A newsletter for the United Methodist Women of the New Hampshire District of the New England Conference. A Message from our President -Linda Theriault

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1 NORTHERN LIGHTS Fall 2016 A newsletter for the United Methodist Women of the New Hampshire District of the New England Conference New Hampshire District A Message from our President -Linda Theriault ISAIAH 1:17 LEARN TO DO GOOD: SEEK JUSTICE, CORRECT OPPRESSION: BRING JUSTICE Purpose of United Methodist Women The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Programming Help How do you plan for your meetings? What types of meetings do you have? Want new ideas? 1. United Methodist Women have four emphases for each quadrennial. Look at those when you are planning your programs. a. Maternal and Child Health b. Climate Justice c. Racial and Gender Justice d. Economic Inequality 2. Use the Program Book available from UMW 3. Look at the Mission Today Form (your Unit President should have a copy) and look for things you can do and check off. 4. Use the Prayer Calendar lots of mission ideas, Mission personnel etc. ~Pat Neal, NH UMW District Education Chair Today s world is so small...everything seems so close. The world s turmoil seems right at our front door. Today we need information, a circle of good people around us and an understanding of how to reach out to our neighbors in time of crisis. Don t miss our fall meeting September 24 at Christ United Methodist Church, Lancaster that will include a special focus on: TO THE FATHERLESS, PLEAD THE WIDOW S CAUSE. a presentation on the difficult topic of God not Guns being presented by our new Social Action Chair, Pam Perdue. an eye-opening report by Pam Aldrich about her mission trip to Costa Rica that we voted to support at our spring meeting....a special half hour music presentation in the afternoon featuring Pastor Rick Boyden and church organist Harry Hikel. and so much more that you can read about in this newsletter. Our Ingathering offering will go to the Lancaster Food Bank (see page 7 for list of suggestions) and our Communion offering to: the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Note: if you plan to write a check please make it out to: NHUMW with a comment on the memo line Brady Center Donation. Lancaster UMW has the red carpet ready for our arrival. I hope you all can be there for a day of empowerment. Up Coming Hopefully, Events the fall foliage will be bright and colorful making for a great trip up to Lancaster. I know our program with be worth the trip. SEE YOU THERE! ~Linda UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, September 24, 2016 NH-UMW District Fall Meeting Faith Hope Love in Action 9:00am 2:30pm Christ UMC -- Lancaster (Registration Form, page 7) Saturday, October 22, 2016 New England UMW Conference Annual Meeting Fisk UMC -- Natick, MA (Registration Form, Page 4) Spring 2017 NH-UMW District Meeting St. James UMC -- Merrimack, NH Fall 2017 NH-UMW District Fall Meeting Lebanon UMC -- Lebanon, NH

2 Christ United Methodist Church 135 Main Street, Lancaster, NH Handicap Accessible NH UMW District Fall Meeting Saturday, September 24, :00am to 2:30pm Faith, Hope, Love in Action Page 2 Photo credit: Majestic Photos of New England Registration Form and Driving Directions - Page 7 Pam Perdue, newly appointed NH UMW District Social Action Chair, will present us with information about how women of faith can have an impact on reducing gun violence in our communities as she speaks on the topic, God Not Guns. Guns are a touchy subject for us women of faith and we re not sure how to jump into the conversation. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers but how can we do this during a time of increased violence across the nation. As Pam presents her topic, God not Guns, let us be in a place of prayer United Methodist Women -- bonded together so that we can continue to learn how to answer God s call to be peacemakers in these times of a troubled nation. Part of Pam s presentation will focus on how we as individuals and our faith communities can have an impact on stopping gun violence. Walk with us, Lord, as we answer your call to be peacemakers. Increase our compassion, our generosity and our hospitality for the least of your children. Give us the courage, the patience, the serenity, the self-honesty and the gentleness of spirit that are needed in a world filled with turmoil and terror. Amen. Part of a prayer posted on Glocal Christianity Website "Glocal" is a hybrid word, made up of global and local. Pam Aldrich to Share Mission Trip Adventure. During our Spring Meeting, our Special Offering supported Pam's mission trip to Costa Rica. This offering purchased classroom materials for the class being taught by the team members. The team worked alongside community members on a variety of service projects. Having now returned, Pam is eager to share this life altering trip with us at our Fall Meeting. Myra Emerson, Head of the Lancaster Food Bank and Toni Farnham, President of Christ s UMW Unit will speak about their efforts to reach those in need in their community through a two part program: The Lancaster Community Cupboard and the Community Cupboard Kitchen Table. Our fall ingathering offering will be focused on personal care donations. The NH Food Bank does not often have items such as this available and the food pantry s minimal budget does not allow for purchasing them. These suggested items (see bottom of page 7 for list) are so appreciated by clients served. A necessity to us is often a luxury item to them. Remember the Legacy Fund. Celebrate the dedication and foresight of our foremothers in mission as we lead up to our 150th anniversary in 2019 by giving to the Legacy Fund. Information about where to donate: Page Page 2 2

