The Mission Echo Dates to Remember. UMW Mission Trip Washington DC April 3-6

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1 SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The Mission Echo 2017 Dates to Remember UMW Mission Trip Washington DC April MARCH 2017 Executive Team President-Marlene Spencer Vice President-Cathy Ford Spiritual Growth Retreat Lake Junaluska April pm-4pn Come Together, Be Together Cumberland and Central UMC, Florence May 20 at 9am Mission u Spartanburg Methodist College July Annual Meeting Union UMC, Columbia October Secretary-Jacqueline Ford Williams jfordwill@gmail.com Treasurer-Maureen Thomas jammauth@earthlink.net Communications-Jane Jowers charjowers@att.net Program Resources-Oleather Smith Oleather.smith@bp.com Social Action-Jackie B. Hicks jbhicks9800@aol.com Spiritual Growth-Evelyn Pauling evepus@yahoo.com Education & Interpretation-Sue Owens buttermilk116@att.net Membership Nurture & Outreach- Gladys Lemon lemonice@bellsouth.net Mission Echo Subscriptions $8/year Contact: Jane Jowers 2517 Jackson Sq. Anderson, SC 29625

2 President Marlene Spencer As we begin a new quadrennial in the United Methodist Church and for United Methodist Women, the work that we have been called by God to do con nues to challenge us. We must remember who God is and that He is always with us in what we do. I hope the New Year will bring new and exci ng mission work to your units. We have a great year ahead of us. As United Methodist Women, what are you are doing to fulfill our PURPOSE? Are you ge ng to know God more each day? Are you experiencing the freedom that allows you to reach out to the least and the lost with love? Are you living within your crea ve, suppor ve fellowship? What are you doing to expand concepts of mission through par cipa on in the global ministries of the church? My prayer for you in the coming months is that you will daily reflect on our purpose and seek out new ways to fulfill it. We have a lot of changes all around us, but the one thing about our organiza on that remains steadfast is that we seek out those that others would push aside. We not only seek them out, but we look for ways to change their worlds. We are more than Jesus followers, we are disciples of Jesus. Let s truly work as united women to seek God s kingdom on earth. This past January, twelve members of the South Carolina Conference UMW Execu ve Team traveled to Charlo e, NC to a end the United Methodist Women s Leadership Development Days (LDD) sponsored by the UMW na onal organiza on. For the 251 women in a endance, this was a weekend filled with moving worship services, workshops, networking and fellowship. Seven of our district presidents a ended and they gained much knowledge on their new leadership roles. This year s theme placed much emphasis on social jus ce issues and advocacy, in par cular those issues that are o en divisive. Focusing on water as spirit, life and jus ce helped us to be er relate to our UMW priority issues. The weekend was a wonderful learning experience. As already stated, we have a great year ahead of us and there is much excitement and an cipa on for our upcoming events. The plans being made by our program commi ees show they are all very commi ed and are working hard to further the PURPOSE of United Methodist Women. I ask that you con nue to share your excitement about United Methodist Women. As you read this, Legisla ve Advocacy Day has already occurred. March 23 rd is the 3 rd Day of Giving for the Legacy Fund (please see related ar cle in this newsle er). The implementa on and awarding of our first SCCUMW Presiden al Scholarship in 2017 and our other events--spiritual Growth Retreat, Come Together, Be Together and Mission u will all prove to be events that will further fulfill our PURPOSE. My prayer, as your president, is that you will con nue to support the missions of United Methodist Women and, that this will be a year that women, children and youth will be li ed high through your con nued support. do. May we always show our Faith, Hope and Love in Ac on and may God con nue to bless you in all that you Marlene

