishop celebrates marriage equality in Washington

See the RMN blog on the  RMN website and a copy below for good news!  www.RMNetwork.org

 

It is also posted on our Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network Facebook -  search Nebraska Statewide Reconciling Network to find us -  also a NE blog : www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com

 

Bishop Celebrates Washington Marriage Equality

Recently, Bishop Grant Hagiya of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Annual Conferences publicly expressed his disagreement with UM policy regarding same-sex marriage. We at Reconciling Ministries Network, together with our friends at Methodist Federation for Social Action and Affirmation: United Methodists, would like to thank Bishop Hagiya for speaking out in favor of our cause.
Read Bishop Hagiya's letter below.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 I greet you in the very name of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Difficult letters, like difficult conversations are never easy. However, God never promised us easy, and there are times when we must take up the cross and walk in faith. I write today not representing the United Methodist Church, for only General Conference can do that. So, even though I write this letter as your Bishop, I hope it will also be received as your friend in Christ. With the signing by Governor Gregoire of a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington as of June 7th, the state joins six others in recognizing this union. Personally, I celebrate the signing into law of the legalization of same-sex marriage for our state. It is an historic moment for the people of this geographic region, and it marks a secular turning point in the liberation of those who have too long been oppressed in our current times. I celebrate with those who will be free to enjoy equal health and security benefits through the state institution of marriage. I also personally grieve over our United Methodist Church polity that will not recognize same-sex marriage. I believe that it is wrong, and we should work for a more inclusive and humane response. The reason for this stance is that I believe that Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God's divine love for the entire creation, and no one should be shut out from God's embracing Grace. God's Grace is so pure and encompassing that anything that attempts to limit or control this love must be transformed. In all humility, I realize that this represents my faith, and even though I must live by what I believe, I am fully aware that equally devout United Methodists have different views. To force my faith onto someone who has a different or opposing view is also to limit God's divine love. I believe the loving example we must set is to come together for dialogue in mutual respect. Respectful dialogue means that we listen to one another honestly and openly. Dialogue does not mean that each side tries to win the other over with an opposing point of view, but pauses to hear the honest thoughts and feelings of the other side. I deeply respect those who have different views on this issue, and even though I share my faith perspective here, I do not presume that this must be their truth as well. I believe that all human nature is flawed, and that God holds the only "Truth" with a capital "T". We humans can only approximate the truth, and no person has a monopoly on it. Our Pacific Northwest Annual Conference has been deeply divided by this very issue in the past. People have been hurt, self-righteousness has abounded, and lives have been damaged. This is not an embodiment of God's divine Grace, and I pray that we can respond differently in the future. If we are to truly live by God's love, then we need to treat each other with the respect of any creature made by God's hand. All of us have the dignity and self-worth of a child of God. I am not asking for a tepid and false peacefulness. We will disagree and not see eye-to-eye. I am not looking for an all-encompassing harmony in our present reality, but these great issues that divide us will not go away, and I call on all of us to enter into a civil dialogue that speaks of mutual respect. When such social issues threaten to pull us apart as the Body of Christ, I invite every United Methodist into the art of Holy Conferencing. Our times call upon us to model the love of Jesus Christ through our love for one another. Even though we will disagree, I believe in my very bones that God is at work in the world, and in our lives. We have been shown a glimpse of God's spiritual vision: where the wolf and lamb lie together, where water springs from the desert, and where weapons of war will be turned into instruments of life-giving peace. I hold that vision before you on this day, and I also hold all of you in my prayers. As we continue as the "people of the way" let Christ be our guide and salvation, and let love rule our hearts and minds. Be the Hope, Bishop Grant Hagiya

MFSA Feb 16 2012

See the link for a story about Nebraskan Zach Anderson receiving an MFSA scholarship to GC.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=dinh7qdab&v=001uhMSa17EQAeOIqpw0yKcO-Z3sjeHWXNXPab231VlbgyylF2lMSH4g5cBlkcE7x3QOv7_bKvjKBn3ol2u_FGiwZeeB_J67wQZq7UmL2XEor0bH-r1-JgMxW38vMA-0trG

HRC Equality Buying Guide

More than ever, consumers are sending a message to businesses that they are watching. They are watching to see if the businesses they patronize understand and honor issues important to them, giving buying power to issues ranging from LGBT inclusiveness to environmental protection. Corporate social responsibility has become an imperative for a successful business. With Buying for Workplace Equality, we hope to harness that power by providing you with the most accurate review of a business's workplace policies toward LGBT employees.

Whether you are buying a cup of coffee or renovating your home, by supporting businesses that support workplace equality you send a powerful message that LGBT inclusion is good for the bottom line. We hope that you will use this guide as one component when determining if a business's social practices make it worthy of your dollars.

http://www.hrc.org/apps/buyersguide/index.php?utm_source=Convio&utm_medium=email&utm_term=link-1&utm_campaign=BuyersGuide-2012#.T0L2n1yqCP4