RISK-TAKING MISSION AND JUSTICE MINISTRIES 2012 Ministry Plan 12/10/2011

Risk-taking Mission And Justice Ministries Team Andrea Paret – Team Leader Rev. Charlotte Abram Rev. Fred Richart Rev. Greg Reed Judy Dangler (UMW) Rev. Mara Bailey Nathan Morgan Savannah Murphy Sandy Sypherd Susan Perry Susan Schoen Tom Black Rev. Alan Davis – Cabinet Rev. Carol Windrum - Staff 2

Executive Summary for our Ministry Plan Our focus for 2012 is providing Conference resources and support to empower local churches to engage in risk-taking mission that challenges people to take risks leading to faithful action and to engage in justice ministries that strive to eliminate systems of oppression within our communities and the world. Our primary energy will be focused on achieving outcomes that: –Educate and involve local churches, clergy, laity, and young adults in risk-taking mission and justice ministries; –Integrate concepts of RTMJ work into leadership development and congregational transformation; –Align RTMJ work around the Conference and General Conference strategic initiatives. 3

2012 Outcomes for Our Ministry Plan In 2012, we will be focused on achieving the following outcomes: Increase number of clergy and laity who are participating in hands-on risk-taking mission and justice ministries while sustaining acts of mercy and who are sharing their experiences (rtmj gmail account, UMConnect). Risk-taking mission and justice ministries, including both local and global components, will be evident in the Discipleship Plans of 75% of our churches. We have an increase in the number of small groups teaching and living out the United Methodist Social Principles and John Wesley’s social holiness through risk- taking mission and justice ministries. 4

Alignment with Nebraska Conference Aspirations The RTMJ priorities for 2012 align with the four aspirations of the Nebraska Conference from October 2010: 1.Develop resources, leaders, and approaches to help rural churches envision being externally focused toward a more diverse mission field. 2.Develop resources and coaching to move large/medium churches to tell a new story. 3.and 4. Strong focus on development of lay leadership by clergy in every church, with every clergy having the capability and resources to develop lay leadership. 5

2012 Priorities for our Ministry Plan ( no particular order) 1.Continue to strengthen young adult leadership opportunities by recruiting six young adults for the “Micah Corps”. 2.Create opportunities for reflection on systemic justice issues encountered by eight Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams during their mission trips. 3.Continue to work with each District “strategy” group or team to increase opportunities for local churches to witness to justice issues learn more about RTMJ work engage in risk-taking mission collaborate with social justice organizations. 6

2012 Priorities for our Ministry Plan 4. Promote discipleship, through education and action, in response to the Council of Bishops’ God’s Renewed Creation document. 5. Increase the knowledge, networking, and advocacy skill capacity among clergy, laity, young adults and youth. 6. Expand hands-on risk-taking mission and justice ministries opportunities for clergy, laity, young adults, youth and children. 7. Empower eight new local congregations to engage in risk-taking mission and justice ministries with “Justice Ministries Seed Money”. 7

8. Continue the process of Assessment Evaluation Accountability of Risk-Taking Mission and Justice ministries and programs funded by mission shares. 9.Promote new and emergent ministries (possibly including faith-based community organizing and ecumenical ministry as tools of empowerment ) to further the mission and vision of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Priorities for our Ministry Plan 8

Priority One: “Micah Corps” Focus of Priority: Recruit six young adults and create a covenant community to –explore their faith, –sharpen their leadership skills, and –integrate faith with action –share their enhanced understanding of risk-taking mission and justice ministries with local churches in all six districts. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1 & 6 (see slide # 34) Timeline: Start: January 2012 Complete: October 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with conference support staff, advice of RTMJ Team; material and travel expenses. Conference and district communication to market the message 9

Priority One: “Micah Corps” What will be your general approach? Recruitment of six young adults (providing summer stipends) Direct supervision & support from RTMJ Conference staff Small covenant group dynamics Deepening faith experience by exploring different prayer practices, spiritual guidance and reflection Linking faith, grounded in the Bible, with acts of justice Learning advocacy skills from experienced social justice advocates Experiencing a week with national leaders in Washington, D.C. Collaborating with social justice groups and the Nebraska Districts Connecting with local churches across Nebraska Sharing in leadership at Annual Conference, Youth Annual Conference, Children’s Annual Conference 10

Priority One: “Micah Corps” What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? Leadership Development Team Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) $ 30,000 from the Conference Budget for stipends and expenses for interns, plus salary, travel and material expenses for RTMJ conference staff and support staff; volunteer travel expenses. Measure of Success: Six young adults recruited and engaged in Micah Corps activities and interaction with at least 60 local congregations across all six districts. 11

