The Mission Echo Executive Team

Transcription

1 SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The Mission Echo JUNE Executive Team President-Marlene Spencer V. President-Cathy Ford Secretary-Beth Addis Treasurer-Maureen Thomas Communications-Tina Waters Program Resources-Velva Ellerbe Social Action-Jackie B. Hicks Spiritual Growth-Evelyn Pauling Education & Interpretation Sue Owens Membership Nurture & Outreach Gladys Lemon Nominations Betty Void Mission Echo Subscriptions $8/year Contact: Tina Waters 303 Factors Walk Summerville, SC

2 President Marlene Spencer What an exciting year 2016 is for South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women. The dedicated conference team continues to do an awesome job in planning and carrying out events that offer great opportunities to experience missions in special ways. We were truly blessed to start our calendar year with a wonderful Legislative Day Event. Mike Fanning, our keynote speaker reminded the 300 plus women in attendance of God s instructions on the importance of taking action in troubled times. We had hardly finished Legislative Day when we plunged into Day Apart celebrated by all twelve districts in March and April. It was an honor to celebrate with the Anderson District and Marion District on your Day Apart. Thanks for inviting me to come and be part of your special events. We were also blessed to be a part of the Seventieth Anniversary celebration of the Columbia Bethlehem Community Center. Seeing our faith, hope and love in action was heartwarming. Lake Junaluska was once again the perfect setting for our 2016 Spiritual Growth Retreat. For the 560 women in attendance, it was a time of reflection and renewal as God spoke to us in special ways. We were blessed to have Deaconess Cameron Kempson as our Retreat Leader whose messages on planting, sowing and harvesting were uplifting. She reminded us that great things come from small beginnings and from small beginnings come great things. It s our responsibility as UMW to share what the Master Gardener has to offer. Rev. Amy Coles, Communion Celebrant, also left us with a beautiful message. She told us that we need to prune our lives to bear more fruit so that we can be all that God calls us to be. And the music from our song leader, Dr. Elizabeth Nance-Coker and musician, Rev. Ann Hoyt was an added plus. We are excited that Rev. Angela Ford Nelson will be with us at Chapin United Methodist Church in beautiful Chapin for Come Together, Be Together as we celebrate a day of fun and fellowship. I hope you will bring your smiles and wear yellow to celebrate joy and happiness in hearing God s Word. I am also looking forward to the South Eastern Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting on June 3-5, 2016, at the Embassy Suites and Convention Center in North Charleston. The theme for the event is A Fresh Wind Blowing. Linda DuRant, past president, Jean Doscher and I have been meeting with the jurisdiction leadership team making plans for the event. This is a first for South Carolina, so we want to make you proud to be South Carolina United Methodist Women. Special thanks are extended to the Charleston District and all of our districts for your participation in what we think will be the best Quadrennial Meeting ever. The expected attendance is around 750 ladies from around the South Eastern Jurisdiction. As we leave the quadrennial meeting, Annual Conference follows. We look forward to being a part of the connection as we continue our faith journey. This will be a wonderful time of celebration, fellowship and worship. Preparations are under way for Mission u, and District and Conference Annual Meetings. These events help us further the PURPOSE that begins in our local units to become whole persons in Jesus Christ, create a supportive community, and expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. May God bless our efforts to carry out our PURPOSE! I want to personally thank you for your generous gifts of time and money in supporting the many missions. The March 23rd Day of Giving and the May 3rd Day of Giving have been tremendous successes. My prayer, as your president, is that you will continue to support the missions of United Methodist Women and to be ambassadors for this great organization. Through your excitement others will join you. I look forward to seeing you and covet your prayers for a year that women, children and youth are lifted high through your support. In everything, let us as United Methodist Women continue to share and show God s Love by our Actions! Blessings, Marlene

