Rockbrook United Methodist church
9855 W. Center Rd.
Rockbrook United
Methodist church
9855 W. Center Rd.
Omaha, NE 68124
Phone: 402-393-1015
Fax: 402-955-1434
E-mail: churchoffice@rockbrook.com
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Rockbrook UMC
The deadline for the June
newsletter will be May 18th.
Please have your news in the
church office no later than
4pm so it can be added to the
publication. Items may be
hand-written, emailed, faxed,
scanned-just make sure they
get here! Thank you.
Mark your calendar!!
The Red Cross Bloodmobile
will return to Rockbrook
UMC on Sunday, June
12th...Please consider giving
the ―gift of life.‖
Volume 50111, Issue 1
MAY 2011 Chanticleer
Omaha, NE 68124
Join Pastor William on May 1st at 1pm on 402-393-1015
www.rockbrookumc.com
the church lawn. Please have all pets on a
leash or in an appropriate carrier for this
event. Caution — Under Construction! ―To make
Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria en-
joyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy
disciples for
Come celebrate with us as we honor the high school Spirit; it grew in numbers, living in awe of the Lord.
Jesus Christ
graduates in our congregation. On May 15th we will
have a reception for them between services. This is
Edward recently had his physical. He will be turning 8 in a few weeks. He ran into
the house, yelling, Papa, Papa! I heard excitement in his voice as he yelled for me.
by
your opportunity to greet them and wish them well.
The 10:30am service will highlight our seniors. We are so proud of
“Papa, Papa.” “Yes buddy,” I replied, what are you so excited about? proclaiming
“I grew 3 inches since my last doctor’s visit.” I gave him the biggest hug I could
them and so pleased to have them as a part of our church family. muster. "That's great Edward;” it must have been those nutritious meals Mommy God‘s Good
and Grandma have been feeding him.
News
THE LIBRARY WILL HAVE THEIR ANNUAL SHOW ON SUNDAY, MAY 15TH, AF- I told Edward that his growing is a good thing, that God is helping him grow into a
and by
TER THE 10:30 SERVICE. WE WILL BE FEATURING ANIMAL AND BIRD COLLEC- young man. That he will continue to grow. He will get taller, maybe taller than
Papa. He was excited about that possibility. Edward, you will always be under
providing a
TIONS. WE WANT THE CONGREGATION TO SHARE THEIR COLLECTIONS WITH US
AND WE WILL BE SETTING THEM UP ON SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 14TH, FROM construction.
6PM TO 7PM. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED ON SUNDAY. DONATIONS WILL
GO TOWARD PURCHASING NEW BOOKS.
It seems since 2009 we have been under construction. First it was the roof, parking
lot, sanctuary, bathrooms and Friendship Room. Now it is the east entry, front of-
community
fice, the hallway leading to the bathrooms and other places. The Trustees have cast a for spiritual
MAY IS THE MONTH TO LET OUR "SPECIAL FRIENDS" KNOW WE CARE ABOUT vision to update the building. Everywhere we turn it seems there is something be-
THEM AND MISS SEEING THEM IN CHURCH. MANY ARE LONG-TIME MEMBERS; ing done to improve the look of the church building, inside or out. This is a good growth‖
thing. This is a God thing!
SOME RESIDE IN THEIR OWN HOMES, AND SOME IN NURSING HOMES AND AS-
SISTED LIVING LOCATIONS. THE LIST WILL BE ON A TABLE IN THE PARLOR Yes, as it relates to the building - we are under construction!
ALONG WITH SOME CARDS. PLEASE, LET US SHOW OUR LOVE AND SHARE
God is constantly making us into what we can be. This is an ongoing process. As Find us on
A NOTE OF CARING. Christians we should never “arrive” or feel that we have finished growing. Growing
Facebook:
in our faith is a lifetime journey.
How can we / you grow? Rockbrook UMC
 Become regular in your worship attendance.
May God bless you on your special day!