3 Come to the Lake to be Spiritually Refreshed The SCCUMW Spiritual Growth Retreat provides a calm relaxing atmosphere to gather with others sisters in Christ. Take me out to experience God's renewal and have your soul rejuvenated. This Retreat is designed to help us enhance healthy spiritual lives. It is a place to savor God's crea on through our senses in spiritual worship. This year s spiritual retreat will offer a community of diverse fellowship, dynamic spiritual worship services, Morning Watch and entertainment from the Limitless Team. In addi on, there will be a devo onal spiritual walk along the flowery trails of the lakeshore. This walk will be spiritually engaging as we walk through God s handcra ed mountains, singing his praises, and allowing his peace to come upon us. Addi onally, the Junaluska Cross is a place where you can find rest, meditate, and worship. The 2017 SCCUMW Spiritual Growth Retreat will be held on April 28 th 29 th. Our theme for this year s retreat is One In Charity, taken from the UMC Hymnal # 575, Onward, Chris an Solders. The SCCUMW Retreat planning commi ee are diligently working to make this retreat a me of restora on, replenishing, and refreshing our hearts and minds. In a endance this year, we are very excited to welcome the dynamic keynote speaker Rev. Pa e Gordon, who is the pastor of Wesley-Open Hearts UMC Charge in Aiken, SC. Assis ng with carrying out our 2017 theme will be the song leader Rev. Rhonda Smith, from First UMC, Hickory, NC; musician Reverend Ann Hoyt, from Burnville, NC; and our own Limitless Team will entertain us with liturgical dance and speech. Our goal is to combine all the talents of our spiritual leaders and allow God s divine present to reign throughout the Stuart Auditorium. We are asking all district presidents to challenge their local units to sponsor and bring a youth to the lake. Come be a part of a spiritual experience that s life changing and restoring. Past guests have referenced this retreat as a rejuvenator and a preparer for servitude to God. Encourage your unit members to register and bring a guest. If you want to partake of this wondrous experience, please reference the registra on forms and reserva on informa on included in the SCCUMW Mission Echo newsle er. You may also visit our South Carolina UMW website to find addi onal informa on or contact Elizabeth Duncan the registrar at or contact me at May God Bless you with safe travel! Evelyn Pauling, SCCUMW Spiritual Growth Retreat Coordinator

4 2017 Spiritual Growth Retreat Registration Form South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women April 28 29, 2017 For Registration Information, contact Elizabeth or THEME: ONE IN CHARITY Name (please print name as you wish it to appear on nametag) Address City zip Phone # District Church YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN HOTEL RESERVATION Call for hotel reservations Check all of the following that apply: First time Under 40 NOT staying at the Lake Junaluska Conference Center ONLY 1 retreat this year. Registration deadline is April 15, 2017 FEE $10 Registrations postmarked April 16 or later-fee $15 *** FEE $20 if commuting (not staying at LJ Conference Center) Registration: 1:00-3:45pm 4:15pm-5:30pm 5:30-7:00pm 7:30-8:45pm 9:00pm 9:00-9:35pm CUT HERE AND RETURN TOP PORTION TO REGISTRAR LISTED BELOW Friday, April 28-1:00pm-4:00pm In the Bethea Welcome Center Retreat registration after 4pm in Stuart Auditorium UMW Resource Room-Room 202 Harrell Center Session I-Stuart Auditorium-Room 202 Harrell Center Dinner-Meal Ticket Required Session II-Stuart Auditorium Evening Workshop-Bistro Room Harrell Center UMW Resource Room-Room 202 Harrell Center 7:00-7:30am 7:30-8:30am Saturday, April 29 Morning Watch: Spiritual Walk-Memorial Chapel and at the Cross Inclement Weather-Lambuth International Room Breakfast-Meal Ticket Required Send Registration along with fee (payable to SCCUMW) to: Elizabeth Duncan 45 Foreman Hill Rd. Hotel & Retreat registration will be in the Bethea Welcome Center. Take Exit 103 and drive about 1 mile until you see Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center front entrance gate on the right. Turn right and Bethea Welcome Center will be on your left.

5 Rates per person per night: Children 11 years old and under who stay in the room with their parents are not included in the final room charge. RATES: Single Double Triple Quad The Terrace $110 $110 $44 $50.67 Lambuth Inn $97 $97 $36 $29.25 Lakeside Lodge $72 $43 $33 $27.00 Sales and Service Fees The Room Rate covers all guests sleeping room costs per night, including service fees but is exclusive of applicable sales/room tax, currently eleven percent (11%). Housekeeping gratuities will be at guest discretion, Program Resources Oleather Smith The Reading Program Leads to Ac on! For 140 years, United Methodist Women have been involved in mission that includes prayer, study and ac on. The Reading Program is a study opportunity, but it should also lead to ac on. This year's reading program lists include links to Kindle versions (most tles) as well as Audible (downloadable audio) and audio CD formats when available. We hope you'll find the books more easily than ever before. Books for e-readers are ideal for those who prefer large print as the text size is adjustable to meet the reader's needs. E-books are also keyword searchable which makes it easy to locate content. If you don't have an e- reader (Kindle, Nook, etc.) you can read e-books on your computer, tablet or smart phone with a FREE app from amazon.com and/or barnesandnoble.com Reading Program tles may be available for the visually impaired through the The Na onal Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. nls@loc.gov *Phone: ; *888-NLS READ ( ) The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you ll go! Dr Seuss

