RIVER TALK. May River Talk 1 May From the desert shall flow rivers of the Living Water and streams out of the dry ground.

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1 RIVER TALK May 2012 From the desert shall flow rivers of the Living Water and streams out of the dry ground CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION That All May Have Life July 26-28, 2012 Korean July 27-29, 2012 Join your United Methodist Women sisters at Biola University this July for an exciting weekend of study, worship, spiritual growth, mission, and fun! SCM is a highlight of the UMW year; don t miss it! Our Conference UMW Team has put together a mission education program that strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women. STUDY OFFERINGS ARE: Immigration in the Bible This is a spiritual growth study, which deals with the theme of how individuals, families, and communities are called to a life long journey of practicing forgiveness, justice, and reconciliation in our relational lives. This study aims to bring about personal and social transformation. Haiti This geographical study is an overview of the cultures that shaped Haiti s past and the ongoing legacy of colonialism, along with glimpses into the heart and soul of Haiti s people through pictures and Creole adages. The impact of the devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake is also addressed. Poverty Poverty is a human rights issue with grave impact on women & children. This mission study will help us recognize the connection between Scripture, church tradition, compassion for the poor, social outreach & social justice. We will deepen our understanding of the realities of poverty and commit to solidarity with the poor through accompaniment & advocacy. Bridging Class The make-up of the bridging class is intentionally intergenerational on a one to one basis. Our hope is to encourage young women 18+, to attend School of Christian Mission and help them discover the gifts of community and experience their more seasoned Sisters in Christ have to offer as they learn and grow together. REGISTRATION DEADLINE JULY 1, 2012: $225 REGISTRATION POSTMARKED AFTER JULY 1: $ 250 If you need a registration form, contact Janet Townsend, Riverside District Communications Coordinator. Her address is jtowns0530@aol.com; phone number is In this Issue: Budget Calendar 14 Cal-Pac Online 8 David & Margaret 8,10 District Officers Educ & Interpretation 4 Membership Nurture 7 & Outreach Methodist Hospital 5 Nominations 3 Pacific Waves 12 President 2 Program Resources 3 River Talk Subscription 13 School of Christian 1,8 Mission Secretary 7 Sister Churches 12 Spiritual Growth 6 Treasurer 4 UMW Annual Conf. 11 Luncheon Vice President 4 Young Women s Coord 6 A Quarterly Newsletter published by Riverside District United Methodist Women Janet Townsend, Editor (951) ; jtowns0530@aol.com River Talk 1 May Verbena Dr., Riverside, CA Your comments/suggestions are appreciated!

2 President s Corner Dear Sisters, What an exciting time we experienced at the March meeting with Banning UMW. To our sisters at Banning UMC and Rev. George Rosemier - Thank you for your hospitality. The message by our guest speaker Sherry Young still resonates in my mind leaving an image that we should live each day to the fullest. Thank you, Sherry, for sharing your faith journey with us. We are living in such a fast paced world constant change, instant communication, and at the same time exciting and filled with wonder at what next to expect. Therefore, we have to hold fast to our sisterly contact. Our meetings and River Talk continue to provide the ability to maintain family ties. We would like to hear your ideas on items you would like to share in the newsletter. We are in the process of making plans for Year 2013, starting with Local Officer Training in January This event is open not only to officers but all women of the church. We especially invite women not involved with UMW to attend in order to learn about UMW and perhaps spark an interest in becoming a member. Our goal is to grow in membership, attract younger women, and maintain our constant members. We realize that in order to grow we must explore and embrace new ideas. One of the things I find daunting about Going Green is the fear of losing the ability to flip the pages of a book. At the same time, I welcome the idea of being able to save and retrieve material in an instant. We are doing our best to comply with the plan of Going Green and ask your help in this by giving us your address if available. I can identify with others using the computer and smart phones; you think you are getting the hang of it and it throws you a curve. Keep trying! As per our plans we alternate District Retreat with our regular meeting in March. Last year the retreat was held at Yucaipa UMC. It was a great meeting and we encourage you to put it on your calendar for March 2013, location to be determined. What an idea for your Unit to host this event. Why am I giving you the scheduled plans for next year change in the air? The fourth Saturday in September follows the tradition of our Fall Celebration. Location to be determined another opportunity for a Unit to host a meeting. I encourage you to consider these months (March and September) as you plan your meetings for next year. We support the stuffed toy or teddy bear project for Methodist Hospital and encourage you to continue bringing them to meetings. We will deliver them to the hospital. See the wonderful article from Mary Hawkins in this edition of River Talk. Like you, I am waiting to hear the news from General Conference on the proposed changes for UMW. Your Sister in Christ, Peace and God Bless, Carrie President Riverside District Phone: tap@peoplepc.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE General Conference Approves United Methodist Women Autonomy by Yvette Moore By a vote of 889 to 20, General Conference made United Methodist Women an autonomous organization within the United Methodist Church May 1 during its quadrennial meeting in Tampa, Fla. The historic vote separates the national policymaking body of women organized for mission within the denomination from the church s mission agency for the first time in more than 70 years. River Talk 2 May 2012

