Progressive theology...

www.process-theology.org
Web site of Dr. Vernon Goff, Pastor Emeritus at St. Luke. This web site can come "alive" as it becomes a medium of dialogue. No sincere questions are outside the circle of consideration-but if the site is to become more than it is now, questions to which Dr. Goff can respond via the web site are essential. Please check it out and join the conversation!

www.congregationalresources.org

www.science-spirit.org

www.tcpc.org

www.templetonpress.org

www.processandfaith.org

Bible study and daily inspiration...

www.biblegateway.com
Search the Bible in multiple Bible versions and in different languages.

www.christianitytoday.com
Articles of relevance for Christians in the world today.

www.dailyguideposts.com
Daily devotional to encourage and uplift you.

www.purposedrivenlife.com
Resources for living the "purpose driven life."

www.upperroom.org/devotional
Daily devotional to inspire and encourage you. The Upper Room is a division of the United Methodist Church.

The United Methodist Church...

www.omahadistrictumc.org
Click on the "Newsletter" button for access to activities, learning opportunities, and find out what is happening at various United Methodist Churches in the Omaha area.

www.umcneb.org
Web site of the Nebraska Conference of The United Methodist Church. This web site includes information about what is happening in our Conference, download copies of the Messenger newspaper, and contact information for Nebraska's Bishop and other key leadership in the Nebraska United Methodist Church.

www.umns.umc.org
Web site of the United Methodist News Service, which gives daily news stories of what is happening in The United Methodist Church in the United States and around the world.

www.umc-gbcs.org
Web site of the the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society, the branch of the church that deals with justice action and issues related to the world community, political community, economic community, social community, nurturing community, and natural world.

www.infoserv.umc.org
Web site of the United Methodist Information Service...where you can ask any question about The United Methodist Church.

United Methodist Church history

• General Commission on Archives & History
• United Methodist History
• United Methodist Timeline
• John Wesley's sermons & writings

Ministries and community betterment programs we support and/or participate in...

ACT!vate Omaha
Community-wide initiative designed to engage all Omahans to Get Up and Get Active (toward achieving the Surgeon General's recommendation of 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on at least 5 days each week).

BeFriender Ministry
National, ecumenical program that trains and supports leaders in a listening ministry for lay pastoral care.

Blue Flamingo Thrift Store
Ministry of Dietz United Methodist Church (1528 Vinton Street). They have more items than can be fathomed including bicycle covers, Reba shirts, kids clothes, and period light fixtures. The store is open Thursdays, 1:00-4:00, and Saturdays, 10:00-4:00. Donations are accepted at these times. The store will take donations of all items and furniture that is smaller than a sofa. Please only donate clothes appropriate for the current season. For more details, call 964-2740.

Blue Summit
A shop that purchases items through fair trade certified organizations such as Ten Thousand Villages and SERRV International. Fair Trade Standards ensure that artisans in developing countries receive a fair and sustainable wage, have good working conditions, and do not use child labor. By creating independence, artisans can improve education, health conditions, and safety for themselves, their families, and communities. Blue Summit supports artisans from over 40 countries. Blue Summit is located at 4101 South 120th Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

Camps
There are three beautiful United Methodist camps in Nebraska. Camp Comeca, Camp Fontanelle, and Camp Norwesca offer a wide variety of camps for children, youth, and adults.

Community Counselor on Staff
We are pleased to announce that Launa Kudrna, Community Counselor, has an office at St. Luke. Launa is an employee of the Methodist Hospital Community Counseling Program. She has offices at both Burke High School and St. Luke and, although not technically a St. Luke employee, she functions as part of our staff team. Funding for this ministry is provided by Methodist Foundation. Launa is available to provide a wide range of counseling to/for persons and families in the community. Persons do not need to be a member of St. Luke to take advantage of her services. Launa’s office is located on St. Luke’s lower level, directly inside the "delivery" entrance. Persons desiring to set an appointment to talk with Launa should call her private line at 333-8962.

