If You Were the Enabler,... SO, STOP READING AND PUT SOME THOUGHT INTO HOW YOU COULD AND WOULD DO THIS.

Transcription

1 East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women KEEPING CURRENT Volume 34, Issue 1 February 2016 If You Were the Enabler,... Let s suppose we live in a world without the Bible. We have been taught about Jesus and His two great Commandments. I Love God with all your heart and mind and have no other gods before Him. II Love one another even as you love yourself. Now you have been asked to work with a task group who are designing tools and writing explanations to help new persons in the faith and encourage all in spiritual growth and knowledge. Your first task is to create a basis of 10 recommendations to help God s children to understand and carry out those two commandments. SO, STOP READING AND PUT SOME THOUGHT INTO HOW YOU COULD AND WOULD DO THIS. Below are my thoughts of how I should personally live and encourage others to do so. They are in alphabetical order and not necessarily in order of importance or occurrence. Center your very life and every thought in God. Entertain yourself through good thoughts, good books, good people, and God s nature. Initiate time with God in seclusion, in small groups, and in corporate worship. Make and leave a good impression of a God-fearing and loving life. Mentor the floundering and walk with them to the solid ground of God s Grace. Mind your thoughts of others to remember he or she is going on to perfection and not yet reached it. Nurture God s children with positive thoughts, encouragement, and loving support. Occupy your time, talents, and treasure with and through proper stewardship. Think and answer What would Jesus do? before any action or deed, especially if would hurt God s child or world. Trust Jesus to guide you in caring acts toward others and our environment, leading you along the path God intends for you. Now that you have developed your own thoughts and read mine, look at the ten statements above. Each starts with a bold capital letter. Take those ten letters and unscramble them to see what God wants and expects from you. May God bless you and your ministry, Kathy

2 Keeping Current Page 2 The LOGO of the flame is representative of 2 Timothy 1:6 I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God which is within you As UMW, we give our gift of God with others through Mission. LEGACY FUND A permanent endowment that will support the mission outreach of future generations. The second Annual Day of Giving on March 23 will honor the day in 1869 when a small group of women organized for Mission. If you would like to contribute please call for a 100% tax deductible contribution MISSION u Studies for 2016 Spiritual Growth: The Bible & Human Sexuality Issue Study: Climate Justice Geographic: Latin American People & Faith Children s studies: God s Extravagant Garden- Climate Justice, Life & Faith in Latin America New this year at Mission U FRIDAY is CO-ED ANNUAL CELEBRATION - October 28-29, AT THE MENTOR UMC Father, help me to step out of my comfort zone, so I am able to grow and do the work You ve set aside for me to do. EOC UMW Officers 2016 President Kathy Kuhn kathy.kuhn@sbcglobal.net Vice President Rosalyn Barnhill barnhillrosalyn@aol.com Secretary Becky Neibarger rebecky4659@yahoo.com Treasurer Sandra Hodge hodgenterprises@frontier.com Nominations Chairperson ritakyser@aol.com Prog. Resources and Historian Betty Alvey balvey710@comcast.net Education & Interpretation In Transition Membership Nurture/Outreach In Progress Social Action To Be Namend Spiritual Growth Beth Saling bsaling@myfatlink.net Rita Kyser Communications Coor. Becky Sutton rlsutton5@yahoo.com Webmaster Rosalyn Barnhill barnhillrosalyn@aol.com Rosalyn Barnhill, Vice President

