Let your GC delegates know!

We were very fortunate to have this legislation entitled Discontinuation pass through the committee with flying colors. It is currently on the consent to adopt calendar 04 for approval.

There may be a movement underfoot to have it removed.

The UMCMA strongly encourages you to let your voting delegates know that this is extremely important legislation for Campus Ministries. Please ask them to continue their support of this petition.

Support Campus

Ministry

Campus Ministry Units seek the same process as a local

church when it faces discontinuation: an opportunity for

due process and to assess opportunities for future ministry.

Our petition on “Discontinuation” might be removed

from consent calendar 04. Please help us retain and

approve this petition.

Pet. #80885

Daily Christian Advocate 1481

Page # Title 1481 Discontinuation

Discipline

Para. #633.4d

Legislative Committee: adopted

Action

Calendar & Page #843 (A04)

(11) Prior to the discontinuance of a Wesley Foundation or campus ministry the board of

higher education and campus ministry shall conduct an assessment of its potential, after

notification and consultation with the Division of Higher Education of GBHEM, a

recommendation to the annual conference for discontinuation shall include future use of

any property of the Wesley Foundation or campus ministry, and a procedure developed

for the disposition of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property in

accordance with ¶1413.3c, ¶2501 and ¶2515.a.

Please consider:

• A sound procedure must be given to determine the long term viability of a campus ministry before

decisions are made to discontinue.

• This proposal is similar to the process for assessment of a local church potential ¶213, to assess the long

term potential and the long term changes of the university campus on which it is located.

• The care that the annual conference has given to the ministry of a congregation is honored and

thoughtful considered before the closure of that local church, ensuring the sale of the property is under

the guidance of the mission of the annual conference. Yet, the same careful, redundant discontinuation

of a local church is not extended to campus ministry.

• Lives changed, ministries extended to a university community and clergy who have served must be

recognized, celebrated and grieved by the annual conference.

• With the growing trend of colleges and universities seeking to purchase land surround the campus,

campus ministry properties are increasing in property values. The values of these properties, and the

investment of the conference and her members, need to be part of the protected assets so that wise

decisions can made about any use, sale or development of said assets.

• This proposal also enables the conference board of higher education and campus ministry to take care

that monies given for the purchase of campus ministry property and construction of Wesley

Foundations benefit future campus ministry efforts on the campus and benefit the overall campus

ministry program of the annual conference.

UNITED METHODIST CAMPUS MINISTRY ASSOCIATION at General Conference 2008, contact

Bill Campbell at 615-995-8105 Paul M. Shultz at 319-321-9833 Lynn Pries at 630-697-1942

If you would like to receive email updates of the work of UMCMA during General Conference and our perspective of how things are going, please send Scott Spencer your email address at rev.ragamuffin@gmail.com

The UMCMA blog will also be updated during GC on a regular basis at http://umcma.blogspot.com

Please keep our United Methodist Church in our prayers as we enter this important time of conferencing. Remember the delegates, the bishops, the staff, the advocates, and all of the hundreds of other persons who will be working behind the scenes.

Rev. Rob Kirby

UMCMA Membership Secretary

www.umcma.org website

Legislation update Tuesday April 29 afternoon

Click to see larger image

Sunday into Monday

First, a big thanks to Scott for that wonderful list of GC bloggers. Many might be more up to date and detail oriented than ours. My goal as I blog the next few days is to give you a view on some of the legislation that came from UMCMA and a few personal stories from someone intensely concerned about Campus Ministry but still very new to the GC procedures. Submitted by Rob Kirby.

