Micah Corps with the NE UMC

Final Thank You from the 2011 Micah Corps

2011-07-29T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Micah Corps thanks all of their supporters!

A Voice for All Children

2011-07-15T10:40:00.001-05:00

Philip and Caryn spent time working and learning at Voices for Children in Nebraska learning about children in poverty and child advocacy right here in Nebraska.

Barbara's Sermon in Superior

2011-07-13T16:31:00.001-05:00

Nebraska Appleseed

2011-07-07T12:43:00.002-05:00

Voices for Children in Nebraska

2011-06-24T10:22:00.000-05:00

Two of us, Philip Rohde and Caryn Vincent, will be working and learning at Voices for Children on the topic of children in poverty living in Nebraska. Voices for Children in Nebraska educates and motivates Nebraskans to take action against social injustices. By taking action we can better the lives of Nebraska’s vulnerable children in the areas of Health, Education, Safety and Economic Stability. The organization is widely recognized across the state and is a trusted expert and advocate for key children’s issues in Nebraska. Rather than doing direct service, Voices for Children works on the level of system advocacy by working with lawmakers, state and private agencies, and concerned citizens to ensure that all children have opportunities to succeed. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says, “If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, in any of the towns of the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand to your poor brother, but you shall freely open your hand to him, and generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.” As followers of Christ, it is imperative that we all advocate for poor and hungry children to help them succeed. We urge all churches to become advocates for children. Write your representatives in Congress asking them to support legislation that helps and protects poor and hungry people. You can obtain additional information about Voices for Children at voicesforchildren.com. We are learning a lot and look forward to sharing this information with a few churches in the districts soon!

VIM Mission Experience: Day 2

2011-06-22T16:15:00.008-05:00

We began our day at Together Inc. and started off with a tour of the entire building given by Mike Hornacek, the Operations Director. Mike explained the free services offered to people in need. Together Inc. is unique because it is both a food bank and a food pantry, as well as a source of assistance in other areas. The food pantry at Together houses both USDA food and donated food, all of which is distributed based upon need. Together Inc. also offers clothing, furniture, diapers (when available), and household items. Along with food, Together offers assistance with: medical prescriptions, state-issued ID's and birth certificates, and rent or mortgage payments, when funds are available. As similar to the Heart Ministry Center, Together relies heavily on donations. Together Inc. is supported by the contributions of churches, synagogues, foundations, businesses, and a diverse group of individuals. After sorting clothes and loading up food at Together Inc., we went to our last service site. We next spent time working at the Blue Flamingo, a “thrift and gift” shop that offers both donated clothing and fair trade merchandise, as well as a community garden. The Blue Flamingo is supported by Dietz United Methodist Church.

Because the VIM Mission Experience is focused on integrating mission and justice, we were asked to think about why people are poor and hungry. We didn’t just go out to these sites and serve for a few hours, we reflected a lot on why places like the ones we worked at are needed. As Christians, many of us have done mission work. However, integrating that work with justice is what will really help effect change. “We need to change our way of thinking,” Stephanie Ahlschwede, the Executive Director of United Methodist Ministries, pointed out. One way we can change our way of thinking is to think about how we, as church communities, serve. Stephanie talked with us about the importance of “neighborhood based” service.

“Neighborhood based” service is service that is based upon the input of those in need and takes that input into account to benefit the community as a whole. “Neighboorhood based” service is often a more effective way to meet the needs of the community because it stems from within the community. Often times we, as church communities, tend to participate in “neighborhood placed” service. This type of service has its heart in the right place but often fails to address the true need. “Neighborhood placed” service is, as the name suggests, placed in a community, and does not integrate the input of those in need. By simply re-framing the way that we serve, our efforts will have a much more substantial impact on our communities.

Another way we can change our way of thinking is to advocate for change to the systems that leave so many people in our own neighborhoods poor and hungry. One good place to start would be gathering together as a community to lobby for a living minimum wage. Currently, the minimum wage is far below a living wage, especially for families. Advocating for protection of social services that aid poor and hungry people, such as SNAP(formerly food stamps), is also a way that we can really impact our communities.

Philip loads canned goods at Together Inc.

The Micah Corps outside of Blue Flamingo.

The Micah Corps in DC

2011-06-20T19:44:00.000-05:00

Micah Corps at Annual Conference

2011-06-20T19:42:00.000-05:00

Volunteers in Mission Experience: Day 1

2011-06-20T19:33:00.005-05:00

Today the Micah Corps was part of the United Methodist Ministries VIM Mission Experience. Our day began at the Intercultural Senior Center garden in Omaha. We were introduced to Jaimee Trobough who explained what our first “Big Garden” experience would be like. Jaimee gave us some background information about how the project got started and how it is sustained. We were interested to learn that some of the community gardens are funded by USDA grants. This indicates that federal government decisions have had a positive effect on the “Big Garden Project” thus far. However, this government funding did not simply pop up out of nowhere; it was made possible by the advocacy work done by the United Methodist Ministries Team and many UMC members.

After working on the garden we headed to the Heart Ministry Center. We were met by June Bear who gave us a tour of the center and explained what services the center offered. When we went through the food bank we learned that not everyone in need has access to the food in most food banks. June explained that the Heart Community Center has separate shelves for food sent by the government and donated food. This is because undocumented immigrants are not allowed to access the food sent by the government because of government regulations. June also took us through the center's clothing closet, which is stocked by donated clothing and free to people in need. We also saw the medical facility which offers everything from checkups to vaccinations. The medical services are provided by doctors and nurses from Creighton University. The last stop on our tour was the center's brand new dental room. Beginning later this month, the center will offer dental services to children, and later on will open up the service to adults. While the center is partially funded by the government, its primary funding comes from donations and church support.