3 Keeping Current Page 3 News from the Conference Treasurer Dear Friends, The other day I was reading in 2 nd Corinthians 9: 7-15 about seizing opportunities to do good for others. This scripture reminded me of how we can share God s love through the little things we do. Sharing His love can take many forms like showing concern for someone who just Sandra L. Hodge needs a friend. We can lend a listening ear and serve as a sounding board. We can give someone a hug and pray with them. We can also give generously to our special mission. These small gestures of kindness demonstrate the love God has placed within us. Sometimes it is the small things we do that matter the most. As we start 2016 contact someone who you have not talked to in a while. Don t wait let them hear your voice. Reach out and support someone who is struggling. Let them know you have not forgotten how precious they are to you. It is a privilege and honor to reassure God s flock of how much we love them Finance Factoids It is truly a pleasure to be a part of the UMW. Our districts are truly blessed with so many outstanding women who work so tirelessly. I am thankful to know many of you! Truly thankful for the work you do! This past year we sent UMW Inc. $220,776. Our goal for 2016 is $225,000. We ask that you continue to support us as we strive to achieve this goal. Also join me in giving a hearty welcome to two new district treasurers who just joined the conference finance team in January. They are Ms. Rita Newbery, Mahoning District and Ms. Martha Stuller, representing the Three Rivers district. We are happy to have them join our sisterhood. Be at peace my sisters. I will see you soon and may God s blessings surround you. Do you have a talent or gift directing you toward devotions, nurturing others, how finances work, social action, programming, or keeping records pertaining to history? This small list is a part of the blessings and duties of your conference team officers. Do you believe you are being called toward a new level of faith, hope, love and action within our East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women? Praying for the women who will be members of your conference team is an ongoing year-round process for the leadership being developed to serve you. Please contact me to talk and get a form for a friend or yourself to include your info in our talent bank. Blessings to you in In His Service, Rita Kyser, Committee on Nominations Chair 1820 Adams Road - Route 2, Mansfield, OH H: C: Ritajkyser@aol.com

4 Keeping Current Page 4 Why A Scholarship? Scholarship Endowment honoring Dr. Magnolia (Maggie) Jackson The scholarship will provide a Full Annual Scholarship for a Student enrolled at Africa University. Maggie received scholarships for both secondary and post-secondary education that enabled her to reach life-long goals. Her professional career and much of her volunteer efforts have been directed toward helping others realize their dreams. Why Africa University? Maggie has served on Africa University s Board of Trustees for 17 years-for 8 years as Chairperson of Buildings and Grounds-and on the Africa University Advisory Development Committee for 17 years. At Africa University Maggie has met many students who would not have been able to receive an education without scholarship support. She has also seen how graduates of Africa University (now with 6,000+ alumni) are changing the face of sub-saharan Africa. The endowed scholarship will make it possible to continue to educate students at Africa University in perpetuity. Maggie s Volunteer Work Maggie has volunteered at every level of the United Methodist Church. This has certainly been true as she has participated at every level within United Methodist Women. Maggie is best known for the lives she has touched and the contributions she has made to countless organizations. The character trait which is admired by all who know her is that she can never give back enough. Whether it is in her congregation, United Methodist agencies, or other non-profits, she assumes the roles where she can make a difference regardless of the demands on her. You are invited to participate in honoring Maggie by making a gift to the Scholarship. Please use the form below.

5 Keeping Current Page 5 Education and Interpretation As we have celebrated 145 years in mission we recognize the saints that have gone before us leaving us a legacy of serving local, national, and world-wide ministries. We are proud of our heritage and service. We are also challenged as we go into the 21st century toward our 150th year with new purpose and drive. We are learning new ways to serve as our challenge broadens into the following ministries: persons with disabilities persons of different races and nationalities persons with drug & alcohol abuse men and women in prisons persons in poverty & homelessness victims of domestic violence victims of human trafficking Sandy Wilder wrote in the January 2015 Response magazine "All resources, natural and financial, are from God and it is our responsibility as women of faith to ensure that these resources meet the needs of all." This is surely an enormous task but we have met such challenges in the past beyond our wildest dreams. To begin to meet these challenges it will take all of us working together. Each individual unit must be challenged to find at least one new ministry in which to be involved. Increasing our reading in the Response magazine, the World Outlook and the books in our Reading Program will give us resources for beginning this challenge and finding new visions. Encourage women and girls in your congregation to join your fellowship. Ask your minister to include mission minutes during your worship service to share your unit's mission work. Be more vocal about your service and let people know who you are and what you do. Most of all---deepen your own spiritual growth by developing daily Bible reading, prayer time and meditation to learn where God is leading you. Pray for the other women in your group and in your church. Pray for the children in your church and community. Make the next five years as we work for our 150th anniversary a time of renewal and dedication to the ministry of the UMW. God be with you. Gail Alexander, East Ohio Conference UMW Education and Interpretation Chairperson United Methodist Women Purpose: An 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. Currently, the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Women s website is under construction. The East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women s website will be available on the EOCUMC website, under the Laity tab. We will let you know when it s available. Anyone who wishes to be added or removed from the newsletter mailing list, please contact the communications coordinator. rlsutton5@yahoo.com Thank you. Mission Studies for 2016 Spiritual Growth - The Bible and Human Sexuality Geographic - Latin America Issue Study - Climate Justice

