From Brenda Davids, Youth Ministries director:

We need the youth of the Kansas East Conference! In March 2009, we are visiting the new president on his turf in Washington DC. We have great accommodations lined up, and we will be seeing all kinds of sites in the Washington DC area.

The United Methodist Church is the only denomination with a building so close to our government. We will be able to see our government in action and see how we as United Methodists can influence our country and our world!

Join us for a transforming trip of a lifetime. Check out testimonies of previous participants on Facebook at www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=27587838709&ref=ts. This trip will change the way you view politics and government. Come with us!

More information about the trip is available at http://kesite.brickriver.com/page.asp?pkvalue=1018.

Applications are due Nov. 15.

News

Tents for Darfur at Emporia First UMC
Oct. 22, children took turns standing around the perimeter of a tent at First UMC in Emporia, while adults traced their outlines and showed their linked hands in a symbolic “around-the-world” theme.

The effort is a project that evolved from a recently formed joint study group of members of the church and Kansas East Conference Campus Ministries.

The group had decided to study a book, “Not on Our Watch,” by Don Cheadle and John Prendergast. It details the genocide and suffering currently happening in Darfur in western Sudan.

Coincidentally—or perhaps not coincidentally—an e-mail was sent out a few weeks ago, alerting churches to the crisis situation in Darfur and some ways in which church members could help by contributing through the “Tents of Hope” organization.

The local group chose to purchase large tents that can be used as classrooms, meeting rooms, or, if needed, as housing for the displaced families in Darfur.

Read more at www.emporiagazette.com/news/2008/oct/23/tents_darfur/.

Bishops seek feedback on episcopal-area boundaries
An online survey is available for clergy and laity of the South Central Jurisdiction to give feedback to the SCJ College of Bishops as they plan for new episcopal area boundaries in 2012 due to a reduction in the number of bishops by one.

To participate in the survey, go to www.churchleadership.com/scj.html.

Scholarship opportunity
Women older than 35 who have received a bachelor of arts or equivalent degree, are enrolled full time in a University Senate-accredited school of theology in the master of divinity degree program, and who are currently certified as candidates for ordained ministry as an elder in the United Methodist Church are encouraged to apply for a $5,000 Georgia Harkness Scholars award. This funding can be applied to tuition, fees, and room and board for the basic seminary degree leading to elder’s ordination.

Applications and required documents must be received by March 1, 2009. The award is not available for undergraduate, D. Min., or Ph.D. work.

Find out more at www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.3876391/.

KU wins second Cat-Hawk Challenge
The University of Kansas team won the second Cat-Hawk Challenge by raising $14,255. The Kansas State University team raised $12,970, producing a total of $27,225 for United Methodist campus ministries at both schools.

The fund-raiser was Oct. 18 at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park.

The KU team was coached by Mary Lou Reece, and Rev. Jim Reed coached the K-State team.

See photos from the event at www.kansaseast.org/photo_page.asp?TableName=oPictures_Pages_HSBCSF&PKValue=35.

Advent meditations
Meditations for lighting the Advent wreath candles are available on the GBOD worship site at
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45396.

New witness liturgies
The 2008 General Conference added "witness" to the United Methodist membership vows. Kwasi Kena of the GBOD staff has written a litany around witnessing, We Will Witness: Liturgies for New United Methodist Church Membership Vows.

‘Church Music: Vocation or Avocation?’
American poet Robert Frost wrote that a worthy reason for living is to unite our vocation with our avocation. This article discusses what that might mean for church musicians.

Read the article at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46881&loc_id=17,1003.

General Council on Finance & Administration survey
The General Council on Finance and Administration is currently conducting a survey on the usage of their website. The survey is available online through Oct. 31. To participate, go to http://www.gcfa.org/.

Military chaplains extend church’s global outreach
Military commanders stationed in countries along the Pacific Rim say they would not think of going into war without the chaplains who serve as their treasured "battle buddies."

"I need chaplains to take care of the soldiers so I can take care of their training," said Col. Jeffery K. Ludwig, deputy commanding officer of the U.S. Army's 19th Sustainment Command in Deaju, Korea.

Chaplaincy is the Army's second oldest division behind the infantry. These unique officers guarantee religious freedom for U.S. troops while providing spiritual care through a diversity of faiths.

Read more at www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072519&ct=6242405.

Featured events

Self-care workshop, Nov. 5
The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund is sponsoring a free workshop Nov. 5 at Wesley UMC in Parsons for Kansas clergy. The workshop will help individuals examine their current choices within the areas of mental/emotional, physical, social and spiritual health.

For more information and to register online, go to www.healthfund.org/selfcare.php or contact the Health Ministry Fund office at 620-662-8586.

United Methodist Student Day, Nov. 30
Invest in the future of the United Methodist Church through the Student Day offering Nov. 30 to help students unite faith with knowledge.

For many students, this financial assistance is critical to attaining higher education. Each year the number of applicants continues to rise – furthering the need for more financial assistance. Imagine being able to provide assistance for everyone. That is the goal of United Methodist Student Day.

Each year, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards scholarships and loans to students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities through the United Methodist Student Day offering. In addition, a portion of the United Methodist Student Day offering is returned to annual conferences for merit scholarship awards to students of their choosing.

Kansas East Conference student Luke Wetzel has received the Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope scholarship.

Find out more about Student Day and get downloadable resources from www.kansaseast.org/event_detail.asp?PKValue=2223.

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