Priority Two: VIM Social Justice Reflections Focus of Priority: To enrich and deepen Volunteers in Mission (VIM) experience through an intentional focus on systemic justice issues. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1, 3, 5 & 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012 Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff, advice of VIM coordinator, RTMJ team members and experienced VIM mentors; material and travel expenses. Conference and district communication to market the message 12

Priority Two: VIM Social Justice Reflections What will be your general approach? Promote VIM opportunities in 2012 Identify eight VIM teams, including young adults & youth to promote the use of the Bread for the World Advocacy Guide and other appropriate resources Facilitate in-service opportunities prior to VIM team trips De-brief with VIM team members and local sponsoring church pastors after the team returns that leads to acts of justice in their local community or in the context of the VIM trip 13

Priority Two: VIM Social Justice Reflections What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? None Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) Salary, travel and material expenses of the RTMJ conference staff; volunteer travel expenses. Measure of Success: Eight VIM teams use curriculum to reflect on social justice issues, deepen their understanding of risk-taking mission and justice ministries and act upon it. 14

Priority Three: District “Strategy Teams” Focus of Priority: Continue to work with districts to develop and implement risk-taking mission and justice ministries. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1, 3, 5 & 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with conference support staff or RTMJ intern, RTMJ team members, and collaboration with social justice organizations. Conference and district communication to market the message 15

Priority Three: District “Strategy Teams” What will be your general approach? RTMJ conference staff, support staff or RTMJ intern, and team members will be in regular contact with each district “strategy” group and continue to explore new opportunities to engage in risk-taking mission and justice witness. Recognizing that each church and district will have unique insights and challenges, there will be an effort to present a common vision of –risk-taking mission – “taking risks that leads to faithful action” –justice ministries – “striving to eliminate systems of oppression” through the Conference staff and RTMJ Team. Collaborate with social justice organizations consistent with the UMC Social principles to address significant issues or develop specific plans. Empower a RTMJ intern to resource and network to strengthen the relationship between RTMJ and local churches. 16

Priority Three: District “Strategy Teams” What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? None Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) Salary, travel and material expenses for RTMJ conference staff and staff support or RTMJ intern; volunteer travel expenses; $ 12,000 to fund RTMJ intern(s) and stipends for social justice organizational staff time. Measure of Success: Regular contact with six district “strategy” groups showing communication and collaboration for risk-taking mission and justice activities in each district. 17

Priority Four: Environment/Green Teams Focus of Priority: Promote discipleship, through education and action, in response to the Council of Bishops’ God’s Renewed Creation document. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1& 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with conference support staff or RTMJ intern Collaboration with UMW Conference and district communication to market the message 18

Priority Four: Environment/GreenTeams What will be your general approach? Encourage congregations to study the Council of Bishops’ document God’s Renewed Creation. Work with Nebraska UMW to encourage and support local churches in obtaining Green Team Certification. Provide worship and Sunday School resources for churches to help them obtain Green Team Certification. Encourage congregations to use Interfaith Power and Light’s Cool Congregations Calculator or similar tools to determine their carbon footprint. Encourage congregations that become certified to contact state and federal policy makers about environmental issues. 19

Priority Four: Environment/Green Teams What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? None Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) RTMJ conference staff with conference support staff or RTMJ intern, material and travel expenses; advice, input and collaboration with UMW and the RTMJ Ministries team. Measure of Success: 24 local churches become Green Team certified by Dec

Priority Five: Capacity Building Focus of Priority: Expand core of laity, youth, young adults and clergy who have grown in their understanding and commitment to risk-taking mission and justice ministries. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1, 5 & 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with conference support staff or RTMJ intern, advice and input from the RTMJ Ministries Team. Conference and district communication to market the message 21

Priority Five: Capacity Building What will be your general approach? Organize a “Come to the Hill” retreat or similar conference-wide event; Provide scholarships to the Schools of Christian Mission; Empower a RTMJ intern to resource and network to strengthen the relationship between RTMJ and local churches. Collaborate with The Youth Common Table and Young Adult Network. What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? Leadership Development Team 22

Priority Five: Capacity Building Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) $ 9,000 program costs plus salary, travel and material expenses for RTMJ staff with conference support staff or RTMJ intern; volunteer travel expenses. Measure of Success: One “Come to the Hill” retreat or similar conference-wide event Scholarships awarded to the Schools of Christian Mission Leadership development opportunities provided 23

Priority Six: “Hands-on” RTMJ Ministry Focus of Priority: Promoting ministry with the poor and global health (General Conference FOCI). Building relationships between local churches and existing RTMJ programs and ministries. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1, 3 & 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012 Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with conference support staff or RTMJ intern; material and travel expenses; advice and input from the RTMJ Team. Conference and district communication to market the message 24

