April Volume United Methodist Women Alexandria District, Virginia Conference

Transcription

1 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. April Volume United Methodist Women Alexandria District, Virginia Conference Nancy West - District President MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The English poet Percy Shelley in his poem, Ode To The West Wind, wrote O, wind, if Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? This is a question that I think many of us have recently asked. As winter has dragged on with snow into March and almost into April, it was hard to imagine that daffodils were waiting to poke their heads out of the ground. But suddenly here it is --- SPRING! --- and the world is renewed. Now it is time to SPRING INTO ACTION. When I think of springing into action, I think of my mother and the way she would spring into action with spring cleaning. On one of the first warm days of spring, I remember coming home from school to find that my mother had taken down the heavy storm windows that had kept out the winter cold and replaced them with the screens that would let in the warm spring air. The sheer curtains from the living room and dining room would be drying on curtain stretchers in the back yard (and if you don t remember curtain stretchers, you may have to google it). Spring was now official. United Methodist Women are women in action. We are women with a purpose ; purpose with a lower case p and Purpose with an upper case P. How can we put our purpose and Purpose into action? Our Purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ. How is your unit doing this? Is it through encouraging your members to engage in a more disciplined prayer life as our Bishop has instructed? Do you use the UMW Prayer Calendar as part of your daily devotions at all your meetings? Does your unit offer a Bible study? Each month Response magazine has a wonderful Bible study that can be used as a unit or circle program. To develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. How is your unit doing this? Did members of your unit attend the District Mini- Mission School in March? If not, you missed a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Roma people and to learn better how to live sacramentally. Make plans now to send several of your unit members to Mission Encounter at VUMAC this July. Be a part of our Bi-District Day Apart on July 12 when we will encounter mission at Rising Hope Mission Church. Read more about both of these events elsewhere in the Bridge Builder. 1

2 It is time now to Spring Into Action as we, United Methodist Women, practice faith, hope, and love in action as we follow God s call for us. Blessings to All and Happy Spring, Nancy West nhggwest@veizon.net Secretary Myrna Meling Spring is here and each day we see the wonderful renewal of God s Creation. Each day new birds visit our birdfeeder and new plants emerge from our garden soil. So women in the Methodist church are being invited to participate in fellowship and missions by our United Methodist Women organization. Many of us have teas, luncheons, fashion shows and numerous get togethers to inform the women of all we are challenging ourselves to accomplish in our church, community and world. And with the fellowship invitations we issue, we are asked FAQs (questions), such as: What is the United Methodist Women (UMW)? We are a group of women in each congregation that is organized for mission. What is the Purpose of the UMW? The organized unit of the 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. What is the scope of the UMW? The UMW are involved in projects that: serve the local community, such as food pantries, clothing closets, hypothermia centers; 2 seek just policies from state and local governments, such as homelessness, human trafficking, the rights of women and children, and impressing on our politicians changes that will improve the lives of the marginalized; and mobilization of millions of dollars each year to support programs that help women, children and youth at home and around the world, such as educating women for leadership roles, business endeavors, educational and medical avenues. UMW members learn about mission work in the local units, districts and conferences, as well as at annual mission events: Spiritual Growth Retreats, School of Christian Missions, Young Women Events, National Assemblies and Conferences & District Meetings. How is the organization supported financially? Local members of UMW support this work through their pledges and gifts. The UMW does not receive general UMC funds. Local unit membership pledge to support district, conference, national and worldwide programs for women, children and youth. The local unit supplements its income with fundraisers and special giving. Special giving can be Special Mission Recognition Pins, purchased to honor individual s participation in the life of the church and mission community; Mission Cards, purchased from the UMW in honor of special events, i.e. Birthdays, Birth of a Baby, Thinking of You, etc.; Gift in Memory; World Thank Offering, an individual s prayerful monetary gifts for programs

