APRIL 29, 2008
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. announces the appointment of Mark Thurman to the Riverton UMC effective July 1, 2008

APRIL 24, 2008
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. announces the appointment of Mark Calhoun from the Kansas West Confernce to the Polson UMC effective July 1, 2008

APRIL 15, 2008
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. announces the appointment of Robyn Morrison to Cross Roads UMC in Kimberly Idaho, a suburb of Twin Falls effective July 1, 2008.

APRIL 07, 2008
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. announces the appointment of William “Bill� Jensen to the Hamiliton Federated Parish effective July 1, 2008.

APRIL 01, 2008
The Yellowstone Conference Camping Committee is excited to begin working with Janna in this newly created, quarter-time position (effective April 1, 2008). Janna, a native of Montana, currently resides in Billings where she works at the Billings Gazette. She also serves as the Youth Director at Laurel United Methodist Church. Contact information for Janna will be established and communicated soon.

MARCH 17, 2008
Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. announces the cross conference appointment of Bill Mullette-Bauer to the position of Director of Stewardship and Finance in the Oregon Idaho Annual Conference effective July 1, 2008.

MARCH 16, 2008
I will be leaving my position as Director of Connectional Ministries at the end of this appointment year in order to accept the position of Director of Stewardship and Finance with the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference.

It is with mixed feelings that I share this news with you. On the one hand, there is deep sadness at ending a nearly life-long colleagueship with you. The relationships I’ve known over these three decades in the Yellowstone Conference have formed me, nurtured me and blessed me in profound ways. It has been a joy to serve with you in ministry here.

On the other hand, the opportunity to pursue my passion for stewardship and finance excites me, and part of me is looking forward to the next few years in a new setting with new responsibilities. Among other things, the new position will allow Jean and me to have more time together, and test out living in an urban setting before we actually move into retirement.

I am deeply grateful to all of you for the opportunity you’ve given me to serve as your Director of Connectional Ministries, and for the support you have provided to me. I am also grateful to Bishop Brown for giving me his blessing to follow my passion.

It is my intent to remain a member of the Yellowstone Conference. I look forward to working with you in ministry, as together we continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ, so that individual hearts, our communities and the world might be transformed.

MARCH 12, 2008
Ruth Wilcox, widow of United Methodist pastor Monroe Wilcox, is celebrating her 100th birthday on May 4, 2008. Birthday wishes can be sent to her at:
Ruth Wilcox %Sue Chambers
616 Camden Lane
New Berg OR 97132

FEBRUARY 22, 2008
Gerald Dingman passed away February 22, 2008. He was 89 years old. Gerald graduated from Rocky Mountain College and attended seminary at Iliff. He served churches in both the Rocky Mountain Conference and Yellowstone Conference. A celebration of his life will take place in Michigan, where Gerald grew up, in April. Cards and condolences can be sent to his daughter Mary Erickson, 3704 Tommy Armour Circle, Billings, MT 59106

FEBRUARY 13, 2008


The Wyoming Area Youth Experience (WAYE) invites you and your youth group to attend this outstanding event for youth in grades 6 through 12. WAYE begins at 9 am on Saturday, March 29th and ends at noon on Sunday, March 30th.

Individual Registration Form
Group Registration Form
Additional Event Information


more...

FEBRUARY 12, 2008
Thank you to the churches paying 100% or more for your support to our Connection.

Click here to view.

FEBRUARY 12, 2008
You're invited to join Elinor Edmunds, Yellowstone Conference Missions Coordinator, as she leads a Yellowstone Conference United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) team to do Hurricane Katrina recovery work in New Orleans. The job is not yet completed. More than 1,500 homes and many churches still need to be rebuilt. Come and join the team as we help people reclaim their lives, their homes and community.

Click here for more information!

JANUARY 28, 2008
Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. announces the appointment of Robert Foote to Townsend UMC, Townsend, Montana, effective July 1, 2008.

JANUARY 22, 2008
The Yellowstone Conference Camping Committee is hiring a person to be the new Camping Ministry Coordinator.

The Camping Ministry Coordinator serves the Yellowstone Conference Camping Committee (YCCC) through coordination of communication, meetings/events, and advertising/advocacy.

Please see the detailed job description here

JANUARY 14, 2008
Bishop Warner H. Brown Jr. announces the appointment of Joe Lawson to Simms UMC effective February 1, 2008.

JANUARY 11, 2008
Bishop Warner H Brown Jr announces the appointment of Cleve McSwain to full-time appointment to Pavillion UMC, Pavillion Wyoming beginning January 1, 2008.

JANUARY 04, 2008
Are you leaving some of your fingerprints on the world?
A Senior High Retreat for Freshmen thru Seniors in high school from all over Montana and Wyoming!
Friday February 15th (7pm) to Monday February 18th (11am)
Bozeman United Methodist Church
Registration forms and $50 registration fee due by February 6th ($60 after February 6th). Check with your church or pastor for scholarship information.
Forms can be downloaded online and hard copies have been mailed to all churches and any past campers. All forms must be signed by a pastor.
Questions? Contact Dave McConnell at 406-586-5413.

Attention All Adult workers with youth, youth directors and organizers of careless activities for the benefit of all youth!
We really need advocates in every church to help promote our retreat and help us to get the youth excited and, in some cases, help us get youth transported to the event.
If you are willing, we could really use your help over the weekend by either transporting youth, being a weekend volunteer, serving meals, helping our college youth staff and being a chaperone during our outdoor mission events.
ALSO: JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL TRAINING SESSION DURING THE WEEKEND!
Get training tools, ideas and have a roundtable discussion with the Yellow­stone Youth & Camping Task Force as well as other youth leaders around the conference.
It takes adults from lo­cal churches to be active at Convo and Camps in order for a bond to happen be­tween youth events and churches. ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THIS EVENT!
Fill out the volunteer form from the YAC website.

FORMER CAMPERS, COUNSELORS AND COLLEGE STUDENTS!
We need you to help facilitate this event! Fill out the volunteer form and Contact Ann Dickensheets by emailing ann@bozemanumc.org or call 406-586-5413

Brochure
Volunteer Application

Promo Slideshow

DECEMBER 21, 2007
The conference office has setup a Journal correction e-mail address. If you have any corrections, changes or additions for the Journal please e-mail them to:
journal@yacumc.org

Thank you

Anita

NOVEMBER 27, 2007
The Youth and Camping Task Force requests your help in its work to identify needs and possibilities for youth ministry in the Yellowstone Conference. Please take 15 minutes to complete the survey, and share the link with anyone else who may want to help. The survey must be completed by December 12.

Click Here for survey.

The Youth and Camping Task Force greatly appreciates your help and cooperation.

NOVEMBER 01, 2007
Chris Cormack is the new chaplain at Rocky Mountain College in Billings. Chris just completed his studies at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA, and is pursuing ordination in the United Church of Christ.

Chris will begin his duties this coming Monday, November 5. Plans are underway to find ways to introduce Chris to churches in our conference. The new chapel at RMC is also completed. The support of the chaplaincy program at RMC is funded through the Dollar Per Member Askings. If your church has not already done so, please consider taking an offering to support all of our Dollar Per Member ministries.

OCTOBER 31, 2007
Joe Loos, retired UM pastor, died in Billings October 30, 2007. Funeral Services for Joe Loos will be Monday, November 5 at 11:00 at Grace United Methodist Church in Billings. Condolences can be sent to Joe’s wife Marjorie at 725 N. 25th, Apt. 501, Billings, MT 59101

OCTOBER 14, 2007
School of Christian Mission, Feb. 1 – 3, 2008.

A new format is on tap for the winter session of School of Christian Mission. The event will start at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb.1, and end after worship on Sunday, Feb. 3, at First Methodist Church in downtown Billings. Study leaders are Rev. Nancy Slabaugh Hart, Music & Mission study, and Rev. Mike Hart, "Israel/Palestine" study. Attendees are responsible for housing arrangements as well as breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Registration is $35 and meals (two dinners, one lunch and snacks) are $35. Follow the links for the registration form and additional information.

Questions: please contact
Elisabeth Rice, Dean, 406-265-6517, rice@mtintouch.net
Nancy Flint, Assistant Dean, 406-892-4532, fnflint@centurytel.net
Bettie Marie Daniels, Registrar, 307-587-2329, codyj-d@bresnan.net

Registration Form

SEPTEMBER 26, 2007
Judie Jacobson's retirement has been moved from January 1, 2008 to October 1, 2007 due to health reasons.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2007
Bishop Warner H Brown Jr announces the appointment of Michael Hart to Mineral County Parish effective October 1, 2007.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2007
Dear Friends of the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Conferences,

I want to personally invite you to join me on a very special tour of the Holy Lands in February 2008. This will not be a commercial tour. Those who have gone before with this organization had a true faith experience. I would consider it a privilege to have you with us. This is an opportunity for the laity and clergy.
more...