See some photos from our day below. Come back tomorrow for photos and updates from the second day of our VIM experience!

The Micah Corps talking with Jaimee about the Big Gardens.

Barbara, Philip, and Caryn work with Evan to build a fence around the garden.

Caryn, Barbara, Philip, and Rachel (me) organizing the shelves at Heart Ministry Center in Omaha.

It's the Micah Corps!

2011-06-03T23:17:00.007-05:00

Meet (again) the 2011 Micah Corps! Please check back here throughout the summer to see what we're up to this year. We truly appreciate your prayers and support that you offer us this summer!

Annual Conference

2011-06-02T06:00:00.002-05:00

We started the week of Nebraska Annual Conference by participating in the mission day. There were several groups that went to several sites, but the goal was all the same. Each group was leaving the church and serving in the community. The group I went with found ourselves at the Capital City Humane Society. We weren't walking dogs and combing cats though. We had the privilege to remove rocks from their lawn so that the yard could be better mowed. It felt great to be sweating for the Lord (though it was a terrific day and we all remained rather cool in the shade). After a couple of hours we all loaded back up on the buses and returned to St. Marks for a talk about the day.
Wednesday morning put us right in the bustle of annual conference. We set up our booth at the Risk-Taking Missions and Justice team's table and then joined the lay peoples for lunch. That afternoon we attended the opening worship service and were once again amazed by the abilities of the bishop. We also planned an activity with the Youth Annual Conference meeting at Nebraska Wesleyan and at 7:30 put our plan to action. By addressing the immigration issue with them, we found quite a few youth who were interested in making posters to share their thoughts. Overall, I would say the first day at Nebraska Annual Conference was a busy success!!

Meet the 2011 Micah Corps!

2011-05-27T15:56:00.004-05:00

Meet the 2011 Micah Corps! The Micah Corps is a 10 week summer internship sponsored by the Risk Taking Mission and Justice Ministries team of the Nebraska Annual Conference and is paid for by your mission share dollars! We thank you so much for your support!

From left to right, the interns are:

Barbara Karel, a member of the Calvary Branch of New Visions UMC in Lincoln. She's attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and majoring in Political Science.

Caryn Vincent, a member of York First United Methodist Church. She's a senior at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and majoring in Psychobiology. This is Caryn's second year as an intern and she is the team leader.

Rachel Lee is from Golden, Colorado, and is a senior at Hastings College where she is majoring in English, history, and religion.

Philip Rohde is a member of Columbus First United Methodist Church. He graduated in May 2010 from Doane College and will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall to get an education specialist degree in school psychology.

Please follow us this summer as we embark on a journey of spreading God's message of justice across Nebraska. Stay tuned for our first video post of the summer!

Micah Corps Summer 2010!

2010-08-13T09:42:00.003-05:00

Coming to Social Justice with Galen Wray!!

2010-08-07T11:53:00.002-05:00

The Micah Corps has had the chance to meet and connect with so many churches throughout Nebraska. Our travels have introduced us to hundreds of people who have their own stories about coming to social justice. These stories motivate and inspire us, they give us the hope that through our togetherness and combined faith in God’s wishes for our welfare on earth, we can begin to give justice to everyone who is oppressed. Because of this we wanted to take the time to interview a man with a particularly great story of coming to an awareness of social justice, and indeed, beginning his own work on freeing the oppressed. Galen Wray serves as District Superintendent for the Blue River District. Through his story I invite you to think and discuss your own journey toward social holiness. Moreover, how can we inspire others to become more justice minded? But most importantly, how can we use our journeys, faith, and resources to bring this good news to the oppressed. Indeed, in Luke 4, Jesus states, “The Spirit of the Good Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, he has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” How do we follow Jesus’ message? Proclaim your faith! Talk about your journey to social justice and spread that to all who wish to hear the good news! In doing so we inspire others to a real conversation about beginning the tough, but necessary, work of setting at liberty those who are oppressed. Thanks and God bless!

Imagining a Violence-Free World

2010-08-06T15:08:00.002-05:00

In these video clips we are reminded of the price of war. These memorials represent a nation that has been tried and tested by the forces of violence, and it has cost us dearly. Today our nation fights two ongoing wars and so now more than ever we must feel the faithful obligation to resist, to turn the other cheek, to call on our leaders to end the violence. The United Methodist Church has already begun its effort with the “Call to Hope and Action” in the Council of Bishops’ document God’s Renewed Creation. One of the three interconnect threats is the proliferation of weapons and violence. As the Bishops state, “…we cannot remain silent while God’s people and God’s planet suffer.” As global military spending tops 1.2 trillion dollars in 2007, with the U.S. spending 45% of that amount, and as over 639 million small arms and light weapons circulate the world, it is obvious that violence pervades and persists throughout God’s creation. However, the Bishops’ call to hope and action has provided us with the motivation and resources to get involved right now! God’s Renewed Creation is available online at www.hopeandaction.org, and includes six study sessions that look at the biblical foundation of caring for God’s creation, United Methodist Social Principle background, the state of our world, the pledges the Bishops are making, as well as how to pray and act in a way which begins to alleviate the threats of poverty, climate change, and weapons violence. The Micah Corps had the opportunity to do a study session at Aldersgate this last Sunday and in doing so, learned a lot from a great discussion with other United Methodists. Our hope is that churches all across Nebraska will begin to use the resources within God’s Renewed Creation to start their own study group, or find ways in which to use this document within their existing networks. Furthermore, September 30-October 2 there is a gathering at Camp Comeca and we are hoping United Methodists all across Nebraska will attend! The event, called “Come to the Hill,” will focus on God’s Renewed Creation, and this will be a great time to get in touch with other United Methodists who wish to address the concerns of poverty, the environment, and peace. Jim Wrinkler, General Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, will be talking as well. If you are interested in attending, or would like more information, go to www.umcneb.org, Ministries in Action, and scroll to the Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team. In closing I want to remember those memorials, the many names etched in black at the Vietnam Memorial, that remind us of the costs of violence. Everyday conflict takes its toll, so we must not stand by and wait, but instead begin to act out our faith! Challenge the powers that be for peace, break the barriers of injustice, and push forward to a day when the “wolf and the lamb shall feed together,” a day in which our swords are finally turned into plowshares. Thanks and God bless!