3 Education & Interpretation Sue Owens MISSIONS R US. The strawberries are ripening. The blackberries are blooming. The little peaches are on the trees, growing more and more each day. They are all just waiting to be plucked, sweetened, cooked down some, put in jars and put on display for sale in our Craft Room at Mission u. I have heard the knitting needles clacking and the crochet hooks whirring all winter as beautiful items are being fashioned. Sewing machines have been put into overtime, piecing quilts together. Wine bottle corks have been popped to make bird feeders (not for drinking, of course smile). Many hands are busy. Many minds are being made up as to what the possibilities for hand-made items are. Mission u is coming! That means that the Craft Room is coming! The Craft Room is coming! We need your items to fill our table tops, our window ledges, our clothing rack, our floor space, our chair bottoms and wherever else we might need to put them. Get busy, ladies! We will also have some pull-tab bracelets from the Greenville Ronald McDonald House for sale. The purchase of one $8.00 bracelet will provide an overnight stay for a family who could not otherwise afford it. For those who went on-line May 3 to financially support the Spartanburg Bethlehem Center, Killingsworth, and Rural Mission, we thank you. This was a once-a year opportunity to make a difference, as we pooled our financial resources with others from our communities to assist these non-profit organizations. Job well done! For those who brought items to Come Together, Be Together for the Limitless team to distribute to our mission projects, Thank You! You will have the opportunity to ask questions about our mission projects at both Mission u and our Annual Meeting. At Annual Meeting, you will hear some success stories from our projects that will put a face to what they do. Stay tuned for more information. As always, keep those aluminum pull-tabs, cancelled stamps, labels for education, and boxtops for education (if you don t have an elementary school in your area that are collecting the box-tops) coming. Gift cards with the amount listed on them and new stamps are always appreciated. Keep up the good work, Ladies! From Recycling and Crafting Central, Sue Owens E&I Coordinator

4 Vice President Cathy Ford The South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women 44 th Annual Meeting at Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville, the Charleston District on October will be lively and memorable. The Program Committee, the Charleston District United Methodist Women and host church are working very hard to create a wonderful time for all. The registration form is ready for you to complete. Here are just a few reasons why you need to attend and mail in your registration form now. Our keynote speaker Rev. Wendy Hudson-Jacoby, pastor North Charleston United Methodist Church and our Bible Study leader Cathy Nelson, Vice Chair South Carolina Conference Council on Native American Ministries and founder/director Keeper of the Word, will enrich our understanding of the theme Growing in Blessedness. Come hear their inspiring words. You will attend one workshop of your choosing in the afternoon. Select your first and second choice from nine great offerings. Blessing the Poor = Learn how to create PLARN, convert it to mats and items for the homeless. Learn of this ministry s growth and impact on others. Hands on lessons will be offered during workshop, time permitting. Clara Stonner/plarning enthusiast Climate Justice =A Call to Hope and Action, our newest 2016 Mission u study, invites you to seek climate justice, setting right our relationships with each other and the earth. Climate injustice is the result of climate change. Ann Alexander/Dean, Jean Doscher/Asst Dean and Rebecca Rochester/ instructor Feeding the Hungry = Learn about the food distribution program that Aldersgate United Methodist Church administers. The presenter will share program logistics and outcomes. Carole Poole/leader Gullah = Learn about the Gullah culture and history. Hear stories in the Gullah language. Sharon Cooper-Murray/professional storyteller Human Trafficking = Doors to Freedom is a program offering services to victims of sex trafficking, particularly young teenage girls. The extent of this problem in the community is unbelievable and vulnerable young girls are a prime target. Sharon Rickard / director Limitless Team = Gain tips on engaging young women in your UMW unit and other topics of interest to the age group. Gladys Lemon /Conference MN&O Coordinator + Selena Ruth Smith/Team Mentor Mass Incarceration =The United States makes up roughly 4% of the world's population, but holds about 22% of the global prison population most of whom are men of color. We need to bring that startling percentage down. Information for involvement within our state and local criminal justice system will be shared. Jackie Hicks/Conference Social Action Mission Coordinator Victims of Domestic Violence Shelter = My Sister's House provides services, programs and resources to empower domestic violence victims and their children to live free from abuse. They partner with the local community to encourage advocacy and support. Sam Morris/ Outreach Coordinator/Case Manager Where the Money Goes = Hear a description of the financial journey from the local unit to the programs we serve. Learn about United Methodist Women's service and advocacy work through Mission Giving. These gifts are used where the need is most urgent and to further our commitment of faith, hope, and love in action Maureen Thomas, Conference Treasurer Hands on activities include making plarn (plastic yarn) mats for the homeless, trimming stamps to provide clean water in Africa and send a postcard to influence your congressmen. Shop the Resource Room for all the newest materials. Enjoy displays from our five SC Missions, meet the directors and learn of their activities. Experience fellowship during the 8:30 pm Afterglow. Be part of the Bible Bookmark Exchange. Saturday wear a shirt with a UMW or your church logo. The Limitless Team are busy planning another mission collection opportunity, a favorite from years past. Our 44th South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Annual Meeting will provide many ways for you to fulfill our UMW purpose. Together we will transact the necessary business to carry on in We need you there to make it all happen.