SEPTEMBER 05, 2007
Living Waters UMC offers two services each Sunday at 10:00 am and 6:00
pm. Pastor Morie requests prayers and a moment of celebration during church
services around the conference. You can learn more about Living Waters by
visiting the website: www.living-waters-umc.org

September Newsletter

AUGUST 21, 2007
The time is quickly approaching for the special Annual Offering for Hispanic Ministries. This offering is typically planned during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15).

Bulletin Insert

more...

AUGUST 09, 2007
L. Fitzgerald Reist, Secretary of the General Conference reports that none of the petitions to the 2008 General Conference that have been submitted to the email address petitions@umpublishing.org were delivered. Anyone who submitted a petition via email prior to noon on July 27, 2007 needs to resubmit. He has been assured that the email address is now functioning properly and regrets the inconvenience that this situation has caused.

In future, anyone who does not receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of a petition within three weeks should inquire at 270-274-4590, the office of the Petitions Secretary, Rev. Gary Graves.

JULY 18, 2007
Thanks to all the 26 secretaries from across the conference who came to the first annual Yellowstone Conference Secretaries Association Event 2007. Thanks also to the Executive Team (Patsy Ward, Terri Normand, Lois Neal, Debby Irby and Jeneffer Smith) for putting together a successful event!

Plan ahead - Next year's YCSA Event will be held July 8-9, 2008 in Bozeman, MT!

JULY 17, 2007
Robert Grilley passed away on Friday, July 13, 2007. Services will be held at Boulder UMC, August 11, 2007, 2:00pm.

Cards and condolences can be sent to Donna Grilley, 3812 Highwood Dr, Great Falls MT 59405

JULY 06, 2007
To view the July 2007 edition of the Living Waters Newsletter please click the following link.

July 2007 Newsletter

JULY 05, 2007
An UMCOR General Orientation will take place on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Bozeman UMC, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is a required course for persons who will be participating in the Disaster Spiritual and Emotional Care Teams. Registration detail will be coming later. Please contact Guy Youngblood if you have questions at 406.458.9861 or lcumc@linctel.net.

JUNE 22, 2007
Dick Storment announces the appointment of Paula Morse as supply pastor to Lovell/Deaver as of August 1, 2007.

JUNE 19, 2007
Yellowstone Conference presents “Following JESUS: Centered on GOD, Open to the WORLD,� Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21-22, at Bozeman UMC. Dave McConnell will lead the Spiritual Formation Retreat. More information and a registration form is available in PDF form.

Registration Form

JUNE 05, 2007
The Conference office will be closed Monday, June 11th, 2006. This is the Monday following Annual Conference. We will return Tuesday June 12th.

JUNE 04, 2007
Exciting happenings are planned for the summer session of Yellowstone Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission being held at Flathead United Methodist Camp Aug. 16-19, 2007. Please follow the links to learn about this wonderful time for spiritual growth, learning and fellowship or to get the registration form. Please print and post this information for all to see. Thanks!

Brochure

Registration

MAY 30, 2007
The UMW inadvertently posted the incorrect price for their luncheon that will be held at the Yellowstone Annual Conference. The correct lunch price is $14.00. Please direct any questions to Jeannie Hall.

MAY 23, 2007

The Billings Conference Office will close at 3:00 pm on Friday, May 25, 2007 and will reopen on Tuesday, May 29, 2007.

MAY 20, 2007
Offering camps for all ages, the Yellowstone Conference Camping Committee invites you to participate in this amazing ministry! You can learn more about these wonderful opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship by picking up a new 2007 brochure at your local church or on the web at http://yacumc.org/camping/docs/2007Brochure.pdf.
more...

MAY 19, 2007
For those interested in participating in the Spiritual and Emotional Care in Disaster Response workshop June 6th please make sure your applications are to Guy Youngblood no later than June 1st. It will be necessary to have advance participation numbers into the host church and for UMCOR in preparing materials for the workshop.

MAY 14, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Pete Meese to the Cody, Wyoming United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2007. Pete is a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference, currently serving The United Methodist Church of Eagle Valley, Eagle, Colorado.

Su Debree, Western Mountains District Superintendent, announces the appointment of Bill Jensen as supply pastor to the Townsend United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2007. Bill is a graduate of Claremont School of Theology and a certified candidate in the California-Pacific Annual Conference.

MAY 07, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Susan Otey to Grace United Methodist Church in Billings, effective July 1, 2007. Susan will graduate from Iliff School of Theology this month (May 2007). She will be commissioned at the Rocky Mountain Conference annual session in June.

MAY 07, 2007
Don't Forget ... School for Professional Ministry is next week!

Tuesday-Thursday, May 15-17
Ursuline Center - Great Falls

Get your registration in ASAP if you haven't already done so ...

Contact Kathy Lunder in the Conference Office if you don't have your registration form. (800-808-0408)
more...

MAY 04, 2007
Background information and availability forms for General and Jurisdictional Conferences can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Background Information and Registration Form (pdf)

Background Information and Registration Form (word)

MAY 01, 2007
Come for a FREE weekend at Camp!
May 26-28, 2007
Families and individuals of all ages are invited to join us for projects, fun, and worship. We will have activities for all ability levels as we prepare the camp for summer. There will be free-time to enjoy the beautiful Boulder River Valley, too. Build memories this Memorial Day serving the Lord at camp!
more...

MAY 01, 2007
To view the May 2007 edition of the Living Waters Newsletter please click the following link.

May Newsletter

APRIL 30, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the following appointment, effective July 1, 2007:

Fred Amborn to Livingston Grace and Shields Valley UM Churches. Fred is a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference, currently serving Carbondale Community UMC in Carbondale, Colorado.

APRIL 30, 2007
J Torrance Harvey passed away April 29, 2007. Torrance served as pastor of Lakeside Community Chapel from its beginning in 1950 to 1999. He attended Intermountain College in Helena (now Rocky Mountain College in Billings). While at Intermountain, he was asked to serve as a supply pastor at the Methodist Church in Chester while the minister was away. The minister did not return, and Torrance continued to serve the Methodist congregations at Chester, Hingham, Inverness, Gilford and Kremlin while finishing his teaching certificate at Northern Montana College in Havre. Torrance was preceded in death by his wife Betty.

APRIL 27, 2007
Don Ian Smith passed away yesterday morning about 9am at his home in Salmon. It was his and Betty's 66th anniversary. Betty played their special song on a music box they have had for many years and then Don was gone. His funeral will be on Friday May 4th at 10:30 am. It will be a huge funeral, I'm sure. Don was one of the most loved of pastors in so many places and for so many things--not the least of which were his books. Betty's address is: Betty Smith, P.O. Box 1643,Salmon, ID 83467 and her phone number is 208-756-2178.

APRIL 24, 2007
Su Debree, Western Mountains District Superintendent, announces the appointment of Karen Disney as supply pastor to Grace United Methodist Church in Dillon, effective July 1, 2007. Karen is a candidate for ministry from Libby, and will be attending licensing school this summer.

APRIL 24, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr, announces the following district superintendent assignments, effective July 1, 2007:

David Burt to the Yellowstone Conference appointive cabinet. David is currently serving as pastor of the Shiloh United Methodist Church in Billings.

David Burt – Big Horn District
Dick Storment – Northern Plains District
Su DeBree – Western Mountains District

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2007:

Sandy Storment to the Choteau and Pendroy United Methodist Churches. Sandy is currently serving as pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Billings.

Gary Geiman to Hope United Methodist Church in Billings. Gary is a member of the Dakotas Conference, currently serving the Winner, South Dakota United Methodist Church.

Jan Witman to Shiloh United Methodist Church in Billings. Jan is currently serving the Cody, Wyoming United Methodist Church.

Kama Hamilton Morton to Christ United Methodist Church in Great Falls. Kama is currently serving as pastor at the Choteau and Pendroy United Methodist Churches.

Dennis Reese to the Lakeside Chapel United Methodist Church. Dennis is currently serving as pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Great Falls.

Gary Treglown to the Mountain View and Trinity United Methodist Churches in Butte. Gary is currently serving Hope United Methodist Church in Billings.

Fred Amborn to Livingston Grace and Shields Valley UM Churches. Fred is a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference, currently serving Carbondale Community UMC in Carbondale, Colorado.