3 that address issues faced by Women, Children and Youth; and Candle Burning, a celebration gift in honor and in memory of loved ones. Our Mission Vision statement: Faith, Hope, Love in Action. This is on behalf of all women, children, and youth locally and globally. All units provide opportunities to grow spiritually, to become more deeply rooted in Christ, and to put faith in action. So as spring stirs us to be out, let us go out into the world with a new purpose To share God s love and presence to all we meet. We invite you to seek out our United Methodist women groups and invite them to join your unit as you strive to meet our UMW Purpose. Spring is for new growth! Spring in to Action! I would like to thank Sally Adams, president of Old Bridge UMW for the FAQs. Myrna Meling AX District Secretary Vice President Spring is Here! Psalm 57:11 Maria Ward Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth. Greetings, sisters in Christ. After our long winter trials this year, we welcome God s spring glory. As I write, I am charging my camera batteries for my annual trip downtown to revel in the cherry blossoms. Their brief intensely beautiful appearance each spring renews my faith that God works miracles every day in every season. 3 During this spring, let us renew our faith by attending the programs and mission opportunities that UMW offers us. The Alexandria UMW are more than 1400 women strong, and we can all Spring Into Action as we read, study, reflect, listen, pray, sing, laugh, and give our gifts and talents to God s missions. Our Mini Mission Encounter on March 22 was just one example of the exciting and faith-filled events we are blessed to have available to us. Faith, Hope, and Love In Action! Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth Mary Wright Spring into Action Spring is a time of new beginnings. When we set time aside to pray and deny ourselves for others we are renewed daily by Christ's love. This year, 2014, is the third year in the four year cycle of the Call to Prayer and Self Denial program. As we Spring into Action to raise funds (by bake sales, and craft shows, flea markets, etc.) for the support and maintenance of United Methodist Women institutions so that they are safe and viable, we have the perfect opportunity to talk about UMW support of women, youth and children through mission giving. Just as we are renewed by God's love, so it is with all of nature. A few weeks ago we looked out the window and saw a pair of blue birds checking out the new box in the backyard. They sat for a while on the hanging feeder, then he went in the box and came out, then she went in looked out and sat for a while. Recently we looked in the box and saw the beginnings of a nest. How do blue birds know it is time to Spring into Action? How do they know it is time to get ready for their new family? I surmise that just as we are constantly renewed by God's love, so it is with all of nature. Mary Wright - Spiritual Growth Coordinator mvw 22191@yahoo.com (703)

4 Treasurer s Note Rhona Alexander-Powell Below is a recap of 1st quarter Mission Giving for this year. Thank for supporting the mission work of United Methodist Women and for giving so generously. Let's press forward towards meeting our giving pledge of $90,000 for FY2014. Continue to forward your quarterly reports to me. The 2nd quarter Remittance is due on June 10th. To receive proper credit, it is important to submit your remittance every quarter; Not in a lump sum for the year. If your report is received after the due date, you will be credited for the following quarter. Thank you and Happy Easter. 1st Qrt 2014 Mission Giving Recap Undesignated Mission Giving Pledge to Mission $ 18, Gift To Mission $ Gift in Memory $ World Thank Offering $ SMRP $ Candle Burning $ $ 19, Designated Giving Call to pray $ 2, Wesley Community Center $ 2, Red Bird $ UMCOR--General $ $ 6, Virginia Projects Dimes & Dollars for Blackstone VUMAC $ Ferrum College--General $ Henry Fork--General $ 1, Rising Hope $ Other All God's Children $ 1, Camp High Road $ Rainbow Connection $ UM Family Services $ Kits for Conference $ $ 4,

5 2014 Alexandria Executive Committee Officers President Nancy West (St. Paul) P.O.Box Cameron Street Dumfries, VA Vice President Maria Ward (Del Ray) 313 E. Del Ray Avenue Alexandria, VA Secretary Myrna Meling (Sydenstricker) 8740 Arley Drive Springfield, VA Treasurer Rhona Alexander (Woodlawn/Faith) Denali Place Dumfries, VA Communications Coordinator Donna Sapp (Cokesbury) Alabama Avenue Woodbridge, VA Secretary of Program Resources Marlene Dakita (Lincolnia) 200 N. Pickett St., Apt 1410 Alexandria, VA Mission Coordinators Education and Interpretation Cozetta Johnson (Del Ray) 3102 Landover St. Alexandria, VA Membership, Nurture & Outreach Vacant Social Action Brenda Romenius (St. John s) 413 Park Avenue Falls Church, VA Spiritual Growth Mary V. Wright (Cokesbury) Kings Mountain Road Woodbridge, VA (underline between w and 2 no space) Nominations Committee Yvonne Robinson (Rising Hope) Casimir Road Brandywine, MD yarobinson@co.pg.md.us VUMAC Representative Jeanne Pounds (Cranford) 6109 Gardenia Court Alexandria, VA jeannelbs@aol.com 5