6 Keeping Current Page 6 HAVE YOU? Have you helped a child in need? Have you dropped money in the Salvation Army bucket? Have you given a friend a ride to the doctor or hospital? Have you voted or better yet worked on a political campaign, i.e. posted signs supporting the school levy? This, my friend and fellow servants, is social action on a very personal level and usually involves people you know. As United Methodist Women, our very Purpose screams social action for all but especially for marginalized women, youth, and children. You are most probably aware of some of the mission projects on the national and world level. Two quick examples are the World Thank Offering and Prayer & Self Denial. Each year at Mission u, we study at least one social issue. For the last two years, the study was on persons with disabilities of any and all kinds. This year and next, we will be studying climate changes and the effect on world. Here in East Ohio, we have been specifically studying and working toward abolishing human trafficking. Some of our ladies have been instrumental in making authorities not only aware of the situation but also willing to do something about rescuing and rehabilitating the victims as well as legally prosecuting the abusers and offenders. While the human trafficking issue is still important and ongoing, we are also being educated and have started to promote gun safety. When I joined a carpool to get to work, there were three rules. Be there on time or get left; no talking about politics or religion; and no playing the radio. Well, I don t know about you, but it is hard for me not to talk about my faith and talking about the weather or a child s illness for the minimum 45 minute drive just wasn t going to hack it. Plus I require music when I drive, even if it is just background. Six months later, I was one of the main driver s. At that time since no radio, it was me singing Beautiful Dreamer all the way in and Goodnight, My Someone; Goodnight My Love all the way home. Soon everyone was singing to the radio. Talking also changed and the riders started having meaningful conversations about very diverse subjects. You see we had at least 5 denominations of both active clergy and laity among the fifteen members. Each of us was used to witnessing through word and deed. To stifle that is to take away God s plan. You are also a part of God s plan and witness. So go out and do something for God s children. If you can t go out, then write letters, notes, or s. Make telephone calls. Invite someone to visit so you can minister to him, her, or them. If you are bedfast and can t speak, you can still the two most important things. Pray for your family, your church, your friends, your country, and strangers. Then trust God to make sure it happens.

7 East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women Keeping Current February 2016 Page 7 Members of United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church, East Liverpool, OH Helen Dieter, Pat McAtee, Freeda Adkins, Connie Frederick, Dorothy Garn, Ingrid Henthorne, Judy Kidder and Louise Fitzgerald Intercept the Traffickers Because the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, Calif. is one of the biggest sporting events, it is a place that intensifies the space where human trafficking can occur. That's why United Methodist Women has asked members to join in the Intercept the Traffickers campaign and open your umbrellas to raise awareness. Thousands will travel to the area to take part in the Super Bowl festivities. Among those travelers will be those arriving by force, fraud or coercion - they will not be there of their own free will but as victims of human trafficking. The umbrellas can call attention, shield trafficked women and girls, form colorful ribbons of hope, be a sign of Recovering Grace and show that we care, and encourage survivors to hold on a little longer. For more information csadc@unitedmethodistwomen.org.