3 An Experience to Remember - Attending the UMW Jurisdictional Meeting in Syracuse, NY ~Sharon Parker, NH UMW District Secretary I attended my first big UMW Jurisdictional Meeting in Syracuse, NY this past June It was a thrill to sing and worship with 515 UMW women from the Northeast USA. A Fresh Wind Blowing was the theme which reminded us that change is coming to our organization. The specifics of that change were not spelled out, but we must be ready for new developments and new organization. Executive Director Harriet Olsen told us that God was in the process of doing something new. God will blow away the clutter. Different issues may come before us but we will still support women and children around the world. The conference stressed the inclusion of young women and we elected a 19 year old to the Jurisdiction Board of Directors along with the other dynamic officers. The outgoing officers had worked hard to create a spirit-filled conference. They hired IMAGE, a Methodist praise band from Brooklyn, to lead us in singing and in entertaining us one evening with popular songs from our youth. They found inspiring speakers and Bishops to move us with sermons and communion. They challenged us again and again to give generously to The Legacy Fund and to our missions. By the end of our gathering, we had given $15, 000 to The Legacy Fund and $5,100 to our missions. Our ingathering of 1866 books would to be given to the Syracuse Public Schools. The Ubuntu experiences were special. Some of us stayed at the conference hall and attended a workshop on Finding Time for God and Self ; some read to children in Syracuse Public Schools, and some of us visited the Thrift Stores of the Syracuse Rescue Mission, a huge organization that serves the homeless and drug addicted of Syracuse and other large cities in NY State. I was among the thrift store workers who purified the racks by taking items that did not belong on a rack to the correct rack. The manager was full of compliments for our group of 12 ladies who worked with diligence and cheer at this job. Three others from NH attended Ubuntu with me (Ruthie Bedor, Dianne Shattuck, and Pat Neal-pictured on the right) and we shared the expense of this adventure by driving together and sharing off-site motel rooms. When we got to the conference, we discovered that we were among 85 other New England women who attended the event. Experiencing the feeling the sisterhood of UMW is recommended by all of us. The next BIG UMW Event is May 18-20, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. Start planning now to attend! Registration Fee Increase The Board members decided to increase the meeting registration fee from $7 to $8 to help offset the cost of food. Note: $7.00 of the registration fee goes to the host UMW group and $1.00 to the UMW district budget. This was not an easy decision as it seems everything around us is going up in price. During the Board's discussion, the suggestion was made that local units, when possible, might offer a scholarship to help defray the cost. The increase seemed the right thing to do to help keep different NH UMW units interested in hosting our meetings. Thank you. Page 3

