Northeast Indiana District United Methodist Women

Transcription

1 The Purple Cloth Northeast Indiana District United Methodist Women February 2012 Volume 1 Bonnie Hansen, Editor My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121 NIV FROM THE PRESIDENT S COMPUTER Happy 2012 to all of you! We are blessed to have so many wonderful women who have volunteered to serve on the Conference, District and in Local Units. And, believe me, all of you are important and your service is cherished! Program planning has been finalized in the District and I am sure most of you are firming up your local plans as well. There are many points of need for us that haven t been named in our United Methodist Women meetings, but we are a loving community and will find ways to help in these areas. Sometimes, a willing ear, a steady hand, and a clear voice are what is needed: 1. Human Trafficking has been brought to our attention with the Super Bowl in our state this year. Inform yourself about the issue and stand up and be heard when called on to do so. 2. Families who are affected by loss of jobs are in most of our churches. 3. Some family members are coming home from the war- front and will need our love and support in many ways: financially, physically, and emotionally. Some of you are new to the office of President of your local unit. Remember these points from our Handbook. Section 2. The PRESIDENT, working with the Executive Committee, shall actively seek to advance all phases of the work of United Methodist Women. She shall: a. preside at all meetings of the unit and its Executive Committee and serve as an ex officio member of all other committees, where they exist, except the Committee on Nominations; b. sign with the secretary all official and legal papers and orders of the treasurer; c. prepare reports as necessary with the elected officers; d. develop, with the Executive Committee, a plan to assure the unit will become a Mission Today Unit, using the criteria received from the district or conference. e. represent the unit in all meetings or name a substitute; f. be a member of the local United Methodist Church to which the unit is affiliated and serve, where they exist, as a member of the church council or on the Administrative Council or Administrative Board/Council on Ministries (The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2008, 252.5i). Membership in the local church may include affiliate membership. We are called to our PURPOSE and once called, we are equipped to fulfill our duties. God loves you and will uphold you with his strength. The key, share the responsibility with others and let all of you enjoy the blessings of serving God through your work with women and children around the world. Beloved, it isn t about money and if our unit is able to raise the money you have in the past. This is your time to share the love God has given you all of your life through prayer and emotional support of women and children in your church, your community, and abroad. For this moment in time you are called to LOVE. Blessings, Doris Rapp President, Northeast Indiana District UMW

2 WALK WITH WHOLENESS Greetings to my fellow sisters of the faith, Serving in United Methodist Women is my passion but I am fairly new to district work. Currently I serve as president of one of our district s larger units: Angola United Methodist Women. We have an active group of women, many of us well seasoned! Like the district United Methodist Women, we are always looking for new members, especially younger women. We have discovered that sponsoring an annual women s retreat has opened the door to attracting new members as well as personally inviting women to our events. I joined Women Society of Christian Service in 1964 and my grandmothers and mother were active in United Methodist Women s predecessor groups. Since retiring from American Electric Power (I & M) in 2004, I have dealt with two major life-changing events in my life that some of you can identify with. I became a widow in 2006 after 47 years of marriage and last year my 10- year-old granddaughter moved in with me so I am now a single grandma. I have three adult children, two wonderful sons-in-law and eight grandchildren ranging in age from eight to eighteen. As your district vice president this year, I hope to continue the quality programming this new district has already established. Just as in your local circles or units, when personally inviting women to United Methodist Women events, solid programming is the key to attracting and retaining members of all ages. Since this year s emphasis in the program book WALK WITH WHOLENESS is on using the book of Psalms to conclude programs, I d like to share my favorite one: I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth... (Psalm 121 NIV) Myrna McCracken, myrnamccracken@earthlink.net SECRETARY S DESK Happy New Year! It s hard to believe that 2012 is here and another year has come and gone! As time flies, we are reminded that there has been much accomplished but yet there is much to be done. 2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. ~Thessalonians 1:2-3 Let s continue to encourage each other and support the missions of United Methodist Women while keeping Christ at the center of all we do. May God bless you, guide you and strengthen you, Bonnie Elam, Secretary belam@fwgoodshepherd.org The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 2

