About Us
Five Rivers District is a geographical and administrative subdivision of the Great Plains Conference. The boundaries of the district have been determined by the Bishop after consultation with the district superintendents. A district consists of all the pastoral charges within it’s boundaries. Five Rivers District is currently under the supervision of Rev. Micki McCorkle.
Primary duties of this administration and office relate to overseeing and supporting the work of the local churches, including presiding at Charge or Church Conferences, and supervising the work of the pastors, including participation with the Bishop in the making of appointments.

Contact Us


Mailing Address Is:
Fax: 785-841-4820
E-mail: 5riversdistrict@greatplainsumc.org
DS E-mail: 5riversds@greatplainsumc.org




Forms
5R Youth
Contacts:
District office: 785-841-4804 5riversdistrict@greatplainsumc.org
Great Plains Youth Information: https://www.greatplainsumc.org/youth
Prayer Calendar
Five Rivers District Prayer Calendar 2023
Jan. 1 Bishop Wilson
Jan. 8 Cabinet making new Appointments
Jan 15 District Superintendent 5R/Parsons
Rev. Micki McCorkle
Jan.22 Gridley/Turkey Creek
Marcia Eaton
Jan.29 Iola Wesley
Feb. 5 Lyndon/Vassar
Lauri Bowman Beach
Feb. 12 Louisburg
Shane Britt
Louisburg Associate
Ed Flener
Feb.19 Lawrence: First
Kay Scarbrough
Lawrence West Campus
Jeni Anderson
Wesley KU/Law. 1st
Susan Mercer
Feb. 26 Wellsville/Clearfield
Brennan Cummings
Mar. 12 Parker/Beagle/Fontana
Bascom Ratliff
Mar. 19 Michigan Valley
Butch Ritter
Mar. 26 Melvern/Quenemo
Alex Bruening
April 2 Ottawa 1st/Richter
Jay Pi
April 9 Redfield
Mary Cole
April 16 Kincaid Selma/Welda
Bill Nelson
April 23 Mound City/Blue Mound
Bob Conway
April 30 Vinland
TBD
May 7 Camp Chippewa
James Rickner and Staff
May 14 Overbrook
Dean Lashley
May 21 Fort Scott 1st
Christopher Eshelman
May 28 LaCygne/New Lancaster
So Yeong Son
Amy Seifert
June 11 Waverly
Emily Elliott
June 18 Moran/Bronson/Mildred
Tracy Smith
June 25 Union Chapel
Liza Perry
July 2 Edgerton/Eudora
Ross Baker
July 9 Burlington
Joshua Johnson
July 16 Centenary
Todd Seifert
July 23 Osawatomie/Lane
Hyun Ju Gil
July 30 Baker University Campus Ministry
Kevin Hopkins
Aug. 6 Baldwin 1st/Ives Chapel
Amanda Baker
Aug. 13 Colony
Dorothy Welch
Aug. 20 Wesley KU Campus Ministry
Susan Mercer
Aug. 27 West Liberty
Jim Brackett
Sept. 3 Ottawa Trinity
Ron Bell
Sept. 10 Paola
Hyun Ju Gil
Sept. 1 Yates Center/Neosho Falls
Jimmy Yoo
Sept. 24 Humboldt/Big Creek
Blake Stanwood
Oct. 1 Williamsburg
David Ragland
Oct. 8 Elsmore
Ralph Peters
Oct. 15 Princeton/Richmond
Lenise Eddings
Oct. 22 Garnett
David Shrum
Oct. 29 Fulton/Mapleton
Connie Edgerton
Nov. 5 Hiattville/Uniontown
Carl Ellis
Nov. 12 Plum Creek
Jada Hodgson
Nov. 19 Lay Servant Ministry
Mary Brooks (5R Director)
Nov. 26 Disaster Response
Hollie Tapley
Dec. 3 Parsons District
Dec. 17 Congregational Excellence
Jeff Clinger
Holidays:
Jan. 1st New Year’s Day
Jan. 16th Martin Luther King Day
April 7th Good Friday
May 29th Memorial Day
June 19th Juneteenth
July 4th Independence Day
Sept. 4th Labor Day
Nov. 23-24th Thanksgiving
Dec. 24-25th Christmas
Additional events and people to pray for.
Baker University Campus Ministry
Kevin Hopkins
Wesley KU Campus Ministry
Susan Mercer
General Conference
Annual Conference
Bishop Wilson and family
Five Rivers and Parsons District DS Rev. Micki McCorkle and family
Marve’ Ralston District Admn. Asst. and family
Five Rivers District Laity and Churches
Additional events and people to pray for:
Disaster Response Coordinator ~ Hollie Tapley
General Conference:
Annual Conference
Bishop and Maye Saenz and family
District Superintendent Micki McCorkle and family
Admn. Asst. Marve’ Ralston and family
Five Rivers District Clergy and Laity
Local Church Records Archiving
Definitions and Guidelines
2008 Book of Discipline
- Every local church “shall accurately maintain a membership record for each baptized or professing member.” (¶230
- There shall be an “annual membership report and audit.” (¶231
- Every local church shall maintain permanent membership records. This includes “baptism, membership, marriage, and funeral records…” Theses records “are the property of the local church and cannot be sold. If the church is discontinued, these records are placed in care of the Conference Commission on Archives and History.” (¶233)
- Every local church is to be organized so that, among other things, adequate provision is made for “the proper creation, maintenance, and disposition of documentary record material of the local church” (¶243)
- The charge conference recording secretary shall keep an accurate recording of the proceedings and shall be the custodian of all records and reports, and with the presiding officer, shall sign the minutes. A copy of the minutes shall be provided for the district superintendent, and a permanent copy shall be retained for church files. (¶247.4)
- It is recommended that each local church elect a church historian. (¶247.5 a) There may also be a “local church committee on records and history, chaired by the church historian…” (¶247.5 b)
- Records and historical materials include “all documents, minutes, journals, diaries, reports, letters, pamphlets, papers, manuscripts, maps, photographs, books, audiovisuals, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, or any other documentary material, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to any provisions of the Discipline in connection with the transaction of church business by any local church of the United Methodist Church or any of its constituent predecessors.” (¶247.5 a)
- Among other things, the responsibilities of the local church historian are: “to keep the historical records up to date;… provide an annual report on the care of church records and historical materials to the charge conference; and also provide, with the pastor and the committee on records and history, if any, for the preservation of all local churc records and historical materials no longer in current use.” (¶247.5 a)
- “Each local church, as it creates or maintains computerized information and data, is strongly encouraged to confer with its annual conference for recommendations and guidelines as it relates to information technology.” (¶245)
- The “Responsibilities and Duties of Elders and Licensed Pastors” (¶340) include administering “the temporal affairs of the church in their appointment. This specifically encompasses: “To care for all church records and local church financial obligations, and certify the accuracy of all financial, membership, and any other reports submitted by the local church to the annual conference…” (¶340 2. c) (2) (f).
There is also information regarding general record retention at http://www.gcah.org. Use the search box and record retention to see a booklet of information including a local church records schedule.
Anything not being kept but with personal information and/or social security numbers on it should be shredded (preferably with a cross-cut shredder.)
If you have any questions regarding what needs to be kept you can contact Jenny at Baker University Archives which is where both Kansas East and Kansas West store most archived records. Call Jenny at 785-594-8380 or e-mail her at jmccollough@bakeru.edu.