Sunday was a good day for UMCMA legislation. I number of our petitions were struggling to get through sub-committees. As an example, one of our top priorities about the dissolution of Wesley Foundations came out of sub-committee with an 11 to 7 defeat (Excuse me we are not using that language), “recommendation to reject.” As the legislation came before the Ministry and Higher Education Legislative Committee, a friend of campus ministry submitted a substitute motion that addressed the concerns that had been raised but still maintained all of our central desires of the legislation. The committee overwhelmingly approved this substitute motion. For those new to the process, this means that it, along with much of legislation will move to the General Conference floor on the consent calendar. A couple of pieces of legislation that appear to be grounded to the reject calendar include,
the removal of equivalent structures language and mandating Annual Conference Boards of Higher Education (petitions 80873 ¶633.1 through 80879 ¶633.4d.)
the encouragement to elect college students as lay delegates to General and Jurisdiction conferences. The rational that swayed the subcommittee was that provision is already made for youth and young adults. (80888 ¶633.4d13)
Legislation that appears to be very promising include:
Clarifying the intent of the current paragraph as to the establishment of campus ministry presence without permission (petition 80871 ¶341.4)
Creating a list of responsibilities of the Board of Directors for a Wesley Foundation or local campus ministry unit (petition 80880 ¶633)
Development of policies for the management and financial oversight of annual conference program of campus ministry in accord with standards developed by GBHEM. Establishing standards and national searches to provide for excellence in university ministries. Establishing policies for the financing and construction of any campus ministry building in accord with standards set by GBHEM. Establishing procedures for campus ministry starts. Procedures to discontinue a Wesley Foundation or campus ministry unit. Encouraging the creation or permanent endowments funds for Wesley Foundations, University chaplaincies and campus ministry units. Collection of names and addresses of college students. (80881-80887 ¶633.4d)
Legislation to allow for full time service in campus ministry stting to meet the requirements of admission to full connection and ordination (with amendments) (81278 ¶335)
Providing a means for college students answering the call to ministry to be recommended but a campus ministry board of directors to enter the ordination process (with amendments) (81548 ¶311.2b)

I will try and update specific pieces of legislation as it is made available.

UP COMING BLOG- A COLLEGE STUDENT SPEAKS WONDERFULLY TO THE NEED FOR CANDIDACY THROUGH A CAMPUS MINISTRY.

Note to bloggers:

A note from Gavin:

The MethoBlog was developed about one and a half years ago to be a portal for the methoblogosphere community (the methodists that blog regularly made up that name). as a blog there is some commentary, but mostly a collection of all the methodist voices out there. there isn't a distinction between categories of clergy or laity, youth minister or senior pastor, reconciling or confessing, news or promotions, etc. if you are a methodist, have a blog that you post even remotely regularly this is a community to plug into.

for general conference we set up some specific feeds for bloggers that are at general conference. some are delegates, some are reserves, employees, observers, new agency, and i think even a translator. this gives a broad, unfiltered, and unique experience into all the things happening at general conference. with more of a crowd more of a picture can be drawn.

so please visit http://www.methoblog.com and submit your blog to us via the contact form and let us know you are at general conference and we'd be honored to plug you in.

Bloggers at General Conference

Several people are blogging about General Conference. It's interesting, I was on the escalator, and the woman in front of me looked at my name tag and asked if I blogged. She recognized me as someone who has left comments on the UM Reporter blog. It was Amy Forbus who is both a delegate to General Conference and a staff person with the Reporter. I was surprised she was able to identify me that quickly!

At one point, I recognized Beth Quick in the hallway outside the legislative committee rooms. She was talking to other people and I was in a hurry to get to my own room to monitor a sub-committee so I didn't stop to identify myself and say hi.

Becca Farnum, who is one of the young people who gave the new Young Persons Address this year, is blogging here.

Luke Wetzel, a 20 year old from the Kansas East Conference, is the vice-chair for the Discipleship legislative committee.

Other bloggers include:
http://www.methoblog.com/
http://twoweeksintexas.wordpress.com/
http://generalconference2008.blogspot.com/
http://trinityunitedmethodist.wordpress.com/
http://cognitioetfide.blogspot.com/
http://nitrorev.blogspot.com/
http://mfsablog08.typepad.com/mfsa_at_general_conferenc/
http://conferenceimpressions.blogspot.com/
http://stephandjanatthegc.blogspot.com/
http://all-shall-be-well.blogspot.com/
http://www.genxrising.com/
http://www.umnexus.org/blog/
http://emergingumc.blogspot.com/
http://matthewlkelley.blogspot.com/
http://blog.hackingchristianity.net/
http://steverankin.blogspot.com/
http://www.generalconference2008.org/

If there are other blogs out there about General Conference, let us know. We'll be happy to list them.

Several Young Adults Chosen for Leadership at GC

GBHEM has posted an article about GC: Young delegation leaders model inclusiveness for UMC

Campus Ministry Legislation

Campus Ministers are located at the Park Central hotel right next to the Convention Center (on the corner of 10th & Houston Street). Feel free to stop by our hospitality room (room 211) for more information. You can also email us at umcma2008(at)gmail(dot)com and we will get back to very quickly.

Following is the legislation that UMCMA has submitted to General Conference. Please click on each section in order to read the enlarged graphic.

Higher Education:



Discipleship:



Local Church:



Finance:

Campus Ministries... Making Disciples! Transforming the World!

Across the United Methodist Connection, campus ministries have a positive impact in the lives of college and university students.