 Find a small group. Contact James Menephee; he will assist you in finding
the right group.
Inside this issue:
5/2 Peg Johnson 5/8 Taylor Williams  Get involved. Using your gifts and talents to uplift the church can help you
grow and the church can benefit from the growth in you. Children‘s Ministry 2, 3,
5/4 Jonathan Vidlak 5/9 Philip Ramge  Become involved in mission support projects where you can grow in faith. 4
 Begin tithing or become a regular proportional giver. Tithing is a spiritual Youth /Young Adults 5
5/5 Brenda Boeck 5/14 Sarah Petsche discipline. There is no more exciting way to grow in our faith than to be Calendar
6,7
5/7 Edward Sherrod 5/16 Sue Getzlaff challenged to give.
District/ Informa- 8,9
We are under construction. Always growing, always becoming. God sees what you
Paul Susemihl 5/17 Regina Schulze can become. Upcoming Events 8,9
Roberta Jowe Tombi Church Vitatlity 10
Growing together,
Westenburg Missions 11
5/24 Bill Holdcroft
Chery Deluca Birthdays & Misc. 12
5/27 Carol Ariza Pastor William
 Page 2

At the 2011 Nebraska Annual conference in Lincoln in June, a truck will be filled with
items for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Rockbrook’s Risk-Taking Mission/Justice Committee is requesting items to put together
Layette Kits. These kits are needed because many women do not have clothes with
which to welcome their babies into the world. Layette kits provide basic supplies for
Let‟s get Cooking!!! the baby’s needs.
Please think about donating one or more of the following items in honor or in memory of a
“Shake it Up Café”- Vacation Bible School Volunteer Sign-up loved one for Mother’s Day:
6 cloth diapers (pre-folded or plain only, no disposable diapers)
June 5-9th, 6pm-8:30pm with optional supper at 5:30pm 2 shirts (undershirts or onesies)
2 wash cloths (infant size only, no adult wash cloths)
Volunteer Name______________________________________________________ 2 gowns or sleepers (a pattern is available)
phone_________________________ email________________________________ 2 diaper pins (must have protective plastic closures, no regular safety pins)
1 sweater or jacket (must open from the front, may be hand knitted, crocheted
Check the areas below you are interested in: RETURN TO JULIE VIDLAK – THANKS!
or sewn, hooded sweatshirts are acceptable).
2 receiving blankets (30x30 or 30x32 sizes only, no crib blankets please).
SUPPER: help the leader to prepare and/or REGISTRATION: from 5:15 to 6pm A cash gift—make your check out to RUMC with “Layette Kits” in the memo line.
serve __________ check kids in as they arrive______
Please follow these guidelines: (A) items must be new, (B) do not wash items. Items can be
brought to Rockbrook UMC during the month of May. Watch for the collection box in the Par-
lor. Thank you for your consideration of this mission project.
DECORATIONS: make_____ install_____ MUSIC: lead_______ help_________
(all music and motions provided) Barb Dinges & Jenny Stilwell have returned from Methodist Midwest Distribution Cen-
(ideas will be provided)
ter in Chatham, IL (MMDC). Volunteers have donated some 28,000 work hours at this
location; 17,000 health kits were shipped to San Diego for free continued shipment by
SNACK: lead_______ help_______
CRAFTS: lead_______ help_______ the Navy to Japan. While there, Jenny & Barb helped pack 1,016 health kits for UM-
(ideas will be provided)
(ideas will be provided) COR.
Our May outreach project is health kits. We can get a better deal by buying bulk so a
“SCIENCE” EXPERIMENT: lead___help____ $2.50 donation is the best option; you can donate for more than one kit or give any of
BIBLE STORY TIME: ideas provided
Direct a fun activity that relates to the Bible the needed items (see website for more info). These kits are delivered locally, nation-
lead___ help/act_____ scenery______ lesson. All ideas are provided.
ally and also overseas to help when disasters of all kinds strike.