8 Keeping Current Page 8 Spiritual Growth Coordinator Greetings to All of You I want to introduce myself. I am so excited to be working with the EOC UMW team and Spiritual Growth because we are all working toward the same goals. I am a retired school teacher, having worked with early childhood students for 36 years. Things didn t work out quite like I had planned when I retired, losing my two best friends (my husband and my mother) that same summer. After a lot of prayer, I decided to go back to work. I am now an adjunct professor at Muskingum University, located in New Concord, Ohio. God was with me the day I made the phone call to apply for the job. What a wonderful school! It is a Christian based university and I get to do what I love best. I teach students! True, they are a little older than 3 rd graders, but they want to learn. And isn t that what we all want out of life? Many of you have heard me talk about The Butterfly Effect. I want to update you on the young man that I talk about in my story. Casey got married this past summer (I wouldn t have missed that wedding for anything!) and he and his wife are both working on the main campus of Cleveland Clinic Hospital. I had dinner with his parents the other evening and during the evening Casey called to tell them he was headed into work and that he loved them. That young man spreads the spirit of the Lord everywhere he goes, even to a little restaurant in downtown Caldwell, Ohio. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Bye for now, Beth Saling THE READING PROGRAM Here are some of the Reading Program books that are available at the Mission Resource Center. Dreamers An Immigrant Generation s Fight for Their American Dream by Eileen Truax Of the approximately 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the US, as many as 2 million came as children. They grow up here, going to elementary, middle and high school, and then the country they call home won t in most states- offer financial aid for college or enable them to be legally employed. In 2001 the DREAM Act was introduced to Congress, an initiative that would allow these young people to become legal residents if they met certain requirements. Ten personal stories of young undocumented people as they struggle with personal dignity. Miss Brenda and the Loveladies by Brenda Spahn, Founder of the Lovelady Center for the largest nonprofit transitional center for women in the country. With a heart to help and a will that couldn t be crushed, Brenda fought the system and overcame tremendous obstacles to take ex-cons into her home and help them navigate the world of life on the outside. This is the story of the first women who came to call her Miss Brenda. It s a story that shows how God changes hearts every day.

9 Keeping Current Page 9 Did You Know? Poland United Methodist Church s UMW has started a UMW Book Club. They meet the 4 th Wed. of the month at 11:30 am. All of the ladies bring their own lunch. Dessert and drink are provided. I then review 3 to 4 of the UMW books. It is not a requirement to have previously read all of the books. I try to keep with a theme if possible. We get quite lively discussions. We started out with about 6 ladies attending; we are now up to about 22. Several are from other churches. Below is an example of a book review (which are typed and passed out to the ladies): (Ed for Mission) Becoming a Justice Seeking Congregation by William McElvaney William McElvaney is a long time peace and justice advocate in both the local church and the academy. He has served as pastor of the United Methodist church and theology professor at SMU. Foundations of Justice The Source of Justice Is 42: 1 I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. The Hebrew prophets are the source of justice. Ps 97:2 states: Righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne. As Christians we look for Jesus above all as the exemplar to justice. How we do as a church is at stake when we reflect on the source of justice. Signs of Justice Justice is absolutely necessary for the world to have a viable future. To characterize what it means to be an American in this century, the word more comes to mind. Every effort on behalf of justice begins with But. Social Justice is about equal access to all rights & privileges afforded by society and finally about responsibility. Strength for Justice Pastoral ministry and prophetic sermons can reinforce each other & strengthen the total ministry of the congregation. Message and practice need to be a unity. For United Methodists the largest & clearest statements related to social justice are contained in our Social Principles. Doing Justice: Issues & Strategies How does the Church go about the Pursuit of Justice? The author gives many stories of issues (immigration, violence, environmental awareness, peacemaking etc.) People power is the only place to start, to live, to conclude. This leads to the following questions: Where is God leading & prompting us towards justice. Is there any word from the Lord? What injustice draws the strongest sense of passion & conviction from you or your group? Submitted by Chris Grabert, Poland UMW President