Garnett
Churches and Clergy in our District
Baldwin: First
704 8th Street
Baldwin City, KS 66006-0025
785-594-6612
Email: office@baldwinfirst.org
Rev. Amanda Baker
Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday school:
Worship Online: 9:30 a.m. at the below Facebook link.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baldwinfirstumc/
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCMwpl81KtGg7h9AhRFW9NWQ

Baldwin 1st UMC
Baldwin: Ives Chapel
1018 Miami St.
Baldwin City, KS 66006-4028
785-594-6555
Pastor’s cell phone: 316-207-3740
E-mail: abaker@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Amanda Baker
Sunday worship: 11:00 a.m.
Worship Online:

Ives Chapel UMC
Beagle
39101 Walthall Rd
Osawatomie, KS 66064-6158
Email: bratliff@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Bascom Ratliff
Sunday worship: 10:00 a.m. for Parker/Beagle/Fontana to be held at Beagle in July
Worship Online:
Big Creek
22965 Lyon Rd
Chanute, KS 66720
620-473-3242
Email: bstanwood@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Blake Stanwood
Sunday worship: 9:30 a.m.
Worship Online:

Big Creek UMC
Blue Mound
416 E Kansas Ave
Blue Mound, KS 66056
Email: rconway@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Robert Conway
Blue Mound Sunday worship 11:00 a.m., Sunday school 10:00 a.m.