Su Debree, Western Mountains District Superintendent, announces the appointment of Karen Disney as supply pastor to Grace United Methodist Church in Dillon, effective July 1, 2007. Karen is a candidate for ministry from Libby, and will be attending licensing school this summer.

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Susan Otey to Grace United Methodist Church in Billings, effective July 1, 2007. Susan will graduate from Iliff School of Theology this month (May 2007). She will be commissioned at the Rocky Mountain Conference annual session in June.

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Pete Meese to the Cody, Wyoming United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2007. Pete is a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference, currently serving The United Methodist Church of Eagle Valley, Eagle, Colorado.

Su Debree, Western Mountains District Superintendent, announces the appointment of Bill Jensen as supply pastor to the Townsend United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2007. Bill is a graduate of Claremont School of Theology and a certified candidate in the California-Pacific Annual Conference.

APRIL 24, 2007

Download the 2007 Camping Brochure here.

APRIL 19, 2007
The E. Augusta Arris Award Scholarship was first given in 1955 in honor of Deaconess E. Augusta Arris. Miss Arris came from Canada to serve as Superintendent of the Montana Deaconess Hospital in 1896. She served in that capacity for 31 1/2 years during which she experienced years of struggle and hardship as well as many successes.

The Arris Award Scholarship is given annually by the MINISTERS MATES of the Yellowstone Conference, and the award is announced at Annual Conference. It is awarded to a college or graduate student with a preference first for a student entering a nursing field and secondly to a medically related field.

Click here for an application form.

APRIL 16, 2007

Complete the HealthQuotient online health assessment & a wellness exam and you can be paid as much as $200 directly from the Conference Office.

Click Here to learn more.

APRIL 16, 2007
In time of disaster, a ministry of presence may be the greatest gift. If you are interested in learning how to provide spiritual and emotional care during a disaster response, UMCOR will be conducting a workshop on Wednesday, June 6 at Shiloh UMC in Billings.
more...

APRIL 02, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2007:

Sandy Storment to the Choteau and Pendroy United Methodist Churches. Sandy is currently serving as pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Billings.

Gary Geiman to Hope United Methodist Church in Billings. Gary is a member of the Dakotas Conference, currently serving the Winner, South Dakota United Methodist Church.

Jan Witman to Shiloh United Methodist Church in Billings. Jan is currently serving the Cody, Wyoming United Methodist Church.

APRIL 02, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr, announces the following district superintendent assignments, effective July 1, 2007:

David Burt – Big Horn District
Dick Storment – Northern Plains District
Su DeBree – Western Mountains District

MARCH 19, 2007
Applications are now available for the Yellowstone Annual Conference Merit Scholarship, awarded to a United Methodist Student attending a United Methodist college or university. The amount provided by the Conference Merit Scholarship is based on a percentage of what churches in this conference contribute toward United Methodist Student Sunday. Last year's award was $350.

An application form is available by clicking here or contact Kim Woeste at kwoeste@msubillings.edu. They must be returned before May 1, 2007.

MARCH 19, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Kama Hamilton Morton to Christ United Methodist Church in Great Falls, effective July 1, 2007. Kama is currently serving as pastor at the Choteau and Pendroy United Methodist Churches.

MARCH 17, 2007
The newly formed Yellowstone Conference Secretary Association invites all persons in the role of “church secretary� to take two days and attend a Skill Enhancement Workshop in Bozeman, Montana, July 10 & 11. A variety of topics will be covered including safety in the church office, record keeping and archival care, sharing our knowledge and ideas with one another, and how to live a more balanced life. Attendees will also experience worship together and create personal contacts for future reference and aid.

See brochure...

MARCH 05, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Dennis Reese to the Lakeside Chapel United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2007. Dennis is currently serving as pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Great Falls.

FEBRUARY 26, 2007
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2007:

David Burt to the Yellowstone Conference appointive cabinet. David is currently serving as pastor of the Shiloh United Methodist Church in Billings.

Gary Treglown to the Mountain View and Trinity United Methodist Churches in Butte. Gary is currently serving Hope United Methodist Church in Billings.

FEBRUARY 22, 2007
Flathead Lake Camp is looking for quality people for their summer camp season. There are several positions which, need to be filled. If interested please contact Jen Burch, Camp Manager, P.O. Box 88, Rollins, MT 59931, by phone at 406-844-3483, or email at umcamp@in-tch.com.

The link below will access the application form for any interested position.

Application Form

FEBRUARY 12, 2007
The Petition forms are now available. Please click the links below to access the forms.

Petition Memo
Petition Background
Petition Form

FEBRUARY 12, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I am writing in celebration of the work and service of lay people within the Yellowstone Annual Conference. As you may know, each year I seek to honor the dedication of such people with a Bishop’s Award. This award is presented to a layperson that has demonstrated outstanding service both in their local church and beyond the local church. (Community, in the annual conference or the general church.)

For the annual conference sessions this year, I am asking that nominations for the award be submitted to my office by March 30, 2007. They should include a short narrative on gifts and graces, service in the name of Christ, and touch on those qualities that bring the nominee forth as a leader among us. Those nominations should be limited to one or two pages.

The Bishop’s Award will be presented during the annual conference for all of us to celebrate their achievements, dedication and service. The award recipient will not be announced until annual conference.

You may submit your nominations to: Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. 6110 S. Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Shalom,

Warner H. Brown, Jr.

JANUARY 30, 2007
LAY SPEAKER CLASS
FEBRUARY 16-17, 2007

There will be a Lay Speaker Training both beginning and advanced, at Corvallis UMC in Circuit 4. The beginning course instructors will be Cliff and Judy Stephens from Plains/Paradise. The advanced course, Dancing with Words by Ray Buckley, is being taught by Mary Lou Hermes, also from Plains/Paradise.

Information & Registration
more...

JANUARY 22, 2007

Summary Report

Full Report

DECEMBER 21, 2006
Tables I, II, III, Audit Report and Trustees Report are now on-line.

The reports have been mailed to the churches and if any additional copies of the forms are needed they can be found under the side tab labeled forms and publications.

In order to access the forms, Goto Login => Church; Enter your User ID and Password.

(Note: If you have forgotten your User ID or Password, call Kathy at the Conference Office)

DECEMBER 20, 2006
The Conference Office will be closed at noon on December 22nd and closed on December 26th. We hope you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.

DECEMBER 14, 2006
Dr. Robert W. Lind, retired pastor in the Yellowston Annual Conference, died peacefully at his daughter's home in Las Vegas December 12, 2006. In addition to serving churches in Denton, Ronan, Helena, East Helena, Clancy, and Glasgow, he authored the biography of Brother Van entitled, From the Ground Up. Services will be held at the United Methodist churches in Bozeman on Friday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. and in Polson on Saturday, January 13 at 1:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 14, 2006
Effective December 29, Cokesbury in Nashville will fill orders for all units of the Board except the Women's Division, which has setup a production and distribution center in Dallas.

Orders made to the now closing Service Center in Cincinnati will automatically go to the new operations.
The release contains the new information on ordering.

DECEMBER 12, 2006
The 2007 Winter session of the School of Christian Mission, Jan. 12-14, is cancelled because an instructor has a very serious medical condition. Please communicate this to those who may be affected. Women are encouraged to attend the UMW sponsored Women’s Event, March 9-11, at Fairmont Resort near Butte, Montana.

DECEMBER 12, 2006
The 2007 Winter session of the School of Christian Mission, Jan. 12-14, is cancelled because an instructor has a very serious medical condition.
more...

DECEMBER 06, 2006
The Petition 401 Task Force met for its fourth and final face-to-face meeting in Helena on November 29 & 30. All members were present, despite difficult weather conditions.
more...

DECEMBER 04, 2006
Yellowstone Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission in Billings January 12-14.

Schedule of Events
Registration
Course Descriptions

NOVEMBER 14, 2006
www.nothingbutnets.net

NASHVILLE: On November 14, The People of the United Methodist Church will participate in the official launch of Nothing But Nets, a campaign to save lives by preventing malaria. Several agencies of the denomination are joining together with NBA Cares, Sports Illustrated, the United Nations Foundation and others in a partnership to raise funds to purchase mosquito nets for children in Africa, more than a million of whom die from malaria every year.
more...

NOVEMBER 09, 2006
Clergywomen across the conference have expressed the desire for another clergywomen’s retreat. Dee Anna, Karen McRae and Kama Hamilton Morton, and Su DeBree formed a team to put one together. We hope you can come! The event will be held at Boulder Hot Springs on February 12-14.