3 Nominations Greetings in the name of Christ, Your Riverside District Committee on Nominations is working to have the slate ready for the election at the Fall District Meeting on September 22 nd at Redlands First UMC. The slate has to be ready by the end of July to appear in the August issue of the River Talk. This year we will be voting for the offices of vice president, Mission Coordinators for Education and Interpretation, Spiritual Growth, and Social Action. We will also be electing a new chair of district Committee on Nominations and two new committee members. If you have an interest in serving in any of these positions on the district level, please let me know. I can be reached at or me at veolafrank@yahoo.com. The committee will be contacting local units for potential nominees. Please think how you can serve UMW on the district level. You will work with some very dedicated and hard working ladies. Don't forget the School of Christian Mission is in July at Biola University. Hope to see you there. Blessings and peace, Elizabeth (Liz) Martinez Chair, Committee on Nominations Phone: veolafrank@yahoo.com Program Resources TO ALL READERS: I made up a folder with an alphabetical listing of the books for the Reading Program. I erred in including the 2007 books - please disregard these. The folders were given out to each church represented at the January training. If you did not receive a copy and would like one, please me hwinston@dc.rr.com or leave a message on the house phone (951) I will be updating this folder each year so you will have an easy to read reference. I like alphabetical! Note: Even though the newsprint states the Reading Program is for 2008 through 2012, in the fall when the 2013 books are available, they can be counted for this year's Reading Program. Conference decided that since the upcoming year's books are available at the September meeting, we could count these books as well. This is great news for all of us insatiable readers. Note also there are FIVE (5) categories now and the program has changed to Plan I - five books; Plan 2 - ten books, Plan 3-15 books, and Plan 4-20 books. Piece of cake! Happy reading! Hugs - Hilde Hilde Winston 2317 Keystone Court Banning, CA Home: (951) Cell: (951) hwinston@dc.rr.com River Talk 3 May 2012