Blue Mound UMC
Bronson
501 Charles St
Bronson, KS 66716
Email: moranbronsonumc@gmail.com
620-939-4478
Pastor Tracy Smith

Bronson UMC
Burlington
207 South 6th
Burlington, KS 66839-1709
620-364-2181
E-mail: burlingtonumc@embarqmail.com
joshua.johnson@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Joshua Johnson
Sunday worship: 8:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Sunday school: 9:15 a.m.
Worship Online:

Burlington UMC
Clearfield
597 E 2200 Rd.
Eudora, KS 66025-8104
785-883-2360 (C)
E-mail: clearfieldumc@embarqmail.com
Rev. Kathy Symes
Sunday worship: 9:00 a.m.
Worship Online:
Worship Online:

Clearfield UMC
Colony
333 Maple St
Colony, KS 66015-7215
E-mail: dwelch@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Dorothy Welch

Colony UMC
Edgerton
300 East 4th Street
Edgerton, KS 66021-0034
913-882-6735
E-mail: churchoffice@edgertonumc.org
rbaker@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Ross Baker
Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m.
Worship Online:
facebook.com/edgertonumc

Edgerton UMC
Elsmore
106 W 4th St
Elsmore, KS 66732-4094
620-754-3754
620-432-5138 (parsonage)
E-mail: none
Rev. Ralph Peters

Elsmore UMC
Eudora
Eudora, KS 66025-0520
785-542-3200
E-mail: eudoraumc@gmail.com
rbaker@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Ross Baker
Blended Worship 9:00 a.m., Sunday school 10:00 a.m.
Worship Online:
Facebook.com Eudora UMC
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCMwpl81KtGg7h9AhRFW9NWQ

Eudora UMC
Fontana
202 S Stephens St
Fontana, KS 66026-7846
913-849-3682
Email: bratliff@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor: Bascom Ratliff
Sunday worship: Will be held at Beagle for the month of July, 10:00 a.m.
Worship Online:

Fontana UMC
Fort Scott: First
301 S. National
Fort Scott, KS 66701-1313
620-223-1950
E-mail: secretary@firstumcfsks.org
Rev. Christopher Eshelman
Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m., Sunday school 9:30 a.m.
Worship Online;

Fort Scott: 1st UMC
Fulton
301 West Osage
Fulton, KS 66738-3039
785-433-1307 (Connie’s home)
E-mail: cedgerton@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Connie Edgerton
Sunday worship 9:00 a.m., Sunday school 10:00 a.m.
Worship Online:

Fulton UMC
Garnett
124 W 2nd Ave.
Garnett, KS 66032-0405
785-448-6833
E-mail: garnettfumc@embarqmail.com
dshrum@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor David Shrum
Garnett’s Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m., Sunday school: 9:15 a.m.
Worship: Online

Garnett
Gridley
517 Atherly St
Gridley, KS 66852-9284
620-836-2641
E-mail: meaton@greatplainsumc.org
Interim Pastor: Rev. Marcia Eaton

Gridley UMC
Hiattville
422 130th St
Fort Scott, KS 66701-7754
620-547-2589
E-mail: cellis@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Carl Ellis

Hiattville UMC
Humboldt
806 North Ninth
Humboldt, KS 66748-0056
620-473-3242
E-mail: humc@humboldtumc@hotmail.com
bstanwood@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Blake Stanwood
Humboldt Sunday worship 11:00 a.m., Sunday school 9:30 a.m.
Worship Online:

