Faith, Hope, Love in Action

Transcription

1 I R O Q U O I S R I V E R D I S T R I C T U M W V O L U M E 8 I S S U E 2 A p r i l INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The Fox Den Spiritual Growth Goings with Towne Treasurer s Update Membership Nurture & Outreach Memorial List & Calendar of Events Social Action Faith, Hope, Love in Action Faith, Hope and Love in Action was the theme of United Methodist Women s Assembly 2010 and has been our mantra since then. Love in Action was very evident at our recent District Spring Meeting hosted by Faith United Methodist Women in Champaign. One hundred Sisters in Christ were in attendance and renewed old acquaintances, met other United Methodist Women, enjoyed the hospitality and friendliness of our hostesses and heard from your district and conference officers. Lunch was so delicious that there were numerous requests for the entrée recipe. The ladies from Faith were kind enough to share and you will find the recipe in this issue on page 9. President Becky Fox presided and welcomed our District Superintendent In-Sook Hwang and our Conference President, Marjorie Stout and Vice President Camille McCaskill. We thank Winnie Crowder of Cunningham Children s Home for her presentation. Very enjoyable special music was provided by Soprano Audrey Vallance accompanied by Dr. Michael Hammer. Keynote speaker Stephanie Sutton presented interesting facts about La Leche League International. Education & Interpretation Cunningham & Lessie Bates Davis NH Program Resources Festival of Quilts cover Once again your response of love gifts for Cunningham and Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House was phenomenal. We thank you! Thank you, United Methodist Women of Faith United Methodist Church for a very enjoyable day! Fellowship time Love certificates to 22 UMW groups Closing circle prayer Speaker Stephanie Sutton and daughter with Vice President Cheryl Towne

2 Page 2 From the Fox Den For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. It is not your own doing, but God's gift. Ephesians 2:8 Our journey with our many gifts is underway for As we travel we see the need of faith, hope and love in action. We have many opportunities to serve in our mission and PURPOSE. The President's Goal Report was put in the President's Packet, which was given out at our Spring Meeting, to help guide, check-off and be ready to report on your year. For an example, the Reading Program, the Response magazine, and the Prayer Calendar can be used in our meetings. We had 22 Love units, 12 Joy units and 3 Hope units awards given at our Spring Meeting. Pick out some goals from 1-17 to work on, plus the section on Extra Stars to report to me before December 1, United Methodist Women have a great way of telling our story to others in the local church newsletter. I have read some which shows we do make a difference in the lives of women, youth and children. The topic possibilities are endless. We help and do so much to change people's lives around the world. Why not share your activities, such as your programs, book reviews, Cunningham Children s Home and Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, prayer shawls, quilts, and of course, our Iroquois River District Meetings as well as our Conference United Methodist Women s meeting. Spread the word. United Methodist Women s Sunday is coming soon. Many will be observing on September 15, 2013 but any Sunday will work. Services are available. POV- ERTY and WOMEN OF THE BIBLE will be on online and available for you to download. If you cannot do this, I have copies of the services. This is another way for us to get out our message to others on what we do. Re-engage yourself for an exciting and enticing journey to energize others as we meet the needs in the world around us. But someone will say, you have faith and I have actions. My answer is, Show me how you can have faith without actions; I will show you my faith by my actions.. James 2:18 Becky Fox, President 203 Misty Cove Savoy, IL fox_rebecca@att.net Spiritual Growth We have celebrated Easter, spring really is here, and now many local UMW groups are finishing up their meeting times until fall. However, there are some groups I discovered who meet all summer long and some choose to meet in the warmer months and take a hiatus in the cold winter season. Whatever your situation I like to look at these upcoming months as times of renewal. At an upcoming UMW meeting try a conversational meditation. Share with one another briefly something each of you do to feel renewed and revitalized. Make a list. Share this list through your newsletter or bulletin board. Challenge others to add to this list and expand the possibilities for all. Then as an individual choose one you haven t used and try it on. Maybe it will be a perfect fit for you! At our district s spring meeting a number of United Methodist Women who had graduated to Heaven over the past months were remembered in a memorial service. The list of those ladies can be found on page 5. Hope to see you at Mission u this August! Pat Davis Spiritual Growth Coordinator 3204 Ridge Park Road Urbana, IL pat@bnpdavis.com

