The “Communique” will be on holiday break until Jan. 7. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

News

Bishop’s Christmas video message now available
A 4 ½ minute video with Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones’ Christmas message is available to view and download for use in worship from the Video Archives page in the Resources section of the conference website at www.kansaseast.org/video_find.asp.

Conference-wide spending freeze deemed necessary
In a recent meeting of Council on Finance and Administration (CFA), it was decided that 2009 Conference Spending Plan will be based on the 2008 levels until the CFA and the Annual Conference can act on a revised 2009 Budget and Spending Plan.

This action was taken in an effort to respond to sharp reductions in receipts projected for the end of 2008. CFA reports a shortfall of approximately 10 percent for 2008.

This will require approximately $350,000 reduction to the 2009 spending plan. A budget consultation meeting with all conference board and agency chairs is anticipated for January 24 to corporately adjust the budget to anticipated receipt levels. It is important to note that many of the planned reductions will be temporary, in an effort to operate until the economic recession subsides.

The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) Economic Advisory Committee estimates that the recession should end sometime during the second half of 2009.

CFA is asking for conference-wide prayer, understanding, support and cooperation during this difficult period.

For more information, contact Russ Hinshaw, conference treasurer, at 877-972-9111 (toll free) or rhinshaw@kansaseast.org or Dr. F. D. Burrows Sr., CFA president, at 785.242.1420 or docfdb1@aol.com.

New membership vows and ritual now available
The new baptismal and professing membership vows of the United Methodist Church adopted by delegates to the 2008 General Conference will take effect Jan. 1, 2009.

The new membership vows and ritual are available at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46866&loc_id=9,824.

Ten steps for local churches to take in an economic downturn
An economic downturn changes the ministry landscape. There is a need for certain kinds of programming and a greater openness to it.

The local church needs to take steps to assist both its congregation and its community deal with the impact of the changing economy.

This is the time to invest in certain ministries and exercise good stewardship.

Read Dr. Don Nation’s article with 10 specific steps to help at www.kansaseast.org/news_detail.asp?pkvalue=494.

Evangel UMC organizes new Holton community center
Evangel UMC has organized a new community center in Holton for the Latino community. The center’s open house was attended by more than 200 people, of who 80 percent were Hispanic/Latino.

The story was featured on the Topeka television station KSNT news Sunday. Find out more and watch the news video at www.ksnt.com/news/local/36146904.html.

Peace with Justice grants
Feb. 15 is the deadline to apply for a Peace with Justice grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society. Peace with Justice grants are awarded annually.

Grant applicants must be either a United Methodist or other affiliated organization, or an ecumenical group working with and through at least one United Methodist agency or organization.

Applicants must work toward achieving at least one of the following objectives:

• Assist United Methodists in understanding and responding to violence and militarism, and in moving and leading nations and peoples to reconciliation, transformation and redemption;
• Involve and develop principal leaders among United Methodists and enjoin the general public in efforts to end conflicts, human rights violations and violent aggression around the world;
• Promote just national and international policies and actions (governmental and non-governmental) seeking to address poverty and restore communities; or
• Support policies that promote systematic economic justice and the self-development of peoples, in particular to respond to the disproportionate effect of injustices on racial, indigenous and ethnic persons.

Find out more at www.umc-gbcs.org/site/apps/nlnet/content.aspx?c=frLJK2PKLqF&b=4813157&ct=6432379&tr=y&auid=4304312.

Classified ads online
Classified ads are posted on the conference website, including:

• Executive Registrar for Board of Ordained Ministry, application deadline is Dec. 19
• Free items: Two large advent wreaths and wooden baptismal, Topeka First UMC

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

Featured events

Holiday schedule at the Kansas East Conference office
The Kansas East Conference office in Topeka will be close at noon Dec. 24 and be closed Dec. 25-26 for the Christmas holiday.

The office will close at noon Dec. 31 and be closed Jan. 1 for the New Year holiday.

Discover Saint Paul, Jan. 8 & 9 and Feb. 17
Touring the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City helps visitors explore calls to ministry and discover the possibilities of theological education.

Discover Saint Paul Days and individual visits are an opportunity to attend classes, visit with Saint Paul faculty and students, worship, learn about Contextual Education/Ministry Settings, explore our degrees, find out about financial aid options and tour the campus.

To register for a Discover Saint Paul Day or an individual campus visit, go to www.spst.edu/site/admissions/admissions_office/visiting_campus/visit_campus_form.php.

Professional ministry seminar, Jan. 13-15
The 2009 Area Seminar on Professional Ministry will be Jan. 13-15 in Wichita. The theme of the seminar will be “The Methodist Movement: Revival not Survival.”

Dr. Randy Maddox, associate dean for faculty development and professor of theology and Wesleyan studies at Duke Divinity School, and Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones will be the featured speakers.

Registration is $125 per person.

A registration flier is available at www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2348 or contact Rev. Amy Lippoldt at 316-265-6669 or amylippoldt@woodlandumc.com.