6 Vice President Cathy Ford It is not too soon to mark your calendars for the South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women 45 th Annual Mee ng on October 27 28, Our hosts will be Columbia District, Union United Methodist Church, Irmo. Registra on will begin on Friday a ernoon. Our program will con nue through dinner and into the early evening. We reconvene on Saturday with business sessions, our keynote speaker and the elec on and installa on of officers. The Limitless Team will organize another collec on of items to be donated to a ministry in the host district of Columbia. More details will be shared as plans are finalized. Just know that you want to be there. It will be great! Save the date now! Officer Training for 2017 will be at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church in Columbia. The event is scheduled for November 11 th. Registra on will open at 8:30 am. A program and speaker will start our day together in the sanctuary. District Officers will then proceed to training sessions for their specific offices, led by their conference officer. This is a great me to get organized, learn about responsibili es and du es, ask ques ons as well as meet other district counterparts. We are a crea ve, suppor ve fellowship of women. We are bold, edgy and daring. We are faithful, giving and compassionate. We are unreasonable, courageous and awesome. Together we will make 2017 a year to remember! We will make the journey together! I treasure each of you as my companion. Peace! Cathy Ford Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a me for everything and a season for every ac vity under heaven. (NIV)

7 For our third Annual Day of Giving on March 23rd, each and every gi will be matched dollar for dollar! The Legacy Fund and You! Our Legacy Fund invites your par cipa on and support. As a permanent endowment fund to con nue the work of United Methodist Women (like you) into the future (for your children, grand children, great grandchildren and more), we are called now to make it happen. Here are a few simple things you can do! #1. Pray on the 15 th of every month for the success of The Legacy Fund. Pray for its growth! We chose the 15 th of each month as United Methodist Women will soon be 150 years young. #2. Place $1.50 in an envelope on the 15 th of every month. By the end of the year you will have $18.00, very close to the suggested giving of $18.69 to commemorate the year our foremothers first met. #3. Donate to the Legacy Fund on March 23 rd. This will be our 3rd Annual Day of Giving for the Legacy Fund. Give any me during the month of March. This day celebrates the first day that our beloved work as an organized group of women began, back in All monetary gi s for the 3rd Annual Day of giving will be matched dollar for dollar. #4. Invite others to donate to the Legacy Fund. This is a great way for men and women to honor their mother, aunts, grandmothers, wives, sisters and daughters who passionately strive to know God through the sisterhood of United Methodist Women. The perfect Mother s Day gi is a generous dona on to the Legacy Fund. What be er way to show you were listening, observed and now support the good deeds and compassion you witnessed from your beloved United Methodist Woman. Many mes I have heard you passionately sing Here I am Lord. I pray you will reflect on those words, the words you know by heart. Now is the right me to go forward and put your love into ac on with a dona on to the Legacy Fund. Your South Carolina Conference Legacy Fund Liaison, Cathy Ford

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9 Treasurer Maureen Thomas Scholarships Offered South Carolina United Methodist Women is offering a scholarship to future leaders of United Methodist Women. As a suppor ve community, our desire is to financially assist young women with their higher educa on needs. $1, scholarships are available for young women who: Are members of a South Carolina United Methodist Church. Have met all Scholarship Standards as set by the United Methodist Women of the South Carolina Conference. Can show ac ve par cipa on in the program and service ac vi es of the church. Have a minimum 2.5 GPA in high school or college. (Student is responsible for reques ng a current official transcript to be sent directly to the chair of the Scholarship Commi ee from her high school or college.) Addi onal informa on and applica ons are available online at umcsc.org under the United Methodist Women tab. SC Conference and district UMW officers may, also, be contacted for informa on. The Applica on for Scholarship Form, a le er of introduc on, the Checklist for Scholarship Applica on signed and dated and the le ers of recommenda on must be received by the chair of the Conference Scholarship Commi ee no later than April 1, 2017 to be considered. Please include all of the above in one packet. or mail to: Maureen Thomas, Chairperson SCCUMW Presiden al Scholarship 821 E. Bobo Newsom Hwy Hartsville, SC ; jammauth@earthlink.net

