IN LAYMAN'S TERMS

Holy Land Task Force

As the war in Gaza continues, Todd talks with Carol Ekdahl-Garwood, chair of the Great Plains Conference's Holy Land Task Force. During their discussion, we learn about the peril of Palestinian people, the delicate balance between supporting Israel while pointing out human rights concerns, and what life is like away from the media spotlight we often see on national news.

Coach Different with Matt Williams

Youth sports should be a time of fun, development and building character. But it's often quite the opposite.

Matt Williams — a standout catcher at Duke University who played in the Chicago Cubs organization — joins Todd to talk about a one-day workshop titled "Coach Different." Matt, the digital engagement team director at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church who has coached young people, wants to give youth coaches a chance to learn how to reduce stress, make the best use of their time and increase the positive impact they can have on boys and girls of all ages through sports.

A 90-minute workshop March 31, 2025, in Olathe at the Resurrection West campus can help coaches learn how to coach with purpose.

Fill out the registration form.

Internship Possibilities

In this episode, Todd talks with Rev. Dr. Ashlee Alley Crawford and Rev. Melissa Collier Gepford about changes to the Great Plains Conference's internship program. An additional guest — Rev. Grace Woods from Topeka First United Methodist Church — shares her journey from summer intern to a pastor working with a Great Plains intern.

If you have questions about internships in the Great Plains Conference, please reach out to:

Rev. Dr. Ashlee Alley Crawford — aalleycrawford@greatplainsumc.org

Rev. Melissa Collier Gepford — mgepford@greatplainsumc.org

Immigration Issues, with Andrea Paret

The issue of immigration continues to grow in prominence as we move closer to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. During the campaign, he promised mass deportations and the closing of our U.S. borders. What impact does that have on people seeking a better life for their families in this country? Andrea Paret, a Department of Justice accredited representative at Mary Treglia Community House in Sioux City, Iowa, shares her reflections as a person who works with immigrants to this country.

The Table

The Table is a different kind of evangelism tool used by Bonfire, a Korean-language and culture church start in Olathe, Kansas. The Table is a biweekly meal with invited guests who have the chance to build relationships through conversation while gathering around food.

This episode features one gathering in December at The Table, with Bishop David Wilson, members of his Cabinet and representatives from Bonfire.

Immigration Frustrations

The campaign promise by President-elect Donald Trump for mass deportations has created more than a little anxiety among people who are immigrants to the United States. While some Americans may think it worthwhile to deport people illegally in the country, many people who are on the pathway to permanent residency or even citizenship fear the route the finish line they have been moving toward may be pushed farther back or eliminated. Todd Seifert talks to three pastors — themselves immigrants to the United States — about the fears they have heard from members of their communities and what their churches are doing to try to help.

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month. We celebrate by talking with Bishop David Wilson, an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation and also with Cherokee lineage. We also share some remarks and interviews from a U.S. Indian Boarding School Remembrance the Great Plains Conference hosted Sept. 28, 2024, at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Sights and Sounds from Leadership Institute

Each September, Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, in Leawood, Kansas, hosts Leadership Institute. This time, Todd took along a microphone and recorded short interviews in hallways, in the backs of workshop rooms, in the corner of the sanctuary and even behind the chancel in an effort to give a snapshot of what participants experienced at this year's event. 

Public Service Series: Jeff Hart

We wrap up a three-part series on United Methodists serving in local elected offices with an interview with Jeff Hart, who has served on his village board in Lynch, Nebraska, for more than 20 years. He's also a school teachers and working toward becoming a licensed pastor in the UMC.

Orders & Fellowship Primer: Dr. Ashley Boggan

In a short episode of the "In Layman's Terms" podcast, Todd Seifert, communications director for the Great Plains Conference, interviews Dr. Ashley Boggan, general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History for The United Methodist Church. Dr. Boggan talks about what clergy will hear from her as she presents our plenary learning times during Orders & Fellowship on Oct. 28-30 at Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, in Leawood, Kansas.