4 $$ Notes From Your Treasurer $$ Greetings to All, It was wonderful to see all of you at our Spring Meeting on March 24 at Banning UMC. A special thank you goes out to Gloria Desart, president of Banning UMW, officers and members of the unit for their hospitality. Sherry Young, the guest speaker, delivered a heartwarming message. It was a great morning! In preparation for getting the preliminary 2013 Proposed Budget ready to submit to the conference treasurer on May 10, I took a closer look at the 2011 Local Unit Annual (Year End) Treasurer s Reports. There are still 7 units that did not submit a report and 3 units submitted the old form without the 2011/2012 pledge information. (I am in the process of ing or calling them.) Twentyfive (25) units have pledged a total of $41, for Our pledge to the conference is $75, We need an additional $33, to meet our pledge. We will be getting funds from lines 2-5 (see remittance form), money from Spring and Annual Meeting offerings, credit for any unused A&MD money that will total about $5-7, I will keep you posted. Twelve (12) units were 5 Star Units for 2011 contributing to all 5 channels of Mission Giving. The units are Banning, Barstow, Chino, Claremont, Redlands First, Rialto, Riverside Arlington, Riverside First, Riverside Grace, San Bernardino Del Rosa/St. Paul, Sun City, and Wrightwood. Congratulations and thank you. If I have omitted your unit, please let me know. I have birthday cards in a variety pack of 5 (blank inside). So if you have family members and friends who don t really need more stuff, give a Gift to Mission and meet one (1) channel toward becoming a 5 Star Unit. We are now in the second quarter of the fiscal year. If you haven t completed your pledge, please make at least quarterly payments. Remember all pledges need to be submitted to your district treasurer by NOVEMBER 30, Please mark your calendar with this date. And remember to make ALL checks payable to Riverside District UMW. I have had to return checks because they were made payable to Cal Pac or me. A remittance form must be submitted with all funds. Donations to local organizations should be mailed directly to the organizations. Go to Women s Division s website new.gbgm-umc.org/umw and click on GIVE, then click Where the Money Goes to get a list of National and International Ministries that are supported by UMW. I am looking forward to seeing you at the School of Christian Mission in July. Until then, have a great summer! Take care. Love, Peace, and God s blessings, Annette Osborne Gaines, Treasurer apgaines@verizon.net Phone: Education & Interpretation Vice President Speaks Krystle is busy with the end of the school year. Hopefully we can catch up with her at School of Christian Mission. If you any questions please contact District President Carrie Garrett. (from editor) Krystle Wheeler Phone: allenkrystle@hotmail.com Greetings! I hope to see you at SCM and Fall Meeting. Blessings to all of you, Maxine Hoth (jlt) Phone: maxinehoth@aol.com River Talk 4 May 2012

5 Riverside District United Methodist Women 2012 Budget Officers Expenses Postage $ 750. Supplies $ 500. Computer Supplies/Maintenance $ 250. Program Resources $ 350. Telephone $ 0 Dependent Care $ 100. President to Annual Conference $ 300. Travel, Meals, Lodging, Registration $ 4,000. Retreat Workshops $ 400. Printing $ 500. Total Officers Expenses $ 7,150. Programming Spring Meeting/Spiritual Growth $ 300. Annual Meeting $ 500. District Mission Studies/Retreats $ Local Unit Officer Training $ 400. Child Care $ 400. Quiet Disciple/Fall Meeting $ 0 Unit Development/Visitation $ 80. Total Programming $ 3,680. Others Newsletters $ Audit $ 400. Special Mission Recognition $ 300. Miscellaneous $ 70. Total Others $ 2,770. Total Expenses $ 13,600. Income Registrations $ 1,600. Newsletters $ 1,200. Budget Request from Conference $ 10,800. Total Income $ 13, Pledge to Conference $ 75,000. Conference A&MD Requested $ 10,800. Report on Mission Giving Jan. 1, 2012 to April 30, 2012 Pledge to Mission $19, Special Mission Recognition Gift to Mission Gift in Memory World Thank Offering Total Mission Giving $20, Spring Meeting Offering $ Methodist Hospital Update Magical Power of the Teddy Bear Excerpts from an article by Methodist Hospital Guest Relations Coordinator, Mary Bigley During some of my first patient visits I met a 90 year old gentleman who was in the Transitional Care Unit. While he had nothing specific to share with me that was wrong, I could not help but notice that he was grouchy. After my patient rounds I returned to my office and could not get this gentleman off my mind. I usually have many resources to pull from to help patients and their families but this patient had nothing wrong other than being grumpy. We had just received a large donation of teddy bears and I decided to take this gentleman a bear in an attempt to cheer him up. I figured the worst thing that could happen would bear that he would throw the bear at me at which point I would leave his room knowing that I had made an attempt. Bear in hand I nervously entered the patient s room and gave him the bear. He took the bear pulled it close to him giving it a hug. His facial expression changed as he held the bear close to him. He looked up at me and stated, Do you know how long it has been since someone has given me a teddy bear? I spent some time with him as he shared some of his life s adventures with me. His entire mood had changed..all because of a stuffed bear. It is the giving of all UMW units that makes this happen! Remember the generous gift of bears from our Banning sisters that were displayed at our last meeting. They are working with the hospital to share their perfect pattern for making bears with all of us. It will be available at the UMW conference booth and by requests to me by phone or . We will collect the bears at conference and at our September District Celebration. Mary Hawkins Phone: (909) maryhh@verizon.net The Gift of Bears From Banning River Talk 5 May 2012

