In Layman's Terms

Our communications department is taking some time to share some major shifts in philosophy and energy around New Church Development. In this podcast, Todd talks with three people involved in setting the tone for our NCD board, and they share some exciting things that are under way in starting new faith communities in Kansas and Nebraska.
https://www.greatplainsumc.org/newsdetail/new-era-for-new-church-development-18644628

Todd starts an intermittent series on laity serving in elected office. With so much of the discussion focused on the presidential race, it's easy to forget that many more decisions that impact our lives are made at the local level. In this opening episode to the series, Todd discusses how faith and service intersect with Tyler Curtis. Besides his work with the Kansas Methodist Foundation, he recently was chosen to finish out a term left vacant by a death on the Emporia City Commission.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-iysf3-16c67d8

The Great Plains Conference Disaster Response/Assistance Fund could use a boost. To explain how the fund helps individuals, Rev. Hollie Tapley, the conference's Disaster Response coordinator, shares some details about the fund, information about Disaster Response in general, and how you can participate with your financial assistance and time as a volunteer.
Download the episode: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-bwbve-16b2d29

Learn more at https://www.greatplainsumc.org/disasterresponse.

Donate to the fund: https://gp-reg.brtapp.com/GPDisasterFund.

We still struggle with some of the same problems as Jesus’ first followers — and some problems they didn’t have to face. In this episode, Rev. David Livingston, lead pastor at Old Mission United Methodist Church in Fairway, Kansas, talks with Todd about his new book, “Getting to Good.” David’s first published book explores seven common struggles of contemporary life. Through scripture, contemporary examples, and personal stories, David shares the causes of these issues and some concrete steps to get to a good place of their own. “Getting to Good” doesn’t attempt to wish away the problems we face. Instead, it confronts them head-on. Life is not and will not be perfect and free from difficulty. But we can get to a good place even with our inevitable challenges. https://inlaymansterms.podbean.com/e/getting-to-good-a-book-and-discussion-with-rev-david-livingston/

We kick off recording in our new sound studio at the new conference office with a discussion with Bishop David Wilson . The bishop shares reflections on General Conference, the Great Plains Annual Conference session and the challenges facing delegates at the upcoming South Central Jurisdictional Conference.
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-ctr7f-164faae

In the conclusion of a five-part series previewing the upcoming United Methodist Church’s General Conference, Rev. Adam Hamilton, lead pastor of the denomination’s largest congregation based in Leawood, Kansas, provides a summary of key issues delegates will address. He also talks about how his church has thrived amid these uncertain times and shares his hope for The United Methodist Church going forward.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-c98ai-15dec1f

In the fourth of a five-part series, Rev. Amy Lippoldt provides some education and great insights into the global nature of The United Methodist Church. As a member of the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters, Amy has been exposed to many parts of the worldwide aspects of the church that aren't easily seen from our pews in Kansas and Nebraska.

Some apologies before you start listening: A bad cable was discovered — but not until the editing process. The process used to eliminate the high-pitched hum that was throughout the interview recording resulted in poor audio quality from Amy's microphone. However, listeners can still hear her excellent analysis of the issues coming before the General Conference.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8t2ne-15deb5f

In the third of a five-episode series previewing General Conference of The United Methodist Church, Rev. David Livingston shares his thoughts on three widely known priorities for progressives and centrists, as well as some details from his travels to the African continent to meet with delegates there. https://inlaymansterms.podbean.com/e/general-conference-preview-%e2%80%94-rev-david-livingston/

Our 5-episode series previewing the General Conference of The United Methodist Church continues with an in-depth interview with Lisa Maupin, the Great Plains Conference lay leader.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ymm4i-15d9c24

We're starting a five-episode series previewing the General Conference of The United Methodist Church, which starts April 23 in Charlotte, N.C. The first of our guests is Rev. Dr. Mark R. Holland, co-founder of Mainstream UMC.

The stories of three ministries share how ministry grants from the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation make a difference — an entrepreneurial idea at Connection Point in Lincoln, children’s and youth curriculum for The Vine United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, and a different way to help Brady UMC worship without a pastor. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-zgy9c-15a141a

Attention all Great Plains Conference clergy, both retired AND ACTIVE! Don't miss the opportunity to spend some time learning March 12 from renowned author Diana Butler Bass. She is the featured speaker for the annual online learning event sponsored by the Great Plains Association of Retired Clergy and Spouses (GPARCS).