3 Page 3 Goings With Towne LILY ABOUT LILY 1. Any bulbed plant of the genus Lilium, having showy, funnel shaped or bell shaped flowers. 2. Beautiful white flowers linked to chastity; embody joy, hope and inspiration; holiness. 3. Known for purity and holiness; to be lily like is to be of gentle demeanor; to love others with a pure, virginal love. BIBLE VERSES ABOUT LILY 1. I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Song of Solomon 2:1 2 [The pure life of Christ and the valley symbolizes the sinful world he overcame.] 2. And the chapiters were on the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits. And upon the top of the pillars was lily work; so was the work of the pillars finished. 1 Kings 7:19, 22 [As an emblem of purity, rebirth, and eternal life, lilies were used to decorate the pillars of Solomon s temple.] 3. I will be like the dew of Israel; he shall grow as the lily; he will blossom as the lily. Hosea 24:5 [The lily was used as a symbol of perfection and beauty. Because He is merciful, the aim of the Lord s judgments is the perfection of His people and not their destruction.] CHRIST S DIRECTION FOR UNITED METHODIST WOMEN THROUGH LILY Christ s teachings provide directions for United Methodist Women. Faith, hope, and love in action require listening to Christ s teaching and the Bible analogies about examples such as LILY. United Methodist Women are children of God and must find nourishment from the teachings of the Church and in pure company, thoughts, and activities. Hence, United Methodist Women will then begin developing working teaching theories that will encourage and direct individuals who are recipients of mission. UNDERSTANDING AND IMPACT RESULTS FROM LILY United Methodist Women need to understand purity, visualize beauty and holiness through LILY to be able to create methods for enhancing Godly self development, self sustenance, and self satisfaction in the life of others. The results will be a greater level of success for women and youth missions. Cheryl Towne, Vice President 1109 Lake Ridge Road Danville, Illinois Home Cheryl.luann.towne@gmail.com We extend our sympathy and heartfelt prayers to our dear Sister in Christ, Dicksie Blankenship, in the recent loss of her husband, Bill. Dicksie is Iroquois River District s Coordinator of Membership, Nurture and Outreach. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to her at: 999 Route 10 West, Apt. 14 Clinton, IL is a publication of the Iroquois River District United Methodist Women. Editor: Kay McCoy, Communications Coordinator, , mccoy18@comcast.net. is published to report and inform UMW of district and conference programs. For more information visit the Iroquois River District web site ( and click on the UMW link.

