Latest / Connections Briefing / The Connection Briefing | October 28, 2026

Transcript

The Connection Briefing | October 28, 2026 · Connections Briefing

• 0:01
  SPEAKER_00: Hey, Kentucky Conference.
• 0:03
  SPEAKER_00: I'm Kim Keller, Director of Communications.
• 0:06
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome to the Connection Briefing.
• 0:15
  SPEAKER_00: Every other week, I'll share some highlights from the Connection, our email newsletter.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: It's a quick way to catch up on what's happening across our conference and find resources and opportunities that might be helpful to you and your church.
• 0:30
  SPEAKER_00: Today we're sharing highlights from the connection that was delivered to Inboxes on October 28th.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: The email will have links and details about everything you hear today.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: You can also find it on our conference homepage at kyumc.org.
• 0:47
  SPEAKER_00: So let's get started.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_00: First up is a final reminder about Good Samaritan grants.
• 0:55
  SPEAKER_00: These grants support ministry with priority given to new initiatives.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: If your church has been preparing an application, be sure to finish it and get it submitted.
• 1:06
  SPEAKER_00: You'll find the application information in the connection.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: Also this week, we're continuing to introduce staff who have taken on new roles within the conference.
• 1:16
  SPEAKER_00: This time, we hear from Michael Rojas, our Hispanic Ministries coordinator.
• 1:22
  SPEAKER_00: Michael also serves at Butchell United Methodist Church, where people from many cultures worship and serve together.
• 1:30
  SPEAKER_00: He begins his article with a question, Who are our neighbors and what can we learn from them?
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: That question guides his approach to this new role.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: He wants to listen to Hispanic congregations and their leaders, understand their gifts and dreams, and strengthen connections across the conference.
• 1:51
  SPEAKER_00: Michael also reminds us that Hispanic ministries have much to offer the whole church.
• 1:58
  SPEAKER_00: His article shares some of his own journey and how churches can become partners in this work.
• 2:04
  SPEAKER_00: I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it.
• 2:07
  SPEAKER_00: We also have an update about youth ministry.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_00: A conference team is listening and exploring how we can support young people and those who walk alongside them.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: Planning and fundraising are underway for events in 2027 and 2028.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_00: Winter Blitz will remain on pause in 2027 as that work continues.
• 2:29
  SPEAKER_00: The team is considering what future gatherings could look like and how they can meet young people's needs today.
• 2:37
  SPEAKER_00: There are opportunities to connect in the meantime, including experiences at our camps.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_00: A youth gathering around annual conference next June is also being planned.
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: And you can help shape what comes next.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_00: The article includes an invitation to connect with Shannon Boaz if you'd like to be part of this work.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_00: And here's an important reminder for HealthFlex participants.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: Annual election for your 2027 benefits is now open and continues through November 12th.
• 3:09
  SPEAKER_00: Pay particular attention this year if you're enrolled in the H2500 or C3000 Medical Plan.
• 3:17
  SPEAKER_00: Neither will be offered in 2027, so you'll want to review your options.
• 3:23
  SPEAKER_00: The conference annual election webpage has information and decision tools to help.
• 3:28
  SPEAKER_00: You'll find the link in the newsletter.
• 3:32
  SPEAKER_00: And now for a quick rundown of the other announcements in this week's issue.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: United Methodist leaders gathered in Calgary last week to pray and explore the church's future.
• 3:45
  SPEAKER_00: Participants developed 16 recommendations, and a UM News article explains what emerged.
• 3:52
  SPEAKER_00: You'll also see a photo of participants from the Kentucky, Central Appalachian Missionary, and Tennessee Western Kentucky Conferences.
• 4:02
  SPEAKER_00: The final anti-racism training session of 2026 is this Monday, November 2nd at Hansen UMC.
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_00: Active clergy who haven't completed their required training should make plans to attend.
• 4:16
  SPEAKER_00: Laity are welcome too.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_00: Clergy women and women discerning a call to ministry are invited to a day of fellowship and encouragement on November 10th at Frankfurt First UMC.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: Young adults, ages 18 through 35, can join a virtual Bible study offered by the Kentucky and Central Appalachian Missionary Conferences.
• 4:40
  SPEAKER_00: It meets every other Monday on Zoom.
• 4:43
  SPEAKER_00: And our camps have several opportunities coming up.
• 4:47
  SPEAKER_00: LuCon's Life Beyond Loss retreat is November 20th through November 22nd.
• 4:53
  SPEAKER_00: Aldersgate and Adventure UMC will host a Christmas retreat December 4th through 6th, followed by LuCon's Christmas camp for grades 6 through 12, December 11th through 13th.
• 5:06
  SPEAKER_00: You'll find details and registration links for all these in the connection.
• 5:12
  SPEAKER_00: And finally, it's charge conference season.
• 5:15
  SPEAKER_00: This week's newsletter includes photos from a recent South District gathering.
• 5:20
  SPEAKER_00: These annual meetings help churches review their ministry and prayer prepare for the year ahead.
• 5:26
  SPEAKER_00: They're also a chance to celebrate what God is doing.
• 5:29
  SPEAKER_00: To the clergy and lay leaders preparing reports and taking part in those conversations, thank you.
• 5:37
  SPEAKER_00: Your time and care help our churches carry out their ministry.
• 5:43
  SPEAKER_00: You can find all this information, along with links and registration details in the October 28th edition of the Connection in your email inbox.
• 5:53
  SPEAKER_00: If you're not already subscribed, you can find the latest edition on our conference homepage at kyumc.org.
• 6:01
  SPEAKER_00: You can subscribe there too.
• 6:04
  SPEAKER_00: Thanks for listening to the Connection Briefing.
• 6:06
  SPEAKER_00: I'll be back in two weeks with more news and opportunities from across the Kentucky Conference.
• 6:12
  SPEAKER_00: Take care.