Connections
"Connections" is a coalition of progressive Christian congregations who together and separately: Reclaim thoughtful dialogue; reject divisive dogmatism; renew spiritual vitality; respond with justice and mercy; and rejoice in inclusive community. Their vision is to provide opportunities for education, dialogue, community action, fun, spiritual practice, and outreach to the members of our congregations and those who have dropped out of traditional Christian congregations and lost hope that there is a vital and thoughtful Christian community. For more information about Connections, contact Rev. Nancy Brink at North Side Christian Church at 451-1933 or nbrink@northsideomaha.org

CROP Walk
National program through Church World Service that raises money for local hunger-fighting agencies as well as international relief and developmental efforts.

Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
Founded in 1996 in response to the Women's Fund Task Force on Domestic Violence, the Council engages in pulling domestic violence "out of the shadows," uniting the community against it, and stopping the violence.

Another resource is the domestic violence web site of the Nebraska Health & Human Services System, http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/nea/domestic.htm

Habitat for Humanity
St. Luke joins with a coalition of churches to help build a house in Omaha for a deserving family.

La Casa del Pueblo
United Methodist ministry of hospitality in which bridges can be built between people of various nationalities in the South Omaha community. It is a ministry by which a new cross-cultural faith community is being developed, and a ministry of service by which we attempt to help our neighbors become participating members of our community. A Hispanic worship service is held twice a month. La Casa del Pueblo is located at 4819 South 24th Street, Omaha NE 68107 - 402/734-2655.

Marriage Encounter and Engaged Encounter (United Methodist)
"Marriage Encounter" is a weekend away from home, family, and responsibilities where in a comfortable, secluded environment, a couple is guided in the discovery of new techniques of communicating and sharing with one another. It is not a "retreat," but is a program designed to give couples the opportunity to examine their lives together, their weaknesses and strong points, their attitudes toward each other and toward their families. Couples are given the opportunity to look at themselves, privately with their partner in an honest face-to-face, heart-to-heart encounter.

Engaged Encounter weekends are available for engaged couples and are designed to help couples prepare for marriage.

For details about United Methodist Marriage Encounter or Engaged Encounter weekends scheduled in Nebraska, contact Russell & Lanita Evans at 308-546-2745 or lanita@nebnet.net.

Meals on Wheels
National program, locally run, which delivers meals to home-bound persons, especially among the elderly.

Pearl United Methodist Food Pantry
One of the major food pantries in the Omaha area, located at 2319 Ogden Street, Omaha NE 68111 - 453-8623.

Samaritan Counseling Center
The Samaritan Counseling Center offers professional counseling, educational, and consultative services that emphasize the integration of mind, body, spirit, and the healthy restoration to community. The Samaritan Center is a non-profit, inter-faith, professional counseling center that is accredited by the Samaritan Institute of Denver, Colorado--the professional staff is licensed by the State of Nebraska.

Services available include:

• Counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families
• Mediation/conflict resolution
• Alcohol/drug evaluations and counseling
• Pre-marriage counseling
• Pastoral counseling

Day and evening hours are available for appointments.

The Samaritan Center is located at 4892 Oaks Lane, Omaha, NE 68137. 402-891-8300

Siena Francis House
Shelter directed toward a concern and care of the poor, realized in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and clothing the needy.

Sudanese International Family Daycare Center
Ministry operated by Trinity United Methodist Church (6001 Fontenelle Boulevard). They are always in need of donations of baby items such as crib sheets and fleece throws; bottle warmers or crock pots; diaper pails; baby swings; high chairs; cribs, late model baby beds, cots, and mats; and, of course, consumables such as diapers, wipes, baby food, etc. Call Trinity UMC at 455-6379 to arrange a time when you can deliver your donations.

Suicide Prevention
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research and education, and to reaching out to people with mood disorders and those affected by suicide.

Sweat-Free T-Shirts
If you need plain white t-shirts for school groups, sports groups, etc., you can now purchase "Sweat Free" (no sweatshop practices or child labor involved) t-shirts for only $2.75 each. A women-owned garment cooperative in Nicaragua makes these 100% cotton t-shirts in all sizes. Each shirt has a small "Sweat Free" logo on the sleeve--otherwise the shirts are plain white. This is a program of the Presbyterian Church.