3 READ ~ LEARN ~ ENJOY! Hello to all Secretaries of Program Resources! I am the new kid on the block. It is with privilege and honor that I have accepted this position for the next two years. We are all in this together. Hopefully, we will learn from each other along the way. I am an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Northeast Fort Wayne; have been a member at Bethany for twenty-five years; and have served as President of the unit a total of seven years--off and on. I have been a member of the United Methodist Women for forty-three years. I have served as Spiritual Growth Chairwoman of the former Fort Wayne District, North Indiana Conference, during the 1990's. Knowing our purpose and what we are called to do, the Reading Program is a vital part of helping us to become "whole persons in Jesus Christ. Our Program Book is a wonderful guide to use for our meetings also. Bethany s unit has several readers and a chairperson who loves to encouraging us. Because of such a strong person leading us, we regularly learn what books women are reading. As you know, a new category has been added recently. Five books are now needed, as well as Response, to complete Plan I. It is my hope that each of you encourage as many members as possible to complete Plan I. There are so many wonderful books that stretch our minds and hearts. If you or any of the other ladies of your unit have a certain book that is inspiring or an exceptional read, please or send me the titles, short synopsis or your thoughts about the books, they may be published in upcoming issues of the Purple Cloth. One last comment. Please send to me--either by or U S mail---the names of those who have completed plans during They are needed no later than February 1, I look forward to working with each of you and hearing from you with your list of readers. May God Richly Bless You in 2012! Recommended Book from 2011 Reading Program Mary Jane Smith Secretary of Program Resources mjbs40@aol.com Claiming Earth as Common Ground, by Andrea Cohen-Kiener It gathers insights from ecology coalitions, emerging theologies, and spiritual and environmental activists to rally and inspire people from diverse faith traditions to live into the challenge. Questions for discussion and action are included to help religious people and groups focus on specifics they can do that, collectively, have the power to save the planet. Submitted by Janis Bohnstedt The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 3

4 2011 PLEDGED TO MISSIONS REPORT Welcome to all you new and returning treasurers to our 2012 year. Your hard work in 2011 helped our district go over our Women s Division pledge to missions. We turned over $85, to Women s Division for the five channels of Mission Giving. This included our pledges to mission, special mission recognition, gifts to mission, gifts in memory and our world thank offering. In addition we gave $6, for designated areas such as the call to prayer and self-denial fund, national missions, Assembly offering, and our special emphasis for 2011: A Brighter Future for Children and Youth. Our conference contribution for the Lucille Raines Residence, School of Christian Mission and Youth Scholarship Fund totaled $25, We also contributed $1,275 towards the Christmas gift cards for the Lucille Raines residents. Thanks again to all units for your help in meeting our goal. Also, be sure to write the checks to the Northeast District United Methodist Women and not to me personally. My contact information is Joanne Beerbower, Bayview Blvd, Grabill, IN 46741, , jbeerbower@aol.com. I will continue to send receipts for your giving by if you send me your address or by standard mail if you have no . In these difficult times God has blessed us all and helped us to be a loving and giving organization for missions. Joanne Beerbower Treasurer Northeast District Remember when you send in your funds, please use the remittance form that was included in your packet either picked up at the training session or mailed to you. I will be mailing some packets to the presidents of the units where I do not have the treasurer s name. If you have a new treasurer this year, please let me know. NEW CHANGES ~ MEMBERSHIP COUNTING I am enjoying a nice 2012 in Florida this winter. I still need you to send your membership report to me as soon as possible. The new year will bring new changes for all as we will be doing all the membership counting on line. That means each unit will be reporting online all of your numbers. I will need all units addresses so I can send you all the info. I know that some units do not have excess to a PC and will need to call or mail their info to me. Hope you all have a great year. Hope to see you at the Spring meeting. Charleen Allison The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 4

5 SOCIAL ACTION PRIORITIES As the Mission Coordinator for Social Action, it is my responsibility to coordinate the districts study and action relating to local, national, international and global social issues. The Women s Division has four social action priorities for Environmental Justice 2. Economic Justice 3. Health/Healthcare 4. Immigrant/Civil Rights. Themes cutting across all of these priorities include: Gender Justice, Rights of Women, Youth and Children Racial Justice Peacemaking All of these areas are important and it does seem overwhelming when trying to find a place to start. Where do we begin? How can we get involved? Here s some steps for your local unit to consider adapted from the booklet Why Should I Get Involved in Social Issues? Acknowledge that we can all do our part to build a just world and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully choose an issue in your community, neighborhood or the world. Develop a list of ways you can work to alleviate the problem. Narrow your focus. Find an aspect of the problem that you know you can manage. Learn all you can about the problem. Design a plan of action. Act. Remember to let the power of prayer support the entire process. We are a community of women dedicated to expanding the concepts of mission and acting on behalf of the least of these. May God bless your units as you work in the name of Jesus Christ. Let me know how I can be of help to you. Carolyn Danielson Social Action Coordinator badydaniel@aol.com Legislative / Social Advocacy Day Indiana Capital Building Rotunda Thursday, February 23, :30-3:30 20/20: Visioning an AIDS-Free World The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 5

