Legacy Newsletter Central Massachusetts United Methodist Women HAPPY NEW YEAR! January 2019

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1 Legacy Newsletter Central Massachusetts United Methodist Women HAPPY NEW YEAR! January 2019 Thoughts from our NEW President Hello Ladies! I would like to introduce myself, my name is Janice DiTullio and I am your new District President. I am honored to have this opportunity to work with all you wonderful ladies as we continue the great legacy of UMW! My home church is Wilmington United Methodist Church and our unit is a fairly active one. I am excited about 2019 and the potential of continued mission work for women, children and families. I hope to have the opportunity to visit each of the units in our District. If you have an event or function that you would like me to attend please contact me or anyone on the District team. We are all doing wonderful works and I feel they need to be highlighted more. The year 2019 has special significance in that it is the 150 th anniversary of the UMW! What an amazing accomplishment! One hundred and fifty years of helping women, children and families and in so many different ways. We have been side by side on the picket line, we have been there rebuilding what storms and turmoil have destroyed, we have taught the younger generation to be the leaders so needed as we go forward. We have that and so much more to be proud of about the UMW. There are festivities happening at Boston University this March 23 rd. Please watch for future announcements or feel free to contact me if you would like any information. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this caring organization. I thank you for your support through your mission giving, and the sharing of your time and talents. Peace, Janice DiTullio jdjhd@aol.com Go Get Em words from Sherry Anne United Methodist Women is a sisterhood of grace comprising women of all ages and backgrounds, a community of women giving, mentoring, reaching out and growing within. We see needs we can meet and then figure out how to best meet them. We transform ourselves as we transform the world in a beautiful circle that has lasted since It s impossible to know how many lives United Methodist Women members have changed the families and communities transformed via scholarships granted, community center outreach, abusive relationships ended, trafficking thwarted, mistreatment reformed, privilege and racism exposed, education offered, livelihood training and opportunities given. While we serve the women, children, and youth in our pews and neighborhoods we also advocate on behalf of women, children and youth everywhere. We groups of women, large or small, gathered across the country and world are together part of something bigger than ourselves as we do God s work. Keep telling your story. - from Response magazine, October This is the beginning of a brand new year! If you have not done much in your UMW group, now is a good time to make a change. Join in, participate, educate yourself by attending meetings/programs and reading good books in our Reading Program, pray for your women and for others, take advantage of the many new opportunities out there to make a change and a difference, offer your assistance with tasks of any size.don t wait to be asked! If you are active in your group, keep up the good work! What you accomplish can make a difference, even if you do not see results in the short term. Whether a small UMW or a larger one, stay strong and active. So much for my pep talk! Your District Team is rooting for you and your group to have a great 2019! Go Get Em, UMW!! Sherry Anne Bryant, Program Chairperson