Information & Registration

NOVEMBER 07, 2006
Illif will be holding "Religion & Globalization: A More Excellent Way" on January 22-24, 2007 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Denver, Colorado.

For detailed information, brochure and registration form please click here

NOVEMBER 07, 2006
Intermountain Children's Home -- 19th Annual Festival of Trees --
Visit www.intermountain.org/fot/index.htm for more information

Music of Christmas Concert
Featuring Montana Logging and Ballet Co. (Helena Civic Center)
more...

NOVEMBER 07, 2006
The Task Force developing recommendations in response to Petition 401 met October 26-27 in Helena. Task Force chair, Gayle Sandholm, reported that “this process of reviewing ministries within the Annual Conference has been engaging, informative, and instructive. The Annual Conference could benefit from a process similar to this one on an ongoing basis.�

more...

NOVEMBER 07, 2006
Illif will be holding "Religion & Globalization: A More Excellent Way" on January 22-24, 2007 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Denver, Colorado.

For detailed information, brochure and registration form please visit http://www.iliff.edu/academics/cont-ed/ilc.php.

OCTOBER 27, 2006
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is helping the United Methodist Church in the Philippines with recovery efforts following Typhoon Milenyo, which tore through the archipelago the last week of September. The relief agency is supporting two projects that help those left most vulnerable by the typhoon. Donations should be designated for UMCOR's International Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #982450, and placed in local church offering plates or sent directly to UMCOR, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 330, New York, NY 10115. Credit-card donations can be made by calling (800) 554-8583.

OCTOBER 06, 2006
Task Force September Meeting Update

“We should be doing this even if we had all the money in the world.� So remarked one Petition 401 Task Force member at the end of an energizing day of interviews. The Task Force met in Helena, September 28-29 for their second meeting. Although the creation of the Task Force was precipitated by financial limitations, the members agreed that a careful analysis of the conference’s priorities and the allocation of its resources simply amount to good stewardship.
more...

OCTOBER 06, 2006
Camp on the Boulder will be holding a training day for the upcoming mission trip to Louisiana in November. If you are participating or would like more information on the mission trip this session will help you understand the itinerary and focus of the trip. The training session will be held at Livingston Grace UMC in Livingston, MT, from 12:30 pm-5 pm, on Sunday, October 22, 2006.

If you have any further questions please call Kent or Jenny Chittenden at Camp on the Boulder at 406-932-6314 or email at cboulder@ttc-cmc.net

SEPTEMBER 27, 2006
This United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) training event is for those who are interested in being a team leader for a group of people for the purpose of volunteering to do a project somewhere in the US or another country in the world.
more...

SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
We are leading a mission trip to Louisiana and Mississippi this November. Our first goal is to deliver Health Kit supplies to Sager Brown Station in Louisiana. You can help by collecting supplies by November 5th and delivering them to your church (please see the attached list). From Louisiana we will head to Mississippi to help rebuild a house destroyed by hurricanes last year. The mission team will stay at UM camps along the way.
more...

SEPTEMBER 12, 2006
Calling all Elders, Deacons, Associate Members, and Licensed Local Pastors of the Yellowstone Conference: it's time for holy conferencing!
more...

SEPTEMBER 05, 2006
Due to the area fires around Camp on the Boulder the VIM Weekend and Scrapbooking Camps have been canceled. The road to the camp is closed and the checkpoint will not allow anyone passed unless they live in the area. If you would like more information please contact Kent or Jenny Chittenden at 406-932-6314 or cboulder@ttc-cmc.net.

AUGUST 31, 2006
Petition 401 Task Force Meeting

The Task Force created by petition 401 had its organizational meeting at Covenant UMC in Helena on Thursday, August 24. All of the Task Force members were present. Chairperson Gayle Sandholm noted that the members entered into the process with a spirit of respect for the task they’ve been assigned and an enthusiasm for the renewed sense of hopefulness, trust, and passion for mission they see evident within the annual conference.

During the five-hour meeting, the Task Force reached consensus that the following statement (taken from the mission statement of the annual conference and the work of the Board of Stewards) would guide their work and recommendations:

The mission statement for the Yellowstone Conference is: We send leaders to serve disciples who offer the gospel to the world. The longer form of our mission statement says: (1) The primary purpose of the Yellowstone Annual Conference is to serve and support local churches in their ministries; (2) We do that by recruiting, training, nurturing and deploying (lay and clergy) leadership; (3) The primary purpose of the local church is to call, grow and send faithful disciples of Christ. (see 3410 in the Rules of the Annual Conference)
With these statements and purposes in mind, the Board of Stewards offers this “strategic direction� for the Yellowstone Conference: To spiritually nurture and support with practical resources churches and their leaders, for ministry beyond themselves.

Additionally, the Task Force reached consensus that its task will be to recommend a staffing configuration (including Superintending and Program positions) that is guided by the above statement. The discussion was to affirm, but not be limited to, the five components of this strategic direction as outlined by the Board of Stewards, which are:
Clergy recruitment, support and retention
Connection to the General Church
Empowering laity
Financial integrity
New faith communities

Three future meeting dates were set: September 28-29, October 26-27, and November 29-30. Each will begin at 1:00 pm on the first date and conclude by noon on the second. Although the petition calls for an end of January date for reporting to the Board of Stewards, the Task Force hopes that their work and recommendations will be completed early in December, 2006.

The Task Force will invite representatives of the appointive cabinet, campus ministry and the Missions Team to meet separately with them during the September meeting at Covenant UMC in Helena. During that meeting they will review other program ministries to invite to the October meeting.


The Task Force encourages any interested persons to send to them their thoughts and/or recommendations about staffing configurations for the Yellowstone Conference which would be guided by the statement indicated above. These should be sent to Bill Mullette-Bauer, staff for the task force, at yacbill@aol.com or to PO Box 1482, Helena, MT 59624.

AUGUST 30, 2006
The summit will provide a venue for leaders like you who are motivated by spiritual values, the common good, social responsibility, and a vision for ahcnge to put our heads together on issues that deeply affect all of us in Montana. The Summit will be co-sponsored by regional foundations and Montana faith and community leaders. It will be na opportunity for ministries and community-service organizations to combine their energy and passion to impact Montana's future.
more...

AUGUST 28, 2006
Mission Valley UMC will hold the consecration service for our new home on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 7:00 p.m. Please join with us in this celebration!
more...

AUGUST 23, 2006
Reverend William (Bill) John Brackett, died August 17, 2006. He is survived by his spouse Janice M. Brackett (5933 N. Courcelles Parkway, Coeur d'Alene, ID. 83815), their son Michael Wesley Brackett, Eatonville, WA and daughter, Jenny Marie Brackett, Port Angeles, WA. The Bracketts served in the West Michigan Conference and the Yellowstone Conference . In the Pacific Northwest Conference, he served as Associate Director of the Conference Council on Ministries; at Eatonville; Federal Way: Sunrise; and Coeur d'Alene: Community Church.

A memorial service will be held Friday, August 25, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. at Coeur d'Alene: Community Church (1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID. 83815), with Reverend Heather Seman, Reverend JoAnn Olson and Reverend Edsel Goldson officiating.

Memoriams may be sent to the PNW United Methodist Camping Program (specify camperships and/or camp ground improvements).

AUGUST 23, 2006
Whitefish United Methodist Church seeks a part-time youth director to facilitate UMWF and other youth activities. This is a paid position at $75/week, 8-10 hours per week during the school year. Send inquiries to office@whitefishumc.org by September 5th.

AUGUST 22, 2006
The UMW Annual Meeting is Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22-23, at Helena St. Paul’s UMC. Registration begins at 3 p.m. on Friday followed by a banquet at 6 p.m. See The Yellowstone Connection, page 9, for more information. Download the registration form by clicking on the link below.

Registration Form

AUGUST 16, 2006
Are you prepared for a large-scale natural disaster within the boundaries of your conference?

If a disaster strikes your neighboring conference, are you prepared to help immediately with an action-plan/communication plan?
more...

AUGUST 15, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the following appointments, effective September 1, 2006:

Cathy Moorehead to Roundup, Ryegate, and Lavina. Cathy has been serving Lovell UMC and Deaver UMC.

AUGUST 10, 2006
Please click the link below to access the 2006 Nominations Report. If you notice any changes or errors or need to submit an addition please email Bill Warren at pstrbill@mtintouch.net.


2006 Nominations Report

AUGUST 10, 2006
Retired pastor, Reverend Joe Loos, has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Prayers and notes of caring would be appreciated.