5 44th Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women October 21-22, 2016 Bethany United Methodist Church 118 West 3 rd South St., Summerville SC For Registration Information contact Ruby or rubyeliz@knology.net Theme: Growing in Blessedness Name: (please provide name as you wish for it to appear on name tag) Address: City: Zip: Best Contact Phone number: District: Church: Address: Dietary Restrictions: Will you be at Dinner on Friday night 5:30-6:30pm? Will you be at lunch on Saturday? Please note: Meals require a meal ticket from your registration packet Check all of the following that apply: FIRST TIME CONFERENCE OFFICER PAST CONFERENCE PRESIDENT CLERGY UNDER 40 DISTRICT OFFICER UNIT PRESIDENT MISSION DIRECTOR AGE14-30 LIMITLESS VOTING DELEGATE MISSIONARY/DEACONESS NURSERY NEEDED-NUMBER OF CHILDREN/AGES / In case of emergency please contact Phone: **Workshops** Please select your first (1) and second (2) choice for Friday afternoon workshops. You will be assigned to one of your selections. Blessing the Poor Climate Justice Feeding the Hungry Gullah Human Trafficking Limitless Team Mass Incarceration Victims of Domestic Violence Shelter Where the Money Goes CUT HERE AND RETURN TOP PORTION TO REGISTRAR LISTED BELOW ~ Friday, October 21 ~ Registration: 12:30pm 3:00pm in the Kitchen Alcove (Anyone arriving after 3pm may still register prior to Communion Service. No meal tickets will be available unless pre-registered) Optional Pre-conference Activities will be available 3:00pm Opening Session 1: Processional, welcome, Greetings, Nominations, Bible Study-Sanctuary 4:10PM Workshops-various classrooms 5:30pm Dinner MEAL TICKET REQUIRED 7:00pm Five Mission Project reps, Worship Service & Holy communion-sanctuary 8:45pm Afterglow and Fellowship/Bible Bookmark Exchange-Fellowship hall Registration: 9:00am 10:45am ~ ~ Saturday, October 22~ ~ 8:00am 9:00am in the Kitchen Alcove (for those attending only the Saturday sessions) Session 2: General Business Sanctuary-Inform. Moments, President s Report, Memorial Service Session 2 cont: General Business - Adoption of Budget, Love Offering, Keynote Address 12:30pm Lunch MEAL TICKET REQUIRED 1:45pm Session 3: General Business in Sanctuary-Election and Installation of Officers Send Registration along with $30 fee (payable to SCCUMW) to: Ruby Hannah, 8696 Grassy Oak Trail, N. Charleston, SC Registration Deadline Oct. 7, 2016 Registrations postmarked after Oct. 8 and on-site registrations will be $35