2 Thank you I want to say thank you for all the prayers, cards and well wishes that you sent my way during my recent heart surgery. It was a personally challenging ordeal and without your caring support it would have been much, much more difficult. Knowing that you were praying for me and for a successful outcome, helped my spirits and emotions during a difficult time. I am looking forward to 2019 and continued good health! Thank you again to all the prayer warriors-- it meant the world to me. Janice DiTullio Spiritual Growth Random Thoughts It has been 100 years since women were given the vote. I laughed out loud when I typed that. Given? Those women earned every vote that we cast. I feel great gratitude when I vote. It has been 150 years since the creation of what would be in United Methodist Women. Again I feel awe and gratitude for these women. Think of all the struggle that we did not have to take part in. Aha! There are still struggles and still causes. We have a role right now. God did not just create man but women as well. We are equal but we are different. That s my opinion. I am reading a book entitled The Saturday Evening Girls Club. It is written about women in the North End of Boston just before the vote was given. The club really did exist and there is some inspiration to be gathered. One of the quotes cited is We all came from the same kneaded dough but we are not all baked in the same oven. Now there is a thought for discussion but we can take that on over lunch at the next District Meeting. My point is we are here as these girls were, as the suffragettes were and as those first supporters of female missionaries were for a reason. How will we be remembered? Will someone write a book about our corner of the United Methodist Women s world? It would be interesting. Bless all of you my sisters in Christ and I hope to see you at our next District Meeting. Susan Carney Book Review Happy Holidays to you all. My year came to a close as the Secretary for the Central Mass District of UMW in December Amy Bruns steps up to be your new Secretary in Welcome Amy! I will assume the responsibility of Treasurer for the Central Mass District in January of You will be hearing from me early in We will LEARN together a new area of UMW (new to me anyway). I continue to assume the responsibility of Program Resources, the UMW Reading Program for Fisk Church in Natick and would like to share a short overview of one of the books for this new reading season. "The Same Sky" is on your list of books for I would like to recommend it highly as a good read. It's two stories in one book, that end up intersecting towards the end of the book. It toggles back and forth between Alice in Texas who is in a loving marriage, but desperately feels something is missing, she wants a baby and it has not been an easy road. She & her husband own a barbecue restaurant, and it's so very interesting to hear how the whole barbecue process works, along with Alice's story. On the other side of the pages is a young girl, Carla, in Honduras, whose mother has left her and her brother for America. Their grandmother is bringing them up, and then she dies, which puts young Carla in charge of her 6 year old brother. I was not able to put the book down as I was concerned constantly about how? and if Carla was going to get out of Honduras as things became more and more violent and dangerous. Her story was heartbreaking as she tries to make her way to her mother in the States. But she is a survivor. If you want a book that will keep you interested to see what the next page brings, this is your book. Alice and Carla really have compelling stories to tell us. Blessings for a Happy and Healthy New Year Terry Ames, Central Mass District Treasurer

3 Program Resources UMW Reading Program Program Resources Believe it or not, the end of the year is fast approaching and, with it, the deadline for submitting the names of those ladies who have qualified for reading awards for These awards will be presented in the spring of 2019 at our annual Spring Gathering. In order to qualify for a Reading Certificate you'll need to read one book in each of the five categories and read articles in Response magazine (you can find it online if your church doesn't subscribe). This is for Program I. For Program II, it is 2 books in each category. For Program III, 2 books in each category plus 5 additional books from any category you choose and so on, adding 5 more books for each step. Please send all your completions to me by January 31, You can contact me. Even if you can't do quite that much reading right now, I encourage you to take a look at the UMW book list (if your group doesn't have a copy, you can find it on line) and try one out. It might lead to 5, 10 or even 15 for next year. And be sure to check out the new list for There are a lot of exciting new choices for the New Year. The snowy days ahead are a great time to get a jump on those reading awards! A blessed new year to all! Judy Rachdorf, Program Resources or jrachdorf@verizon.net. JOIN THE TEAM What does it mean to be part of THE TEAM? What TEAM? Central MA District UMW Team. You will become part of the planning team to discuss topics, locations and ideas for our meetings. You become a support to other groups. You become a sister to some new women. You are answering God s call to serve. You will have lots of laughs and fun. We have training for you also. Maybe even travel to a warm place in the winter! You will educate yourself and others while doing Mission work in His Name. Call Janice, Ginger or Heather SAVE THE DATE Central MA District UMW Spring Meeting May 4, 2019 Wesley UMC in Worcester MARK THE DATE and WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS DATES *2018 Mission Today forms due NOW to Heather *Reading List for 2018 due NOW to Judy *All funds for 2018 should have been turned in!! *Send your officers names and addresses to Amy March 23, th Celebration in Boston May 4, 2019 Spring 2019 Our District Meeting Wesley UMC in Worcester Mission u July 2019 Conference UMW Meeting October 26, th Celebration! Join the United Methodist Women for a birthday celebration of 150 years and counting in the city where the UMW began: Boston. Among the exhibits will be the historic stained glass windows from the Tremont St. Methodist Episcopal Church, where the UMW was founded. 4 Hosted by the New England Conference UMW, the Conference Commission on Archives & History and Boston University School of Theology, the day's events will include dynamic speakers, entertaining re-enactments, worship, fellowship, and more. 4 The day includes breakfast and lunch. Registration deadline is Feb. 1, 2019 and space is limited, so don't delay. More information: Leeda Marsh leedam@aol.com Registration Form elsewhere in this newsletter