Priority Six: “Hands-on” RTMJ Ministry What will be your general approach? Provide support for existing and new ministries Building relationships and capacity between local churches and existing RTMJ programs & ministries through criteria established in funding agreements –immigration justice programs, –Nigeria / Nebraska Partnership, –rural community and farmer support programs, and –projects of the Missouri River District and Elkhorn Valley District ministries. Create a RTMJ presence at Annual / Young Adult Network / Youth / Children Conference to provide opportunity for acts of mercy and justice. 25

Priority Six: “Hands-on” RTMJ Ministry What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? Leadership Development Team & Congregational Transformation Team Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) $ 449,200 from the Conference Budget for existing RTMJ programs and ministries, plus salary, travel and material expenses for RTMJ conference staff and staff support or RTMJ intern; volunteer travel expenses. $ 600 for RTMJ presence at Annual Conference Measure of Success: During this year 100 clergy and 100 laity take action in risk-taking mission and justice programs and ministries, and publish these actions on the rtmj gmail account. 26

Priority Seven: Empowering Local Churches Focus of Priority: Creative and bold actions by eight local churches that model risk- taking mission and justice. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1, 3, 5 & 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012 Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with support staff or RTMJ intern, advice and input from the RTMJ Ministries Team. Conference and district communication to market the message 27

Priority Seven: Empowering Local Churches What will be your general approach? Funding priorities from the social justice statements of the Social Principles of the UMC will be identified by the RTMJ Team Local churches or affiliated programs will be invited to submit proposals to be funded; Up to eight $ 1,000 proposals will be funded. What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? Will explore collaboration with the other two teams 28

Priority Seven: Empowering Local Churches Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) $ 8,000 plus salary, material expenses for RTMJ conference staff and conference support staff or RTMJ intern; volunteer travel expenses. Measure of Success: Eight local social justice projects meeting the proposal criteria are funded. Reports are shared across the Conference. 29

Priority Eight: A Process of Accountability Focus of Priority: An effective process of assessment and accountability of RTMJ ministries and programs related to RTMJ outcomes. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1, 3, 5 & 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012 Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with support staff or RTMJ intern, advice and input from the RTMJ Team and stakeholders. Conference and district communication to market the message and use of “virtual meeting” technologies. 30

Priority Eight: A Process of Accountability What will be your general approach? Review quarterly reports that incorporate the use of SMART goals, outcomes, and indicators of success. What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? None Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) Until there is funding for administrative support staff, the RTMJ intern is assisting the RTMJ conference staff and team with the assessment process. Measure of Success: Accountability reports, using SMART goals, demonstrate alignment with risk-taking mission and/or justice and General Conference foci. 31

Priority Nine: Emergent Ministries Focus of Priority: Promote new and emergent ministries to further risk-taking mission and/or justice within and beyond the Nebraska Methodist Conference. Nebraska Conference Quadrennium Outcomes: 1, 3, 5 & 6 Timeline: Start: January 2012 Complete: December 2012 Resources Needed: RTMJ conference staff with conference support staff or RTMJ intern, advice and input from the RTMJ Ministries Team Conference and district communication to market the message 32

Priority Nine: Emergent Ministries What will be your general approach? Using social media including the Conference website we will invite generative thinking and action for new expressions of risk-taking mission and/or justice. What other teams do you need to work with to accomplish this priority? Leadership Development Team Congregational Transformation Team 33

Priority Nine: Emergent Ministries Funding Needed: (Conference Budget) $ 15,000 Measure of Success: Accountability reports, using SMART goals, demonstrate alignment with risk-taking mission and/or justice and General Conference foci. 34

Nebraska Conference Outcomes for the Quadrennium 1.Clergy and lay leaders grow in spiritual depth, practice of disciplines, live in accountable covenant community, tell the story and practice acts of mercy and justice. 2.Ten new faith communities, four of which are Latino are created. 3.The six signs of discipleship are evident in 75% of our churches. 4.Capacity for mission and ministry increases by 50%. 5.We have an increase in the number of small groups. 6.We see an increase in the number of people who are participating in hands-on mission and justice. 35

Funding Summary for 2012 PriorityFunds $ Needed 1. Recruit six young adults for the “Micah Corps”$ 30, VIM team reflections on justice$ 0 3. Resourcing District “strategy” groups$ 12, Environment$ 0 5. Justice focused leadership capacity building$ 9, Hands-on RTMJ experiences$ 449, “Justice Ministries Seed Money”$ 8, Assessment and accountability$ 0 9. Emergent ministries$ 15,000 RTMJ Meetings/Administration$ 4,000 RTMJ Staff Position $ Conference Personnel Budget Total Funds Requested$ 527,800 36

Ministry Plan Summary A bold and creative Conference-wide ministry that Creates opportunities for clergy, laity, young adult, youth and children to deepen their faith, collaborate, and build their capacity to be disciples who can make a difference; and Empowers local churches –to engage in risk-taking mission that challenges people to take risks leading to faithful action and –to engage in justice ministries that strive to eliminate systems of oppression within our communities and the world. 37