4 Page 4 Treasurer s Update Hello Ladies, I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful spring weather we are having. We have just finished with our first quarter, collecting $9, and have a nice start on the second quarter with $1, Thank you for your hard work. I know it takes time to put all of the numbers in the right places so your books will be correct. Our district s pledge for 2014 will be $63, At the Spring Meeting we received an offering which totaled $ This will go towards our pledge for the year. We also collected a free will offering of $ for guest speaker Stephanie Sutton from the La Leche League. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. The more we give to others, the more we experience God s goodness. I would like to ask for prayers. On Monday April 15 th, I will be having surgery to replace both my hips. I m hoping I will be good as new very soon. My children tease me saying, I ll be a bionic woman. Humor is always good. Thank you and God bless you. Thank you again! Nina Holt 181 No E Rankin, IL cell: nlholt55@yahoo.com The Secretary s Notes Hello Ladies! We had a wonderful day at Champaign Faith on March 16. There were 100 ladies in attendance and we were honored to host District Superintendent In- Sook Hwang; Winnie Crowder, Director of Advancement for Cunningham Children s Home; Marjorie Stout, Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMW President; Camille McCaskill, Illinois Great Rivers Conference UMW Vice President; as well as our speaker for the day Stephanie Sutton from the La Leche League. All in all, the meeting was very worthwhile. The sun had forgotten to shine that day but seeing and hearing about the good work the different UMW units had been doing for God throughout the District made the sun shine indoors! Judy Hudgens 978 North Martha s Court Milford, IL judy.hudgens@gmail.com Membership, Nurture & Outreach Dear Members of Iroquois River District United Methodist Women, Do you have someone in your unit that you would like to nominate for 2013 Woman of the Year? If so, please fill out the nomination form found in this newsletter. Tell me what she does to help your unit be a great group. Send the form to me by August 2, The Woman of the Year will be honored at the District Fall Meeting on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Mahomet UMC. Thank you! Dicksie Blankenship Membership, Nurture & Outreach Coordinator 999 Route 10 West, Apt. 14 Clinton, IL d.blankenship@mchsi.com

5 Page 5 Arcola Margaret Biggs Leona Bolles Catlin Dorothy Pate Champaign Faith Helen Brighton Renee Pelfrey Nell Fehrenbacher Judith Cox Violet Yehling Margaret Mike Foutch Champaign First Ruth Foster Edna Witt Ruth Pinzry Matthews Marilyn McCormick Olive Getchius Lucille Starkey Countryside Ruth Saatoff Marge Ward Danville St. James Mary Inman Judy Cox Lois Dazey Willinore Hamilton Edith Spries Barbara McKinzie Hindsboro Marguerite Anderson Mahomet Roxy Lotz Freda Ponder Paxton Mary Rohlfing In Memory Roberts/Thawville Virginia Schuler Rossville Cleta Prillaman Jackie Stump Rhuey Bennett Sullivan Marjorie Carlton Karen Rhoades Doris Haneline Sharon Wicker Maxine Bodamer Marilyn Stubblefield Cleo Hall Tuscola Michelle Lewis Betty Carmack Mary Wetzel Marilyn Michener Urbana Wesley Catherine McClelland Teri Terrell Gertrude Ennis Maude Johns Donna McPherson Villa Grove Clara Peggy Anliker Weedman Betty Swigart Weldon Helen Brighten Ulavon Walters Edna Anderson Date Time Event Location Fri. Aug. 2-Sun. Aug. 4 Sun. Aug 4-Wed. Aug. 7 Calendar of Events Weekend and Weekday Mission U (formerly School of Christian Mission) Northfield Inn, Springfield Sat. Sept. 21 9:00 am-2:00 pm District Fall Meeting Mahomet UMC Sat. Oct. 5 Conference Annual Meeting Quincy Union UMC Sat. Nov. 2 9:00 am-2:00 pm District Personal Growth Seminar/ Officer Update Savoy UMC Fri. Feb. 21-Sat. Feb. 22, 2014 Conference Spiritual Retreat Chatham Sat. March 15, :00 am-2:00 pm District Spring Meeting Champaign First UMC April 24-27, 2014 Assembly 2014 Louisville, Kentucky