Joe and Marjorie live at Prairie Tower, 725 N 25th Street, Billings MT 59101.

AUGUST 02, 2006
Event Flyer
Registration Form

AUGUST 02, 2006
Gayle Sandholm, retired pastor, will chair the Task Force created by Petition 401 at the 2006 annual session of the Yellowstone Conference. Other members of the Task Force are Jane Hamman a lay person from Clancy, Tim Hathaway pastor from First UMC Billings, Sally McConnell lay person from Bozeman, John Musgrove lay person from Havre, Marianne Niesen pastor from St Paul's UMC in Helena, Debbie Schmidt pastor from Whitefish UMC, and Alice Swett lay person from Buffalo. Bill Mullette-Bauer will provide staff support to the group.

The petition creating the Task Force reads as follows:
The Yellowstone Conference shall authorize the Conference Board of Stewards to constitute a team of no more than eight persons to immediately begin to study and develop recommendations for all Yellowstone Conference program and superintendency positions. The study team shall report its recommendations to the Conference Board of Stewards no later than January 31, 2007. At its first meeting in 2007, the Conference Board of Stewards shall receive and review the recommendations of the study team and develop a final staffing proposal to be presented to the 2007 session of the Yellowstone Conference.

The first meeting of the Task Force will be from 1:00 to 6:00 on Thursday, August 24, at Covenant UMC in Helena. During that time they will develop a process and timeline for their work, including a way (or ways) to receive input. A report will be distributed as soon as possible following the meeting.

JULY 24, 2006
Life-long United Methodist Billy W. Roberts died on June 20, 2006 at the age of 79. Billy and his wife Phyllis came to Billings 34 years ago and have provided invaluable leadership at Billings First UMC and within the Yellowstone Annual Conference. Services were held at First Church on June 26. Notes of care can be sent to Phyllis at 2321 Bonnevue Sq, Billings, MT 59102.

JULY 19, 2006
Esther Angel was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her prognosis is good.
She will go through an initial treatment at St. Pat's in Missoula today, July 19, and tomorrow will head home to Polson, where she will continue treatments for several weeks. She plans to continue serving her congregation with the help of several trained lay people and retired pastors in her area. She is grateful for your continued prayers, and upbeat about breaking all records for receiving the most clergy care.

JULY 18, 2006
Due to fluid build up Esther Angel admitted herself to Polson Hospital Monday morning.
The doctors there did what they could and then transferred her to Missoula St. Patrick hospital.
She has had X-rays and blood taken, the fluids drained and is resting comfortably. No
cause of the fluid build-up has yet been determined.
Your prayers will be appreciated. If you'd like to send a card or make a call she is in room 559.
The address is: St. Patrick's Hospital, 500 West Broadway, Missoula 59802

JULY 13, 2006
Service for Dee Barber will be Monday, July 17, 2006 at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Polson, 301 Sixteenth Ave E. Cards and condolences can be sent to Russ Barber at 102 Great Pine Hill, Polson, MT 59870.

JULY 12, 2006
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JULY 12, 2006
Dee Barber, spouse of Russ Barber, passed away yesterday, July 11, 2006. Services are pending. Russ can be reached at 102 Great Pine Hill, Polson, MT 59870.

JULY 07, 2006
The Camping Committee regretfully announces the cancellation of two Camp on the Boulder camps, The Lord, The Wanna-Be, and The Worshiper, and Experiencing the Christ of Creation in the Creation of Christ. Deans were secured for the event. However, we had no registered campers and were forced to cancel these camps.

JUNE 30, 2006
The United Methodist Committee on Relief ranked sixth for the amount raised for hurricane relief in a recent survey by Newsweek of the "Big Names in Katrina Relief." UMCOR raised some $64.5 million for hurricane relief and rehabilitation that will fund long-term recovery for the next three years. This is in addition to the thousands of hours United Methodist volunteers have put into the recovery effort and the $7.6 million United Methodists and others donated in relief supplies.

JUNE 27, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2006:

Mike Parr to Butte Mountain View and Trinity United Methodist Churches. Mike has been serving Grace UMC in Missoula.

Vicki Horn to Missoula Grace United Methodist Church. Vicki has been serving in the Alaska Missionary Conference.

JUNE 27, 2006
The Conference Office will be closed Monday, July 3rd and Tuesday, July 4th.

We will re-open Wednesday, July 5th.

JUNE 15, 2006
Dwight G. Harshman, retired pastor of the Yellowstone Conference, died on Monday, June 12, 2006 in Havre, Montana. Dwight retired in 1981 after nearly 30 years of ministry in the conference. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2:00 pm at Van Orsdel United Methodist Church in Havre. Dwight's widow, Beth, may be contacted at 20 3rd Street W, Havre, MT 59501 (265-1671).

JUNE 05, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of David Merkel to the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2006. Dave is currently serving as interim pastor at Kalispell Epworth UMC.

JUNE 01, 2006
Part-time payed position as Youth Coordinator available at the Laurel United Methodist Church. A mature person of faith or a growing person of faith with a love for youth and a heartfelt desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ is what we're looking for. If you feel yourself called by God to this ministry call Brenda Green at 406-628-6603 to apply or for more details.

MAY 30, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of John Farquhar to the Kootenai River Parish (Libby and Troy), effective July 1, 2006. John is currently serving the Salmon and Lemhi, Idaho United Methodist churches.

MAY 18, 2006
The E. Augusta Arris Award Scholarship is given annually by the MINISTERS MATES of the Yellowstone Conference. The $250 award is given to a college or graduate student with a preference for a student entering a nursing field and second preference to a student entering a medically related field. The award is announced at annual conference and paid in late August.
An application can be viewed/downloaded by clicking on the link below. Applications must be returned to Nancy Hamilton, HC 49, Box 3700, Red Lodge, MT, 59068, before June 10, 2006. Nancy can be contacted at donnan37@msn.com.

Arris Award Scholarship

MAY 16, 2006
SUMMER SCHOOL FOR ALL!

Yellowstone Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission is Aug. 17 – 20 at Flathead Methodist Camp. Everyone studies "Shalom, Shalaam, Peace," then choose between the studies on "Globalization" and "India/Pakistan." Send registration NOW!!!!!!! Men, women and children welcome! Brochure and registration form can be downloaded here...
Brochure
Registration
Course Descriptions

MAY 16, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Cleveland McSwain to the Pavillion and Riverton (as associate pastor), Wyoming United Methodist Churches, effective July 1, 2006. Cleve is currently serving the Plains and Paradise United Methodist Churches.

MAY 12, 2006
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I write to send you blessings on these glorious days after Easter. The message of resurrection still rings in our ears and hearts and I pray that you are living in that hope and joy.

By now, almost all of you have heard the news coming from the Judicial Council. To bring you up to date, last year a pastor in the Virginia Conference refused to receive a person into the congregation by transfer from another denomination because the pastor understood the man was homosexual. Believing that the pastor was not in accord with her own understanding of John Wesley's reliance on grace, the Bishop of Virginia, Charlene Kammerer, removed the pastor from his appointment and placed him on leave of absence. Her actions were accepted by the Virginia Conference but the pastor, Rev. Johnson, appealed the decision to the Judicial Council and the Council ruled that he had the implied authority to bar membership. Bishop Kammerer and many others asked for reconsideration of Decision 1032 when the Judicial Council met three weeks ago. In a vote of 5 to 4, the Judicial Council refused to reconsider their previous decision. The Council did, however, signal their encouragement for the wider church to continue in Christian conferencing around the implication of the issues at stake.

I am personally disappointed that the Council refused to reconsider their previous decision. The Book of Discipline of our Church makes it clear that the role of the Judicial Council is to interpret disciplinary provisions from a legal standpoint. I believe they have moved from interpreting church law to making it. I happen to agree with some members of the Council who wrote in dissent that The Book of Discipline does not mention the "responsible pastoral judgment" that the concurring majority mention in stating their case.

I also believe that the decision as originally rendered was not a decision of grace. It is Christ's invitation that brings us to the Table of Holy Communion, and it is Christ's invitation that brings us into deeper fellowship with fellow Christians within the life of a local congregation. All of us who serve as clergy are merely extending the invitation that comes from our Savior; an invitation to live into a new life in relationship with God’s people.

My personal feelings aside, the Judicial Council has spoken. Their ruling is the law of the Church and we are bound by it at least until General Conference meets in 2008. The delegates to the 2008 General Conference will have the opportunity to consider where our great church shall go on matters such as these.

The United Methodist Church began as our nation was beginning; the historic principle of "separation of powers" that we understand within our national life are mirrored within our Church. We do not all agree on actions taken by our President, our Congress, or even the Supreme Court, but our disagreement should not be interpreted as disloyalty to the Nation.