6 The 2016 Mission u Is Being Planned Especially For You Radical Love: Finding Peace, Forgiveness and Acceptance Once again, we will gather at Spartanburg Methodist College for our annual Mission u event. The team is working hard to prepare for your arrival. By the time this goes to print, Jean and I would have met with the staff at Spartanburg Methodist College to continue planning for a successful event. The youth study is Climate Justice. We are excited about our four study leaders who will be leading this study. A field trip has been planned for our youth and guess what? Our very own Bishop, Jonathan Holston will be accompanying the youth and leaders on this exciting field trip. Each youth must complete a registration form which is located in this publication. Additional and necessary forms; covenant form, medical release form and chaperone forms are located on the web at Scholarships are available for youth and adults. I encourage each to apply as we are excited to have the opportunity to offer financial assistance to this super event. The scholarships are awarded on a first-received basis. Mission u reflects the theology of the United Methodist Church and the practice of joining personal holiness with social holiness. Through worship, in-depth study, music, prayer, sharing and exploring, we invite you to grow with us in understanding the mission of the church. Joyfully serving, Ann Alexander, Dean

7 Announcing the Bess Dowling Ware Scholarship The Mission u Committee is pleased to announce that Barbara Ware and her family have donated a sum of money to be used for scholarships to the school. Barbara and her family were looking for a way to honor her mother, Mrs. Bess Dowling Ware. Barbara stated that when summer came each year that she knew her mother would soon be attending The School of Christian Mission, now known as Mission u. Since the school meant so much to their mother, the decision was made to honor their mother by awarding scholarships to attend the event. Again this year the family of the Mrs. Bess Dowling Ware will offer two full scholarships for the 2016 event. The Conference has also been blessed by receiving funds from the Rock Hill District Annual Meeting which was designated for this effort. We are fortunate to announce that we will be awarding 6 to 8 scholarships this year depending on the categories. We will be offering scholarships to youth, under 40 and adult attendees on a first-come basis. Detach and Complete Application **************************************************************************************** South Carolina United Methodist Women Mission u July 21-23, 2016 The Bess Dowling Ware Scholarship Application Name: Address, City, and Zip Home Phone: Cell: Address: Church and District: Please Check all that apply: Youth Under 40 Older Adult First Timer **Deadline for Receiving Application is June 20, 2016** On a separate sheet of paper, please respond to the following questions: 1. In what ways will you use the information and knowledge you will receive at Mission u? 2. Describe your participation in United Methodist Women. 3. Describe your participation in your church. Please mail competed form to Ann Alexander, PO Box 392, Clover, South Carolina 29710

8 July Spartanburg Methodist College, Spartanburg, South Carolina Theme: Radical Love: Finding Peace, Forgiveness and Acceptance Please print clearly Name: Suitemates* Address: City & Zip District Phone: Please provide address if you wish for confirmation to be sent electronically: Under 40 Clergy **Please Check All That Apply** Youth Attending first time Conference Officer District Officer Missionary Day Participant Youth Chaperone Special Needs: Please help us address and meet your needs by listing them on the back of this form (If you have a physical condition that requires our consideration for classroom, campus, or dorm; also please indicate dietary needs. Emergency Contact: Contact Number All Adult Participants will take the Spiritual Growth study The Bible and Human Sexuality and will also take either of the following courses. Please indicate your choice below. (Registrations received by June 15 will guarantee your choice.) Geographic Study: Latin America People and Faith Issue Study: Climate Justice Please indicate here if you took Latin America People of Faith last year. ***************************************************************************************************** For Youth Only: Youth Study: Climate Justice Age Date of Birth Grade to enter school in the fall Name of Chaperone: Cell phone: Youth registration, chaperone registration and additional required forms must be mailed together. ***************************************************************************************************** Are you interested in participating in a plenary? Yes Are you interested in driving a golf cart? Yes Mail completed form with payment to: Betty Swinton - SCCUMW Mission u - P. O. Box Dillon, SC Check should be made payable to: SCCUMW Adult Resident: $ * Day Student: $80.00 * Youth Resident: $ Amount Enclosed: **Registration Deadline is June 30, 2016** **Suitemate registration forms must be mailed together** **Please See General Information Sheet for more details about the event**