Registration is open now for the March 12 event with the theme of "Perceived Possibilities." Bass will share thoughts on the focused verse of Isaiah 43:19 and how the church — particularly mainline Protestant congregations — have license to try new things in the fast-changing world around them. She also will talk about how openly talking about politics can be a way of addressing the needs of young adults related to their spirituality and how imagination is important in ministry. Learn more and register at https://buff.ly/49GdmZW .

A leg surgery, oral surgery and then ... well, life ... got in the way of getting these published sooner. But here is a three-episode series on the civil rights immersion trip from back in July with members of the Great Plains Conference and Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church. February is Black History Month, so once I had to wait so long, I decided to save these for release during this month.
https://www.greatplainsumc.org/newsdetail/podcast-series-shares-stories-of-civil-rights-immersion-18267840

As we continue our lessons from the Ark, we'll explore what it means to persevere. We know we'll face storms in life, so how can we be prepared? And how can we endure? Thankfully, we can lean on the Holy Spirit as our traveling companion.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-x7x7c-157247f

As we continue considering lessons from the ark — as learned through other passages in scripture — we come to compassion. Just a little of it, along with encouragement, can go a long way toward lifting up others. Todd is joined again by Rev. Dr. Richard Randolph.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-y3ukd-1567867

Our short series on lessons from the ark begins in earnest with looking at our need for spiritual strength when the storms of life arise. And that means we have to prepare. In this and the remaining episodes about the ark, we have a special guest, Rev. Dr. Richard Randolph, a United Methodist pastor and director of stewardship for the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-fz8dn-15602c9

Todd starts a five-episode series leading up to the beginning of Lent on lessons we can learn from Noah and the ark. In this first episode, we explore the importance of faith and of preparation.
https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-z4ygy-1555952

In the latest episode, Todd talks to Rev. Karen Lampe, founder of The Caring Congregation. One of the most important parts of being the church is caring for one another. But it's not just the pastor's job. Indeed, it's important that laity are heavily involved in providing excellent care for one another. Doing so strengthens the sense of community, shows the love of Christ and helps boost the vitality of local congregations. A special online webinar is scheduled for Feb. 23-24 to provide training either for individuals or groups who want to learn more.
Download the episode and find links in the show notes.

https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-ysctb-153f687

The "In Layman's Terms" podcast is back from hiatus with an interview with Bishop David Wilson . The discussion focuses on Native American Heritage Month. November is a month set aside to celebrate the rich culture and numerous contributions of Indigenous peoples. This conversation covers an immersion experience in Oklahoma, recognition of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, and more about the bishop's travels across the country. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-retdn-14fc7ab

Paul makes use of an empty altar to explain to skeptics who Jesus is and about our all-powerful God. We’ve been given all the tools we need to share the good news, even if we sometimes have to improvise. This episode wraps up our short series on the book of Acts.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-crnma-1453a22

The study of the book of Acts continues with a lesson about how we sometimes make following Christ more difficult than it needs to be. Love God, love others, and make disciples. A story about a Dallas-area pastor augments the scripture about Peter and Cornelius. https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-jqd46-144d8c5

After a longer-than-expected hiatus, thanks to a busy annual conference preparation season, the podcast returns! We resume our study of the book of Acts, the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Saying we believe is fine, but actions speak louder than word. The story of Ananias' visit to Paul teaches us that lesson.

Luke, The Sequel: The Act of Showing Trust in God After a longer-than-expected hiatus, the podcast returns, and we resume our study of the book of Acts, the sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Saying we believe is fine, but actions speak louder than word. Ananias teaches us that lesson.

We resume our lessons from the book of Acts with the story of the Ethiopian eu**ch. This visitor to Israel and Philip teach that it's important for us to act on our faith by remaining curious and embracing the questions we ask about our faith. This episode is taught by Seifert. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-946xu-140d152

As we explore what the book of Acts has to teach the church today, we explore what it means to speak boldly for Jesus in the world today. Peter gives us a good example, and we also explore some examples in history of people speaking boldly with their word and actions. And, yes, we are all capable of speaking up for Christ. https://www.podbean.com/ep/pb-9pawj-13efbda

Todd begins a multi-week series on the book of Acts. We'll look at the book as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke and a continuation of Jesus — through his followers — teaching how to lift up the lowly, engage the outcast, and embrace the outlaw. In this first episode we look at 3 lessons Jesus taught during his ascension to Heaven. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-d57k5-13e8ec7