Becca and Caryn on the Road!

2010-08-03T23:03:00.003-05:00

Becca and I have been traveling a lot around the state in both the Prairie Rivers District and in the Great West District. We've been able to talk to a lot of congregations and groups about what we learned at Nebraska Appleseed and how our faith interacts with the tough immigration issue. We've been sharing this message with congregations along with the idea that to make a real difference, we need federal reform that creates workable solutions that upholds our values and moves us all forward together.

From Columbus to Scottsbluff and many places in between, we've been sharing our message of what God has called us to do about immigration and caring for the sojourners among us. One resource we have been sharing with congregations is the Council of Bishops Statement on the U.S. Immigration Situation. It says, "Our calling as followers of Jesus the Christ is to stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and to advocate for justice on their behalf. ... We acknowledge that all nations have the right to secure their borders, but the primary concern for Christians is the welfare of immigrants and communities." We've also been having a great time playing the Immigration Board Game with people of all ages (to access the immigration board game, visit http://nwfco.org/issues/immigration/). To learn more about Nebraska Appleseed, visit http://www.neappleseed.org/. For more information about immigration and the Church and faith-based immigration resources you can visit the General Board of Church and Society's website at http://www.umc-gbcs.org/.

Columbus, NE - Working for Justice!

2010-08-03T18:22:00.015-05:00

(Sandra Sypherd, Rocio Hernández. Rebecca Albers
Maria Davila, and Caryn Vincent)

On July 27th, Sandra Sypherd, Caryn Vincent and myself, Rebecca Albers, had the privilege of meeting with some community leaders in the Columbus area who are advocating for justice for our newest neighbors. Maria Davila with Servicios en General helps immigrants with their taxes. They highlighted that the immigration system is very complicated and that it takes special training and expertise to fill out the paperwork and navigate the proper avenues. Servicios en General is also working toward getting their BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals) accreditation so they can practice some immigration law and further assist members of their community. We also met with Rocio Hernández, a Hispanic Ministries leader in the area. It was wonderful to talk to these ladies and hear how the policies we’ve learned about this summer impact individuals’ lives in their communities.

(Dianna McFarland, Rebecca Albers, Caryn Vincent, Andrea Paret)

That evening we had the opportunity to visit a Justice For Our Neighbors clinic. JFON is a ministry of UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief). It provides free legal services for our newest neighbors through monthly clinics held at local churches. Trained volunteers help with the intakes and provide hospitality while the immigration lawyer meets with each client to see if they are able to take their case.

Before the clinic, we were able to meet with Diana McFarland, the immigration attorney. She explained what they do at JFON-NE and the restructured immigration system. There are four parts of the immigration system under two departments of the government. The Department of Homeland Security oversees three area: 1) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) , 2) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and 3) Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The Department of Justice now oversees the the judicial part of immigration through The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). She highlighted that having four separate entities makes navigating the immigration system even harder as they are on their own time tables and don’t have a common database.

Thank you, community of Columbus, for being so welcoming to us as well as our immigrant neighbors. Keep up the good work!

Good Times in the Elkhorn Valley and Gateway Distrcits!

2010-08-03T15:57:00.003-05:00

While traveling Rachel and I have had some awesome oppurtunities. We have gotten to share what we've learned about children in poverty at Voices for Children with the Elkhorn Valley and Gateway Districts! Some highlights include VBS at Dakota City where we got to help with game time. The Wesley Day Care and Crisis Nursery in Norfolk gave us some great tours of their facilities. They have great progams for children! While at Voices for Children we learned that around 14% of children in Nebraska live in poverty. If you would like to learn more about Voices for Children you can visit their website at http://www.voicesforchildren.com/. On the website you can sign up for the Advokid to get updates on what they are doing and how you can advocate for all kids in Nebraska!

God's Renewed Creation at Aldersgate United Methodist Church!!!

2010-08-02T12:34:00.002-05:00

I had the awesome opportunity to visit Aldersgate United Methodist Church on August 1. My time there included a chance to talk about God’s Renewed Creation in service, as well as the great opportunity to lead a study of God’s Renewed Creation with the Aldersgate Faith Link’s class. God’s Renewed Creation is a document, a call to hope and action, put forth by the United Methodist Council of Bishops. It specifically deals with global poverty, environmental degradation, and weapons violence, and in combination with pledges from the Bishops, asks all congregations to form action plans and use all available resources to begin addressing these dire problems. I will be visiting churches as the internship ends to promote this document, just as our Bishop did at Annual Conference. I will also be having conversations with some of your pastors about how to use this document and it’s resources well into the future. You may visit www.hopeandaction.com to download your own copy, or to see the available resources, and I truly hope you do, because in doing so we are not only practicing our faith but also our quest for social holiness…indeed an integral aspect of following Christ. Thanks to Aldersgate for their time and space, and I look forward to talking to other United Methodists as this awesome internship continues!