MMDC is emphasizing the needs in Haiti; currently they are focusing transportation for
the amputees.
RECREATION GAMES: lead____ help____ GROUP GUIDES: take group around to each The Nebraska women brought 250 gowns sewn since September of 2010 by Garvella
Played outside weather permitting. activity and oversee them – lead them in re-
flection time activity at end of night.
Mannon, Ione Marshall, Mary Jean Amick, Annette Saita and Phyllis Rist, with more to
All ideas are provided.
come! We are also collecting panties for the girls at the House of Safety in Jamaica.
adult leader______ youth helper______
Please donate new girls panties in sizes 8-16.
age group preference:
Thank you for your support of all these missions!
Preschool_____ Kindergarten&1st______
BEHIND THE SCENES
HELP:_____________ 2nd/3rd/4th_______ 5th &6th _________ Bridge Club met April 15th on our regular 3rd Friday of the month in the
church parlor. Dee Lund held high score; Lois Corbaley was second. We will
wind down this year at our next gathering on Friday, May 20th. Food, Fellow-
OTHER (possible ideas include photographer,
ship & Fun describes this group. If you would be interested in joining, please
daily newsletter, publicity, volunteer recruit- MISSION PROJECT:___________ contact the church office at 402-393-1015. We welcome new friends at any
ing) ____________ Ideas will be provided. time!
 Page 3

Five Misconceptions about Church Vitality and Growth By Eugene A. Blair

Rockbrook United Methodist Church – Vacation Bible
The Lewis Center’s reporting on American Congregations 2008 (a report about con- School 2011
gregational vitality and growth based on the Faith Communities Today Project at Hart- June 5th through June 9th from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. with optional supper
ford Seminary) brought to mind myths that prevent congregations from moving for- (free will offering) at 5:30 p.m.
ward. In each case, the research findings reveal a different truth and suggest a new
All children ages 3 through those who completed 6th grade are wel-
question to reshape your congregational agenda in ways that will position your church come! $5 per child.
for growth. Each myth is followed by the research findings and then a provocative
question for you to consider. FAMILY REGISTRATION FORM – family
name_________________________________
Myth Five: Let's just keep doing the same worship we've done since 1960, and
people will surely come. The truth is there is a relationship between adding a new
service and/or contemporary worship and growth. However, the quality of the worship
seems to matter the most to newcomers and the unchurched. Child’s First & Last Name M Age Birthdate Grade Allergies or Medical Conditions
or Leaving
When was the last time you changed, revamped, upgraded, or evaluated your worship F
or added a new worship service?

Myth Four: We've always done it that way before so let’s keep doing it that way.
The truth is congregations, whether liberal or conservative, with a clear identity and
purpose tend to grow in attendance and spiritual vitality.

Do you have a mission and purpose statement with goals attached?

Myth Three: Pastor, if you would just get more youth in here, everything will be
all right. The truth is that a strong youth ministry, while important, is not in and of itself
strongly associated with attendance growth. There is, however, a strong association
between youth ministry and spiritual vitality in any congregation.
Parent/Guardian Name(s)_________________________________________________________________
No matter how many youth you have, what is your plan for youth ministry?
Home Phone_________________________________

Myth Two: It's the pastor's job to get new members. The truth is the more lay Address_____________________________________________________________________________
members are involved in reaching new people, the greater the attendance growth. Email Address___________________________________
Spiritual vitality goes up the more members see themselves as personal evangelists Work Phone(s)________________________________________________ Cell Phone(s)___________________________________
and act like it. Emergency Contact other than parent:
name_____________________________________________phone____________________________________________
What is your plan to train members to reach out to others? Dismissal Information: Name(s) of person(s) who may pick up the child(ren) each evening_____________________________________
OPTIONAL SUPPER AT 5:30 P.M. Circle the days and for how many people: SUN______ MON______ TUE______
Myth One: Our members know we care, so we do not have to call on them or WED______ THUR______
reach out if they are absent. The truth is contacting those who have stopped coming
PHOTO RELEASE: As a participant in Rockbrook UMC‘s VBS, my child may be photographed or videotaped. These may be used in presenta-
is directly related to attendance growth and spiritual vitality. This is especially true for tions and promotional materials. I release Rockbrook United Methodist Church from any and all liability.
churches with over 300 in worship.