6 Young Women s Coordinator School of Christian Mission this year is offering a Study titled Bridging Class. The make-up of the bridging class is intentionally intergenerational on a one to one basis. Our hope is to encourage young women 18+, to attend School of Christian Mission and help them discover the gifts of community and experience their more seasoned Sisters in Christ have to offer as they learn and grow together. To request a registration form, go online to or contact Janet Townsend as described at the end of the article on page 1. Aloha A Hui Hou, [Goodbye till next time] Joyce Lolohea Latu (by Janet T.) Young Women s Coordinator Phone: maisiva@hotmail.com Spiritual Growth Hospitality being the Christ on Earth Matthew 25: Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. Summer is upon us and some of our friendship and study circles may exist at a slower pace. Friends in these groups may have been together for a long time and may not be accustomed to extending hospitality to the strangers among us. These days, there are many in need of friendship and relationships. What a wonderful idea to give some time to others in your community. John Wesley s great question was How is it with your soul? He put action to these words and with his brother Charles, continued to visit the sick and those in prisons, feed the hungry and offer assistance to strangers as he met them. We are called to do the same, each in our own personal way by sharing of ourselves with others. By choosing to live our lives in this way, we are growing in grace. Many persons are waiting to experience Christ through our actions of love. Groups of individuals who may be marginalized or oppressed are in need of acceptance as brothers and sisters in Christ, the one who accepts all persons as equals. The poor, the unemployed, the sick and discouraged, the recently released prisoner, the homeless families, and those who are filled with loneliness could be strengthened by our healing friendships. We don t have to go far from home to see those in need. Let s each use these summer days to reach out as disciples of Christ and extend ourselves beyond our comfort zone. Those who give in these ways know that they are by far the recipients of inward joy and peace. Peace to you, Mary Hawkins Phone: (909) maryhh@verizon.net UPDATE ON METHODIST HOSPITAL: The Conference is $5, short of meeting our pledge to the hospital. Please help by giving just a little more. Your Unit Treasurer submits this money to Riverside District Treasurer, Annette Gaines. Thank You! River Talk 6 May 2012

7 Membership Nurture & Outreach The School of Christian Mission is like going to a smorgasbord let s say Home Town Buffet. You come hungry for spiritual nourishment. Maybe you are struggling with a big decision, maybe you are missing fellowship with other women, maybe you need inspiration. This event will offer you a time to learn, to grow, to pray. It s kind of like a big retreat with women from all across California and the Pacific Islands. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a newcomer, there will surely be something for you to treasure. This will be my third SCM. Here are some of my favorite things about past events. Intergenerational people gathering in a happy place Study leaders that are knowledgeable, insightful, and inspiring Enriching performances by native performers such as Korean drummers, and Tongan singers Time to grow in your relationship with other women and with God I m looking forward to going again this year. Hope to see you there! Joyfully, Andrea Curry Membership Nurture & Outreach Phone: andrea_curry@att.net (Fynn and Andrea) The Secretary Writes I hope all of you enjoyed our March District meeting as much as I did. Our speaker, Sherry Young, was outstanding. I really enjoyed her spirit. She is truly an example of how to take lemons and make lemonade. Her faith journey with God was a very special treat. The Conference Directories have been mailed to those of you who were unable to pick them up at the Cal Pac event in Hacienda Heights or at our March meeting in Banning. The cost for each directory is $5.00. Hopefully, all units will be able to reimburse the district for our cost. Thank you for keeping your officer lists up to date. It won t be long until we will be identifying officers for The School of Christian Mission will be held at Biola University the last weekend in July. Our next event will be the Annual Meeting in September. Hope to see you all there. Peace, Janyth Dison 421 Lakeside Ave., Redlands, CA Phone: (909) janythdison@msn.com Cal-Pac UMW is on Facebook. Check it out at You will find information, pictures, comments another way for us to stay connected through communication. River Talk 7 May 2012