Humboldt UMC
Iola: Wesley
The Foundry-Wesley
301 E Madison Ave
Iola, KS 66749-3423
620-365-2285
E-mail: Iolawesley@gmail.com
Rev. Jocelyn Tupper
9:15 a.m. Joyful Praise
9:30 a.m. Worship
10:45 a.m. Sunday School
5:00 p.m. College at The Foundry – a meal, fellowship and praise
Online Worship:

Iola: Wesley UMC

Iola: Wesley UMC

The Foundry
Kincaid Selma
704 5th Street, PO Box 102
Kincaid, KS 66039
620-439-5773
913-731-1059 (Pastor’s phone)
E-mail: kincaidselmaumc@yahoo.com
Pastor Bill Nelson
Kincaid Selma Sunday worship 9:00 a.m., Sunday school 10:15
Welda Sunday worship 11:00 a.m., Sunday school 10:00 a.m.
Online Worship:

Kincaid Selma UMC
LaCygne
4th & Chestnut
LaCygne, KS 66040-0293
913-757-2732
E-mail: sson@greatplainsumc.org
Website: https://lacygneumc.org
Rev. So Yeong Son
LaCygne Sunday worship: 9:00 a.m., LaCygne Sunday school: 10:00 a.m.,
Online Worship:

LaCygne UMC
Lane
425 Oak St
Lane, KS 66042-2156
913-755-4774
Email: hjugil@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Hyun Ju Gil

Lane UMC
Lawrence: Centenary
245 N. 4th Street
Lawrence, KS 66044-1522
785-843-1756
E-mail: centenarylawrence@yahoo.com
tseifert@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Todd Seifert
Centenary Sunday worship: 11:00 a.m., Sunday school at Centenary 10:00 a.m.

Lawrence: Centenary UMC
Lawrence: Central
1501 Massachusetts
Lawrence, KS 66044-4253
785-843-7066
E-mail: cumcsecretary1947@gmail.com
aseifert@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Amy Seifert
www.lawrencecentral.org
Sunday worship: 10:45 a.m., Sunday school: 9:30 a.m.
Online Worship:
https://www.facebook.com/CentralUMCLawrence
https://www.lawrencecentral.org

Lawrence: Central
Lawrence: First
946 Vermont
Lawrence, KS 66044-2832
785-841-7500
E-mail: office@fumclawrence.org
Kay Scarbrough’s email is kscarbrough@greatplainsumc.org
Jennifer Anderson’s email is jeni@fumclawrence.org
Susan Mercer’s email is susan@fumclawrence.org
Rev. Kay Scarbrough Senior Pastor
Pastor Jennifer Anderson West Campus Lead Pastor
Pastor Susan Mercer Associate
Sunday worship: Downtown – 9:30 a.m. Life (praise)
11:00 a.m. Sanctuary, (traditional)
West Campus at 867 Hwy 40, Sunday worship 9:00 a.m. (contemporary)
Online Worship:
FUMC Website
https://www.fumclawrence.org/worship-onine/
First Church Lawrence Ks YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1BmHBNa-QsQ8LXt5rkfaUw
Free Online Church First Church Page Link

Lawrence: 1st UMC

Lawrence: 1st West Campus UMC
Louisburg
249 N. Metcalf
Louisburg, KS 66053
913-837-2374
E-mail: denise.hollrah@louisburgumc.org
Pastor’s email: sbritt@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Shane Britt
Sunday worship: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Children’s Church (Sunday school) 10:30 a.m.
Online Worship:
https://louisburgumc.org/ (click on the worship online tab)

Louisburg UMC
Lyndon
126 West 8th Street
Lyndon, KS 66451-0256
785-828-4744
E-Mail: Lyndon.umc@gmail.com
lbowmanbeach@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Lauri Beach
Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m., Adult Sunday school: 9:00 a.m.
Online Worship:

Lyndon UMC
Mapleton
2489 95th St
Mapleton, KS 66754-9126
Email: cedgerton@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Connie Edgerton
Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday school: 10:00 a.m
Online Worship:

Mapleton UMC
Melvern
620 NW Emporia
Melvern, KS 66510
785-549-3464
E-Mail: abruening@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Alex Bruening
Melvern Adult Sunday school: 9:30 a.m., Sunday worship 10:30 a.m.
Online Worship:
https://melvernumc.wixsite.com/mysite