4 Elected Officers Central Massachusetts District United Methodist Women 2019 Mission Team President Janice DiTullio 58 Middlesex Ave Wilmington MA Secretary---Amy Bruns 105 Walnut St. Natick MA Treasurer---- Terry Ames 2 Lakeshore Road Natick MA amesterry61@gmail.com Nominating Committee Chair---- Appointed Team members Sherry Anne Bryant 54 Moore Rd Wayland MA Chairperson/Program Committee sherryannebryant@yahoo.com Heather Busa 11 Farwood Rd. Tewksbury MA Education & Interpretation hmsb51@aol.com Membership Nurture & Outreach Belinda Scott 26 Marquette St. Gardner MA Social Action Belinda1450@yahoo.com Susan Carney 46 Charles St Natick MA Spiritual Growth susanjcarney@gmail.com Judy Rachdorf 26 Deming Way Wilmington MA Program Resources jrachdorf@verizon.net Ginger Livingstone 19 Ravine Rd. Wayland MA Program Committee Glivingstone7@gmail.com Barbara Beekman 52 North Main St. Apt. #1 Natick MA Program Committee tbjbeekman@yahoo.com Martha Wolfe 520 Manning St. Jefferson MA Program Committee loonbasketii@verizon.net Conference connection: Sherry Culver 20 Vernon Rd. Natick MA Conference UMW Vice President sherrycd@comcast.net Save this sheet for reference, our help and UMW related questions. We are here for YOU.

5 Renewing the Covenant with God The New Year is upon us. I don t make New Year s resolutions. They are quickly forgotten. Each year, I renew my covenant with God. With each new beginning, I take comfort in the words from A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition (UMH #607). These words, this sentiment, are true to the heart of resolutions and renewal. I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, Exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, Let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. These words carry different meanings each year I read them and renew my faith. Each year we grow and change. Our faith walk may carry us on to a different path. We encounter Jesus daily in different ways, through different people. Each one of us is at one time each line of this prayer. Heavenly Father, as we move into another year, continue to be all that we need. Let us see your son in every face we meet. Remind us to share all that we are and all that we have. We have experienced the birth of our savior. It is time, like the shepherds, to share the good news, to travel in faith like the magi, and to treasure up all these things and ponder them in our hearts like Mary. By Sharon Priddy---Sharon is the president of United Methodist Women response, an award-winning publication, is the official magazine of United Methodist Women and is published by the national office. Each issue will touch your heart, stir your soul, and challenge your mind. Topics and issues cover spiritual growth, mission outreach and reports on our local, national and international work. response features include: Bible studies opportunities for spiritual growth and development program suggestions articles on where the Pledge to Mission money goes regular features such as "Bright Lights" and "Responsively Yours" response helps United Methodist Women reach out to: New and potential members of United Methodist Women Every woman in your church who is committed to mission and welfare of women, youth, and children High school and college students, especially the young women in your congregation Sunday school teachers who can share response mission stories with all ages Leaders in your congregation, including your pastor, who knowing more about women's role/church's mission outreach OUR PURPOSE United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