KZUM Interview with Micah Corps Intern

2010-07-08T12:34:00.002-05:00

Micah Corps intern, Brian Copley, had the awesome opportunity to talk with the “Green Grandma” in a KZUM interview on July 5, 2010. The talk centered on the work of the Micah Corps, the importance of the Council of Bishop’s “God’s Renewed Creation,” and the overall social justice issues that are intertwining with the environmental justice movement. The Micah Corps would like to thank KZUM for the time and space, and furthermore, would like to encourage any congregations to contact the Micah Corps if they would like an intern to come and speak. Specifically, Brian will be in the Blue River and Missouri River districts, and available to discuss or present on the “God’s Renewed Creation” document. Thanks and God bless!

Micah Corps in Washington D.C.!!!!!!

2010-07-07T14:14:00.004-05:00

The Micah Corps went to Washington D.C.! The interns had the chance to tour many of the awesome sites in D.C., as you will see in the video. However, it was not all about fun, as we put your mission share dollars to good work. First, we had a chance to work at the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS). The interns worked on a variety of issues, including helping update resolutions in the Book of Discipline, videotaping messages to send to the Council of Bishops, learning from the GBCS’s policy experts, planning and participating in an awesome worship in their chapel, writing letters concerning the new START treaty, and much more! The time was highly enjoyable and the Micah Corps would like to thank the many people who made our experience at GBCS possible! However, the Micah Corps would also like to ask United Methodists and all people to get involved on the issues we learned about. Specifically, the Council of Bishops’ document known as God’s Renewed Creation was a hot topic at GBCS, and so if any local congregation would want an intern to speak about the document, contact Micah Corps! In addition, the new START treaty will be up for Senate ratification by the end of the summer. This treaty, between the United States and Russia, calls for a reduction of nuclear arms from 2,200 to around 1,500, while maintaining the United States’ prompt conventional global defense system and allowing for increased oversight of Russia’s adherence to arms reduction. Therefore, the treaty will not hurt the United States’ military structures and is in fact an issue of national security that rises above partisanship. There is more information available at the GBCS website, and should be a sample letter available in the coming weeks which would help people begin their own process of sitting down and writing their Nebraska representatives.

Have Faith, End Hunger!!!!!!!!

2010-06-28T14:47:00.004-05:00

The Micah Corps had the opportunity to work and learn at Bread for the World, an advocacy organization focused on ending hunger in the world. The interns did a variety of work, including cataloging, transcribing, and organizing material to help Bread for the World with long-standing projects. But furthermore, Micah Corps interns did research on the voting patterns of certain members of Congress, while also calling local covenant churches to discuss Bread for the World activities. The intern’s time also included discussions revolving around Bread for the World’s advocacy, including their most recent “Lobby Day” as well other work the organization is currently involved in. This topic is related to Nebraska, as almost 10.4% of Nebraska households struggle to put food on the table, while 14.3% of children in Nebraska live in families that struggle to find food. Two specific ways that ALL United Methodists can get involved is by writing our local representatives about the need to support an extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), as well as support the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act. The EITC helped over 112,211 Nebraska households in 2006 by providing for a certain amount of money through a tax-credit that helps impoverished families put food on the table. Nebraska has also added a state level EITC because of the success of the federal EITC. The act is extremely important as it helps working families stay afloat and stave off the difficult decisions between bills and food, especially when children are affected. Bread for the World and Micah Corps also encourages people to support the Child Tax Credit (CTC), which provides $1000 for each child under 17 on a worker’s tax return, as well as additional funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which helps workers file their tax returns in an effective manner. The second major piece of legislation, the Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act, is essential because it provides increase funding for programs that put on school breakfast and lunch programs, preschool and other summer meal programs, which help provide the food necessary for the healthy development of children. You can help close the hunger and nutritional gap by writing members of Congress and urging them to support Child Nutrition Reauthorization. Overall, the Micah Corps worked very diligently in helping promote Bread for the World’s work, but also in learning about policy issues that affect children from Nebraska to Africa. We hope to help engage churches in a renewed conversation about how we all can get involved in the fight to end hunger!

From the Nigerian Breakfast to Capitol Hill!!!!

2010-06-28T13:53:00.002-05:00

At the Nigerian Breakfast, United Methodists were asked to write letters and sign leaflets in support of the “Feed the Future” initiative. Today, more than one billion people – nearly one-sixth of the world's population – suffer from chronic hunger. This crisis has devastating and far-reaching effects. Each year, more than 3.5 million children die from undernutrition. The “feed the future” program focuses on rapid and sustainable agriculture-led growth as well as opportunities for regional coordination through trade and other mechanisms. You can learn more at www.feedthefuture.gov. Through this act of political participation, the interns were fulfilling their goal of advocating for justice for the “least of these” in a global effort to reduce extreme hunger and poverty, as part of the UN Millennium Development Goals. You can reach write to the Senators at:
Sen. Johanns, 404 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington D.C., 20510
Sen. Nelson, 720 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington D.C., 20510