9 2016 SC Conference UMW Mission u Theme: Radical Love: Finding Peace, Forgiveness and Acceptance Spartanburg Methodist College, Spartanburg, SC Thursday, July 21- Saturday, 23, 2016 Dean: Ann Alexander Assistant Dean: Jean Doscher Registrar: Betty Swinton mhaall5@bellsouth.net doscherj@comcast.net swint723@aol.com IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY) Youth/Chaperone Covenant and Consent Forms: Youth participant must complete registration form, covenant and parental consent form, information and covenant form for adult chaperones. These forms must be mailed together. Registration is incomplete until all forms are received by the Registrar. Forms are located on the web at umcsc.org/umw or may be secured from the Registrar. Registration: Thursday afternoon from 1:00 4:00 p.m. & 6-6:45p.m. Ellis Hall Atrium First-Timers Orientation/Clergy Orientation: Thursday, 3:00-3:45 p.m. Ellis Hall Opening Plenary: Thursday 4:00 Offering: An offering for Missions will be received at the closing plenary, Saturday afternoon. Housing: Resident participants will be housed in college dormitories. Bring bed and bath linens, bath mat, soap, warm blanket or spread for a single bed, pillow, coat hangers, comfortable clothes, walking shoes, hat, flashlight, umbrella, rain gear, Bible, water bottle, pens, notebooks, trash bags, jacket or sweater, and other items necessary for your comfort away from home. Classrooms and dorm rooms may be cold bring appropriate linens and clothing. Additional Cost: There will be an extra charge of $50 if you arrive on Wednesday evening. Refund Policy: Requests must be submitted to the Registrar via by July 1, Remember that registrations are transferrable if you need to cancel. NO REFUNDS AFTER July 1, 2016 Keys: The key deposit is $10 and is refundable at checkout. THERE WILL BE A $ CHARGE FOR LOST KEYS NO EXCEPTIONS! Textbooks: You may pur chase in advance by or der ing toll fr ee fr om the Mission Resour ce Center or the Resource Room on campus, open during registration. For information about each of the 2015 studies visit: Craft Room: Please bring handmade crafts to Ellis Hall as soon as you get to campus. Proceeds will be divided among the five South Carolina Mission Projects. Walking Problems? Don t Worry! Golf carts will be available to get you from place to place on campus. The drivers are fun, experienced, willing and ready! Child Care: No childcare will be offered. Insurance does not cover children less than 12 years of age. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2016 After June 30, 2016, please add a late fee of $10.00.

10 Membership Nurture & Outreach Gladys Lemon Ballroom dancing, antiquing fun, chair fitness, making corsages and boutonnieres plus more unique workshops will have come and gone as another successful Come Together Be Together conference event was held at Chapin UMC on May 21 st. Many of our members dug out their silly hats and put on something yellow to celebrate our theme, Happiness in God s Word. Rev. Angela Ford Nelson led us in believing that we were created for happiness as evidenced in His word. If you missed it, make plans now to join us next year at Cumberland UMC & Central UMC in the Hartsville District, in May I sincerely thank you for responding to the mission collection call for the snacks, juice, pudding cups, as well as the personal hygiene items that benefit all five of our mission projects. So now, as all schools wind down in the next few weeks, our mission directors from Wallace Family Life, Columbia Bethlehem Center, and Bethlehem Center Spartanburg will be ramping up their summer activities that serve their communities. They are very grateful for the items you have donated to them. The work crews on John s Island will refresh themselves with the bottles of Gator/PowerAde after toiling in the lowcountry sun. The women at Killingsworth are smiling broadly because you have been thoughtful of their needs. I am very proud of the women of the SCCUMW and how you have exceeded our expectations when we call on you to help. The district MN&O s throughout the Conference have been working hard, burning the midnight oil counting all the members in the local unit to include in the UMW Census count. This year we had a special challenge before us to register our numbers on-line. What an awesome task! I applaud all the district MN&O s for making the phone calls, inputting the data so that each local unit can be counted. This membership count is important to SCCUMW because it demonstrates to the National office that we are putting out love into action by supporting all the local and national projects that help women and children. The on-line census window closes on May 16 th ; hopefully even more units will be counted. Our Limitless Team is looking for new members and welcome all to encourage our younger women to participate and join. We want to rebuild, renew, reinvigorate and add to the Limitless Team. Please reach out to young women to join or form their own UMW circles and become a difference in the lives of God s children, especially women, children and youth.