4 New England Conference United Methodist Women Annual Meeting Fisk United Methodist Church 106 Walnut Street Natick, MA Understanding the Climate of our Uniquely Habitable Planet Guest Speaker Dr. Sylvia G. Dee; Ph.D. Saturday, October 22, 2016 Registration begins at 9:00 AM Ingathering: Please bring the following supplies for the Natick Food Pantry Dish soap, laundry detergents and cleaning products---making sure they are EARTH FRIENDLY check the labels. Bring ideas to share about what your church & community are doing to help our environment. REGISTRATION FORM DEADLINE is October 15, 2016 Name Church District Mailing Address Address Phone Special/allergy food issues Child care needed? Ages Cost is $14.00 and includes snacks and luncheon Please return registration form and checks (payable to NEC UMW) to: WORSHIP FELLOWSHIP MUSIC AWARDS FUN Marcia Hoyt 8 Bacon Street Natick MA Directions FROM ROUTE 128: Take Route 9 West exit (Wellesley). Drive West on Route 9 to Route 27 (in Natick) approx. 4-5 miles. Take Route 27 South toward Natick. At the first traffic light (7 Eleven is on the right) turn left onto Bacon Street. Follow Bacon Street to the 2nd STOP sign. Turn left on to Walnut Street. You will pass 4 or 5 homes on the left. Fisk Memorial UMC will be on the left. FROM ROUTE 495: Take Route 9 East Exit (Westborough). Drive through Southboro and Framingham (pass Shopper's World and Natick Mall - Natick Collection on the left) and continue on Route 9 into Natick to the Route 27 South exit. Take exit and follow Route 27 south to the first traffic light (7 Eleven on the right). At this first light, turn left onto Bacon Street. Follow Bacon Street to the 2nd STOP sign. Turn left on to Walnut Street. You will pass 4 or 5 homes on the left. Fisk Memorial UMC will be on the left. FROM MASS PIKE: Take Exit 13. Take ramp toward Natick; you will be on Route 30 East. Continue on Route 30 to the intersection of Route 27 south (right turn). Follow Route 27, crossing over Route 9 and continue until you come to the first light (7-Eleven store on the right). Turn left onto Bacon Street. Follow Bacon Street to the 2nd STOP sign. Turn left on to Walnut Street. You will pass 4 or 5 homes on the left. Fisk Memorial UMC will be on the left. Hotel arrangements at Courtyard Boston Natick, 342 Speen Street, Natick, MA For reservations call (508) and mention United Methodist Women A block of rooms is being held until 9/23/2016 so call early. When they are gone, they are gone. It is busy weekend for hotels in the area. Page 4

5 READ, READ, READ!! Hello Ladies! I do hope all of you are well and busy reading those books! I am getting things together for the rewards and gifts for the Reading Program Contest that we are doing. I will be ordering new books for the reading table so you can continue to read these wonderful books. I will also have a place on my table for you to Bring and Take. You bring a book that you have read and Take a book that you have not read. We are hoping that this will help you to continue reading. You will still have time to continue reading for the contest as I do not need the completed forms until January. At this time I would also like to thank the District for the money that was given to the Mission to Costa Rica that I went on. You will hear about it at our Fall Meeting. All I will say at this time is that it was a life changing experience! Until then Blessings, ~Pam Aldrich, Program Resources Chair Just a reminder to read those books and work on the challenge we have going during 2016 for the Reading Program to see how many from each UMW group can read at least one book from each of the categories now through December: Education for Mission, Nurturing for Community, Social Action, Spiritual Growth and Leadership Development. To find a list of accepted books, go to: Book Swap Do you have a book that is on the current UMW reading list that you ve read and are ready to pass on? Bring it along and give to Pam at her book table for the Bring a Book Take a Book area that she will have set aside. Door Prizes let s have a little fun. It s no secret, we d like to see the NH UMW District grow so let s have a little fun and see who can invite the most visitors to the fall meeting in Lancaster (no, you can t count woman that normally attend our district meetings). The one who brings the most visitors will win a gift package of an assortment of ten photo greeting cards created by our Communications Coordinator and photographer, Jodi Austin. The runner up will receive a gift pack of six cards. Wesley UMW Honors Helen Fryer! On Sunday, August 7, Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord honored Helen Fryer who, along with her husband, has been serving at Wesley for 58 years. Helen s meticulous attention to detail has been invaluable to those of us who follow her. She was instrumental in organizing Wesleyʼs Library many years ago. As the church Membership Secretary (a position she held for over 25 years) she kept track of every person. Helen has always welcomed everyone who comes through Wesleyʼs doors. Helen and George are a couple that reach out to visit folks unable to attend church. UMW has memories of Helenʼs participation as an actress, as a model in a mother-daughter fashion show, as president of Wesleyʼs unit from This year, Wesleyʼs United Methodist Women have chosen Helen to be the recipient of the Leadership and Service Pin. Helen, we love you! We are inspired by your example of outreach and compassion. You have been a model for us in welcoming visitors, caring for one another, and keeping complete and accurate records. We are challenged by your dedication to the history of our church and the wonderful memories you share. You have inspired us to be better stewards of our past and to carry on into the future your legacy of faithfulness and your example as a servant of Christ. Page 5

