Ruth Milliken together with Pastor Morita Truman attended the annual conference. They provided the following comments by Lisa Diehl. Ruth also brings greetings to our congregation from Bill and Beverly Salmon and from Dennis and Teresa Livingston.  Bill and Beverly are retired and living in Salina.  Dennis and Teresa are staying in Ulyssess this year.  Clancy is attending school at K.S.U.

Strategic plans win quick approval

With no discussion and a unanimous vote, the Kansas West Annual Conference approved the Strategic Plans set forth to revitalize ministry.

“This a holy time,” said Bishop Scott Jones after the vote. “I am grateful to be a part of what God is doing in the world.”

The plans followed four tracks. The tracks mirror the four questions Bishop Jones presented at the Called Annual Conference more than a year ago.

In answer to, “How can we strengthen and revitalize all churches?” the plan is to develop effective leadership, both clergy and lay. An incubator model will be used in cooperation with consultants. Clergy groups of 12 will meet regularly for a year of study, with each holding the others accountable. Those groups will later train others. In small churches (less than 50 members), new emphasis will be placed on children’s ministries, intergenerational fellowship, small groups, Bible study, meaningful worship and mission involvement.

Answering “How can we start new congregations?” the committee on Congregational Growth and Development proposed hiring a full-time director of growth and development and support staff to serve both conferences.

The Percept method of measuring demographics will continue to be available online.

Ethnic diversity will be emphasized by paying careful attention to the African-American, Asian, Native American and Hispanic ministries. A goal is to have a Hispanic ministry in each district.

The United Methodist Student Ministry in Kansas Inc. answered the question, “How can we strengthen student ministries?” by asking for additional funds to support ministers’ salary increases and to repair or acquire new facilities for the state campuses. Districts will continue to be encouraged to sponsor events for youth and young adults.