PLEASE INITIAL: YES_____________ NO_______________
What is your plan for training lay people to nurture and care for members? RETURN FORM and payment TO: Rockbrook United Methodist Church
9855 West Center Road Omaha, NE 68124
ATTN: Julie Vidlak
 Page 4
NEWS from THE QUARRY – May 2011
Rockbrook Children‟s Sunday School
Julie Vidlak, Children‟s Ministry Director
…IMPORTANT DATES FOR CHILDREN IN MAY and JUNE…
Sunday, May 1st: Library time during Sunday School hour…please return old books!
Sunday, May 15th: Kids for Christ Sunday School Choir sings during 10:30 a.m. service
Sunday, May 29th: Last Sunday for Spring Sunday School
**ANYTIME IN MAY: REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN FOR VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL**
Sunday, June 5th: VBS kickoff for children during the Sunday School hour
Sun, June 5th – Thurs, June 9th: Vacation Bible School 6-8:30pm, optional supper at 5:30
Sunday, June 12th: VBS program rehearsal during Sunday School hour/program at 10:30
Sunday, June 19th: Summer Sunday School begins at 9:15a.m. for ages 3 thru 6th grade
…PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER EGG HUNT THANKS…
Our children were busy praising God and celebrating this special season on April 17th!
Special thanks to the following 5th and 6th graders who helped lead our 10:30 worship service:
Elizabeth Humphus, Camden Oathout, Spencer Salem, Lauren Sterner, Jesse Sward, and Anna
Vidlak. We‘re so blessed to have children who love to serve God!
Many in our congregation donated candy for our Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks so much!!!
Thanks also to James Menephee and the youth group for helping to fill and hide our eggs! We
couldn‘t do it without the help of all of you!
Thank you to Deann Sterner for helping with the Sunday School choir and to Cheri Humphus
for extra help during the Palm Processional and Easter Egg Hunt!
Vacation Bible School Is COMING SOON…Here‟s How You Can Help!
1 – SAVE THE DATES: June 5th thru 9th, 6pm to 8:30pm with optional supper at 5:30pm
2 – VOLUNTEER! (many adults and youth still needed) – see form in newsletter or at church
3 – REGISTER your children and/or spread the word to other children you know!
Registration form is available in this newsletter and also at church.
4 – DONATE needed supplies: be on the look out for more specific information.
United Meth odists invited to help Change the
World the weekend of May 14
Last year United Methodist churches provided opportunities
for 100,000+ people to join in helping to Change the World —
one project at a time. With more than 1,000 work sites, in
every state (and outside the United States), the first Change
the World weekend did make a difference, and continues to
reap results.
Start preparing now to be a part of Change the World 2011!
Change the World is a movement to connect United Methodists across the world in
service, both locally and globally, on one weekend — this year's designated dates are
May 14-15.
Last year Change the World was a brand-new, untried concept, and the weekend
took place in April. This year there's better awareness, a history of success, and more
lead time. How many more congregations will join in to help Change the World in
2011?
Here's what to do:
1. Identify a project that makes a difference in the local or global community (or
both!);
2. Register at www.rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld and download the free flier
(available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, and five other languages);
3. Invite your community to get involved!
United Methodist Communications is making free and discounted resources available
to all registering churches.
A four-week worship and study series will be released in mid-March. This free re-
source for adults, youth/young adults, and children will offer a companion multime-
dia bundle for $25. Churches will receive a coupon for a 50 percent discount on the
bundle after they register to participate in Change the World 2011.
Registered churches also will receive free shipping and postage from product orders
placed on cokesbury.com through May 15. The offer applies to both Change the
World and non-CTW products.