6 This newsletter is our primary means of communication with you. We prefer , but do mail many copies if that works best for you, make sure we have your correct address. Your President and Treasurer (and your church office/pastor) should be receiving this also. Check with them and let Amy know. WHAT? Chevron Corporation is the second biggest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world since It one of the top 10 producers of natural gas globally, and its production is only increasing. In a 2017 special edition of Disclosing the Facts report about methane, Chevron substantially lagged behind its peers in efforts to reduce methane leaks and in its reporting of methane emissions. DONE? In May United Methodist Women members delivered almost 2,000 letters and met with Chevron staff pressing them to sign on to Reducing Methane Emissions Across the Natural Gas Value Chain guiding principles and reduce leaks across the supply chain. We are pleased to learn that Chevron has signed on, and with recent attempts at federal methane reduction rollbacks, we urge Chevron to act on their commitments. In particular, guiding principle #4 states: to advocate sound policies and regulations on methane emissions. NOT FINISHED! Tell Chevron to Plug the Leaks Now! Write to the new CEO of Chevron Mike Wirth, urging that Chevron take important steps towards fixing their leaks, supporting sound methane regulations, stopping new natural gas projects, and investing in renewable energy. Much more information on the web site. Check it out! Climate Change is one of our major emphases and Climate Change is connected. THE LIST of challenges is included in this newsletter. The List tells you what you need to accomplish, with your members, during the calendar year to become a MISSION TODAY group. It is important! It is good! It is easy! Just look over the challenges and you may find you are doing many of those items anyway. Now you can get credit for them. The list is also a great planning tool. Use it when planning your meetings and try to fulfil as many challenges as you can. Check them off! Send the form to Heather by the end of the year However, if you have completed the challenge this year (2018) send it to her NOW for recognition in May Your sister in Christ, Heather Busa--District Education and Interpretation Greetings from the Incoming District Secretary Hello and God s great blessings to all; I am looking forward to serving this wonderful worldwide organization of United Methodist Women as a district officer. Who am I? I am a member of my local Fisk UMW group and a member of our newly-formed Joyful Joannas circle. As a recently retired elementary educator (38 rewarding years), I am a person who is also very busy in retirement. I continue my passion for education in a number of ways. I love serving as a volunteer and substitute teacher for an adult ESL program in Framingham. And, as the Education Chairperson at Fisk UMC, I am currently looking ahead to our VBS in June which is a joyfully growing program. In addition, I play guitar, and I sing, while also serving on the boards of two local musical groups and of course, I sing in our church choir. I look forward to working on the district board and to sharing the blessings of service with all United Methodist Women. Amy Bruns

7 2019 Requirements for a Mission Today Organization Gold Group Complete 8 of the top 13 and another 8 from those numbered Silver Group Complete 6 of the top 13 and another 6 from those numbered Bronze Group Complete 4 of the top 13 and another 4 from those numbered The local organization will: 1. Conduct at least one educational program related to the Environment (Green issues) and/or Climate Justice 2. Conduct a program that addresses one of the remaining three Emphases-Economic Inequality, Maternal & Child Health or Criminalization of Communities of Color and Mass Incarceration 3. Conduct or have at least one person attend Mission u or a One Day Mission u. (other than a Conf. or District officer) 4. Contribute funds to be a 5 Star Group (give to all five areas of Mission Giving) 5. Add at least two new members to your membership rolls. 6. Promote Mission u and offer scholarships for attendees 7. Plan a Spiritual Retreat or Day Apart for the local women or participate in such a retreat 8. Conduct a program or implement the Charter for Racial Justice in at least one way during the year 9. Promote our history and support the LEGACY FUND 10. Support financially or in-kind to the Hattie B. Cooper Community Center (only National Mission Institution in N. E.) 11. Use the Prayer Calendar at each unit meeting and pray for those in mission 12. Include a Response Moment at each meeting an article from Response is used tell the mission story 13. Read or sing the United Methodist Women s PURPOSE at each unit meeting. **************************************************************************************************************************** 14. Have at least 2 members (other than a district or conf. officer) attend the Conference UMW Annual Meeting. 15. Plan and participate in a United Methodist Women s Sunday 16. Have at least one member join the UM Women s Action Network and respond to legislative issues (3 times) 17. Correspond with five (5) persons listed in the Prayer Calendar 18. Co-sponsor with the local church a Children s Sabbath (information at Children s Defense Fund) 19. Have at least three women participate in the Reading Program 20. Have at least two members subscribe to Response Magazine 21. Have at least two people attend a District meeting (not including District or Conf. officers) 22. Have at least 2 women volunteer at a local Food Bank, feeding program, women s shelter etc. that supports women and children 23. Use at least two programs or themes from the Program Book for your group meetings 24. Make available scholarships to Mission u for young women ages Conduct a meeting in which two books from the Reading Plan are reviewed and/or discussed by a group. Throughout the year check off the completed requirements and next December send this completed form to: Heather Busa 11 Farwood Rd Tewksbury MA hmsb51@aol.com (Your District E&I Coordinator) Church name Local group President s name Town or city where the church is located Submitted by Revised January 2017