6 Page 6 Social Action Earth Day has passed. How do you protect God s creation daily? Do you plant shade trees to reduce yearly cooling costs and make buildings 20 degrees cooler in the summer, lowering energy bills and helping our environment? Bees-farmers-consumers are all linked in our food chain. Save our soil from poisonous chemicals, erosion, garbage and toxic dumps. Buy non genetically modified organisms (GMO), although most seeds have been altered. Look for heirloom seeds that are healthier, more expensive, but unchanged. Are you composting plant waste, egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, tea leaves and bags? Save banana peels to shine shoes or add peel to roasting pan for more tender meat. Repel household insects and soften skin with cucumber peels. Rub a cut potato over mud-stained clothing before laundering. Polish chrome with lemon peels. Ecosystems, communities, and people need to be protected from climate crisis which is the most serious threat facing America s wildlife, according to Climate Scientist Amanda Staudt. in a new book, Wildlife in a Warming World: Confronting the Climate Crisis. Protect plants and animals, be good stewards of God s creation and save our Earth. It s the only planet with chocolate! INFO@DIVINECHOCOLATEUSA.COM lists chocolate clusters with non GMO corn. What better way to honor moms than a gift which helps support poor women in crisis? Shop wisely every day, not just World Fair Trade Day, May 11, in time for Mother s Day. Immigration legislation debated in Congress could be voted on in May. The new law could allow 11 million undocumented immigrants to become legal and cost them $2,000 per person if they have been in the U.S. for 10 years, have no criminal record, and meet other criteria. It could take 13 years for citizenship plus require more fines and fees. Employers would face tougher requirements to check status of workers. New opportunities for high and low -skilled workers and merit visas would encourage talented immigrants to come. This law, the first major immigration legislation in 25 years, has been supported by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and seven other Democrats and Republicans. Domestic violence continues to haunt families daily, as 3 million cases of abuse are reported in the U.S. yearly, while tens of thousands more children are believed to suffer in silence from unreported abuse. In a congressional hearing experts estimated that nearly 10 children die in our country every day as a result of child abuse. April was Child Abuse Prevention Month but shouldn t it be every month? Various organizations sold Blue Kids (silhouette cutouts of children for sponsorship) and pinwheels. Blue is the color of bruises. Physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse of anyone is not in accordance with God s will for his people. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services reported an increase in child abuse in 2012 with 20,490 confirmed cases of neglect/ abuse and 54 confirmed dead. New reports reveal that one fourth of teens are in violent relationships and 50% of all boys raised in domestic violence situations become abusers. Women leave an abusive relationship an average of 7 times before the final separation due to the power and control of the other person. See how you can help at or lgraves@lessiebatesdavis.org for upcoming workshops in Peoria in June about violence, abuse, and human trafficking. UMW can celebrate the signing into law of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and the passing by Congress of it as part of the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These have long been among the UMW Action Alerts. Other good news Google has donated $3 million to launch a global human trafficking hotline More than 23,600 people were victims in Europe during a recent 3 year period. Next to narcotics trade and weapons smuggling, Human Trafficking is one of the most lucrative enterprises. A new California law has more companies taking steps to combat this horrific business. President Obama has outlined plans to Prevent trafficking, Prosecute traffickers, Protect survivors, and Partner with local and state governments, as well as faith-based organizations to end this inhumane practice. Join the fight to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ. Patty Russell Social Action Coordinator 215 Forest Glen Tuscola, IL prussell61953@yahoo.com