The Micha Corps goes to the Open Door Mission

2010-06-28T13:00:00.002-05:00

The Micah Corps had the opportunity to work at the Open Door Mission, a homeless shelter in Omaha. The interns were able to talk with Scott Shreve of the Open Door Mission and learn more about the Mission, homelessness in Nebraska, and who the Mission serves. The Open Door Mission strives to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Omaha. Every night, approximately 3,500 men, women, and children are homeless in Nebraska, with 2,000 of them in Omaha. The Open Door Mission provides 400 safe beds to men, women, and children, and serves 1,700 hot meals a day. The average age of a homeless person is 9 years old, and families with children make up 33% of all homeless. Omaha has a shortage of 4,000 units of affordable housing, exacerbating the problem of homelessness in Omaha and Nebraska. The Mission also provides preventive measures to 250 families living in poverty. One of the services the Open Door Mission provides to help prevent homelessness is a kid’s camp during the summer that provides children with a safe place to go and three hot meals every day. The interns were able to help with the camp and spend some time with the kids, teaching them about the Bible and just having fun. The interns went with the kids to Lake Manawa for swimming, to the Durham Museum, and they did arts and crafts. The Micah Corps had a great time spending time with the kids at the Open Door Mission.

Micah Corps at the Children's Annual Conference

2010-06-21T18:49:00.003-05:00

\

At this year’s annual conference the Micah Corps had the unique opportunity to have a discussion with the United Methodist Children’s Annual Conference. The interns talked to the kids about the problem of access to water and safe drinking water throughout the globe. Furthermore, the interns had the kids play a game whereby they had to carry the water a short distance. This is because millions of people, mostly girls, must carry buckets of water for miles. In addition, the interns talked about how much water the USA uses versus Africa, as well as the fact that one billion people (or one in six) struggle to find safe water every day. The United Methodist Church is working to solve this problem through the Millennium Development Goals, which specifically aim to cut extreme poverty in half by 2015. Also, the goals focus on environmental sustainability. In the video you will notice some part time work on behalf of the Micah Corps in the form of a child videographer! Overall, the Micah Corps was extremely happy to get in touch with Nebraska kids about such a pertinent issue.

Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Breakfast and "Feed the Future"

2010-06-10T20:30:00.002-05:00

The Micah Corps had the awesome opportunity to eat at the Nigerian/Nebraska Partnership breakfast. This breakfast commemorates United Methodist support for 48 children at an orphanage in Nigeria. Such continued support is a great example of charity at it’s finest. However, in the midst of this charity at work, the Micah Corps took the time to ask fellow United Methodists to write Senator Johanns and Senator Nelson in support of the “Feed the Future” program. This program will follow country-led investment plans, in an effort to increase the incomes of over 40 million people in 20 countries over 10 years through agricultural development. This coordinated global effort will help reach 25 million children with nutrition interventions, while helping to end hunger and move closer to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. A program such as “Feed the Future” displays the type of advocacy for justice that coincides with the necessary work of charity. We ask all United Methodists, heck all people, to write or email their senators in support of the “Feed the Future” program. Senator Ben Nelson may be reached through an email server, at http://bennelson.senate.gov/email-issues.cfm, and Senator Johanns may be reached at mike_johanns@johanns.senate.gov. Thank you for your support on this issue!

Class Advocacy, Frisbee, God's Renewed Creation...and much more!

2010-06-03T15:22:00.002-05:00

Today was an educating and eye-opening day for the Micah Corps! Kathy Moore and Jill Westfall, both from the child-advocacy non-profit organization Voices for Children, came and spoke about the many ways in which the children of Nebraska are harmed by poverty and neglect throughout the state. Their presentation highlighted the facts of children in poverty, as well as an educational seminar on case versus class advocacy. Furthermore, Darcy Tromanhauser, from the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest, spoke about the facts and circumstances surrounding immigration. Specifically, the need for immigration reform that offers workable solutions that uphold our values and help us move forward together. Lastly, Zach Anderson, Assistant Peace and Justice Coordinator for the Nebraska Conference, spoke to the interns about the pastoral letter from United Methodist Bishops, “God’s Renewed Creation.” Zach discussed environmental degradation, global poverty, and weapons proliferation with the interns, while also helping to promote the document’s call for all United Methodists to get involved in eliminating many of the dire justice problems in our society. The day was filled with much work and preparation, however, the interns did take a short break to play Frisbee (which can be seen in the video!). Thank you again for all your mission share dollars that make this program possible, and we look forward to keeping everyone updated on the work and progress of the Micah Corps!

First Day of Micah Corps--Biblical Social Justice w/ Rev. Secundino Morales

2010-06-01T20:26:00.003-05:00

On the first day of Micah Corps the Rev. Secundino Morales came and spoke about social justice from a biblical perspective. Rev. Morales serves as the District Superintendent for the Gateway District, but is also a member of the Risk Taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team. The Rev. Morales touched on his childhood in Panama, where his family emphasized personal salvation, however, Rev. Morales’ words concerning uplifting the poor and healing the oppressed in this world demonstrate an imperative for not only personal salvation, but also justice for the “least of these.” In the video Rev. Morales describes the need to create a better world, a better society, a better community, but also the need to experience new cultures, and to continually practice open hearts, open minds, and open doors in acquiring a new global perspective that welcomes all strangers in creating a world more similar to God’s vision (most notably described in Isaiah 65:17-25). Stay tuned as these interns continue to live and learn about Jesus’ message in the coming days!

Meet the Micah Corps Interns of Summer 2010

2010-06-01T20:04:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the mission share dollars contributed by so many kind and caring United Methodists across Nebraska, five interns will once again begin a summer in the Micah Corps Young Adult Leaders internship program, sponsored by the Risk Taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team. The below video includes short introductions to the five interns who will begin a journey of prayer, study, and action. Stay tuned as these interns will continually update fellow United Methodists concerning their experiences, from enlightening prayer and study to interesting discussions and lectures about the necessity of heeding Jesus’ call to care for the “least of these.”