Melvern UMC
Michigan Valley
21259 S Michigan Rd
Quenemo, KS 66528-8282
E-mail: britter@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Butch Ritter

Michigan Valley UMC

Mildred UMC
Moran
129 S Cedar St
Moran, KS 66755
620-322-9889
E-mail:moranbronsonumc@gmail.com
Pastor Email: tracy.smith@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Tracy Smith

Moran UMC
Mound City
280 Main St
Mound City, KS 66056
913-795-2898
E-mail: rconway@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Robert Conway

Mound City UMC
Neosho Falls
12th and Walnut
Neosho Falls, KS 66758
620-625-2266 (Yates Center office)
E-mail: jyoo@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Jimmy Yoo

Neosho Falls UMC
New Lancaster
36665 New Lancaster Rd
Paola, KS 66071-7267
913-757-2732
Email: sson@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. So Yeong Son
New Lancaster: Sunday school: 10:00 a.m., New Lancaster Sunday worship: 11:00 a.m.
Online Worship:

New Lancaster UMC
Osawatomie
504 Pacific
Osawatomie, KS 66064-1246
Phone 913-755-4774
E-mail: hjugil@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Hyun Ju Gil

Osawatomie UMC
Ottawa: First
203 East Fourth
Ottawa, KS 66067-2305
785-242-1419
E-mail: ottawafumc@gmail.com
jay.pi@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Jay Pi
Sunday worship: 10:30 AM, Sunday school: 9:00 AM
Online Worship:
https://www.facebook.com/OttawaFUMC

Ottawa: First UMC
Ottawa: Trinity
630 North Cedar
Ottawa, KS 66067-1802
785-242-1428 Church
Pastor’s cell: 405-246-6205
E-mail: otumc1884@gmail.com
Rev. Ron Bell

Ottawa: Trinity UMC
Overbrook
1005 N. Maple
Overbrook, KS 66524-0129
785-665-7345
E-mail: office@overbrookumc.org
dlashley@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Tarrel (Dean) Lashley
Sunday worship: 10:00 a.m., Sunday school: 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday Praise and Worship service: 6:00 p.m.
Online Worship:
Facebook.com Overbrook United Methodist Church
YouTube: OverbrookUMC (worship services)

Overbrook UMC
Paola
209 South Silver
Paola, KS 66071-1661
913-294-3475
E-mail: jgil@greatplainsumc.org
info@paolaumc.org
Rev. Jee Sook Gil
Sunday worship: 8:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Sunday school: 9:15 a.m.
Online Worship:

Paola UMC
Parker
312 W Main St
Parker, KS 66072
913-898-4565
Email: bratliff@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Bascom Ratliff
Parker Sunday worship: 8:45 a.m. (Sunday school is for kids during worship)
Worship Online:

Parker UMC
Pleasanton
751 Main
Pleasanton, KS 66075-0466
E-mail: bcummings@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Brennan Cummings

Pleasanton UMC
Plum Creek
31900 Plum Creek Road
Paola, KS 66071
913-755-2225 (Jada’s home phone)
913-757-4510 (Jada’s office phone)
E-mail: jhodgson@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Jada Hodgson
Sunday worship: 10:45 a.m., Sunday school: 9:30 a.m.
Online Worship:

Plum Creek
Prescott
256 W Main St
Prescott, KS 66767
Email: bcummings@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Brennan Cummings

Prescott UMC
Princeton
321 Prairie St
Princeton, KS 66078
E-mail: leddings@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Lenise Eddings
Sunday worship: 9:00 a.m.
Online Worship:

Princeton UMC
Quenemo
105 S 5th
mailing PO Box 144
Quenemo, KS 66528
913-549-3464
Email: abruening@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Alex Bruening

Quenemo UMC
Redfield
312 N Cedar
Redfield, KS 66769
620-756-4803
Pastor Susan Cole

Redfield UMC
Richmond
116 North Kallock
Richmond, KS 66080
913-205-4688
Pastor Lenise Eddings
email: leddings@greatplainsumc.org
Sunday worship: 11:00 a.m., Sunday school: 9:45 a.m.
Online Worship:

