The fifth and final episode in this series of podcasts about joy includes two more testimonies and a reflection on some of what we heard throughout these episodes. The guests are Rev. Karla Sheffy of First United Methodist Church in Emporia and Rev. Eric Meyer of Trinity UMC in Salina.

Watch a video interview featuring our guests.

It’s tempting to look for a “surefire” and “guaranteed” way to cultivate joyfulness, but it’s just not possible to guarantee joy — it’s a Fruit of the Spirit and given by the Spirit. But is it possible that practicing gratitude is perhaps spreading some fertilizer for the seeds of joy to grow? Take a listen to hear Ashlee and Shelly talk about the connection between gratitude and joy and hear the stories of Rev. Jeff Goetzinger of Little River UMC in Kansas; Pastor Juan Carlos Veloso of Grace UMC in Omaha, NE; and Rev. Changsu Kim of Shawnee UMC in Shawnee, KS.

This third episode in the series exploring how pastors are finding and maintaining joy during this season features the stories of Eduardo Bousson, university minister at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE; Kirstie Engel of First United Methodist Church in Lincoln, NE; and Velma Tim, of LaCygne and New Lancaster UMCs in Kansas.

Watch a video of their conversation.

This second episode in the series continues the conversation about how pastors are finding joy in this season. Hear the stories of Ever Mudambanuki of First UMC of Nebraska City, NE; Amy Lippoldt of St. Paul UMC of Papillion, NE; and Kathy Symes of Wellsville and Clearfield UMC’s in Wellsville and Clearfield, KS.

This first episode in our series sets the tone by sharing why we’re talking about joy right now and introduces you to the stories of three clergy: Cathy Holley of New Covenant UMC in Wichita and Norwich UMC in Norwich, Kansas; Jim Reed, retired elder living in Manhattan; and Susan Murithi, serving St. Paul UMC in St. Paul, Nebraska. We invite you to watch and share these stories, and consider where joy might be growing in your own life and community as well!

This is the third of three conversations that we’re hosting about Pastoral Transitions. Rev. Charles Nyamakope is a “Pandemic Pastor,” having made a transition last year and Rev. Berniece Ludlum is preparing for a move this year. They both share from their experiences about walking with God in the midst of transition.

Resources:

• https://www.greatplainsumc.org/pastoraltransitions
  • Be sure to check out the resources about a Transition Team on the page above
• Blog Post: “Harder than Granite: Pastoral Transitions in the Shadow of the Pandemic”
• Clergy can check out opportunities to nurture your soul in the year ahead
  • https://www.greatplainsumc.org/foryourlife
  • https://www.greatplainsumc.org/roots-for-your-soul

This is the second of three conversations that we’re hosting about Pastoral Transitions. Rev. Michael Tomson-DeGreeff and Rev. Stefanie Hayes both made transitions to different congregations in the summer of 2020, at the height of the pandemic. They both share some of the challenges in a move and the tangible steps for starting well.

This episode debuted on April 22, 2021.

Resources:

• https://www.greatplainsumc.org/pastoraltransitions
  • Be sure to check out the resources about a Transition Team on the page above
• Blog Post: “Harder than Granite: Pastoral Transitions in the Shadow of the Pandemic”

July 1 brings a change for a number of pastors and churches in the United Methodist Church every year and this year is no different. But what is different are some of the challenges of getting to know the congregation or appointment year. Ending a season of ministry is always hard — but really important. This episode kicks off the first of three conversations about Pastoral Transitions. Rev. Nancy Lambert, the retiring Director of Clergy Excellence and Assistant to the Bishop, is joined Rev. Dee Williamston, who will assume that role in July and has served for the last seven years as the District Superintendent, to discuss essential practices and spiritual intentionality during transition.

Watch a Video Presentation

• https://www.greatplainsumc.org/pastoraltransitions
• Blog Post: “Harder than Granite: Pastoral Transitions in the Shadow of the Pandemic”