In similar fashion, our agreement or disagreement with the Judicial Council decision does not lessen our responsibilities to model Christian conversations or civility within the great family of United Methodists. I want you to know that I will be attempting to model my life and actions after Christ as I respond to this issue, and I invite you - I urge you - to do the same.

In God's Grace and Peace,
Warner H. Brown, Jr.
Resident Bishop

6110 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303-733-0083 FAX 303-733-5047

MAY 08, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Robert Foote to the Great Falls United Methodist Cooperative Parish, serving Great Falls First UMC, effective July 1, 2006. Bob is currently serving the Kootenai River Parish (Libby and Troy).

MAY 01, 2006
It's not too late to apply for a scholarship!

Applications are now available for the Yellowstone Annual Conference Merit Scholarship, awarded to a United Methodist student attending a United Methodist college or university. The scholarship is based on a percentage of the United Methodist Student Sunday offering. Complete the attached form before June 1 and return to: Kim Woeste, 2542 Lewis Avenue, Billings, MT 59102 or e-mail to kwoeste@msubillings.edu
Also, if you are a United Methodist planning to attend a state university, you may be eligible for additional assistance, matching grants, loans, or book scholarships from the United Methodist Church. For more information, check out: www.gbhem.org

Merit Scholarship Form

MAY 01, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr announces the following appointments effective July 1, 2006:

Sonja Waldmann-Bohn to Sabbatical Leave.
Su DeBree as superintendent of Western Mountain District.
Jan Witman to Cody, Wyoming.
Morie Adams-Griffin to Belgrade (new church start).
Connie Cranston to Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming.
Huston Green to Kalispell.
Don Schlichting to Riverton, Wyoming.
Darlita (Dolly) Collins to Chester, Inverness and Shelby. Dolly will be graduating from the Methodist
Theological School in Ohio this spring.
Ben Nardi to the Ruby Valley Parish in Sheridan and Twin Bridges.
Kathy Young to Bigfork.
Mark Thurman to Great Falls West Side and Sun River. Mark is a member of the North Texas Conference.
David Jones to Laurel.
Waveland King to Valier and the Oilfield Parish (Kevin, Sunburst, Sweet Grass)

APRIL 24, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2006:

Mark Thurman to the Great Falls United Methodist Cooperative Parish, serving the Great Falls Westside and Sun River congregations. Mark is a member of the North Texas Conference, and is currently on Leave of Absence, living in Wimberley, Texas.

David Jones to the Laurel United Methodist Church. David is currently appointed to the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church.

APRIL 10, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2006:

Darlita (Dolly) Collins to the Chester, Inverness, and Shelby United Methodist Churches. Dolly will be graduating from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio this spring.

Ben Nardi to the Ruby Valley Parish United Methodist Churches in Sheridan and Twin Bridges. Ben is currently appointed to the Butte Mountain View and Trinity congregations.

Kathy Young to the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork. Kathy is currently appointed to the Great Falls United Methodist Cooperative Parish, serving Great Falls First United Methodist Church.

APRIL 06, 2006
Vernon Hanks died October 11, 2005 at Mesa Hospice in Mesa, Arizona of natural causes.

A memorial will occur at Great Falls First Church on Saturday, June 3 at 11:00 am. Survivors include his wife Viola Hanks of Mesa, his son Donald Hanks of New Orleans and daughter Nancy Manger of Helena, 7 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Vernon Hanks served Great Falls First for 12 years from 1955 to 1967 where he retired.

MARCH 23, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2006:

Sonja Waldmann-Bohn to Sabbatical Leave

Su DeBree as superintendent of Western Mountains District

Jan Witman to Cody, Wyoming

Morie Adams-Griffin to Belgrade new church start

Connie Cranston to Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming

Huston Green to Kalispell Epworth UMC

Don Schlichting to Riverton, Wyoming

MARCH 22, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr announces the appointment of Waveland King to the Valier and Oilfield Parish (Kevin, Sunburst, Sweet Grass) United Methodist churches, effective July 1, 2006. Waveland is currently serving the Chester, Inverness and Valier congregations.

MARCH 21, 2006
Our four wonderful Yellowstone Conference camps are gearing up for the summer season. Have you ever visited or attended one of our camps? We are fortunate to have many 100's of acres of gorgeous land, cabins, meadows, rivers, a lake! Please check out our link www.yacumc.org/camps to explore our camping page. If you haven't attended any of the camps, you have missed out on our beautiful and serene landscapes that enhance spiritual growth. Bring up your family or a group or just visit one of the camps to check it out. "Awesome" is the word for our camps.

MARCH 21, 2006
The Yellowstone Conference brochures have been sent out in the mail. If you need a copy or more copies please call 800-808-0408. To view or print the brochure please click on the following link. Camping Brochure You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the camping brochure. To download a free copy click on the following www.adobe.com. The site will walk you through the download.

MARCH 21, 2006
The School for Professional Ministry will be held May 2-4, 2006 at the Ursuline Centre in Great Falls. Registration forms went out on March 20th. The deadline for getting your registration forms into the Conference office will be April 20th. If you do not receive a form in the mail please call the Conference office at 800-808-0408 and let us know. To view and print a brochure click below on the links.

SPM-Page 1
SPM-Page 2

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the School for Professional Ministry brochure. To download a free copy click on the following www.adobe.com. The site will walk you through the download.

MARCH 14, 2006
Dear Colleagues in Christ:

I am writing in celebration of the work and service of lay people within the Yellowstone Annual Conference. As you may know, each year I seek to honor the dedication of such people with a Bishop’s Award. This award is presented to a layperson who has demonstrated outstanding service both in their local church and beyond the local church. (A community, in the annual conference or the general church.)

For the annual conference sessions this year, I am asking that nominations for the award be submitted to my office by April 15, 2006. They should include a short narrative on gifts and graces, service in the name of Christ, and touch on those qualities that bring the nominee forth as a leader among us. Those nominations should be limited to one or two pages.

The Bishop’s Award will be presented during the annual conference for all of us to celebrate their achievements, dedication and service. The award recipient will not be announced until annual conference.

You may submit your nominations to: Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. 6110 S. Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Shalom,

Warner H. Brown, Jr.


Warner H. Brown, Jr.
Resident Bishop

MARCH 13, 2006
Nancy Keefauver, wife of Don Keefauver, passed away February 27, 2006 after a long battle with ovarian cancer. Sympathies can be sent to Don Keefauver at 14 Country Meadows Lane, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

MARCH 06, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2006:

Don Schlichting to the Riverton, Wyoming United Methodist Church. Don is currently serving Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy, Utah.

Huston Green to Kalispell Epworth United Methodist Church. Huston is current serving the Laurel United Methodist Church.

FEBRUARY 27, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Connie Cranston to the Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming United Methodist Churches, effective July 1, 2006. Connie is currently serving Community United Methodist Church in Shelby, and the Oilfield Parish United Methodist Churches (Kevin, Sunburst and Sweet Grass).

FEBRUARY 21, 2006
The Bishop's Office has moved to 6110 S. Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village, CO 80111. The contact numbers have remained the same, 1-800-536-3736 voice line or 303/733-5047 for faxes.

FEBRUARY 13, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Morie Adams-Griffin to the Belgrade area New Church Start, effective July 1, 2006. Morie is currently appointed to the Great Falls United Methodist Cooperative Parish, serving Great Falls Westside UMC and Sun River UMC.

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr., announces the appointment of Jan Witman to the Cody, Wyoming United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2006. Jan is currently serving as pastor of Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork, Montana.

JANUARY 30, 2006
Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr announces the appointment of Sonja Waldmann-Bohn to Sabbatical Leave, effective July 1, 2006. Sonja is completing a six-year term as superintendent of the Western Mountains District.

Bishop Brown also announces the appointment of Su DeBree to the Yellowstone Conference appointive cabinet, effective July 1, 2006. Su will be assigned as superintendent of the Western Mountains District. Su is currently serving as pastor of the Buffalo and Kaycee, Wyoming United Methodist Churches.

DECEMBER 30, 2005
To attendees of the Mentor Training January 16-18. Please note that the
schedule runs from Monday afternoon through Wednesday (not on Thursday),
also, please call or email Nancy Slabaugh Hart asap if you are planning on
attending. Schedules are on the back of the initial letter. AND please call
the Sac directly to make your reservations.