8 SUN DRESSES FOR HAITIAN Girls (Pillow Case Dresses) A SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION LEARNING CENTER PROJECT NEEDED: New or Gently Used Pillowcases (standard/queen/king) Please bring to the Learning Center at School of Christian Mission or send with someone who is planning to attend. Rickrack, lace, ribbons, buttons, thread donations also welcome. Here is a project for those of you who like hands on involvement especially if you like to sew; although not a requirement. We need hands to cut out patterns. THIS CAN BE A LOCAL UNIT PROJECT This is also a great idea for those who like to assemble and sew at home or wish to use for a local unit mission project. What you need to assemble a dress: 1. Sun Dress Pattern (go to and click on How-To in left column and then pillowcase dresses or google pillowcase dresses ). Also try and 2. Standard or Queen/King Pillowcase new or gently used 3. Pair of Scissors 4. Measuring Tape 5. Elastic 6. Safety Pins 7. Straight Pins 8. Optional: Rickrack, lace, ribbon, buttons, contrasting print for pocket 9. Optional: Photo, prayers or blessings to place in the pocket All finished sun dresses can be boxed and mailed to: People For Haiti 2132 Flame Flower Ct. Trinity, FL Phone: David & Margaret Youth and Family Services 1350 Third St., La Verne, , Support our National Mission! Cal-Pac UMW is online! Check out the website at: Find Conference newsletter Pacific Waves, River Talk, registration and scholarship forms for School of Christian Mission and more River Talk 8 May 2012

9 A few pictures from our March 2012 meeting. An inspirational talk from guest speaker, Sherry Young. God is Good! Making new friends, greeting long-time friends Your Riverside District Mission Team. Missing are Mary Hawkins and Krystle Wheeler. Books and more Books! Come to the Fall meeting where 2013 Reading Program Books will be available. From left to right: Elenoa Fonua, Maxine Hoth,Carrie Garrett, Andrea Curry, Janyth Dison, Annette Gaines, Luseane Haeane, Liz Martinez, Janet Townsend, June Saunders, Joyce Lolohea Latu Save the Date! Fall Meeting is on Saturday, September 22, at Redlands First UMC. It has just been confirmed Pastor Debbie (Camphouse) Sperry will be our guest speaker. More information will be in the August River Talk newsletter. River Talk 9 May 2012

