Great Plains Annual Conference

Local Church
Karen Ririe hands a plate to a student during a Thanksgiving Day meal at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. Ririe is the international student coordinator at the college. She also is a member of Oak Park United Methodist Church in Bartlesville, Okla. Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Giving international students a taste of Thanksgiving

Coffeyville First United Methodist Church in Kansas offers food and fellowship to college students who can’t travel home for the holidays.
Local Church
With the help of Monticello United Methodist Church pastor Matt Ozment's 5-year-old daughter, the Rev. Bailey Amtower celebrates the 15th anniversary of LifeBridge Church in Shawnee, Kan. Photos by David Burke, Great Plains Conference.

Two churches live in harmony under one roof

Although LifeBridge and Monticello United Methodist churches share a sanctuary, education programs and mission outreach, they remain two different congregations. The Rev. Matt Ozment says they are looking for ways to invite the outside community into their loving church community.
General Conference
Bishop David Wilson, the first Native American to be elected a United Methodist bishop, preaches on May 1 during morning worship at the United Methodist General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

Bishop encourages delegates to inspire next 7 generations

Recalling the people who nurtured and encouraged his faith, United Methodism’s first Native American bishop said, “My friends, we have much more in common than not.”
Faith Sharing
Twenty people gathered at The Most Unlikely Place in April — the largest gathering yet for Sunday mornings. Photo by David Burke, Great Plains Conference.

'Unlikely' home for remnant United Methodists

The Most Unlikely Place is the name of a bistro and art gallery in the small Nebraska panhandle town of Lewellen. It’s also where local United Methodists have begun to meet, following their churches’ decision to disaffiliate.

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