The Oklahoma Annual Conference campus ministers have put together a short video highlighting their ministry with students and young adults in Oklahoma.

Young People to Address GC Today

The first ever Young Person's Address will be given at 11:35 am (central time) today. One of the speakers, Becca Farnum, is blogging about her experiences at General Conference.

You should be able to watch the presentation live at the GC08 website.

Come by our Hospitality Room

Campus Ministers are located at the Park Central hotel right next to the Convention Center (on the corner of 10th & Houston Street). Feel free to stop by our hospitality room (room 211) for more information. You can also email us at umcma2008(at)gmail(dot)com and we will get back to very quickly.

General Conference Begins!

Several of us (campus ministers and students) are here in Fort Worth at General Conference. We will be updating this blog throughout General Conference.

Campus ministry impacts young people in significant ways. UMCMA is collecting stories and testimonies from students and former students. Check out that blog here.

Here is a list of UMCMA's legislation.

2008 NCMA Summer Conference

Looking forward to taking time this summer for personal and professional renewal? Looking for opportunities to improve your ministry at an affordable price? Wanting to learn and exchange ideas with leaders serving in campus-based and congregationally-based collegiate ministries?

Then come to suburban Kansas City, July 17-20, for "Convergence: Bridging Ministry," the 2008 edition of the National Campus Ministry Association's annual conference. Situated on the campus of the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, this four-day, workshop-based event will feature three concurrent tracks: one for campus ministers with less than three years of experience, one for campus ministry veterans, and another for congregationally-based campus ministry staffs. Thanks to the generosity of Campus Ministry Advancement and the Synod of Mid-America, scholarships are available on a priority basis to congregationally-based staff and first-time conference attendees.

For more information and to register for the Convergence, go to www.ncmaconference.org.

Trauma on Campus Consultation

Trauma on Campus Consultation


What?

A planning session for United Methodist campus ministers to identify strategies and resources that are needed in anticipation of tragedies or trauma on campus. The meeting will include sharing experiences, identifying what has been learned from these experiences, brainstorming best practices, and identifying strategies for resourcing campus ministers to help them deal with future tragedies.

This consultation is limited to preparation for responding to a traumatic event after the fact. It is not designed to address issues of preventing tragedies or examining root causes of tragedies.


When and where?

We will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, and adjourn at noon on Thursday, May 29, 2008. Meetings will be held on the campus of Northern Illinois University and the DeKalb United Methodist Church.


Who should attend?

This gathering is designed for United Methodist campus ministers who have experienced tragedies on campus or have training that can assist those dealing with trauma. Those who have conducted research or have practical training or experience in specific traumas are encouraged to attend.


What is a trauma?

For the purposes of this consultation, trauma is defined extremely broadly. It includes acts of violence from shootings to rape to domestic violence; natural disasters from hurricanes to floods to fires; unexpected deaths; and any event that traumatizes the community. This consultation will focus on response to tragedies that impact the entire campus community or a number of people.


Expected outcome?

The consultation will produce a report that can be used by GBHEM, UMCMA and other United Methodist organizations to help develop resources and strategies that will support the training of United Methodist campus ministers in preparing a response to tragedies.


How much will it cost?

The registration fee is $10 to be paid upon arrival. All of this fee will go to the Wesley Foundation at Northern Illinois University to cover any expenses they may have and to support their ministry. GBHEM will host a dinner for everyone who registers before May 9.


All other meals, transportation and lodging are the responsibility of the participant.


Can you participate without attending?

There are two ways that you can participate without attending. First, you can go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Nlh6iRdIN5HnqnzQPna1lA_3d_3d and provide information about your experience, your questions, and your suggestions. In this way your experience and suggestions will be part of the consultation.

Second, you can review the report that is produced from the consultation and make comments or suggestions. Your suggestions will then become part of the record that us used by GBHEM, UMCMA, and others to plan resource or program development.


Consultation Leadership

Efrain Avila, Jr., Campus Minister, Northern Illinois University

Ken Bedell, Associate General Secretary, Division of Higher Education, GBHEM

Gail Bowman, Chaplain, Dillard University

Beth Cooper, Campus Minister, San Diego State University

Lynn Jenkins Feinberg, Counselor, San Diego State University

Luther Felder, Assistant General Secretary, Campus Ministry, GBHEM

Tyson Ferguson, Campus Minister, Pennsylvania State University

Malcolm Frazier, Campus Minister, Howard University

Lynn Jenkins Feinberg, Counselor, San Diego State University

Lynn Pries, Chaplain, North Central College

Glen Tyndall, Campus Minister, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Susan Vuyovich, Campus Minister, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Other Information

Hotel suggestions will be listed on the UMCMA website soon.