10 Keeping Current Page 10 Every two years, response magazine publishes a Mission Map issue. Markers indicate where United Methodist Women projects are located and a key describes each program. Subscribers to response receive these maps in their print and digital issues but they are such vital tools we make them available to all. Download the map section of response, February Man Plans; God Laughs. We have all heard that little saying but have also been programmed to plan ahead. Last fall, I believed we had elected the East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women Mission Team which I personally considered a Dream Team. Well Ladies, it would have been a great team to work with, but it is no longer the team in place. Three of our members felt called to resign over the last month: Kristina Dubois (Social Action), Orpha Belardo (Membership Nurture & Outreach, and Gail Alexander (Mission Education & Interpretation). All were for legitimate reasons but still those resignations were very hard to accept. I know I will personally miss them, not only for their particular skills and willingness service, but also for their support and encouraging personalities. Please join me in praying for these ladies as they tend to their particular situations, provide them with your personal support and comfort, and wish them blessings in their new avenue of ministries. God bless us, every one. District Spring Meeting Schedule 2016 District Date Church City Time Deadline Canal 23-Apr-16 Brimfield UMC Kent 9:30 15-Apr-16 8:30 Registration Firelands 09-Apr-16 Birmingham UMC Wakeman 31-Mar-16 Mahoning Valley 13-Apr-16 Poland UMC Poland 9:30 5-Apr-16 9:30 Registration Mid-Ohio 30-Apr-16 Delaware Asbury Delaware N/A North Coast 23-Apr-16 Celebration UMC Euclid 12:15 19-Apr-16 9:30 Registration Ohio Valley 21-Apr-16 Wintersville UMC Wintersville 14-Apr-16 Southern Hills 16-Apr-16 McKendree UMC McConnellsville 1:00 PM Not Needed Three Rivers 09-Apr-16 Park UMC Coshocton Tuscarawas 09-Apr-16 Wilmot UMC Wilmopt Western Reserve 16-Apr-16 Ashtabula First UMC Ashtabula 9:00 Registration 9:30 Registration N/A N/A 8:30 8-Apr-16

11 Keeping Current Page 11 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the spirit. John 3:8 United Methodist Women North Central Jurisdiction 2016 Quadrennial June Grand Rapids, MI Watch the process as National Directors are elected. There will be guest speakers, creative worship, choice of six workshops, optional bus tour of museum and National UMW Mission site. Online registration now open, go to: ncjumc.org Early registration fee of $150. (After May 13, registration will be $195.) Fee covers costs of program Friday through Sunday, all meals from Friday supper through Sunday breakfast including gratuities, and packet. All meetings held at Double Tree by Hilton. A special room price has been negotiated with Hilton. Hotel reservation is your responsibility.

12 East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women Keeping Current February 2016 Page 12 East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women 2016 Mission u Mission u One-Day Sampler July 22nd Men Invited to register for One-Day Sampler Mission u Three-Day Event July 22nd-24th The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God s Good Gift The 2016 Spiritual Growth study invites us to explore the complexity of the biblical text and our varied understandings of it in light of human sexuality. We will also examine the influence of theologians and church leaders throughout thousands of years of Judeo-Christian history. Finally, we will consider the influence of family systems, heritage, and changing gender roles, along with the impact of race, class, age, ethnicity, and orientation and how each of us was reared and instructed in our Christian faith. Study Leader: Rev. Charles E. Tobias Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action will deepen your understanding and awareness of climate change and its impact on God s creation. The study highlights justice, peace, and integrity of creation as important dimensions of partnering in God s mission today. It offers participants biblical, theological, and ethical insights as the basis of their advocacy on climate justice in churches and in the public sphere. Diverse Perspectives Each chapter gives a different perspective of climate justice through the eyes of eight diverse authors. Participants will study: justice and the perspective and priorities it requires; and Study Leaders: Rev Nathan Howe and Rev Donald Kuntz Latin America: People and Faith Geographic Study This study is an invitation to enter the land called Latin America. Latin America is a concept created in the economic and political realm. The definition and list of countries that form the region change depending on the intended goal. The text presents colonization and culture, waves of independence, immigration, challenges the region faces, and the role of Church in Latin America. Study Leader: Rev. Nestor Nazario

