In this issue

Submissions for Annual Conference

Sager Brown depot supplies low

General Conference news

News

Submissions for Annual Conference
Petitions, reports and requests for inclusion on the 2008 Annual Conference agenda are due to the conference secretary by March 15.

For explanations and instructions, including deadlines and contact information, go to www.kansaseast.org/page.asp?PKValue=32.

Sager Brown depot supplies low
UMCOR's Sager Brown depot is in great need of a variety of kits used in its global work. There is an immediate need for 33,000 layette kits, 64,000 sewing kits and approximately 1,000 bedding kits to meet upcoming needs.

To find out how to help, go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/newsroom/releases/archives08/helpsagerbrowndeliverkits.

For information on UMCOR relief supplies, visit http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/.

General Conference news
The national United Methodist Church website has extensive coverage of the issues surrounding the 2008 General Conference, which will take place April 23 - May 2 in Ft. Worth, Texas.

UNITED METHODIST ETHNIC MINISTRIES SEEK $12.3 MILLION
Six ethnic ministries of the United Methodist Church are requesting $12.3 million in denominational funding for the next four years.
www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=3082929&content_id={447D36C4-9392-43AF-BA65-B3CFDB7B4385}¬oc=1

UNITED METHODISTS EXPLORE CHURCH'S GLOBAL STRUCTURE
Is the United Methodist Church truly a global church, and should its structure change accordingly? Ten leaders explore that question.
www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=3082929&content_id={9997974D-B557-4ED8-A3ED-AE66973EFEC6}¬oc=1

2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE TO WELCOME ONLINE VISITORS
People unable to attend the church's top legislative meeting this spring can watch the proceedings online with Internet access.
www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=3082929&content_id={51F4D0B5-FE26-47AD-A73B-C967B27866B7}¬oc=1

TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH
The United Methodist Church has a health problem, say leaders working to improve the health of clergy and church lay employees.
www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=3082929&content_id={0DE1B81C-9BF7-4DB6-9B79-01844BF11433}¬oc=1

NEWS BRIEFING OFFERS GLIMPSE INTO ASSEMBLY CHANGES
Many changes at General Conference aim to foster unity through common ministry instead of gridlock over divisive social issues.
www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=3082929&content_id={840984A7-8151-4173-BDDA-4ABB0D76230F}¬oc=1

UNITED METHODISTS EXPLORE DIVESTMENT PROPOSALS
Divestment petitions aimed at bringing about change in the Middle East are reviewed at a General Conference informational session.
www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=3082929&content_id={AA4EB3B1-C2E7-4FC2-9F96-40C24D19E976}¬oc=1

Featured Events

Confirmation Retreat cancelled
The Confirmation Retreat scheduled for March 8-9 at Camp Chippewa has been cancelled due to a lack of registrations.

The 2009 retreat is scheduled for March 14-15.

Passing on the Faith 2008
Recharging faith is a must for Christian leaders and educators. Workshops designed to impact lives, build relationships, gain skills and deepen spirituality will be offered at “Passing On the Faith: Dwelling Together as Stranger, Host and Guest” April 5 at Calvary UMC in Wichita.

Workshop topics will include “Boys and Girls Learn Differently,” “Labyrinth: A Path to Transformation,” “What Every Teacher Needs to Know,” “Social Networking” and “Helping People in Uncertain Times.”

Find out more and download a registration flier at www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2178.

Native American Ministries Sunday with offering
Celebrate the gifts and contributions of Native American April 6.

Get more information and download a worship resource at www.umcgiving.org/content/sundays/NAMS_nav/native.asp.

The Art of Making Disciples
Local church lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, small-group leaders, team/committee members and volunteers are invited to attend “The Art of Making Disciples” April 12 at Countryside UMC in Topeka.

Dr. Sondra Matthaei, author and professor of Christian Religious Education at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, will be the guest clinician leading the workshop. Matthaei is an artist at creating faith formation within a learning environment.

The registration fee is $15 and includes beverages, pastries and lunch. Registrations are due April 1. Registrations after that date will be $25.

Download an event brochure for more information at www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2166.

Healthy Congregations Retreat
The 2008 Healthy Congregations Annual Retreat for United Methodists will be April 11-12 at Rock Springs 4-H Center. The event brings together United Methodists interested in congregational health ministries and the promotion of holistic health and healthy lifestyles.

Additional event information and online registration are available at www.healthfund.org/hcar.php.

Faithfully Fit Forever leader training
Following the 2008 Healthy Congregations Annual Retreat, a Faithfully Fit Forever training session will be held at Rock Springs 4-H Center.

Get more information and a registration flier at www.kswestumc.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2310.

Event Calendar

Visit the Conference Calendar for additional information and events not listed below.

March 2008

Turn Aside and See
March 9
http://www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2170

Topeka District Leadership Event: Conversation Two on Five Fruitful Practices
March 9
http://www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2136

VIM team leader training/disaster response orientation
March 15
http://www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2040

Work Day at Camp Chippewa
March 15
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2181

Safe and Sacred Spaces Training - Council Grove UMC
March 25
http://www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2190

Christian Educators Family Reunion
March 27-28
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2059

Lay speaking seminar
March 28-29
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=1825

Safe and Sacred Spaces Worker Training - Topeka
March 29
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2146

April 2008

Spiritual Spendover
April 4-5
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=1949

Passing on the Faith: Dwelling Together as Strangers, Hosts and Guests
April 5
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2178

Dinner theater evening
April 5
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2175

Native American Ministries Sunday with offering
April 6
www.umcgiving.org/content/sundays/NAMS_nav/native.asp

The Emergent Church for the Existing Church Conference
April 8-10
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2056

Healthy Congregations Retreat
April 11-12
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2119

Faithfully Fit Forever leader training
April 12
www.kswestumc.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2310

Local church historians' workshop
April 12
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2165

Safe and Sacred Spaces Worker Training - Leawood
April 12
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2066

Sexual Ethics Quadrennial Update
April 12
www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=1808