Together, Inc.
A non-profit organization providing assistance to needy persons/families via clothing, shelter, transportation assistance, utilities, and emergency medical help. Persons/families are asked to go through a screening process whereby needs are evaluated, and Together, Inc., responds accordingly. Located at 1616 Cass, Omaha, NE 68102. 402-345-8047

United Methodist Health Ministry
Numerous programs and services are offered to the community by the Methodist Health System. For information about these opportunities, call Health Touch One at 331-1111.

UNO Campus Ministry
Ecumenical ministry to college students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

VIM (Volunteers in Mission)
Local, national, and international mission opportunities through this United Methodist agency.

Wesley House
For a child in a community burdened by many of the negative aspects of today's culture, academic achievement often seems unattainable. While many community organizations work to assist children who are "at risk," none really take the time to go above and beyond in affording opportunities for intellectual growth to those who show outstanding potential. None except the Wesley House. The Wesley House mission is simply to give children the opportunity to pursue their own highest potential for leadership, intellect, and personal growth. By introducing them to a culture that values high achievement, the Wesley House helps give them the tools and desire to join that culture, to become leaders in their community, their families, and their businesses. Wesley House is located at 2001 North 35th Street, Omaha NE 68111, phone 451-2228.

Support groups in Omaha, Nebraska...