13 Keeping Current Page 13 Rev. Nestor Nazario was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in He has a Bachelor s degree in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master s degree in Divinity from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico. He was ordained Elder at the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in Rev. Nazario has served as pastor of First Hispanic and Christ UM churches in Cleveland. He has also served as an active duty US Navy Chaplain for twenty years. He is currently pastor of Hope UMC in Bedford, member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, Committee of Church and Society, and Commission of Religion and Race. Rev. Nazario also has a Master s of Science in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and one year of Clinical Pastoral Education from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Rev. Charles E. Tobias is the Senior Pastor of Wooster United Methodist Church in Wooster, Ohio. He is married to Diane Prelac Tobias, a professional Children s Librarian in the Wooster/Wayne County Public Library, and they are the parents of two adult children, Sarah (Joe) Gaither of Norton, Ohio, and Andrew (Chelsea) Tobias of Cleveland, Ohio. Charlie is an Ordained Elder in the East Ohio Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, and is an Adjunct Professor at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (Delaware, Ohio). He is also a 25-year member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, and performs with the tenor section of the Chorus in Cleveland and all across the United States and around the world. Rev Donald Kuntz raised in Akron, has 30 years of pastoral ministry, including urban and rural churches. Currently serves Lodi UMC. Served as hospital chaplain at Akron Children's, and EMT in Wayne Co. Rev Kuntz has been on over 2 dozen mission trips in the US, Mexico and Honduras. Rev Kuntz is married to Dr. Tammy Kuntz, the East Ohio Conference UMVIM coordinator. Born and raised in northeast Ohio, Rev. Nathan Howe received his undergraduate education at Ohio Northern University and graduated with an M.Div. in 2008 and a D.Min. in 2015, both from Wesley Theological Seminary. He has served as pastor in local congregations in Tiffin, Ohio from 2008 to 2012 and in Niles, Ohio from 2012 to the present. In addition to providing pastoral leadership in the local congregation, Rev. Howe has chaired the EOC Church and Society Committee from 2012 to the present and has served in other capacities on the District and Conference level. He has taught at Mission U previously, in 2011 and 2012, and looks forward to the opportunity to learn together again this year.

14 Mission u Drive-In Day and Three Day Events Registration 2016 Adult Registration University of Mount Union (Use one form per person; duplicate as needed) Mark which Event you will be attending: Received by 6/1/16 Received 6/2/16 or later Mission u Sampler $70.00 $90.00 Mission u Three-Day Event, Double Room $ $ (Persons who require a double room and no roomate must pay DOUBLE) Mission u Three-Day Event, Single Room $ $ Mission u Three-Day Event, Commuter* $75.00 $95.00 *(Sat. lunch included) Cancellations before 7/15/16 have a $25.00 Service Charge NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 15, 2016 Name: Address: Church: District: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Cell: Roommate's Name (if applicable) The Sampler is an overview of all three studies. In the three-day event, attendees will take the Spiritual Growth Study (The Bible and Human Sexuality) plus the choice of the other two areas of study. If attending the three-day event, please indicate your first choice you would prefer of the other two studies. Each study is on for a two-year term. Therefore the first-year study will be offered again next year but the second-year study is in its last year at Mission u. Latin America - the People and Faith (2nd year) Climate Justice (1st year) First-time Attendee Scholarship Recipient District Officer Missionary Deaconess Conference Officer Pastor Age Please note any special needs (Dietary/Physical) AMOUNT ENCLOSED Make check or money order payable to East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women (EOC UMW) Mail Completed form to Registrar: Regina McAlister, 5479 Cadwallader Sonk Road, Fowler, OH Phone mcalisterregina@yahoo.com You will receive registration confirmation and Mission u attendee information either by postal mail or .