7 Page 7 Education & Interpretation "When I couldn't read my destiny was decided by others..but now I can read and my destiny is my own." A former Adult Non Reader "When I learned to read I was finally free." John Zickefoose He was unable to read his child's report card. Juan never attended school. He was born in Mexico. Juan said that if you were rich you got to go to school. If you were poor you have to go to work. His family became migrant workers following the harvests from California, Texas and all the way to Illinois. Juan came to Danville Area Community College to learn to read. "I want to read to my grandchildren." Imagine not being able to: Fill out a job application Follow directions on a medicine bottle Use a telephone book or read a map Read to children or grandchildren Follow a recipe Adult Literacy is a global crisis that affects us all. Names change, but the Mission remains the same: Learning Together for Transformation of the World. Northfield Inn and Suites, Exit 100 B off of Interstate 55 North in Springfield Illinois is gearing up for the invasion of United Methodist Women in August. August 2 nd through August 7 th is the timeframe for both weekend and weekday schools. There are three study areas offered each year: Spiritual Growth Study: The Call Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly Geographic Study: The Roma of Europe 1 out of 5 adults in America has trouble reading or cannot read at all. 14% read at or below fifth grade level. 29% only read at the eighth grade level. Among those with the lowest literacy rates 45% live in poverty. 95% of the state prison inmates are illiterate. 59% of federal prison inmates did not complete high school or can be classified as low literates. Low literacy adds an estimated $230 billion to the country's annual health care costs. Low literacy costs the U. S. more than $225 billion each year in non -productivity in the workforce and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment. Individuals at the lowest level of unemployment have a higher rate of unemployment than the national average. (14.5% in 2011) 16% of the world's population is nonliterate. Two-thirds of those with low literacy skills are women. Uneducated girls are 4 times more likely to have a child before their 19 th birthday. More than 1/2 of the global low literate Mission u Current Issue Study: Poverty Whether you attend the weekend or weekday session, you will go home a changed woman. Not only are United Methodist Women members welcome, but also those who are not yet members. In fact, take time to check with your local unit for information regarding available scholarships. Heck, Mission u doesn t even charge extra for the water exercise class we put together last year. A few of us convinced Pam Socie to be our water exercise leader. She did a fabulous job of getting our blood circulating in the mornings in the population can be found in South and West Asia. Sources: The National Assessment of Adult Literacy; the Bureau of Labor Statistics; the United Nations; USAID 2012; UNESCO Create a world where literacy is recognized as a human right for every person, everywhere. Become an advocate and/or a tutor. Lives change through literacy. You can volunteer at: The Reader's Route, DACC, Danville Lake Land College, MattoonRobinson Public Library Dist., Robinson YWCA Adult Literacy, Pekin Jacque Eicher Mission Coordinator for Education and Interpretation 319 Concord Drive, Danville, IL 61832, glenandjacque@aol.com very nice pool at the hotel. Don t miss out on the most fun and educational event of the summer Mission u register early to save a few dollars and have a better chance of making it into the classes you want before they are full. That s all for now on Mission u, because I need to get my Program Resources bit written next. Be well, think summer, and Mission u formerly the School of Christian Mission. This web page will tell you more. scm/

8 Page 8 Cunningham Children s Home Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 What a great April 12 and 13! The Festival of Quilts 2013 is in the book. Two new things took place this year the cafe and the tours of campus. The Patchwork Café was a success. Lunch was good and there were a lot of desserts. There were 230 more attendees (that is well over 1,000) than last year and 89 people took tours. The official word is that the final count is $48,000 $8,000 more than last year. WOW!!!!! Donations given to Cunningham Children s Home each year is staggering. There were over $50,000 in gifts and gift cards for Christmas and over $5,000 worth of Box Tops at 10 cents a piece. That is an amazing number and most of this comes from United Methodist Women. Spirited Servant certificates are ready and Betty and I would love to present them to you personally. Please call or us for a date. Thirty-two units earned the award from Cunningham this year. Good job, ladies. There are three constants at Cunningham: 1. Things keep changing 2. Children, youth and families have changing needs 3. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ARE ALWAYS THERE.. Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House The Continuum of Life Center is one of the latest buildings acquired by Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House. It is the location of the food pantry which feeds an average of about 16,000 people per month. The rest of the building is used in various ways to assist the homeless. There are computers available to search for jobs as well as contact family. There are showers available and washers and dryers for cleaning clothing. They are also provided meals. Thank you Iroquois River District United Methodist Women! Your Cunningham representatives: Betty Kmoch 2908 Springhill Lane Champaign, IL bettylouisek@sbcglobal.net Bobby Walker 406 W. Diller Broadlands, IL bswalker42@gmail.com Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House Representatives: Linda Grose 1189 Country Club Road Sullivan, IL mikelindagrose@gmail.com The house in the photos will provide housing for men only. At this time there is housing for women and children but not for men in E. St. Louis. They have to cross the river into St. Louis to find housing. When this new house is completely restored it will fill the need for many men. Article by Derik Holtmann, Belleville News- Democrat Pam Socie 1533 County Road 2200 East St. Joseph, IL psocie@gmail.com