Richmond UMC
Richter
3158 Idaho Rd
Ottawa, KS 66067
E-mail: jay.pi@greatplainsumc.org
Rev. Jay Pi

Richter UMC
Turkey Creek
1644 Hawk Rd
Yates Center, KS 66783-4410
Phone: 620-836-2641
Email: meaton@greatplainsumc.org
Interim Pastor: Rev. Marcia Eaton

Turkey Creek UMC
Uniontown
107 5th Street
Uniontown, KS 66779-8072
620-756-4359
E-mail: no e-mail
Rev. Carl Ellis

Uniontown UMC
Union Chapel
2300 Nebraska Rd
Ottawa, KS 66067
Email:
Lay Speaker Liza Perry

Union Chapel UMC
Vassar
23211 South Croco Rd
Vassar, KS 66543
785-828-4550
Email: lbowmanbeach@greatplainsumc.org
vassarumc@embarqmail.com
Pastor Lauri Bowman Beach

Vassar UMC
Vinland
1724 N 692 RD
Baldwin City, Kansas 66006-7320
785-594-3256
Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m., Sunday school: 9:30 a.m

Vinland UMC
Waverly
407 W. 4th Street
Waverly, KS 66871-0367
785-733-2656
E-mail: eelliott@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Emily Elliott
Waverly Sunday worship: 10:00 a.m.
Online Worship:

Waverly
Welda
22017 SW Smith
Welda, KS 66091
785-448-2358
Email: bnelson@greatplainsumc.org
Pastor Bill Nelson
Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m., Sunday school: 10:00 a.m.
Online Worship:

Welda UMC
Wellsville
302 Locust
Wellsville, KS 66092-0458
785-883-2737
E-mail: umcwellsville@embarqmail.com
Rev. Kathy Symes
Sunday worship: 10:45 a.m., Sunday school 9:30 a.m.
Online Worship:

Wellsville UMC

West Liberty UMC
Williamsburg
Louisa Ave. & South Street
Williamsburg, KS 66095-0060
785-746-5789
Rev. David Ragland
Email: dragland@greatplainsumc.org

Williamsburg UMC
Yates Center
307 South Grove
Yates Center, KS 66783-1541
620-625-2266
E-mail: YCUMCKS@sbcglobal.net
Pastor Jimmy Yoo