11 News from Columbia Bethlehem Community Center Columbia Bethlehem Center welcomes new executive director, Kara P. Simmons. Summer Activities Youth Cinema Camp, innovative one-week intense learning of the art of filmmaking and the science od digital video production. This camp is geared to rising 5th through 9th graders and will be held June from 8am-1pm. Summer Enrichment Program, a ten week enrichment based program that encompasses activities to enhance the academic, social, emotional, career exploration opportunities and personal advancement of the students. Summer Camp will operate Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm from June 6-August 5. We will offer scholarships for children each week. If your circle or group would like to sponsor a child for summer, please call to make arrangements. We are also accepting individually wrapped snacks for students during summer camp. Summer Feeding Program, in partnership with Francis Burns UMC, we are a summer feeding site to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. Notice of address change: Due to construction and addition of many residential homes in the community, we have a new address: 308 McRae St. Columbia, SC Like Limitless SC on Facebook.

12 Secretary of Program Resources Velva Ellerbe Contact information for resource materials Books for Reading Program Education for Mission Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land by Ruth Everhart Coffee, Tea and Holy Water: One Woman s Journey to Experience. By Amanda Hudson Unbound:The Transformative Power of Youth Mission Trips by Jann Treadwell (Bonus Book) The Underground Girls of Kabul: In Search in Afghanistan by Jenny Nordberg Uprising: A New Age is Dawning for Every Mother s Daughter by Sally Armstrong The Andrew Paradigm: How to Be a Lead Follower of Jesus by Michael Coyner Leadership Development I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up the Taliban by Malala Yousafai The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets by Deb Richardson-Moore (SC story) Nurturing for Community Dreamers: An Immigrant Generation s Fight for Their American Dream by Eileen Truax House of Purple Cedar by Tim Tingle I Love Growing Older, But I ll Never Grow Old by J. Ellsworth Kalas Miss Brenda and the Loveladies by Brenda Spahn Not Worth Saving: How a Severly Handicapped Boy Transformed Lives by Ann Joyner Just Mercy: A Story of Justic and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson (Bonus Book) Social Action Rewilding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion by Marc Bekoff We Shall Not Be Moved: Methodist Debate Race, Gender by Jane Ellen Nickell (Bonus Book) The White Umbrella: Walking with Survivors of Sex Trafficking by Mary Francis Bowley Cured But Not Healed: How to Experience Deeper Faith Kymberly Clemons-Jones Spiritual Growth Key United Methodist Beliefs by William J. Abraham My Life and Lesser Catastrophes by Christina Schofield Things Your Mother Never Told You by Kim Gaines Eckert Tilly: A Story of Home and Resilience by Monique Gray Smith See the website for past year s books. You can read books from lists. There will be a Resource Room at SEJ if you need a study book for Mission u.

13 Treasurer Maureen Thomas Why do we give? As United Methodist Women we are pledged to follow the teachings of Christ and minister to the least of these. We are reminded of that in Matthew 25:34-46 Then the King will say to those on his right, Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? 40 And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [a] you did it to me.... We fulfill our purpose when we donate to the various missions to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Our giving changes lives forever in our hometowns, state, country, hamlets and villages around the world. Without your gifts we cannot function. I encourage each of you to pause and meditate on the words of God s own Son, then follow where He leads you. Maureen Thomas, Treasurer SCCUMW Living Timeline Remember the Living Timeline at Assembly? We are now being encouraged to do this on a local level. Gather the stories of your women, past and present, who have done extraordinary work putting faith, hope and love into action and post them to our new Living Timeline Facebook page. Search Facebook for SC United Methodist Women Living Timeline. This will take you to the page. Anyone can post directly to the page or you can the information to Tina Waters at twaters2@sc.rr.com. Be creative! Short videos, artwork, photo collages, or written stories are all welcome. Direct any questions to Tina.