Applications for Micah Corps 2010

2009-10-05T10:46:00.002-05:00

Micah Corps for 2009 is over! It was a great summer and now we are looking forward to receiving applications for the 2010 Micah Corps experience.

The application process will begin November 15, 2010 and you can get the applications online.
For information before then, contact rtmj.umc.nebraska@gmail.com.

View the video below to get a taste of the Micah Corps' experiences in 2009.

The Official (nonprofessional) Micah Corps Video!

2009-08-07T17:03:00.003-05:00

The five Micah Corps interns had a great time this summer, and learned a lot about ourselves, as well as many justice issues. Take a look at the video to get an overview of our time this last ten weeks!

North Platte UMC

2009-08-07T08:18:00.003-05:00

On the last leg of their journey, Micah Corps Interns, Ross Janovec and Kathryn Cunningham sat down with the Christian Education Director at North Platte First United Methodist Church, Cheri Kneifel. The interns spoke with her about her experiences with the Day Care center the church run on a year round basis, but what she talked about with the most passion was the Mayor's Youth Initiative, which was created to allocate and create services for youth in the North Platte Community.

2009-08-02T16:08:00.004-05:00

The above video is a collection of experiences that Brian and Rachel had in the Gateway district of the Nebraska UMC. It includes music from Braden Garwood (at Kearney Faith), the immigration board game being played at Kearney First and Kearney Faith, and discussions with congregations and adult Sunday schools from First and Faith. The interns discussed a variety of issues related to immigration, including the immigrants' integral role in our communities and economy, as well as the Christian call to welcome EVERY stranger. The conversation centered on how our system of immigration is broken (forcing those to migrate without documentation in search of a better life), how many of the myths concerning taxes and benefits are simply wrong, and lastly how we as United Methodists (and as Christians!) can get involved in the effort to help and welcome the immigrant. As the Reverand Jim Wallis, from Sojourners, says, "We do face a danger from refusing to welcome the stranger among us. And that is a danger to our very own souls. This a religious matter to us...We will minister no matter what our government says. And will call upon them to the best thing and do the right thing and do it now!" Our experiences in Nebraska communities showed us that we have the passion and potential to enact change, to create a system where ALL people are treated with compassion and dignity. We thank all for their contributions and time the last couple weeks! Do Justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God!

Health Care in the Church

2009-08-01T14:09:00.006-05:00

Some people I talked to in local churches felt like health care was a political issue which should not be discussed in the church, others felt like the church should be providing health care and government should have nothing to do with it. But most acknowledged that caring for people is something Christians are called to do, and we can build our conversation on that foundation.
In this video I am giving the sermon at the Ainsworth United Methodist Church, and talking with children at the Silver Creek Vacation Bible School.

2009-08-01T11:23:00.004-05:00

Interviews:
Emily Spearman, from Louisville, Colorado, is a current intern of Trinity United Methodist in Grand Island. Emily is a student at Hastings College, and is called to ordained ministry.
Becky Schelm is from Johnstown. Becky lived many years without health insurance because her daughter has Type I Diabetes, a pre-existing condition. She and her first husband lived for one year in Colorado at their own expense to be near the heart doctor. I spoke with Becky and her family on their 20,000 acre ranch in the Sandhills.
Rev. Dean Joy is the pastor at the Harvard United Methodist Church and a member of the Rural Response Committee of the United Methodist Conference.
Glen Becker is a member of the Harvard United Methodist Church and interested in how the church can expand its health care ministry. He also speaks here about Medicare recipients receiving the best possible program.

After two weeks of intensive learning and preparing at the Center for Rural Affairs in Lyons, NE, I stepped out into the Elkhorn Valley and Prairie Rivers Districts to share information and listen to stories. I was armed with pamphlets, fliers, displays, and endless statistics to prove that health care, and rural health care especially is in desperate need of a reformation, and that the church should be on the frontline of the battle. The timing couldn’t have been more appropriate as the President pushed for immediate action in Congress, and I pushed for advocacy on behalf of the almost 50 million uninsured in our nation. The church is relevant! Stand up and live your faith! As Jesus healed the sick and God loves every person, it is our part to do the same. The strong existing ministries of praying and caring for the sick in our communities is a springboard from which we can dive into changing policy that ensures adequate affordable health insurance for every person in this country. My bright-eyed and bushy-tailed epic of a failing system and government intervention was greeted with the warmest hospitality and fearful skepticism. A mindset of criticism and concern is no place to remain frozen in our actions of love. Fear of government intervention, fear of exclusive policies, doubt about effectiveness, and comfort with one’s own situation made it difficult for people to grasp the desperateness of the situation, a time where 14,000 more people lose their insurance every day. Through private conversations, group discussions, professional interviews, sermons, talking with health care professionals and children’s presentations, some opened their hearts, and others stayed in their fear. Some thought I had a hidden agenda, others received me as a prophet (a prophet unable to prophesy in her own land successfully…). At the end of our conversations, I always encouraged every person to contact their Congresspeople on this issue, whether or not their opinion aligned with mine, with the church’s, or anyone else’s. The voices of private insurance companies are being heard loud and clear, and we need to push back as constituents, voters, and tax payers, but especially as Christians who stand up for those marginalized, and without care. It is also the responsibility of each individual to let that opinion be informed and act out of care and hope, not fear. Here are some issues that I came across:

Health Care is working for me, therefore it does not need to be reformed. Many people with whom I spoke were very content with their Medicare insurance, most had a supplemental policy to cover prescriptions. Communities were very satisfied with their doctors and hospitals, and highly appreciative of their volunteer emergency services. Most that I talked to with employer provided private insurance paid well over $10,000 a year, and up to $18,000 including co-pays. While they receive the care they need, they pay very high amounts for it. This system is working for those who have good benefits and steady jobs, but the self-employed and individuals who work at small businesses which are the heart and savior of small communities suffer. They often cannot afford insurance, or if they do purchase it, pay higher costs and receive less reimbursement. This is generally referred to as “underinsurance”, and leads to medical debt, and neglect of preventive care.

