IN LAYMAN'S TERMS

Laity Summit 2023

One of the newer traditions in the Great Plains Conference is our annual Laity Summit. Guests in this episode include Lisa Maupin, conference lay leader, and Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, our keynote speaker for this day dedicated to training and education specifically for laity. The 2023 edition is scheduled for March 18. And it’s completely online, using Zoom, so you can participate from anywhere in Kansas or Nebraska — or the world for that matter.

The theme this year is “And They Dreamed.”

You can learn more and register by going to www.greatplainsumc.org/laity-summit.

Center for Pastoral Effectiveness

Our world today is filled with anxiety, and the church is not immune. The Rev. Bill Selby recognized that long ago and launched what is known as the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness. He has made it his ministry to help pastors better navigate anxiety and improve connections with congregants and their communities.

Space at the Table

The Space at the Table event in mid-November talked about the bright future of The United Methodist Church and featured Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter, panels of young clergy, academics and bishops, and discussion about how to strengthen the Black church. This episode features excerpts and brief interviews from the venue in Dallas.

And check out this story from United Methodist News Service.

SCJ Episcopal Candidates — Dee Williamston

This interview features Rev. Dee Williamston, director of clergy excellence and assistant to the bishop in the Great Plains Conference, as part of a short series featuring brief interviews with the episcopal candidates in the South Central Jurisdiction.

SCJ Episcopal Candidates — David Wilson

This interview features Rev. Dr. David Wilson, assistant to the bishop in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, as part of a short series featuring brief interviews with the episcopal candidates in the South Central Jurisdiction.

SCJ Episcopal Candidates — Laceye Warner

This interview features Rev. Dr. Laceye Warner, associate dean for Wesleyan Engagement and the Royce and Jane Reynolds associate professor of evangelism and Methodist studies at Duke University Divinity School, as part of a short series featuring brief interviews with the episcopal candidates in the South Central Jurisdiction.

SCJ Episcopal Candidates — Eddie Rivera

This interview features Rev. Dr. Eddie Rivera, provost of the New Mexico Conference, as part of a short series featuring brief interviews with the episcopal candidates in the South Central Jurisdiction.

SCJ Episcopal Candidates — Randall Partin

This interview features Rev. Dr. Randall Partin, senior pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as part of a short series featuring brief interviews with the episcopal candidates in the South Central Jurisdiction.

SCJ Episcopal Candidates — Laura Merrill

This interview features Rev. Laura Merrill, Capital District Superintendent in the Rio Texas Conference, as part of a short series featuring brief interviews with the episcopal candidates in the South Central Jurisdiction.

SCJ Episcopal Candidates — David Gilmore

This interview features Rev. David Gilmore, Northwest District Superintendent in the Missouri Conference, as part of a short series featuring brief interviews with the episcopal candidates in the South Central Jurisdiction.