Yates Center UMC
District Strategy Team
Name | Church Attending | Phone | Phone cell | Status | |
Barnes, Margaret | Vinland | 785-594-6408 | 913-522-4094 | mbarnes1830@gmail.com | CLSpeaker |
Bilyeu, Pam | Lyndon | 785-828-3760 | 785-817-3833 | bilyeuskies@hotmail.com | CLSpeaker |
Booten, Cathy | Richter | 785-566-8801 | 785-214-9941 | cbooton@yahoo.com | CLServant |
Brooks, Mary | Lyndon | n/a | 785-215-4023 | marylbrooks6401@msn.com | CLSpeaker |
Carothers, Kris | LaCygne | 913-757-3698 | kcfarms@peoplestelecom.net | CLS | |
Davis, Chuck | Edgerton | 913-706-0758 | 913-893-6260 | firegoat1954@yahoo.com | CLServant |
Elder, Carolyn | Ottawa 1st UMC | 785-242-3791 | 785-418-7272 | t.riffic46@gmail.com | CLSpeaker |
McSwain, David | Lawrence 1st UMC | 980-622-2809 | n/a | davidmcswain@outlook.om | CLSpeaker |
Mesh, Linda | Louisburg | 913-837-4584 | 573-729-1166 | lmesh@mokancomm.net | CLSpeaker |
Ralston, Marve’ | Baldwin 1st UMC | 785-841-4804 | 785-760-3254 | mralston59@gmail.com | CLSpeaker |
Start the Safe Gatherings Process
Conference and District Policies:
The Great Plains Annual Conference has three policies related to sexual ethics.
Sexual Ethics Policy for Church Professionals – This applies to persons serving in a ministerial role, including clergy regardless of status and regardless of the setting for ministry.
Sexual Ethics Policy for Lay Employees and Volunteers – This applies to lay employees and volunteers at the conference and district level.
Sexual Ethics Policy for Professing Members – This policy applies to laity who are professing members of the United Methodist Church in their relationship with clergy, regardless of the clergy’s status or ministry setting. This is a new policy adopted at the 2009 Annual Conference and updated by the Leadership Team on Oct. 3, 2009.
Report a breach in sexual ethics using our toll-free phone number: 877-771-7003
Safe Gatherings is a Biblically-based boundary awareness and abuse prevention program developed by the Kansas East and Kansas West conferences to certify volunteer workers, staff and clergy, enabling them to work with children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities in accordance with the policies of the conferences.
In 1996, the United Methodist General Conference adopted a resolution to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse int he church. The resolution outlines specific steps to be taken to protect vulnerable people. Local churches and conferences are directed to develop an ongoing education and training program and screening and safety procedures. The resolution was affirmed in 2004 and 2008.
The annual conferences adopted policies in accordance with this resolution for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults. The annual conferences’ program applies to all conference and district events, as well as all local church events and activities. By completing this certification program, individuals are authorized to work with children, youth and developmentally disabled adults in any church-related setting.
Safe Gatherings replaces Kansas East’s Safe and Sacred Space program and will replace Kansas West’s Boundary Awareness program.
Beginning July 1, 2012, all persons in the Kansas East Conference who are renewing or completing first-time certification will complete their education and certification process online. Both conferences will use this new online system, which replaces the current face-to-face training for certification.
Start the Safe Gatherings process
Kansas West will begin using the system Sept. 1. Background checks, except for Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services, will be done electronically. The State of Kansas still requires an original signature, so a downloadable form will be provided for applicants to complete, sign and return to obtain the SRS background check.
Once registered with the online learning system, applicants have 30 days to complete the training process for certification. Training may be completed anytime, anywhere using the online system. Applicants may complete the training modules at their own pace and request reference letters electronically.
The cost is $30 for state and federal background checks. Applicants are responsible for making a secure online payment to cover the cost of their background check. Some local churches have opted to cover this expense for people associated with their congregation. If your local church is covering these expenses, that will be indicated as you complete the online application process.
CONTACT US at SafeGatherings@kswestumc.org or 800-745-2350 for more information or with questions about the program.
Teaching Materials
UMC Link
United Methodist Men
United Methodist Women
United Methodist Women Purpose:
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Five Rivers United Methodist Women Officers for 2023
President:
Donna Grigsby, PO Box 661, Iola, KS 6674
703-403-8257, donna.grigsby46@gmail.com
Class of 2026
Vice-President: Vacant
Secretary:
Dorothy Miller, 23723 NW Mitchell Rd., Garnett, KS 66032
(785) 448-3007, rdmillr62@gmail.com
Class of 2023
Treasurer:
Donna Beebe, 1995 600 St, Colony, KS 66015
(620)228-1916, dvbeb@yahoo.com
Class of 2026
Communication:
Julie Ward, 701 Arkansas St, Lawrence, KS 66044
MISSION COORDINATORS:
Spiritual Growth: Nancy Rockers, PO Box 37, Greeley, KS 66033, (785) 867-3933,
Wrock21@aol.com Class of 2023
Education & Interpretation: Position Vacant Class of 2026
Membership, Nuture & Outreach: Ruth Jansen, 741 S Tremont, Ottawa, KS 66067, (785) 241-9471,
ruthjansenZ13@gmail.com Class of 2023
Program Resources: Roberta Selvy, 601 W 14th St., Pleasanton, KS, (913) 352-8360,
(813) 789-8116, rlselvy@gmail.com Class of 2023
Nominations Chair: Position Vacant Class of 2026
Nominations Committee
Position Vacant Class of 2026
Position Vacant Class of 2026
Position Vacant Class of 2026
Links:
Living Water Monthly Publication of the Five Rivers District
The Signal Bi-Annual Publication of the Five Rivers District Women
Contact
PO Box 556, Baldwin City, Kansas 66006-0556, United States
Phone: 785-841-4804
Fax: 785-841-4820