10 Membership Nurture & Outreach Gladys Lemon MN&O: Mission Echo Article March 2017 How amazing it is to be a member of the SCCUMW! We are needed now more than ever to meet the needs of women, children and youth, regardless of race, creed or religion for such a me as this. As we move forward throughout this conference year, let us remain firm in our commitment to serve God and God s people. As leaders in our local units, let us be about the business of standing in the gap for the least of these, by advoca ng, answering the call to mission and educa ng ourselves to issues that most affect our membership. This me of year is very important to our conference because we begin to get a realis c picture of our membership, by documen ng our membership numbers using the on-line census tab on the UMW website. District MN&O's are in the process of promo ng the on-line census among our local units; the process will end March 31, Each local president is asked to complete this important task. The MN&O commi ee met January 21 st to con nue planning for the Come Together Be Together event May 20, 2017, at Cumberland and Central UMC in Florence. Presently we have ten workshops, including ones on Protestant Prayer Beads and Wrapping Scarves for the Head and Neck. Our theme is Sisterhood of Community, and the keynote speaker will be Kelly Snelgrove from Harleyville UMC. The Limitless mission collec on for that day will focus on the needs of our five mission projects. You will find the registra on form along with the list of wanted items in this edi on of Mission Echo. Our mission projects need your support. Bi-Lo and Wal-Mart gi cards are always welcome. A full list of items wanted by Limitless for the mission collection on the day of Come Together Be Together is found on page 18 of this publication.

11 South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Membership Nurture and Outreach Come Together Be Together Saturday May 20, 2017 Fun for all Ages and Stages of United Methodist Women Cumberland United Methodist Churches 163 S. Coit Street, Florence, SC Event Theme: Sisterhood of Community 9:00 9:50 Registration 9:55 10:05 Centering with Music 10:05 11:00 Greeting/Music/Speaker 11:15 12:30 Workshops 12:40 2:00 Lunch/Sending Forth at Central UMC Registration of $20.00 postmarked by May 5, Fee includes lunch and materials. Request for special dietary needs or child care must be received by May 5 th. Registration fee is $25.00 postmarked after May 5 th. Final postmark deadline is May 15th. Checks postmarked later than May 15th will be returned. With regrets, no on-site registration will be available. Come with your smiles, unique hats and blue accessories to enjoy beautiful Florence. Donations of certain items will be collected for the five mission projects, please see Mission Echo for specifics! If you bring items, Limitless will do the separating! Gift cards from Bi-Lo or Wal-Mart are also welcome. Cut here and return bottom portion with check made payable to SCCUMW Mail to Gladys Lemon: 304 Scotch Range Road, Summerville, SC Name Address Church District: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Child Care: Number of Children Ages (Participants must bring a bag lunch for any child attending) Please select first, second and third choice for your fun workshop! Bible Study Dirt, Plants, Orchids = Fun Scarf Wrapping (head & neck) Zuumba Health & Wellness Ministering to the Grieving Witnessing as Faith Leaders Planning for Retirement Protestant Prayer Beads Limitless Team (ages 14-30)

12 Education & Interpretation Sue Owens MISSIONS R US. Do I hear kni ng needles clacking? Or am I hearing Grandma s dentures on a cold, windy day? Do I hear crochet hooks pulling through yarn? Or am I hearing long johns rubbing against pant legs on a wintry morning? Is that a sewing machine s tching? Or is that the quartz heater turning on and off as you stay warm when the temperatures are low? Maybe it s not cold at your house as you read this so part of this paragraph might not apply to you. But, hopefully, the other part does. Have you started your handmade items for the cra room? These long nights when the sun goes down before we want it to make a wonderful me for us to sit, watch television and work on, as Grandma used to say, handwork. Darning socks is a lost art, but kni ng them is not. Perhaps your husband has been underfoot for en rely too long this winter. Perhaps he d be willing to make bird houses or some other wood items to share with our Cra Room. Perhaps none of these things appeal to your crea ve juices but there are others that do. The me is good to get started either thinking or doing. Elsewhere in this edi on of MISSION ECHO you will find a lis ng of wanted/needed items from our mission projects. Think about visi ng at least one of them that perhaps is closest to you or take a field trip to the one farthest away. When you visit, take some of the items that have been listed. Each of our projects has different needs based on who they serve and what they do. All can forever stamps and gi cards to Wal-Mart, Office Depot, and Bi-Lo. Please make sure to write the amount on the card to make it easier to divide. Remember that collec on boxes will be at the Spiritual Growth Retreat, Mission u and Annual Mee ng. And, from Recycle Central, I am s ll collec ng cancelled stamps, aluminum pull tabs, and Campbell Soup labels which say Labels for Educa on on the UPC code. Be sure to cut the whole UPC code and Labels for Educa on from the label. (The latest on this is that this offer is being phased out this summer. I have heard that before, so keep collec ng. Someone may change his/her mind.) The cancelled stamps and pull tabs, though not necessarily used by the projects in our conference, can be used by others to assist women, children and youth in our world. It also gives everyone a chance to be in mission as she collects these items. youth? We are the hands and feet of God in this world. What are you doing to help women, children, and Yours in mission, Sue Owens E&I Coordinator