Uninsured individuals don’t want insurance, or could afford it if they lived more frugally. This argument is invalid firstly to the Christian who wants to provide care for every person. Secondly, uninsured people are often families with full-time employment, some poor, but more and more frequently people who are simply not offered health care by their employer and feel they can’t afford insurance which itself costs more than the poverty line. However I agree that we must be responsible for our own health which includes limiting drinking and smoking. But I do not think that those savings will pay for a private health insurance plan. Other uninsured people do not have it because of pre-existing conditions, like diabetes or a mental health issue. The people that need good health insurance are those least likely to have access to it.

The government shouldn’t be involved in providing health care, or does not have the appropriate solutions for reform. The government is already heavily involved in providing health care to our older and poorer citizens, and many children. They also currently provide health care to government employees and veterans. These systems are certainly imperfect, but most people with whom I spoke were very content with their experiences in these programs. An extended public option would provide competition between private companies and insurance for those currently without it, without dissolving private insurance with which many people are also content. This is not the same as government controlled health care, but an extension of an existing system. Many are skeptical of this project, and I once again encourage everyone to have input before the decisions are made! Reform will be necessary in many facets of health care in order to bring down costs and cover everyone.

Interview with Zach Anderson

2009-07-31T09:21:00.001-05:00

Ross Janovec and Kathryn Cunningham had a chance to sit down with Zach Anderson, Assistant Director of Peace with Justice Ministries, and talk to him about his thoughts on justice in the church and society today as well as what his personal views of justice are.

Interns and local churches

2009-07-28T12:37:00.002-05:00

One of the goals of the Micah Corps is to enjoy connecting with local churches. Kathryn Cunningham and Ross Janovec share at Southminster UMC in Lincoln and Sabrina Miller talks with pastors and thanks churches for making the internships possible through Mission Share dollars.

Along with many personal visits to churches in all six districts, a goal for the five interns is making contact with each church in our conference to find out what types of exciting risk-taking mission and justice work are being done at the local level.

"Welcoming the Stranger"

2009-07-26T19:27:00.003-05:00

The last part of the Micah Corps program is action-based, including visits to local churches to discuss meaningful immigration reform and learn from Nebraska United Methodists and others about their own experiences with the issue. In the video interns Rachel and Brian facillitated a forum in Hooper, NE on immigration from a biblical perspective, and how Jesus taught us to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25). Furthermore, the interns visited Olive Crest UMC in North Omaha to discussion immigration and our immigrant history, as we were once strangers in the land of Egpt (Leviticus 19:33-34). Other captions in the video include a section from our attendance at a worker justice breakfast, put on by Interfaith Worker Justice, which stressed recognizing the humanity and dignity in all persons. It was a wonderful experience traveling to different churches, bible studies, and community events. The interns thank all who participated and encourage all to advocate for justice for the immigrant. If you feel motivated to get involved, one of the things you can do is visit www.reformimmigrationforamerica.org, and sign up for text updates on reform or simply navigate the site to learn more...or if you feel like it we encourage you to call your local representatives and ask for meaningful immigration reform that is just and humane. Thanks! And remember to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God!!!!!!

Immigrant Integration and Civic Participation

2009-07-13T18:02:00.003-05:00

The video above includes Darcy Tromanhauser, talking about the Immigrant Integration and Civic Participation program at Nebraska Appleseed. It also includes Vanessa Martinez, state-wide coordinator for "Nebraska Is Home," speaking with Micah Corps intern Rachel Boellstorff about aspects of the immigration board game. The interns did a presentation, including the game, for 10 or 12 Appleseed staff. In the video an intern talks about the difficulty of the "undocumented limbo loop" section of the game, referring to the many difficulties and struggles undocumented immigrants encounter when attempting to work through our immigration system. The interns finished one of their final days at Appleseed and soon will began a two week term of visits to local churches, where the board game and other created materials will be used to engage local UMC congregations in discussion about the issue. We look forward to these two weeks and in the mean time encourage all to get involved by visiting www.neappleseed.org, or more specifically visiting the www.NebraskaIsHome.org website.

Playing the Immigration Board Game at Aldersgate UMC Adult Sunday School Class

2009-07-13T15:08:00.004-05:00

On July 12 I traveled to Aldersgate UMC in Lincoln to talk in worship and visit an adult Sunday school class. The topic of the class discussion was a "Culture of Hate," and I had the wonderful opportunity to discuss immigration issues. The video above was taken while the group played an immigration board game, a game created from interviews with hundreds of immigrants in the Northwestern United States, and specifically the board game details the complexity, difficulty, and brokenness of our immigration system. Beyond the board game, the class had a discussion about the facts of immigration, United Methodist policies toward immigration, and lastly the group discussed different stories (or outlooks) on immigration.These different stories served to facillitate discussion about the issues at play, and helped us understand our many preconceived notions of immigration in our culture. In conclusion we discussed ways for the class to get involved in advocating for meaningful immigration reform that is just and humane, and in the mean time got to share some cookies, coffee, and light-hearted conversation. It was a great experience, and I thank Aldersgate for the time and place to have such an important discussion about such an important issue. Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God!