6 GREETINGS ON BEHALF OF LUCINDA PINS When you look for a meaningful gift to give, remember that a Lucinda pin is a great idea; and each is always unique. The sale of these pins help to subsidize the ministry the Lucille Raines Residence, a project of United Methodist Women of Indiana. Contact me to purchase, or to secure pins to sell at your church, meetings, or other events. Sell, Sell, Sell! (View video of Lucinda flowers pins being made: Pat Hoover gphoover@rtcol.com of TALK ~ TOUR ~ LUNCH ~~ ALL FOR ONLY $5.00 PER PERSON Carpool and bring your friends. Districts bring your United Methodist Women. Churches bring your congregations. Just phone Lucille Raines Residence at to make reservations. Lucille Raines Residence is a facility owned and operated by Indiana Area United Methodist Women. Many of the men and women, who are residents, are actively engaged in rebuilding their lives from substance abuse. They all share in learning to function independently and as whole people in life. Many are finding Christ to be the source of successful recovery. JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... LUCILLE RAINES RESIDENCE AND YOU ~TAKEN FROM THE MAY 2011 MESSAGE MANAGER April 16, 2012, the Lucille Raines Residence celebrates its 35th anniversary. Owned and operated by the Indiana United Methodist Women. It offers hope to as many as forty-nine men and women who are actively engaged in rebuilding their lives from substance abuse. Many of these residents find Christ to be the source of their successful recoveries. Though residents pay rent, this accounts for only half the expense of the program. United Methodist Women provide support local United Methodist Women units contribute $7.50 per United Methodist Women member. Opportunities for giving, sale of Lucinda pins, gifts made in memory and in honor, and conference advance specials provide funds for staffing, programming and residence upkeep. In addition to United Methodist Women monetary gifts, there is a Lucille Raines Residence Executive Board that meets monthly (with the exception of February, July and August) to assist in decision-making, to maintain awareness of ongoing needs and to provide that little extra to the residents upon occasion. (At the April board meeting, Easter baskets for the residents and staff were filled from board member donations.) As with any board, terms expire and new members are elected to the Lucille Raines Residence Executive Board. The board is composed of members that represent all districts of the Indiana Conference United Methodist Women. If you are interested or know of someone you think would make a good board member, please consider completing a Talent Bank form. The form can be obtained online by going to the Lucille Raines Residence website or by contacting Linda Crawford at (812) or carlelinda@sbcglobal.net. If you have questions or would like further information, contact Linda. The Purple Cloth August 2011 Page 6

7 Letter from Carolyn Marshall, Lucille Raines Residence Director Dear Christian Friends: You were instrumental in making Christmas 2011 extraordinarily meaningful for Lucille Raines Residents. Each resident received two $25.00 gift cards, one from Wal-Mart and one from Kroger. Over and over, we heard this was the best Christmas ever-or, at least, in many years. For several residents, sharing in a traditional holiday meal was a joy beyond words. That was help in our dining room Tuesday evening, December 20. Following that, Santa and his elves distributed gift-wrapped packages. These contained the gift cards. As has happened in previous years, we rejoiced with residents who shared the fruits of their shopping several having used them for gifts for children, parents or other family members. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for your thoughtfulness. You were significant in making the holidays, often the most difficult time of the year, positive. Thank you all very, very much. Gratefully, Carolyn M. Marshall 2012 DISTRICT EVENTS April 21 Spring Meeting (see flyer in newsletter for more information) September 29 Fall Annual Meeting (see flyer in newsletter for more information) November 17 Mini-School / Officer Training No United Methodist Women Dinner At Annual Conference The United Methodist Women of Indiana Conference Team has agreed that costs prohibit hosting a UMW dinner at Annual Conference this June. We will be hosting an event the Friday night before our Annual Meeting held in October. We hope that our members will appreciate our desire to be good stewards with our mission money. The Purple Cloth August 2011 Page 7

8 Home On The Web Stay Connected Stay Current Officers Contact Info Resources Forms Library... and more Events Calendar Newsletters Registration Forms... and more Webmistress: Bonnie Hansen The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 8

9 STAY CONNECTED ~ STAY INFORMED United Methodist Women of Indiana: North Indiana Conference United Methodist Women: General Board of Global Ministries of UMC: Lucille Raines Residence: UMCOR: Northeast Indiana United Methodist Women Blog: Indiana United Methodist Church: INTERNET RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY UNITED METHODIST WOMEN OF INDIANA GOVERNMENT Updated information on Congress Common Cause (government watchdog) Vote Smart Project for information about local and state elected officials Contracting your US Representatives Contacting your US Senators Information for the Whitehouse Indiana state government Women, Children and Youth Women Thrive Worldwide (Shaping U.S. Policies that help women life themselves and their families out of poverty Children's Defense Fund National Coalition Against Domestic Violence About Fair Trade ENVIRONMENT Water for Life, (International Decade for Action) United Nations Development Program, Water Governance UMW Green Team Women's Environment and Development Organization Sudan Save Darfur Coalition (180 faith-based, humanitarian and human rights groups representing 130 million people) Enough Project of Center for American Progress Professor Eric Reeves, Sudan information site Ginghamsburg (Ohio) United Methodist Church Sudan Project The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 9

10 Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church Northeast District 3898 New Vision Dr Ste A Fort Wayne, IN NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Fort Wayne, IN PERMIT NO. 936 CURRENT RESIDENT OR United Methodist Women 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.