10 Enjoy this opportunity to support David & Margaret Auxiliary River Talk 10 May 2012

11 Check it out! Information on UMW Annual Conference Luncheon Saturday June 16 River Talk 11 May 2012

12 Your Sister Church Assignments for 2012 Revised Feb The District Mission Team exists to support your local unit. One way that is done is to assign each unit a Sister. Your Sister is your primary contact with the District Leadership. She can be called about any issue and, if she doesn t know the answer, she will find it for you. Andrea Curry Janyth Dison Elenoa Fonua Annette Gaines Luseane Haeane Mary Hawkins Maxine Hoth Joyce Lolohea Latu Elizabeth Liz Martinez and June Saunders Janet Townsend Krystle Wheeler Hilde Winston LaVerne, San Dimas, Sun City, Temecula Banning, San Bernardino Emmanuel, Yucca Valley Chino, Claremont, Ontario Trinity Barstow, Riverside Grace, San Bernardino Del Rosa/St. Paul, San Bernardino Trinity Pomona Covenant, Pomona Trinity, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland First Big Bear City, Hemet, Yucaipa Indio Shephard of the Valley, Redlands First, San Jacinto Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Winchester, Riverside Wesley Hesperia, Victorville, Wrightwood Corona, Riverside Arlington, Riverside First, Riverside Highgrove Colton, Rialto, Redlands University, Pomona First Tongan Desert Hot Springs, Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Twentynine Palms Subscribe to Pacific Waves, the voice of our Conference UMW Team. Published in: January April June September Any person may receive Pacific Waves at no cost with an subscription. All you need to do is send an with your full name and telephone number, church and district to: Donna Johnson, Communications Coordinator, at: Donnaj0964@aol.com Effective January 1, 2012, cost is $15 per subscription sent by US Mail first class postage. Make check payable to Cal-Pac UMW. Please mark Pacific Waves 2012 in memo line. Mail to: Loraine Hartranft, Cal-Pac UMW Treasurer, 1740 N. Community Drive #206, Anaheim, CA Pacific Waves 2012 Subscription form mail to Conference UMW Treasurer Please print all information Name: Address: Phone: City: State Zip+4 Church: District: Amount Enclosed _$ Check # Date received by Conference Treasurer: UMW Newsletters can also be found on our Cal-Pac UMW website both Pacific Waves, River Talk, and other districts. Check it out at Think Green print only the newsletter pages that you need. River Talk 12 May 2012

13 District Team for 2012 Office Name Phone President Carrie Garrett Vice President Maxine Hoth Secretary Janyth Dison Treasurer Annette Gaines Secretary of Program Resources Hilde Winston Chair, Committee on Nominations Elizabeth Liz Martinez Mission Coordinators: Spiritual Growth Mary Hawkins Education/Interpretation Krystle Wheeler Social Action Vacant Membership Nurture & Outreach Andrea Curry Communications & Janet Townsend River Talk Editor Committee on Nominations Vacant Vacant June Saunders Luseane Haeane Language Coordinator Tongan Elenoa Fonua Young Women s Coordinator Joyce Lolohea Latu maisiva@hotmail.com River Talk Subscription Form [ ] FREE! And in color - just send an to jtowns0530@aol.com to subscribe. Name Church Address Phone City State Zip [ ] US Mail $5 per year. Make your check payable to Riverside District UMW. Mail this form and check to our District Treasurer: Annette Gaines, 1044 Ardmore Circle, Redlands, CA River Talk is published in February, May, August, and November. River Talk 13 May 2012

14 Riverside District & Conference UMW Calendar of Events June 2012 Jun. 16 UMW Lunch at Annual Conference Redlands July 2012 Jul School of Christian Mission, Korean language only, Biola Univ., La Mirada Jul School of Christian Mission Biola Univ., La Mirada September 2012 Sept. 22 District Fall Meeting Redlands First UMC October 2012 Oct. 27 Conference UMW Annual Celebration Oct. 27 District Leadership Training, by invitation January 2013 Jan. 12 Leadership Training Event, location TBD February 2013 Feb.?? - Conference UMW Mid-Winter, loc TBD March 2013 Mar. 16 District Spiritual Growth Retreat, Location to be determined September 2013 Sept. 28 District UMW Fall Annual Celebration, Location to be determined October 2013 Oct. 26 Conference Mtg and Training, loc TDB 2014 Assembly UMW PURPOSE 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. The River Talk Riverside District UMW Janet Townsend, Editor 8233 Verbena Drive Riverside, CA United Methodist Women Empowering Women & Children around the World! TO: River Talk 14 May 2012