Greeting

Ron Williams, statistician for Bishop’s Roundup, reported to me that the response for this year’s Roundup was excellent and that food donations increased by 30% from 2007, bringing the level of donations back up to that of 2006. On behalf of the entire committee for Bishop’s Roundup, he gives thanks to the local churches, members and conference staff that participated in this year’s Roundup.

Gary Beach
Director of Connectional Ministries

News

Eudora UMC damaged by fire

A fire at Eudora UMC caused damage in the sanctuary and smoke damage throughout the building. The fire started around 2:15 p.m. Nov. 24. There were no reported injuries. The congregation had consecrated the new church building just a few months ago.

The "Lawrence Journal-World" has a news story on the fire at www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/nov/24/firefighters-respond-fire-eudora-methodist-church/.

Last day to receive 2008 Mission and Ministry apportionment payments

All churches and church treasurers should note that January 8, 2009, is the last day that the Conference will receive and process payments for 2008 Mission and Ministry apportionments. Under Conference policies, payment must be received at the Post Office Box 1831 or at the Conference Center, 4201 SW 15th Street, Topeka by close of business January 8, 2009. If a payment is received after that date, it will be processed as a 2009 receipt.

All questions should be directed to the Conference Treasurer’s Office at 877-972-9111 or 785-272-9111.

2009 IRS mileage reimbursement rates changing

Beginning January 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a vehicle will be:

• 55 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

Kansas Area receives $1.1 million leadership grant

The Kansas Area United Methodist Church has received a $1.1 million grant from the Kansas Health Foundation to fund the Faith and Leadership Initiative, a multi-program initiative designed to provide leadership opportunities for members and leaders within the church and enhance the church’s commitment to social justice and public health.

The initiative was designed through a joint effort by the church, the Foundation and the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC).

“Through this grant we see a significant opportunity to engage and revitalize the church through leadership training and public health issues,” Bishop Scott Jones said. “This is a unique partnership, and the Kansas Area United Methodist Church looks forward to continuing to work with the Foundation and KLC to ensure its success. We anticipate our leaders and members improving their ability to become even more engaged in the important local and health issues facing their communities.”

To read the rest of the news release, visit www.kansaseast.org/news_detail.asp?pkvalue=492.

New Scholarship Event Offered by Emory's Candler School of Theology

Emory University's Candler School of Theology has created a new scholarship event called Leadership Candler that will bring together prospective master of divinity students from across the country and the world. They will be considered for the school's most prestigious scholarships, including the Robert W. Woodruff Fellowships in Theology and Ministry and the Margaret A. Pitts Scholarships.

Thirty-five applicants will be invited to visit campus the weekend of March 1-3, 2009, with all expenses paid to experience Candler firsthand, says Shonda Jones, Candler's assistant dean of admissions and financial aid.

While on campus, applicants will participate in activities designed to help them "discern their vocations more clearly, offer insights on how to deepen their education, and develop practical skills for creative and faithful leadership," says Jones. The weekend will include visits to classes, conversations with faculty, a campus tour, interaction with current students and staff, group discussions, interviews with scholarship committees and opportunities to spend time with future classmates.

To read the whole article and for more information about the scholarship, visit: www.emory.edu/home/news/releases/2008/11/new-scholarship-event-at-theology-school.html

For more information about the Candler School of Theology, visit:
www.candler.emory.edu.

Team members sought for mission trip to Tanzania

Old Mission UMC invites Kansas Area United Methodists for a mission trip to Tanzania. The team will travel to Tanzania with Lifetree Adventures Group Work Camp July 6-18, 2009, to work in Oldeani building a school and clearing an unused coffee plantation to make sport fields. Participants 16 years or older are welcome.

The trip will also include a visits to a game park, Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge, which contains some of the oldest fossils found in the world.

The approximate cost of the trip will be $7,000, the majority of which is tax-deductible. The cost of the trip helps provide building materials for the site and includes airfare, flights in Africa, meals and accommodations.

To register for the trip or for more information, contact Rev. Pam Harris at 913-677-4925 or pamharrismd@pol.net by Jan. 31.

NCC presents Christmas television special

The “Voices of Christmas,” presented by the National Council of Churches, will air at 11:35 p.m. on Christmas Eve on the CBS television network. This colorful holiday special features music and testimonies from a wide variety of faith groups related to the National Council of Churches—from Baptist, Lutheran, and Presbyterian to Brethren, Methodist and Orthodox—in celebration of 100 years of Christian ecumenism in the United States. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, new general secretary of the Council, will be the host.

Find out more about this and other NCC holiday specials at www.ncccusa.org/news/081124nccholidayspecials.html.

‘A Christmas Lament’
Dean McIntyre has posted a song, “A Christmas Lament,” the lyrics born from a sense of personal loss and exhaustion during the holiday season, at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=47057&loc_id=17,823.

Classified ads online

Classified ads are posted on the conference website, including:

Associate pastor in Christian education, Asbury UMC in Prairie Village

See all the current classifieds in the News & Events section at www.kansaseast.org/classifieds_find.asp.

Featured Events

Alternative Gift Ideas from "Give Ye Them To Eat"

"Give Ye Them To Eat" (Advance Special # 07629A) is an Integrated Development Program led by Terry and Muriel Henderson that has served vulnerable families in need in the rural sector of Mexico for more than 30 years. Through GYTTE, villagers and students are offered training in health, community, agricultural and livestock development as well as church and faith development.

GYTTE is an important mission that has been supported by the Kansas East Conference for many years. This Christmas, churches and members of the conference can continue to support the mission through alternative gifts. A few of the alternative gifts that would support this mission include scholarships to teacher training workshops ($20), agricultural workshops ($80), First Aid supplies ($50), and Advent and Christmas materials for one church ($10).

For more information on alternative gifts that would benefit the Give Ye Them To Eat mission, download the PDF document at http://ke.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/giftmarket08
_TFQN992E.pdf.

Quadrennial FOCUS conference for workers in children’s ministry

Early bird registration for the FOCUS conference ends December 31. FOCUS is the quadrennial conference for those in ministry for children. The 2009 conference is based on the scripture "fearfully and wonderfully made" from Psalm 139. The conference is July 21-24, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and includes innovative workshops, unique worship experiences, inspiring preachers, dynamic speakers, relevant resources, and networking opportunities that will support the creation, renewal and revitalization ministries locally and globally.

The primary audience for FOCUS is local church staff and laity involved with children’s ministries, including children’s ministers, pastors, music ministers, weekday preschool directors and teachers, seminarians, and conference staff.

For more information regarding FOCUS 2009, please visit www.gbod.org/focus2009.

Visit the conference calendar at www.kansaseast.org/calendar.asp for more upcoming events.