13 Mark Your Calendars July 27 29, 2017 Mission u Spartanburg Methodist College Theme: Embracing The World With The Gospel Mission u is an opportunity to study current issues impac ng society based on recent mission study topics. Mission u is open to members and non-members of United Methodist Women and youth. Each year Mission u event offers classes on topics covering three themes: Spiritual Growth, Social Issue and Geographic. The Spiritual Growth study is Living As a Covenant Community. The Social Issue study is Climate Jus ce. The Geographic Study The Missionary Conferences of the United Methodist Church in the United States. The Youth Study is In Mission Together: A Youth Study on Missionary Conferences. The 2017 team is working hard and is preparing for a grand learning and fun experience. Please mark your calendars for this exci ng red-le er day. The registra on, general informa on sheet and scholarship informa on forms are located in this publica on. THE YOUTH AND CHAPERONE COVENANT FORMS ARE LOCATED ON THE UMW WEB PAGE! The team is aggressively planning for your arrival. Women across the South Carolina Conference and other Conferences look forward to this special event as it is the core of our existence. Mission in ac on is our mo o and our thrust. Gathering together to more fully seek God s instruc ons for us as an organiza on, build rela onships with other women, and simply to have fun is our goal for your at Mission u. We look forward to you joining us at this event. Joyfully serving, Ann Alexander, 2017 Dean The 2017 Mission u Team

14 2017 SC Conference UMW Mission u Theme: Embracing The World With The Gospel Spartanburg Methodist College, Spartanburg, SC Thursday, July 27- Saturday, 29, 2017 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, 2017 Keys: The key deposit is $10 and is refundable at checkout. THERE WILL BE A $ CHARGE FOR LOST KEYS NO EXCEPTIONS!

15 July Spartanburg Methodist College, Spartanburg, South Carolina Theme: Embracing The World With The Gospel Please print clearly Name: Suitemates* Address: City and Zip District Phone: Please provide address if you wish for confirmation to be sent electronically: **Please Check All That Apply** Under 40 Youth Attending first time Conference Officer District Officer Clergy 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 Living As a Covenant Community 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: Missionary Conferences of the United Methodist Church in the United States Issue Study: Climate Justice Please indicate here if you took Climate Justice last year. ***************************************************************************************************** For Youth and Limitless Ladies Only: Youth Study: In Mission Together: A Youth Study on Missionary Conferences 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: $85.00 * Youth Resident: $ Amount Enclosed: **Registration Deadline is June 30, 2017** **Suitemate registration forms must be mailed together** **Please See General Information Sheet for more details about the event**

16 Charter for Racial Jus ce The United States a na on of many peoples of different races, na onali es, languages and cultures is challenged to make the Charter for Racial Jus ce a charter for everyone. The Charter for Racial Jus ce was created and adopted by the Women's Division (now United Methodist Women) of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries in In 1980 the division successfully recommended adop on of the charter by the whole denomina on. General Conference has consecu vely readopted it, every eight years since, most recently in The charter con nues United Methodist Women's urgent call for study and ac on on the principles and goals of its vision. The SCCUMW Charter for Racial Jus ce Commi ee fully believes in living the Charter. One of the goals of the commi ee is to implement the Charter for Racial Jus ce in local units by promo ng the following: WE WILL: Increase our efforts to recruit women of all races into the membership of United Methodist Women and provide leadership development opportuni es without discrimina on. WE WILL: Create workshops and seminars in local churches to study, understand and appreciate the historical and cultural contribu ons of each race to the church and community. By promo ng these two statements, we commit ourselves as individuals and as a community to follow Jesus Christ in word and in deed and to struggle for the rights and self-determina on of all people. Copies of the Charter are available online and will be available at all upcoming events.