15 Mission u Three Day Event Registration 2016 Youth Registration University of Mount Union (Use one form per person; duplicate as needed) Mark which Event you will be attending: Received by 6/1/16 Received 6/2/16 or later Mission u Three-Day Event, Double Room $ $ Mission u Three-Day Event, Commuter* $75.00 $95.00 *(Sat. lunch included) Cancellations before 7/15/16 have a $25.00 Service Charge NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 15, 2016 Name: Address: Church: District: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Cell: Age: Roommate's Name First-time Attendee Scholarship Recipient District Officer Conference Officer Please note any special needs (Dietary/Physical) AMOUNT ENCLOSED Make check or money order payable to East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women (EOC UMW) Mail Completed form to Registrar: Regina McAlister, 5479 Cadwallader Sonk Road, Fowler, OH Phone mcalisterregina@yahoo.com You will receive registration confirmation and Mission u attendee information either by postal mail or .

16 Mission u Drive-In Day and Three Day Event Registration 2016 Child Registration University of Mount Union (Use one form per person; duplicate as needed) Mark which Event you will be attending: Received by 6/1/16 Received 6/2/16 or later Mission u Sampler $70.00 $90.00 Mission u Three-Day Event, Double Room $ $ Mission u Three-Day Event, Commuter* $75.00 $95.00 *(Sat. lunch included) Cancellations before 7/15/16 have a $25.00 Service Charge NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 15, 2016 Name: Address: Church: District: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Cell: Age: Sponsor/Roommate's Name: First-time Attendee Scholarship Recipient Please note any special needs (Dietary/Physical) AMOUNT ENCLOSED Make check or money order payable to East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women (EOC UMW) Please send with sponsor s registration Mail Completed form to Registrar: Regina McAlister, 5479 Cadwallader Sonk Road, Fowler, OH Phone mcalisterregina@yahoo.com You will receive registration confirmation and Mission u attendee information either by postal mail or .

17 Mission u Drive-In Day and Three Day Events 2016 Adult/Youth/Child Scholarship Application University of Mount Union (Use one form perperson; duplicate as needed) Must be Received by June 15, 2016 Mark which Event you will be attending: Mission u Sampler Mission u Three-Day Event, Double Room Mission u Three-Day Event, Commuter* NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 15, 2016 Name: Address: Church: District: City: State: Zip Code: Phone: Cell: Roommate's Name (if applicable) The Sampler is an overview of all three studies. In the three-day event, attendees will take the Spiritual Growth Study (The Bible and Human Sexuality) plus the choice of the other two areas of study. If attending the three-day event, please indicate your first choice you would prefer of the other two studies. Each study is on for a two-year term. Therefore the first-year study will be offered again next year but the second-year study is in its last year at Mission u. Latin America - the People and Faith (2nd year) Climate Justice (1st year) First-time Attendee Pastor Missionary Deaconess I am a child I am a woman in my Teens Twenties Thirties Forties PLEASE INCLUDE A PARAGRAPH STATING WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND MISSION u. Mail Completed form to: Sandra Hodge 10 Glenhurst Circle, Oberlin, OH Phone hodgenterprises@frontier.com You will receive registration confirmation and Mission u attendee information either by postal mail or .