Book Collection/ Sale
In mid-May you can begin to bring your donated books for
the upcoming garage sale . Book sales will begin sometime
in June, following VBS. Thank you for your support to and
of our Library!
The Library Committee
 Page 5

Wesley House to Close

After much research, care and consideration, the Wesley House transition team has College & Career Ministry
decided to move forward with the closure of the Wesley House Community Center and
sale of the associated properties.

The group has signed a purchase agreement for the property with the Omaha Economic Our college & career group had a great
Development Corporation (OEDC), a 501c3 non-profit that was created from Wesley time of family, fun, and fellowship this
House in the 1970s. past month. We went to Sempek‘s Enter-
Pending final approval by the OEDC Board, the transition team plans to have a public tainment for ―Monday Madness Family
celebration of the history and ministry of Wesley House on Sunday, May 1. Night‖ and had our share of spectacular
Closure of the Wesley House non-profit will be cared for by the Executive Director and strikes and glorious gutterballs! For our
next outing we will return to ―the scene of
the transition team, with an anticipated end date of June 1. The transition team has
the crime‖ and include go carts in our ac-
indicated that any funds remaining at the time of closure will be transferred to the
tivity. The center is extremely family
Danner scholarship fund.
Assets from the Danner scholarship fund, which has been housed for some time at friendly and affordable, with several
places to eat, an arcade and laser tag for
Wesley House, have been moved to the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation.
those adventurous souls. If you are inter-
The transition committee will work with Missouri River District Superintendent the ested in joining us on Monday, May 2nd at
Rev. Dr. Dan Flanagan, to create a process for selection and distribution of scholar- 6pm, let us know so that we can reserve enough lanes for everyone. You can see more photos from
ships. Spring scholarships have been released at: www.umcneb.org that evening, by going to Rockbrook‘s website and looking under „Ministries‟ and ‗College & Ca-
reer‟.
We will return to our regular Wednesday LifeGroup on Wednesday, April 27th at 6:30-7:30 and
ALL CHURCH GARAGE SALE!!! JULY 29 & 30 our study series will be “The Truth Project.” A great intro video can be seen on the Ignite
webpage about this award-winning study regarding the importance of our Biblical worldview in
Acceptable items include: All sizes: jeans, jackets, sweatshirts, America. Daycare will be provided for those with small children. Let us know if you‘d like to join
shirts, blouses, baby & children‘s clothing, household items & appli- us!
Hope to see you there! ignite@rockbrookumc.com or 402-393-1015
ances, linens (including bedding), books, CD‘s, DVD‘s, plants, tools,
lawnmowers & snow blowers (in working order!), holiday decorations &
artificial flowers, toys, figurines, baskets, vases & pictures. Youth Ministry
NONACCEPTABLE: baby cribs, highchairs, any children‘s items not Time is growing closer for the summer‘s missions trip to Wind River
approved by the newest guidelines. Reservation, Wyoming. We wanted to thank all of you who have participated, planned, and sup-
Remember: Store all items at your ported the youth in following Christ‘s example of serving others. The Youth group will be sponsor-
ing a free night of music on Sunday, May 1st, at 5pm. All donations will go towards the missions
home, as space is not available at the trip fund. This evening will feature music of our worship team, bLend 150, as well as original songs
church—we will let you know when to written by Shane Campagna and James Menephee. We would love to have you join us during this
start bringing in your treasures! music celebration.
For pictures from youth events, go to Rockbrook‘s website and look under „Ministries‟ and ‗Youth.‟
All proceeds go towards updating the
Events coming up for youth in May include an all-nighter lock-in Friday-Saturday, beginning 6:30
lower level kitchen! on May 6th, and on May15th the youth will be volunteering at the Stephen Center during normal
THANK YOU! group time. Please continue to pray for them as they grow into young men and women of God.
youth@rockbrookumc.com
Page 6
Sunday
1 Communion Sunday
8, 9:15, 10:30am Worship Services
9:15am Nursery Care (LL)
9:15am Faith Development (LL)
9:30am Refreshments (Parlor)
10:30am Faith Development2 (LL)
1:00pm PET BLESSING SERVICE
5:00pm FUSION (YR/LL)
5:30pm bLend 150 night of music!