DECEMBER 28, 2005
Jerry Collins father, Noel Collins, passed away December 27, 2005. The service will be held on Friday, January 6, 2006 at the Mortimore Funeral Home in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

DECEMBER 21, 2005
The mileage rate for 2006, as indicated by the IRS, will be .445 cents per mile. The rate will be effective January 1, 2006.

DECEMBER 21, 2005
In order for your church to receive credit for church giving in 2005 your apportionment payments will need to be in to the Conference office by January 6, 2006.

DECEMBER 21, 2005
Recent legislation passed, called the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act (KETRA). Under this legislation, taxpayers are allowed to deduct charitable cash donations to qualified charities between August 28 and December 31 of this year. All donations made during this time frame are tax deductible up to 100% of the giver’s adjusted gross income. It must be a cash donation and it does not have to be a charity related to the affect of Hurricane Katrina.

DECEMBER 16, 2005
The Billings Conference office will be closed for Christmas, December 23-26, 2005. We wish you all a very blessed Christmas.

We will also be closed January 2nd, for the New Year.

DECEMBER 16, 2005
Tables I, II, III, Audit Report and Trustees Report and Instructions are now on-line.

In order to access the forms, Go to Login => Church; Enter your User ID and Password.
(Note: If you have forgotten your User ID or Password or need help acessing the tables, call Kathy at the Conference Office, 800-808-0408).

DECEMBER 14, 2005
CONVO will be held February 17-20, 2006 at Billings First Church in Billings, MT. Registration forms went out on December 8th. The deadline for getting your registration forms into the Conference office will be February 3rd. Please click the link below to view and print the registration form for CONVO. If you need assistance please call Kathy at 800-808-0408.
Convo Registration Form

DECEMBER 05, 2005
The Retired Pastors Report Form is now on the download page. If you click on the resources tab and scroll to downloads it will open a new page with all available downloads. The name is Retired Pastors Report Form and can be downloaded and printed for your charge conferences.

NOVEMBER 25, 2005
Polly Holmes passed away on Friday, November 25, 2005. Services will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at St Pauls UMC in Helena. The time of service is still pending.

NOVEMBER 22, 2005
The "Clergy Compensation Form" is now available on-line. Goto Church Login or click here here to access the form.

NOVEMBER 03, 2005
November 3, 2005
Dear Friends of the Annual Conference,

Recent decisions by the Judicial Council have caused much discussion within the Church. The Council of Bishops has released the following letter and has requested it to be read or appropriately distributed in every congregation. As the Bishop of the Yellowstone Conference I wish to reaffirm that all persons are welcomed to membership and active participation in the life of our church.
Warner H. Brown, Jr.
Resident Bishop
The Denver Area
The United Methodist Church


A Pastoral Letter to the People of The United Methodist Church
From the Council of Bishops
By grace you have been saved through faith.
-Ephesians 2:8

Grace to you from Jesus Christ who calls his church to welcome all people into the community of faith as it proclaims the Gospel.

The Judicial Council, our denomination's highest judicial authority, recently issued a decision regarding a pastor's refusing a gay man's request for membership in the church. In the case, this man was invited to join the choir at the United Methodist Church in the community. As he became more active in the choir and the church, he asked to transfer his membership from another denomination to The United Methodist Church. Because he is a practicing homosexual, the pastor refused to receive him into church membership. The Judicial Council upheld the pastor's refusal of membership.

While pastors have the responsibility to discern readiness for membership, homosexuality is not a barrier. With the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church we affirm:
"That God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian
community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian
and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with
all persons." (Para. 161g, 2004 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)
We also affirm our Wesleyan practice that pastors are accountable to the bishop, superintendent, and the clergy on matters of ministry and membership.

The United Methodist Church is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ with all people. We, the bishops of the Church, uphold and affirm that the General Conference has clearly spoken through the denomination's Constitution on inclusiveness and justice for all as it relates to church membership:
"The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons without regard to race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking the vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection." (Article IV, Constitution of The United Methodist Church)
We believe the ministry of the local church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is to help people accept and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We call upon all United Methodist pastors and laity to make every congregation a community of hospitality.

Nov. 2, 2005 Lake Junaluska, N.C.

NOVEMBER 02, 2005
The following is information for National Donor Sabbath. There are links in Word format, which will allow you to view additional information, and print out a letter for your church bulletin or poster for the church bulletin board.

This November offers a timely occasion for you to help share a universal message of hope and a celebration of life. They are opportunities for houses of worship throughout the country to help initiate conversations that can make a life-saving difference to thousands of people across the United States.

As you know, one of the true medical marvels of the last half-century is organ and tissue transplantation. Last year, more than 25,000 people received organ transplants and nearly one million received cornea or other tissue transplants, getting a second chance at life. But that good news is only half of the story. Sadly, close to 90,000 others are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant – a number that is growing all the time.

With your help, we can change that. By encouraging your congregation to talk to their families about organ and tissue donation, you take the first step in saving or enhancing the lives of countless people.

National Donor Sabbath
November 11-13, 2005

Houses of worship around the nation will be providing information about organ and tissue donation. Won’t you help by including the Donor Sabbath insert as part of your worship service? More information is available by contacting Jennifer Knight, Northwest Lions Eye Bank at 406-449-6103 or Living Legacy Foundation at 1-877-275-5269.

The United Methodist Church issued a policy statement regarding organ and tissue donation. In it they state, “The United Methodist Church recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation, and thereby encourages all Christians to become organ and tissue donors by signing and carrying donor cards or a driver’s license, attesting to their commitment of such organs upon their death to those in need, as a part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who gave His life that we might have life in its fullness.”

As you know, the faith community has an opportunity to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of a great many people. Your congregation has the power to Donate Life. We hope you will join us in sharing this important message in November.

Jennifer Knight
Northwest Lions Eye Bank
Montana Regional Director
406-449-6103

National Donor Sabbath Newsletter Article
Letter to Clergy
National Donor Sabbath 2005 Poster
National Donor Sabbath Bulletin Announcements
Sacred Text

OCTOBER 25, 2005
The Clergy Appointment and Parish Appointment Advisory Reports with instructions are available to download. To access the report please click on the resources tab and move your mouse down the list to downloads. Click on the word downloads and you will be taken to a new screen, on this page you will find in the list both reports and instructions. They are in word files and should be compatible with your computers if for some reason you have any problems please contact Kathy Lunder at the conference office at 800-808-0408.

OCTOBER 19, 2005
Cokesbury's Worship Connection will be co-sponsoring a worship conference with the Large Church Initiative, January 17-19, 2006 at First United Methodist Church in Grapevine, Texas. For complete details visit your local Cokesbury Christian Bookstore,
call 1-800-672-1789 or Click Here for Link to Website

OCTOBER 19, 2005
There are now registration forms listing trip expenses and the trip itinerary in the Yellowstone Conference office for Paul's Fourth Missionary Journey with special lectures on the life and ministry of Paul. This adventure will start in New York where you will hop a plane to Athens, Greece.
more...

OCTOBER 17, 2005
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED!

For Children’s Sunday School Teachers
and Youth Ministry Leaders

Saturday, November 5, 2005
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
First United Methodist Church, 406-453-3114
610 2nd Avenue North, PO Box 1444, Great Falls, MT 59403

This workshop is for adults and will focus on children’s and youth ministry for preschool, elementary, middle school and high school age groups. Sessions include Bible storytelling and puppetry, asset building to help kids succeed, using media in Sunday school, multi-dimensional learning and workshop rotation model, youth games and conversation starters. Resource tables and networking opportunities will also be available. Detailed Information is available at all church offices.
Sponsored by Yellowstone UM Conference Christian Education Directors and Pastors.

Bulletin Information
Poster for Display
Registration Form

OCTOBER 11, 2005
Vernon K. Hanks, retired member of the Yellowstone Annual Conference, died in Mesa, Arizona on October 11, 2005.

Vernon joined the conference in 1955, serving Great Falls First for 12 years. He was then chaplain of the Court of Conciliation until his retirement in 1981.

There will likely be a memorial service in Great Falls sometime in late spring or early summer of next year.

Vernon's widow, Viola, may be contacted at: 1597 Leisure World Blvd, Mesa, AZ 85206.

OCTOBER 07, 2005
Montana Association of Churches (MAC) is our statewide ecumenical agency for MT.

INFORMATIONAL BROCHURES ARE LOCATED IN THE CONFERENCE OFFICE. PLEASE CALL KATHY LUNDER 800-808-0408 TO HAVE ONE SENT TO YOU.