Additional support groups are listed at www.omahasupportgroups.com

• After Care Grief Support Group - Meets at Crown Point Retirement Center (2820 South 80th Street) on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Sponsored by Heafey Heafey Funeral Chapel. For details, call Sharon Zehnder at 391-3900.
• After Care Grief Support Group - Meets at Venice Inn (6920 Pacific Street) every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by Heafey Heafey Funeral Chapel. For details, call Sharon Zehnder at 391-3900.
• Beginning Experience - “Coping Sessions” for children, youth, and adults, who are working through the trauma of divorce, separation, or loss through death. Coping Sessions are offered as weekly group sessions or as weekend retreats. Sponsored by the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Omaha. For details, call the Family Life Office at 551-9003.
• Centering Corporation Grief Resource Center - Located at 7230 Maple Street. For details, call Joy or Marvin Johnson at 553-1200 or 553-0507.
• Compassionate Friends (for parents who have lost a child) - Meets at New Cassel Retirement Center (900 North 90th Street) the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. For details, call 571-4011.
• Coping Sessions - Meets in various locations, for 6-week educational and support group, 4-5x per year. Sponsored by the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Omaha. For details, call Pat Seier at 551-9003.
• Gentle Support - Meets at John A. Gentleman Mortuary (1010 North 72nd Street) every Wednesday, 2:00-3:15 p.m. Sponsored by John A. Gentleman Mortuary. For details, call Rosemary Flecky at 691-8000.
• Grief Recovery Group - Meets at Clarkson Hospital (1st Floor, Social Work Conference Room, 44th & Dewey) the 1st Wednesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Nebraska Medical Center. For details, call Rev. Mary Ann Calta at 552-6347.
• Grief Share - Meets at and sponsored by Faith Westwood United Methodist Church (4814 Oaks Lane) for a 13-week video series, on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Cost is $12. For details, call Kay Jaton at 895-3394 ext. 1012.
• HOPE (Helping Other Parents Endure) (for parents who have lost a child) - Meets at Westlawn (5701 Center) about one Tuesday a month, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Sponsored by Westlawn Cemetery. For details, and to find out which Tuesdays they are meeting, call Mandy Christensen at 933-8787 or Debbie Lhotak at 733-5797.
• Just for Kids and Teen Connection (for children of a parent with cancer) - Meets at various times at Bergan Mercy Hospital. Sponsored by Alegent. For details, call Linda Reese at 731-3033 or Cindy Bang at 332-4420.
• Living with Loss (for parents who have lost a child) - Meets at Children’s Hospital (8200 Dodge Street) for an 8-week series in the Spring and Fall. Sponsored by Children’s Hospital. For details, call David Sweeney, Pastoral Care, at 955-5661.
• Partners on the Journey - Meets at John A. Gentleman Mortuary (14151 Pacific Street) every Thursday, 7:00-8:15 p.m. Sponsored by John A. Gentleman Mortuary. For details, call Rosemary Flecky at 691-8000.
• Pregnancy and Newborn Loss Support Group - Meets at Health West (16120 West Dodge Road) the 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Sponsored by Methodist Hospital. For details, call Ken Rood at 354-4016.
• Progressions (for parents affected by babies who have been shaken—death or severely handicapped) - Meets at various locations the 3rd Tuesday of each month. For details, call Debbie Phelps at 339-7075 or Gina Hadley at 399-0759.
• SIDS Support Group - Meets at Presbyterian Church of the Master (2815 North 108th Street) the 1st Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by New Cassel.
• Survivors of Suicide (for adults who have had a family member of friend commit suicide) - Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. For details, call Fred Henninger at 558-4616.
• Surviving Bereavement: Life Continues - Meets at Immanuel’s Holling Education Center (6901 North 72nd Street) for a 6-week session in the Spring and Fall, on Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Cost is $20. Sponsored by Alegent Health. For details, call Linda Dempsey at 572-2768.
• THEOS (They Help Each Other Spiritually) - Meets at First Church of the Cross (1517 South 114th Street) the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church of the Cross. For details, call Marge Torpey at 391-2971, or Everette Knudson at 895-3272.
• Ted E Bear Hollow: A Center for Grieving Children - Meets at Ted E Bear Hollow (347 North 76th Street) the 2nd Saturday of each month, 9:30-11:00 a.m. For details, call Sarah Flanagan at 502-2773.
• Ted E Bear Hollow Kids Kamp - Meets at various locations for a 1-day camp held in the Fall and Spring to help grieving children, teens, and their parents. For details, call Sarah Flanagan at 502-2773.
• Walking Through the Valley Grief Support Group - Meets at Crown Point Retirement Center (2080 South 80th Street) the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Sponsored by Heafey Heafey Funeral Chapel. For details, call Ann Marie Aita at 391-3900.
• Walking Through the Valley Grief Support Group - Meets at St. Vincent Catholic Church (14330 Eagle Run Drive) the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Sponsored by Heafey Heafey Funeral Chapel. For details, call Ann Marie Aita at 391-3900.
• Who Am I Now? (for children) - Meets at various locations for a 6-week coping program held in the Summer. Sponsored by the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Omaha. For details, call the Family Life Office at 551-9003.
• Widowed & Divorced Catholics (open to all denominations) - Meets at St. James Center (9212 Tomahawk Boulevard) the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Omaha. For details, call Pat Seier at 551-9003.
• Young Adult Beginning Experience - Meets at 3214 North 60th Street at various times. Sponsored by the Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Omaha. For details, call Pat Seier at 551-9003.
• Young Widows & Widowers - Meets at local restaurants the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings have a lay facilitator. For details, call Martha Brown at 682-9606, Barb Walker at 493-5638, or Jill Russell at 398-1311.

Grief & Support Counselors (call for appointment)

• Sharon Anderson (Rizzo & Associates) - 7836 Wakeley, 397-0330
• Marcia Blum (Conscious Living) - 3326 North 128th Circle, 871-9039
• Julie Jurich (Assoc. Counseling Professionals) - 12818 Augusta Avenue, 334-1122
• Kevin Keeley (Methodist Cancer Center) - 8303 Dodge, 354-3212
• Stephanie Koraleski (Methodist Cancer Center) - 8303 Dodge, 354-3212
• Kate Rist (Jones Sedlacek Psychiatric Services) - 9239 West Center Road, 399-9305
• Deb Swenson (Samaritan Counseling Center) - 4892 Oaks Lane, 891-3900
• Scotti Thralls (Family Enrichment, Inc.) - 8610 West Dodge Road, 391-2477
• Susan Williamson (Assoc. Counseling Professionals) - 12818 Augusta Avenue, 334-1122