14 Spiritual Growth Coordinator Evelyn Pauling Greeting Ladies, What an amazing Retreat we had at Lake Junaluska this year! Our theme Growing Together in Justice, Peace & love; Planting Seeds for the Future set the tone for a wonderful time of fellowship and worship. Chains were broken, hearts were touched, and lives were saved! God indeed showed up! Our key note speaker, Deaconess Cameron Kempson skillfully encouraged over 500 women to not become weary in doing good for the Lord, but to be persistent, because in due time we will reap the harvest! Her message was captivated by the beautiful peaceful surroundings of the lake and trails. Accompanying this wondrous message was a melody of harmony by this event s song leader Elizabeth Nance-Coker and musician Rev. Ann Hoyt. We summed up the weekend with Rev. Amy Coles leading in Holy Communion. To all of the ladies who came together to make this 2016 Spiritual Growth Retreat a success Thank you! It is with great hopes that you received a spiritual word, transformation, and/or healing. What a great audience you all were and we pray to see each one of you next year at the lake. Until then, may God keep each one of you in perfect peace! In addition, I would like to thank the SCCUMW Spiritual Growth Committee for their tireless efforts and dedication to this retreat. It is because of your talents that this retreat continues to be a success year after year. My prayer is that you continue to be God s vessels and not become weary! Last, I would like to thank Dr. John Ewing, Executive Directive of Lake Junaluska, LuAnn Davis, Event Coordinator, Barbara Davis, Sales Manager, Kenneth and other staff who worked very hard to have things in order for the SCCUMW. God bless you all!

15 Hotels for the 2016 South Carolina Conference UMW Annual Meeting The hotels listed below have blocks of rooms available for Friday evening, Oct. 21, Please ask for the South Carolina United Methodist Women block to reserve your room. Registration deadlines for receiving UMW price are listed in the information below. See individual hotels for additional information. All hotels are near Interstate 26, exit 199A, approximately 2.5 miles from the church. Be sure to give the date you want the room, i.e., Oct. 21. If you want to reserve a room for a night other than that, you will have to pay a different fee and make a separate reservation. If you have questions, contact Beth Addis, , or baddis1108@yahoo.com. Comfort Suites 1025 Jockey Court Summerville, SC (deadline Sept. 20, 2016) Country Inn & Suites 220 Holiday Drive Summerville, SC (deadline Sept. 20, 2016) Hampton Inn 1015 Jockey Court Summerville, SC (deadline Sept. 20, 2016) $125 + tax double or king suites Complimentary breakfast. $94 + tax 2 queen beds; $89 + tax 1 king bed No suites have been reserved. Complimentary breakfast $139 + tax 2 queen beds or 1 king bed Moving in July to 121 Holiday Dr. At present location, there is no elevator. Complimentary breakfast Please use MapQuest or another map service, your GPS, or ask for directions when reserving your rooms. On Saturday, March 19th, the Spartanburg District held their 3rd Annual "Spring Into Missions" event at St. Luke UMC in Spartanburg. Items such as cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items, canned goods, book bags, school supplies, after school snacks, Gatorade, postage stamps and gift cards were donated to our 5 SC Mission Projects. We asked for it and our ladies delivered!!!! The love that the Spartanburg District has for our Mission Institutes was evidenced by their generous donations. Pictured are some of the items collected along with some of our ladies who helped collect and sort the donations. (The cute little girl is my granddaughter, Julia). Thanks to Annie Crocker, District E & I Coordinator for organizing the event and to Angela Allen, District Social Action Coordinator for arranging the use of the gym and delivering the items to Killingsworth and Columbia Bethlehem Community Center. Barbara Holley, Spartanburg District UMW President

16 The South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Bethany UMC 118 W. 3rd South St. Summerville, SC Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit # 25 Summerville, SC 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. We re on the Web: umw Like us on Facebook South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Special Notes South Carolina Mission Projects Emphasis Months: FEBRUARY: Wallace Family Life Center, Bennettsville MARCH: Rural Mission, Johns Island APRIL: Columbia Bethlehem Community Center SEPTEMBER: Killingsworth, Columbia OCTOBER: Bethlehem Center, Spartanburg

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