17 The Power of Bold will be the theme of the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women in Columbus, Ohio, May 18-20, This Assembly is par cularly momentous in that it marks both the official celebra on of the organiza on s 150th anniversary and a return to the loca on of the first Assembly in Throughout the ac on-filled weekend, par cipants will revisit the journey of Mary, who boldly risked safety and security to answer yes to God s call to service, and likewise affirm their own commitment to mission with women, children and youth as United Methodist Women in the 21st century. When women unite, bold and courageous ac ons occur. In 1869, eight women came together to send a woman doctor and woman teacher to India and formed the Woman s Foreign Missionary Society. One hundred and fi y years later, that society is the largest faith-based women s mission organiza on in the world, changing lives for women, children, youth and families down the street and around the globe. United Methodist Women has, is and will be a unique movement for transforma on in our church and our world. Our movement was launched by the bold ac on of women who saw a need and claimed their power as disciples of Jesus Christ to address it, said Harrie J. Olson, chief execu ve officer of United Methodist Women. They sent women leaders Isabella Thoburn, an educator, and Dr. Clara Swain, a doctor to India to serve women and children in This daring con nued when leaders took a bold stand for racial jus ce and moved their first Assembly in 1942 to Columbus, where African-American women were welcomed at hotels and other public accommoda ons. Assembly 2018 will be a forum for United Methodist Women members, new friends and partners to gather, worship and learn about the needs of women, children and youth in the 21st century. They will be claiming their 150-year history as women who know how to organize and serve and are willing to be challenged to grow in their faith as they build deeper connec ons with one another, church leaders and partners in the work of jus ce for all God s children. The Power of Bold will be evident again at Assembly 2018, when 8,000 women come together in faith to address priority challenges of their day: mass incarcera on, economic inequality, maternal and child health and climate jus ce, Olson said. The Assembly website, h p:// will officially launch in March of 2017 with regular updates on the event. Registra on for the event will open Sept. 1, 2017.

18 Committee on Nominations needs you to scout out new leaders. The members of your current conference Committee on Nominations (CON) and their home districts are as follows: Clara Horton - Rock Hill; Jan Fleming Spartanburg; Sharon Washington Florence; Dannett Golden Orangeburg; Mary Cabaniss Walterboro; Annette Pollard Marion; Jacqueline Session Columbia; Ellen Schumpert - Greenwood ; and, Judy Roumillat- Charleston. In this issue of the Mission Echo is a form which is a suggestion on how to let us know when you have someone to recommend for leadership development. When you are participating in local, district and conference activities, be on the alert for future leaders at each of those levels. You don t have to get a commitment from them for a particular position. Just give us the information you have and we ll do the rest. It may be that she is not ready at this time, but can be nurtured into future leadership. Positions which will need to be filled at the conference level at the end of this year are Treasurer, Education & Interpretation, Spiritual Growth and a member for the Committee on Nominations (CON). The conference CON members are appreciative of the opportunity to serve the organization in this capacity and respectfully request prayers for discernment and for your assistance in bringing to our attention persons who would be assets in the positions mentioned above. Please be in touch with me or any other member with your ideas or concerns. Thank you for your support REQUESTS FOR MISSION PROJECTS at Come Together Be Together BETHLEHEM CENTER, SPARTANBURG Food for food pantry Snacks for a er school Yarn/thread/fabric for seniors BETHLEHEM COMMUNITY CENTER, COLUMBIA Toilet paper/paper towels Hand soap Snacks for a er school KILLINGSWORTH Toilet paper Paper towels Laundry detergent (Not HE) and dryer sheets (not liquid fabric so ener) RURAL MISSION, INC Gatorade/Powerade for work crews Office supplies Aluminum pans half and full sized WALLACE FAMILY LIFE CENTER Paper towels Quart- and gallon-sized Ziploc bags

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20 The South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women Anderson District UMC P.O. Box 1057 Anderson, SC Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit # #392 Anderson, 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 We re on the Web: umw Like us on Facebook South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women