Presentation Practice

2009-07-09T14:32:00.003-05:00

In this video you will here a small snippet of Kathryn and Ross' presentation that they will be taking out to UMC in NE towards the end of this month.

2009-07-09T08:45:00.004-05:00

2009-07-08T16:55:00.005-05:00

In this video Kathryn Cunningham and Ross Janovec, Micah Corps interns, have been spending time at Voices for Children in Nebraska and had some time to sit down with the Executive Director: Kathy Bigsby Moore to hear her perspective on Voice's mission and current activities.

Health Care Reform Now!

2009-07-08T15:15:00.002-05:00

Sabrina Miller calls Senator Ben Nelson's office from the Center for Rural Affairs to express concern about health care reform. If you're interested in learning more about rural health care issues, visit www.cfra.org, or email smiller@hastings.edu. I apologize for the sideways video, I couldn't figure out how to rotate it.

Jon Bailey on Rural Health Care

2009-07-07T15:27:00.002-05:00

Jon Bailey, Director of the Rural Research and Analysis Program at the Center for Rural Affairs, is currently working on Health Care issues in Rural America. He talks about the specific challenges rural areas face.

Virginia Wolking on Health Care

2009-07-07T10:01:00.006-05:00

Virginia Wolking is a Rural Policy Organizer at The Center for Rural Affairs. Here she speaks about why she is passion about the issue of health care, and the work that she does at the Center. Virginia travels around to rural communities, educating, listening, and moving people to action on the issue of health care.

Nebraska Appleseed and Immigration Reform

2009-07-06T16:07:00.002-05:00

This week Rachel and I continue our work at Nebraska Appleseed. I had a chance to sit down with Darcy Tromanhauser, Director of the Immigrant Integration and Civic Participation Program at Nebraska Appleseed, and she explained to me the mission of Appleseed and their efforts for comprehensive immigration reform. Rachel and I are involved in a variety of activities while at Appleseed, including making brochures and curriculums for United Methodists across Nebraska, practicing different presentations, being involved with the "Nebraska is Home" campaign (mentioned in previous post), and learning from the policy experts at Appleseed. It has been an eye-opening and educational experience for both of us and we look forward to spreading the word about how we all can take concrete steps toward truly "welcoming the stranger." Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God!

Sabrina Miller at the Center for Rural Affairs

2009-07-06T15:21:00.003-05:00

Sabrina Miller gives a glimpse into her fast-paced stay at the Center for Rural Affairs. The Center was established in 1973, their mission is to "establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities." Sabrina is learning about the challenges rural Americans face in receiving adequate affordable health care.

Brian and Rachel at Nebraska Appleseed and "Nebraska is Home"

2009-07-06T10:20:00.003-05:00

Micah Corps interns, Brian and Rachel, are learning about immigration reform at the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest. Appleseed is a public interest law firm that fights for equal justice for all Nebraskans. Specifically, Brian and Rachel are learning about the Nebraska is Home campaign. In the video Vanessa Martinez, state-wide coordinator for Nebraska is Home, explains the strategies and goals of community conversations. In the coming weeks both interns will be traveling to Nebraska United Methodist churches to talk about comprehensive immigration reform and Jesus' call to "Welcome the Stranger" (Matthew 25). To learn more visit www.neappleseed.org/immigrants or www.nebraskaishome.org

The Great Awakening II

2009-07-01T09:33:00.003-05:00

The Great Awakening

2009-06-30T16:04:00.002-05:00

Jim Wallis, the creator of Sojourners, is an evangelical pastor who promotes moving deeper than bipartisan conversation to a higher moral ground. The Micah Corps is reading his newest book, The Great Awakening: 7 Ways to Change the World as our study guide, and we had some great conversation about it. Kathryn Cunningham from Norfolk, NE, gives a synopsis and opinion.

Micah Corps leading people to write to their Congressional Representatives

2009-06-18T13:57:00.002-05:00

The Micah Corps has been doing some advocating for the Millenium Development Goals by teaching people of all ages about the MDGs, then encouraging them to write a letter to their representatives on Capital Hill to encourage those in power to make a difference in the world.

2009-06-17T18:55:00.002-05:00

Micah Corps being consecrated and describing their internship at KZUM radio (from Annual Conference week).

Micah Corps at Children's Annual Conference

2009-06-12T16:45:00.002-05:00

Video of Omaha Open Door Mission

2009-06-09T15:13:00.004-05:00

The Micah Corps Interns spent four days at the Omaha Open Door Mission experiencing the mission through quite a few hours spent in the kitchen.

Pictures of Omaha Open Door Mission

2009-06-09T15:10:00.002-05:00

Time Spent at Tri-Community UMC

2009-06-09T14:57:00.003-05:00

Learning about the MDG"S

2009-06-09T12:00:00.005-05:00

This video documents our time spent with Pauletta Lehn, learning about the Millennium Development Goals.

Welcome to the Micah Corps Blog Site

2009-05-31T17:23:00.001-05:00

On this site you will find updates from workers and interns with the Micah Corps. Among these updates you will find photos, video, and written dialogues documenting the experiences that will occur over the next ten weeks of this internship experience. Feel free to explore the entire website and comment on any of the experiences you feel driven to do so with and you are exploring. We welcome your comments and look forward to collaborating with anyone that decides to utilize this blog site.

PS
As this is the first post, be patient. We will be adding material as we journey farther into our internship.