The purpose of the Association is to manifest Christian unity by:
Providing a forum for Christian witness and service
Providing an agency of cooperation in programs which member denominations may desire and authorize, without any infringing upon the autonomy of the denominations
Promoting the spirit of ecumenism, cultivating interchurch relations in communities throughout the state, and fostering dialog in the realm of faith and order

WE NEED UNITED METHODIST REPRESENTATION IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS (lay or clergy)

Board of Directors - Member-at-Large --
2-year term begins in October 2005 -- meets twice a year (May & Oct) plus the Annual Assembly in Gt Falls (Oct 24-25 this year)

Faith and Order Commission --
meets twice a year (one-day meetings in Oct & April) plus your presence at the Annual Assembly in Gt Falls.

Faith & Order is:
Ecumenical theological reflection and dialogue
Interfaith relationships
Annual Assembly themes
"In recognition of our common and diverse theological and ecclesial commitments, MAC will work toward growth and appreciation of each other' s traditions in order to embrace our diversity and affirm and celebrate our unity."

If you would be interested in serving the wider church in this important organization, please email Kama Hamilton Morton umc@3rivers.net, ASAP.

Visit the MAC web site at http://www.montana-churches.org/ (FYI -- We have just hired a new Executive Director and the offices are moving from Billings to Helena.)

OCTOBER 04, 2005
On Thursday, Sept. 29, over 300 boxes of items were shipped from Billings to aid in the hurricane relief on the Gulf coast. Thanks to all of the churches that collected health kits and flood buckets. Mike Wilson, a member of Shiloh UMC and owner of Whitewood Trucking in Billings helped coordinate the shipment which will go straight to the Sager-Brown Depot in Louisiana. We were unable to connect with the truck driver from Casper that some of you heard about, and that we were hoping would take items from Yellowstone Conference to Denver to be shipped with items from the Rocky Mountain Conference. I have just talked with Ron Hodges from the Rocky Conference and there is a continuing need for items, especially following Hurricane Rita's destruction last weekend. So even though we have made one shipment of items, there will be other shipments. I also know that there are still kits and buckets and other items scattered around our conference that needs to be shipped out. Here is what I would want. Please call me, David Burt, at 656-0050, or Guy Youngblood at 458-9861 and let us know what you may still have. If possible I would like to have items collected at Holy Conversations in Three Forks in a week and a half and then we can ship them out. (If you are in the Big Horn District you can still bring your items to Billings - call me for details) I apologize for the inconvenience and any confusion (that's why I'm not the head of FEMA) I do appreciate the efforts many of you have made to collect these very needed items for the victims. I have also heard that some of you have people in your churches who wish to travel to the affected areas and help work to rebuild homes, distribute kits, etc. Please contact Jan and Kurt Kaiser, our VIM coordinators at love2trvl@imbris.com and let them work out the details for you. Thank you very much. David Burt

SEPTEMBER 28, 2005
Bob Holmes passed away early Saturday morning on September 24, 2005. His funeral will take place in the new sanctuary at Helena St. Paul's UMC at 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 29th. The following is the obituary for Bob Holmes, which was placed in the Billings Gazette on Monday the 26th.

Rev. Robert M. Holmes

HELENA - The Reverend Dr. Robert M. Holmes, known as Reverend Bob to hundreds of Montanans, died at the age of 80 in the arms of his family and his God Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005.
Rev. Bob was a retired Methodist minister, served St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Helena for many years and was the author of the popular radio and TV series of one-minute "Lifelifters." He was a chaplain of the Helena Police Department for 22 years and Harley-riding chaplain of Rocky Mountain College from 1965-1981. He was a speaker for the Montana Committee for the Humanities Speaker's Bureau for several years.
Bob was born in 1925 in Mitchell, S.D., and graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University, with graduate degrees from Northwestern University, Garrett Theological Seminary and Pacific School of Religion. He was a writer, theologian, musician and arranger, personal counselor to many and political advocate for compassion.
Rev. Bob modeled his life after three heroes: Jesus, Gandhi and Martin Luther King. The attentive compassion of Christ was his model, his strength and the path he followed to his last breath. He leaves this legacy of love and compassion to his wife, Polly; his children, Steve and Beth Garnaas-Holmes, Tim Holmes and Claudia Crase, and Krys Holmes and Charlie Atkins; as well as his seven grandchildren, Dan, Erin and Jonathan Garnaas-Holmes, Tanner, Kyle and Logan Jackson, and Tara Atkins.
A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Memorials in his name are suggested to the St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 505 Logan St., Helena, MT 59601.

Published in the Billings Gazette on 9/26/2005.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
The IRS announced the mileage rate for the rest of 2005 went up from $.405 to $.485 cents per mile. The change is effective September 1, 2005.

SEPTEMBER 08, 2005
The winds have ceased to blow, but the flood waters and the misery remains. Although UMCOR is accomplishing great things, some congregations have indicated that they also want to have a hands-on response to this disaster.

Health and Clean-up Kits:
As you have already heard, the Rocky Mountain Conference is consolidating their collections to minimize the shipping costs. If your congregation is interested in preparing Health and/or Clean-up Kits and would like to participate in a Conference-wide shipment, please contact me, Guy Youngblood or David Burt in Billings. Plans are underway to assemble Health and/or Clean-up Kits, or the material needed to construct them, in Montana, and ship these items in bulk to Englewood, Colorado for transshipment to the UMCOR depot in Baldwin, Louisiana. Although assembled kits are needed, it is far more efficient to ship these kits unassembled.

Items for the kits needed are:
1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27")
1 wash cloth
1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz and up)
1 toothbrush (single brush only in original wrapper; no child-sized brushes)
1 large tube of toothpaste (4.5 or larger, expiration date must be 6 months or
longer in advance of the date of shipment to Sager Brown)
6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

One way to gather and collect these items would be for churches to bring items to their regional District UMW Conferences during the month of September. If that is not possible for your church, please call either David or myself and we will arrange a way to receive your items.

Grace UMC, Billings, has volunteered to act as a central receiving point for central and eastern Montana. Is anyone willing to host a central receiving point for western Montana?

Clean-up Crews:
The West Florida - Alabama Conference is willing to receive and assign crews of volunteers interested in participating in the clean-up. To maximize our contribution and minimize duplicative effort, it seems that a Conference-wide response is the best option. If you are interested in sending crews to the Gulf Coast, please contact me and I will prepare a coordinated/consolidated response for Yellowstone Conference.

These are some of the ideas that have come to mind. If you have additional thoughts of how we may be of service, please contact us by e-mail (subject: YAC disaster response) or telephone.

Blessings,

Guy Youngblood
Disaster Coordinator
P.O. Box 393
Lincoln, MT 59639
(406) 362-3222
lcumc@linctel.net


David Burt
1810 Shiloh Road
Billings, MT 59106
(406) 656-0050
davidwburt@yahoo.com

AUGUST 31, 2005
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I imagine that most of us have seen the images of destruction which accompany the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. To me, they bear an eerie resemblance to the pictures we saw in January following the Indian Ocean tsunami. This time, however, it is our own countrymen and women who are suffering.

UMCOR early response teams, made up of well-trained volunteers, will soon be at work in the affected areas. They represent each of us who call the United Methodist church our spiritual home. As you open yourselves to the presence of God through prayer, I would ask you to remember not only those who have suffered the brunt of the destruction, but also those volunteers from all Christian organizations who are motivated strictly by their love of Christ to put their own lives on hold to help others.

Finally, the outpouring of financial giving to the victims of the tsunami was incredible. I ask you to consider making a similar gift, through your church, to assist with the relief efforts following Katrina. We have repeatedly shown our generosity to disaster victims around the world - let’s show our American brothers and sisters that charity does indeed begin at home.

Your fellow servant in Christ,

Rev. Dave Lillie
Sr. Pastor, First UMC, Laramie, WY
Disaster Response Coordinator for the
Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Conferences

AUGUST 31, 2005
August 31, 2005

Dear Friends,

My heart is heavy, as I know yours is also, as I view the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. The death count is mounting and it may take years for the total destruction to be known, but undoubtedly a multitude of people will have lost almost everything as they fled before the storm or were stranded by it.

I trust you have all read the request made by David Lillie, our Disaster Response Coordinator, the information on how to contribute to UMCOR that Dan O’Neill sent out, and the listing of worship resources for Sunday that Ron Hodges made available for you. I hope you will respond with the same spirit of caring and love that you have exhibited so many times in the past.

I am declaring this coming Sunday, September 4, as A Day of Prayer for all of the United Methodist Churches in the Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone Conferences. It is when we kneel in prayer that we are made strong for the tasks before us.

Many of you have been asking about how to get directly involved in the clean-up