8 Mother‟s Day
8, 9:15, 10:30am Worship Services
9:15am Nursery Care (LL)
9:15am Faith Development (LL)
9:30am Refreshments (Parlor)
10:30am Faith Development2 (LL)
5:00pm FUSION (YR/LL)
15 New Members
Library Show
Graduation Sunday
8, 9:15, 10:30am Worship Services
9:15am Nursery Care (LL)
9:15am Faith Development (LL)
9:30am Refreshments (Parlor)
10:30am Faith Development2 (LL)
5:00pm FUSION (YR/LL)
22 Confirmation Sunday 23
8, 9:15, 10:30am Worship Services
9:15am Nursery Care (LL)
9:15am Faith Development (LL)
9:30am Refreshments (Parlor)
10:30am Faith Development2 (LL)
5:00pm FUSION (YR/LL)
5:30pm Piano Recital
29
8, 9:15, 10:30am Worship Services
9:15am Nursery Care (LL)
9:15am Faith Development (LL)
9:30am Refreshments (Parlor)
10:30am Faith Development2 (LL)
5:00pm FUSION (YR/LL)
Monday
2 3
6:30pm Aerobics (FH)
7:00pm Pack Committee Mtg. (FR)
9 10
6:30pm Aerobics (FH)
7:00pm Pack Committee Mtg. (FR)
7:00pm All Committee Mtgs
16
6:30pm Aerobics (FH)
6:30pm Aerobics (FH)
30 Memorial Day
Office closed
FR=Friendship Room, FH= Fellowship Hall, LL= Lower Level, FO = Finance Office, OC= Off Campus, YR= Youth Room
Page 7
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
4 5 6 7
8:30am Yoga (FH) 6:30pm Aerobics (FH) 6:30pm bLend150 (Sanctuary)
10:00am Prayer Shawl Knitters (FR)
7:00pm Heartland Singles 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Cub Scouts Den Mtg.
Sq Dance (FH) 7:00pm Sq Dance Lessons (FH)
11 12 13 14
8:30am Yoga (FH) 5:00pm Confirmation (LL) 6:30pm bLend150 (Sanctuary) Noon Library Show Setup (FH)
1:30pm Happy Friends (FR) 6:30pm Aerobics (Parlor) 6:30pm Prayer Ministry Group 7:00pm Merry Mixers
7:00pm Crossfires Sq Dance (FH) 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Cub Scouts Den Mtg. (TBA) Square Dance (FH)
7:00pm Sq Dance Lessons (FH)
17 18 June Newsletter Deadline! 19 20 21
8:30am Yoga (FH) 9:30am Morning Joys Circle (FR) 6:30pm bLend150 (Sanctuary) 7:00pm Bridge Club (Parlor) 8am—noon All Church Work Day!
12:30pm Hands &Hearts Circle
1:30pm TLC (FR)
6:30pm Aerobics (Parlor)
7:00pm Cub Scouts Den Mtg. (TBA) 7:00pm Swinging Sq
2:30pm Library Committee (FR) 7:00pm Sq Dance Lessons (FH) Square Dance (FH)
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm Heartland Sq Dance (FH)
24 25 26 27 28
6:30pm Aerobics (Parlor)
8:30am Yoga (FH) 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal 12:30pm SPARETIMERS (FH)
7:00pm Crossfires Sq Dance (FH) 6:30pm bLend150 (Sanctuary)
6:30pm Prayer Ministry Group
7:00pm Cub Scouts Den Mtg. (TBA)
7:00pm Sq Dance Lessons (FH)
31
8:30am Yoga (FH)
7:00pm Heartland Singles
Sq Dance (FH)