18 Keeping Current Page 18 ACTION ALERT Voters Rights Toolkit Take action to protect voting rights, and let your candidate know what s on your mind. Download toolkit at : Fifty years ago saw the historic passing of the Voting Rights Act. But today, this hard-fought right to vote is in peril. The Voting Rights Act allows the federal government to enforce every citizen s right to vote. But recent court rulings and laws have weakened the act, and in the last five years, 21 states have passed laws that make it more difficult to vote. These laws largely affect low-income, African-American and Hispanic voters. The Voting Rights Act, meant to end racial discrimination in the voting process, is slowly eroding. We have put together a Voters Rights Toolkit to help you learn more and take action to restore the Voting Rights Act. And since this is an election year, we want to make sure your voice gets heard. We are asking all United Methodist Women members to pose a question on an issue that matters most to them to their candidate. The questions you submit will be posted on our website, and you will be able to see which issues are most important to you and other United Methodist Women members in your state. We urge you to take action now! Methodist Her-Story and Voting Rights 1958: Women s Division launches a program designed to cultivate church women as citizens to be more active in local politics with Citizenship Brunches. 1962: Southern Regional Council and the Fellowship of the Concerned (racial justice groups that include Methodist women) get a $325,000 grant for a two year voter registration program. 1963: Women s Division takes strong stance on voter registration by calling on Christian women to open doors to thousands of black citizens who had been deprived of their voting rights. 1965: Women s Division, along with the Board of Missions, Board of Christian Social Concern and the Methodist Student Movement, join the march for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery. From the book Fellowship of Love by Alice Knotts

19 Keeping Current Page 19 To Be a Member. Elaine: Oh my gosh, have you talked to Sally in the last couple of days? She is so excited. I ve never seen her this excited before. And we all know what a pill she can be! Tara: No kidding, Sally was actually happy and even excited about something. Evelyn: She sure is and I know what happened. Yvonne invited her to come to our United Methodist Women meeting this past Tuesday night. Betty had the devotions about Smiling for Jesus. Elaine: Then Gertrude led us in the Purpose and we started into our business meeting. We talked about the Espenoza funeral dinner, plans for the Lenten service, our UMW Sunday, and the annual visit to Bethel Synagogue for a Seder celebration. Did I tell you that three of us are also going to the Quadrennial meeting? Won t that be a hoot?! We voted to do the World Thank offering again. That helps so many people. Each one giving even a little makes a big difference. Tara: What else is happening? Is Beth Ferrel still coming to talk about her time as a missionary? Evelyn: Yes, she s coming in April. After the business part, Marlene had a wonderful program about personal spiritual growth. She showed us some devotionals, prayer journals, plus beautiful music and poetry. We talked about setting up prayer partners and maybe setting up a weekend retreat. Elaine: Then while eating Marge s famous lemon pie, Marlene, Gertrude, and I spent some time with Sally telling her exactly what United Methodist Women means to each of us. Did you know that both Marlene s and my grandmothers were founding members of this unit and the Faith Circle? We told her about our mentoring/tutoring programs, our mission work days and support, the letter campaign about human trafficking, and our financial obligations. But most of all we focused on the fellowship and nurturing atmosphere where we learn about God, from in the Spirit, and learn to walk with Jesus. She ll be back. Tara: I d forgotten how many things we do in pairs and as a group. No wonder we leave the meetings with a Go Get em attitude! G E N E R A L C O N F E R E N C E 2016 May 10-20, 2016 Portland, Oregon United Methodist Women Legislation for Submission to General Conference Can be found at:

20 East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church United Methodist Women 8800 Cleveland Ave,. NW North Canton, OH Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Canton, Ohio Permit No. 391 PLEASE PRINT/COPY THIS NEWSLETTER AND GIVE TO ALL. WE NEED YOU TO HELP SPREAD THE NEWS!! Fall Newsletter article deadline: September 1 Newsletter of the East Ohio Conference United Methodist Women, Kathy Kuhn, President. Published two times yearly: spring and fall. Copying permission is granted. Complimentary copies to local unit presidents and treasurers, East Ohio UMW District and Conference Mission Team members. Questions/comments: direct to rlsutton5@yahoo.com 2016 IMPORTANT UMW DATES March 27 Easter April 3 UMW Sunday One-Day Sampler Three-Day Event Mission U July 22nd is CO-ED July 22nd-24th ANNUAL CELEBRATION AT THE MENTOR UMC October 28-29, 2016 Mission Resource Center Phone: Website: cs@umwmissionresources.org