For additional information, contact Michelle Conti at mconti@gbhem.org (615.340.7420).

Preview of Young People's Address at General Conference

From the UM Reporter:

When six young people take the stage April 24 at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, it will be the first time in the denomination’s history that young people will address its top legislative body.

“This first-ever Young People’s Address acknowledges the church’s understanding that young people are not just the church of the future but can also be God’s prophetic voice for the church today,” said the Rev. Michael Ratliff, top executive with General Board of Discipleship’s (GBOD) Division on Ministries with Young People.

read more

General Conference is less than a week away

GBHEM has an online General Conference section with information about GBHEM's concerns, including campus ministry.

The official General Conference website is located here and has a very helpful visitor's guide (which includes the schedule of events.)

Check back for updates about General Conference.

More information about the work of UMCMA is available at our website.

Remembering Virginia Tech today

We remember the events that happened last year at Virginia Tech. Our prayers go out to not only that campus, but the other campuses which have experienced tragedy and violence in recent months. I read online of two Catholic schools which received threats just last week.

The Rev. D. Scott Russell is the Episcopal campus minister at Virginia Tech and the associate rector at Christ Church in Blacksburg, Virginia, the scene of tragedy last year at this time. He has commentary in the Episcopal Life online edition at
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80050_96482_ENG_HTM.htm

A book review that some members may find of interest.

Sex and The Soul: Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance, and Religion on America’s College Campuses

Why we are loosing ground with young adults…

Marty Cauley from the General Board of Discipleship reflects on why we are loosing ground with young adults.

USA Today Article about faith on campus

I found this article interesting.

Is God silenced on college campuses?

Or is the conversation simply changing?

By Tom Krattenmaker

The moment had, on the surface, a Nixon-goes-to-China quality.

Filmmaker Dan Merchant stood before an auditorium of students assembled for the first campus screening of his forthcoming movie, Lord Save Us From Your Followers. Merchant, a Christian, was at Lewis & Clark College, a school in Portland, Ore., deemed by the Princeton Review college guide to be one of the least religious in the USA. Yet one conspicuous reality defied a key premise of the event from the moment the college chaplain brought Merchant to the stage: Students packed the good-sized hall, overflowing into the aisles and entry ways, for a chance to see what most knew was a Christian-themed movie with a Gospel message.

And by the time they had finished watching the film — a humorous and heartfelt examination of the culture wars featuring a Michael Moore-meets-Monty Python style — those students could not wait to talk to Merchant about his movie and his faith.

"What struck me," Merchant said later, "was their openness to this conversation."

Students open to a conversation about Christianity, even on a campus with an ultrasecular reputation? Such is the state of affairs at the nation's colleges and universities, where religion is experiencing something of a renaissance, although not necessarily in the shapes and forms older generations are used to seeing.

Apart from the relatively small number of officially Christian colleges, America's campuses are viewed by many as bastions of liberal secularism, the places where religious faith goes to die.

"Young people entering college often encounter overwhelming temptations while being force-fed with godless philosophies — and the results can be spiritually catastrophic," warns pastor and radio show host John MacArthur. Former attorney general Edwin Meese III, now a Heritage Foundation fellow, says, "For years, our colleges and universities have shown themselves to be hostile to the rights and dignities of religious students."

A string of incidents do lend some credence to these exaggerated critiques. One of the more recent: action by the since-departed president of William & Mary to remove from permanent display a cross adorning the Virginia college's 274-year-old chapel (done, according to then-president Gene Nichol, to make the space more hospitable to religious minorities).

Also contributing to higher education's ultrasecular image are rules at many colleges that prohibit student organizations from excluding other students — a sure source of conflict when it comes to conservative religious groups that do not abide homosexuality. And then there is the academic habit of mind that encourages the questioning of, well, everything.

From the Ivy League to the brainiac liberal arts colleges to the major public universities, God has been silenced — or so conventional wisdom tells us.

The conventional wisdom, as it turns out, is not quite right.

From the pollsters come recent data showing that religion and spirituality are alive and well at colleges and universities. A recent study by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA finds that more than half of college juniors say "integrating spirituality" into their lives is very important. Today's juniors also tend to pray (67%, according to the UCLA study) and 41% believe it's important, even essential, to "follow religious teachings" in everyday life....

full story