9 Page 9 Program Resources What s the first responsibility of my office? Well OK it might not be first, but it is certainly VERY important. Give up? It s to keep track of the reading program participants, make sure they receive certificates for their accomplishments and that their names are listed in the Spring District Meeting program. Can you imagine my horror to find two reports after the March 16 th, 2013 meeting? In addition, one participant is a district officer and the other has served in many capacities over the years. Susan Patterson and Patty Russell, District Officer of Social Action from the Tuscola UMW will receive certificates for completing Plan I. Ladies I offer my sincere apologies at omitting your accomplishments and hope that you continue the great reading. What have you read lately? Did it make you think about how you are spending your days? Are you making good choices day to day? Has God spoken to you lately to check in and maybe give you a pep talk? How do we know exactly what he wants? My Mother in Law says that he is always the one pushing the buttons even when we think that we are in total control. Control is my area of expertise! If I can t do it all and do it my way, I m a mess. That s my struggle, and I m sticking to it. Trouble is I need to give it up to the Lord. I have no trouble giving away money, things, and time. But when it comes to my struggles, I just can t let go and let the one who knows best take care of them for me. That s when a good book helps with my dilemma. Other times, just hearing the girls talk about different books they have read helps loosen my grip just a bit. What s on your mind? You don t have any struggles in your life do you? Really? Why don t you try a good book? Update: The first encounter with our new resource center was not exceptional, but they are trying to get their act together. I will continue to pursue items that are needed and share them with you as soon as they are available. In the meantime, how is the book sharing coming along? Are you ladies visiting other units and borrowing books from them? If that isn t working out for you, here is another option courtesy of our conference book lady, Joan Lawrence. The Rolling Prairie Library System has these Reading Program Books available: EFM: How Coffee Saved My Life, Rubble Nation ; LD: Outcasts United, This Will Be Remembered of Her ; NFC: Every Day is a Good Day, Mind on the Run ; SA: In Our Backyard, The Power of Half ; SG: In From the Wilderness, Praying for Strangers, Reluctant Pilgrim, Signs of Life ; LP: I Am Hutterite, Plain Wisdom, One Simple Act. See you at the next United Methodist Women gathering, which could be anywhere. Barb Rascher Secretary of Program Resources 802 E. Larmon St. Tolono, IL cell: rascher@illinois.edu Chicken Divan Recipe Courtesy of Faith UMW 1 pkg. of Tyson cut up chicken breasts 2 10 oz. frozen broccoli spears or cut up pieces 2 cans of cream of chicken soup 1 cup of mayonnaise 1 t. lemon juice 1/2 t. curry powder 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.) 1/2 cup of soft bread crumbs 1 T of melted butter or margarine Defrost broccoli. Grease 9 x 13 or 10 x 14 inch pan. Place broccoli on bottom evenly and place cut up chicken on top. Mix next 4 ingredients together and pour over top. Sprinkle with cheese and then bread crumbs that have been tossed in butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Serves 6 to 7. If you want to make ahead you can, but don t put bread crumbs on until ready to bake. Enjoy!

10 Iroquois River District UMW Savoy United Methodist Church P. O. Box 65 Savoy, IL NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID SAVOY IL PERMIT NO. 48 Address Service Requested Festival of Quilts 2013 Best of Show Sherry Fourez Cattails in the Meadow Best Hand Quilted Bed Quilt Pam Socie Reflections Best Baby Quilt Dorothy Kipling Mommy and Me Baby Steps Best Machine Quilted Bed Quilt Dorothy Kipling Loreli Dogs Larger images of these beautiful quilts can be viewed at Cunningham Children s Home website then click on Events. Best Antique Quilt Marcia Riggs Grandma s Garden Flower Quilt