6 President Linda Theriault 99 Clinton Street, C-1 Concord, NH New Hampshire District Officers Committee on Nominations Chair Carol Fonetu 43 Cottage Street, Apt 302 Littleton, NH Vice President This could be YOU! Secretary Sharon Parker PO Box 1303 Grantham, NH Treasurer Nancy Patton 10 White Oak Drive, Apt 126 Exeter, NH Program Resources Chair Pam Aldrich 170 Benton Rd. North Haverhill, NH UMW members are enjoying the music and singing at the Spring District Meeting. Spiritual Growth Chair Ruthie Page 3000 Dartmouth College Hwy North Haverhill, NH Membership, Outreach, & Nurture Coordinator Nancy Fransen 185 Loudon Road-11 Concord, NH Education and Interpretation Chair Pat Neal PO Box 204 Weare, NH Social Action Chair Pam Perdue 53 N. Spring Street, No.1 Concord, NH Communications Coordinator Jodi Austin 97 Hanover Street, T504 Lebanon, NH We are pleased to welcome two women to the NH UMW District Board Pam Perdue has stepped into the position as Social Action Chair. Pam was born and brought up in Concord NH and earned her BA in psychology from UNH. She spent most of her career (30 years) as a social worker and supervisor in Child Protective Services for the State of NH investigating abuse/neglect of children, providing family services and supporting foster care and adoption. She is now retired (much to her delight)! Pam has been a member of Bow Mills United Methodist Church since 2010 and President of their UMW unit since Carol Fonetu has returned to serve with us as Chair of the Nominating Committee. She had been on the Board as Spiritual Growth Chair but needed to step down in 2014 due to health issues. Carol spent 30+years in the nursing field and 12+ years in hospitality. She grew up in Lancaster and is now a resident of Littleton, joining the First United Methodist Church there in She joined the Littleton UMW in 2001 and has served as both Vice President and President in the past. Carol s enthusiasm for UMW has her driving to the district meetings as often as she can and returns home to keep her unit apprised of what is happening elsewhere in the state. On the sideline, one of her favorite spare time activities is to drive to the seacoast to spend time with family where she especially enjoys time with two grandnieces and one grandnephew. No grass is growing under this lady s feet as she likes to keep busy by helping the church secretary and also helping at the Littleton Library. Please join us in welcoming and thanking both Pam and Carol for their commitment to serve on the District Board. Their willingness to accept the responsibilities of their new position is much appreciated. Page 6

7 Registration for the NH District Fall Meeting September 24 Christ United Methodist Church Lancaster, NH Driving directions to Christ UMC Main Street, Lancaster, NH From southern NH take I-93 north, follow it through Franconia Notch and take exit 35. Take Route 3 North to Lancaster. We are located on the right side of Main Street across from Centennial Park. From northern NH take Route 3 to Lancaster and we will be on the left side of Main Street across from Centennial Park. Faith Hope and Love in Action Name: Address: Phone: Address: (Note: The address will only be used for UMW announcements or newsletters) Your home church Special dietary needs Is child care needed? Please list names and ages of children. Please bring a bag lunch for children. Please enclose $8.00 fee. Checks and/or money orders are to be made payable to: NHDUMW and mailed to: Nancy Patton, 10 White Oak Drive-Apt 126, Exeter, NH Reservation deadline is Wednesday, Sept 14. Registrations are not refundable after that date. (Note: Early registration is encouraged)! From Vermont take Route 2 to Lancaster. (Lancaster s Main Street is actually on both Route 2 & 3). We will be on the left side of Main Street across from Centennial Park. When you arrive, turn into the church driveway and two parking lots will be available for you. One is at the rear of the church and the other is at the right side of the driveway. Please use the side door to enter the church. The entrance is accessible for the handicapped. Restrooms are available directly upon entering the building. Registration will take place, and coffee and refreshments will be served, in the Parish Hall to your right. Save travels we are looking forward to a great day! ~Toni Farnham, President, Christ UMW Suggestions for the Ingathering: hair shampoo, hair conditioner, hair care accessories, hair brushes, combs, bars of soap, body wash/gel, hand sanitizer, hand and body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, mouthwash, chapstick, band aids, deodorant, baby powder, foot powder, Q-tips, feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons). See related article on bottom of page 2. Page 7

8 Jodi Austin, Communications Coordinator UMW-NH District 97 Hanover Street, T504 Lebanon, NH Return Services Requested PLEASE POST! Helpful Links New England Conference UMW UMW NEWS: UMW FACEBOOK: Daily Guidepost Reading: On Sunday, September 25, 2016, we will remember the forgotten victims of America s gun violence epidemic with The Concert Across America, a series of live music events of all sizes from coast to coast. NH concerts that are being organized are in Portsmouth, Keene and Hanover. For more information go to