June 2023
Pastor’s Notes
June 7-10, I head to La Vista, (Omaha) Nebraska to join other Pastors, District Super- intendents, Laity, and the Bishop for several days of business and worship at the Annual Conference of the Great Plains. For those of you not familiar with the Conference, I thought I might give you an idea of what goes on during this time.
In the past, this has been a packed 4-day event. With so much extra added to the docket, an online meeting was created for May 31, 2023. There will be a zoom session in which laity and clergy will cover resolutions for church disaffiliations, closures and policies that address the compensation and benefits of our clergy. Another session is scheduled for Clergy on June 5 to conduct their executive session online.
On June 7, the live conference begins at the Conference Center. It is a time to see friends and family, honor retirees, celebrate achievements, handle any remaining business, and worship. Also, for breakfast there is an omelet chef who makes the best omelets!! (My favorite part!)
Much of our time together will be committed to the work of considering our future ministry as a United Methodist connection. The conference will include moments of prayer and song, interspersed among our business. We will hear and participate in conversations with leaders across the Great Plains on topics including disaffiliation, appointments, and the church of 2050.
Young disciples are baptized, and retirees are honored. This year there is an Ordination service with a record number of elders and deacons taking authority for ministry.
By Saturday all appointments for the upcoming year are set and sent out into the world to make more, disciples of Jesus Christ in our neighborhoods, towns, communities, and beyond.
One last note, the annual conference will be an opportunity for us to meet Bishop David Wilson as he preaches and leads us throughout our sessions. I believe God has exciting plans for the Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church. I can’t wait to learn and discern them with you.
Pastor Janet
Church News & Community Headlines
Sympathy
Mary Ann Moore’s service will be held on Saturday, June 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Her memorials are designated for the church and the Senior Center.
Karen Dansereau’s celebration of life will be held: Sat., June 24th 1 – 4 at the Madison Garden Villa Clubhouse, 2418 Madison Ave., Derby KS
Pastor Janet is Back!!!
We celebrated Janet’s return with a GF ”Welcome Back” cake. Her Dr. released her in time to join us for our last Community Dinner of the school year on Wednesday, May 10th.
Love in a Lunchbox
The Douglass Ministerial Alliance will be offering a free summer lunch program for the Douglass children from June 1 to August 10th. These are served on Tuesday and Thursday at the Library from 11:30 to 12:30. Our church will be hosting the lunch on Thursday, June 29th.
Water Aerobics
Classes are offered on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays from 6:00-7:00 at the Douglass Pool. Cost: $1 & Seniors (65+) swim free.
The Wichita Wind Surge’s Faith & Family Night
Take me out to the Ball Game! The Wichita Wind Surge will be hosting a Faith & Family Night at the Riverfront Stadium on Wednesday, June 28th at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $4.00 – $8.50.
Upcoming Church Activities & Community Events
06-03 – Day at the Park
06-03 – Mary Ann’s Funeral
06-04 – Senior Sunday
06-06 – Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.
06-07 to 06-10 – Great Plains Annual Conference
06-09 to 06-11 – City Wide Garage Sale
06-13 – Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.
06-20 – Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.
06-24 – Karen Dansareau Celebration of Life
06-24 – TEFAP 9:00-11:00 a.m.
06-26 – Monterey Dinner at Sr. Center
06-27 – Bible Study at 10:00 a.m. – Card Players at 1:30 p.m.
06-28 – Faith & Family Night
05-29 – Love in the Lunchbox