8 Maternal and Child Health in 2019 Health care for women and children is at the heart of United Methodist Women today, and has been since the organization was founded in the 1800 s. In 1869, Dr. Clara Swain was sent to Bareilly, India, to provide quality medical care to women. She has been called the "pioneer woman physician in India, as well as the "first fully accredited woman physician ever sent out by any missionary society into any part of the non-christian world." Our foremothers made the choice to act to save women s lives. They chose to build hospitals and clinics, to train women and girls to serve as doctors and nurses, and to send missionaries to initiate the work. Today, United Methodist Women continues to support the health and family needs of women and children around the globe. Women are still dying in childbirth, children continue to die from preventable diseases, and many communities have no access to healthcare. From Latin America to Africa to Asia, United Methodist Women works with women worldwide to address: Access to healthcare Educational opportunities in medical fields Child protection Crisis ministries for women who are victims of violence at home or during periods of war and conflicts Reproductive health family planning, cancer screening, healthy childbirth Advocacy for equity in law and services for women and children Informal educational workshops on healthy living for teens at risk, lactating mothers who are HIVpositive, mothers who need new ideas on nutrition, and basic health, hygiene and disease prevention Trauma and mental health counseling In the U.S., a number of community centers in our network of national mission institutions provide maternal health services to improve access to care for underserved populations. Services include: Pre-natal and postpartum care Baby supplies Parenting support Shelter and legal services Health care Many of our deaconesses and home missioners live their calling to ministries of love, justice and service by working as health care professionals. They work as: Parish nurses Research nurses Physicians Community health directors Volunteer coordinators

9 Join the Birthday Celebration 150 Years and Counting Saturday, March 23, 2019 Hosted by: New England Conference United Methodist Women, Commission on Archives & History, Boston University School of Theology Guest Speakers: Harriett Olson (UMW CEO), Pat Thompson (NEC Historian), Dana Robert (BUSTH), and Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar (NEC) Celebrate: fun, fellowship, worship, remember our history, share our stories, and hear about our future Highlights: See stained glass windows from the Tremont St. Methodist Episcopal Church (our birthplace). Learn more about our founders and first missionaries. See exhibits of our founding and history in Boston. What you need to know: Outside walking will be required between venues (approximately 1/4 mile). Access to buildings requires some steps or outside entry ramps. Space is limited. Reservations are required (no walk-ins allowed): Reservations will be honored on a first received basis by envelope cancellation and must be mailed prior to Friday, February 1st. To make reservations, mail this form with a nonrefundable fee of $ per person to: Marcia Hoyt, 8 Bacon Street, Natick, MA Make checks payable to NECUMW All reservations will be confirmed via or phone. 150th Birthday Registration Form (all information required use separate forms or a list) Name Mailing Address (City, State, Zip) Address Phone number Special/allergy Food Issues: Childcare needed? Name/Ages of children (Childcare will NOT be available unless child is registered)

10 Additional Important Information (More detailed information will be sent to registered attendees) Registration deadline is February 1st Meals: Saturday - Breakfast (Continental) and Lunch are provided and included in registration fee. All other meals are on your own. This is a great opportunity to enjoy Boston restaurants. Offering: There will be an offering taken for the Legacy Fund during the event. Checks should be made payable to United Methodist Women. Please write The Legacy Fund in the memo section of your check. Lodging (including hotel parking): On your own. There are no hotels on campus, but a few are nearby. Many hotels in the Boston area are near the MBTA system (see Transportation below) and taxi service is usually available. For the hotels closest to BU, check out or for hotels in the Fenway Park area. Transportation to BU venues: On your own. We will be using venues near Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) at 745 Commonwealth Avenue at the intersection with St. Mary s Street. The venues are located on the Boston MBTA (Green Line/BC) System ($1.75 each way) note that the stop near the venues is above ground with no protection from weather. Parking (indoor) is available near the venue. Cost will be approximately $17 for the day. More information will be provided with registration confirmation. You are invited to wear period costume, if desired. Stay longer and go sightseeing: Check out or for nearby destinations and opening information. For further information contact Leeda Marsh at or LeedaM@aol.com.