6 Nominations Committee Class of 2014 Yvonne Robinson (Rising Hope) Casimir Road Brandywine, MD Alnetta McCall (Good Shepherd) 1413 Maryland Avenue Woodbridge, VA Class of 2015 Jacqueline Martin (Rising Hope) 8413 Benecia Court Alexandria, VA Class of 2016 Jean Summers (St. John s) 7626 Long Pine Drive Springfield, VA Vacant Yearbook Editor Karen Booker (Good Shepherd) Sturbridge RD Woodbridge, VA Sub-District Coordinators Braddock: Annandale-Immanuel, Burke, Fairfax, Messiah, New Light, St. George s, St. John s, St. Matthews, St. Stephen s, Springfield and Sydenstricker Edna Joyner (St. Matthews) 3491 Victory Gallop Way Gainesville, VA (underline between e and j no space) 6 Piedmont/Faquier: Bethel-Faquier, Gainesville, Orleans, Sudley, Warrenton and Wesley Chapel Connie Collins (Gainesville) 8704 Barnett St. Manassas, VA conniecollins1964@msn.com Piedmont /Prince William: Asbury, Buckhall, Grace, Manassas-St. Thomas, St. Mark s, and Nokesville Paula Renfro (St. Thomas) Nicarter Lane Gainesville, VA paula_renfro@yahoo.com (underline between p and r no space) Temple: Beverly Hills, Del Ray, Fairlington, Lincolnia, Roberts Memorial, St. Andrew s,st. James, Trinity (Alexandria) and Washington Street Lorraine Duncan (Lincolnia) 4816 Cherokee Avenue Lincolnia, VA leewed3@verizon.net Tidewater: Accotink, Aldersgate, Cameron, Franconia, Mt. Vernon, Rising Hope, Silverbrook, Washington Farm, Wesley and Woodlawn-Faith Laura Derby (Aldersgate) 3744 Shannon s Green Way Alexandria, VA skierlaura@cox.net Woodbridge: Bethel (Woodbridge), Cokesbury,Cranford, Dumfries, Good Shepherd, Old Bridge, Prince of Peace and St. Paul Gayle Urban (Prince of Peace) Cohasset Lane Woodbridge, VA bridge.gu@gmail.com

7 PROGRAM RESOURCES Marlene Dakita There are many resources to help us spring into action. I ll highlight just two areas: Cozetta mentions the 2014 mission studies in her article. Study books are available from Mission Resources as follows: Spiritual growth: How Is It with Your Soul? ($10) Geographic: The Roma of Europe ($7) Issue study: The Church and People with Disabilities ($10) Disabilities and Our Response: A Study for Youth ($10) Welcoming Persons with Disabilities into Our Lives: A Study for Children ($10) Leaders guides and other supplemental materials are downloadable for free. The new brochure, We Are United Methodist Women, gives the basic information about who we are and what we do and is the perfect resource to give to new and potential members. (This replaces both the Join United Methodist Women and Membership Joys brochures.) For new and current members who want to learn more, the new 13-page booklet, United Methodist Women: On a Path for Mission, tells the story of United Methodist Women in mission, including our history, work, place in the church, and how we fund mission. (This replaces the United Methodist Women in Mission booklet the green one.) These are downloadable from the e-store at then click Membership Resources, then Membership Downloads; or order free (shipping costs apply.) The New Unit Starter Kit ($10) and New Member Packet ($5) have been updated as well. Springing ahead to the Day Apart on July 12, please let me know by May 15 any books or free resources from Mission Resources (see link above) that you would like to see on the Program Resources table. I ll order, have them there, and you won t have to pay shipping costs. Marlene Dakita Secretary of Program Resources or mdakita@comcast.net 7

8 Ar lin gt on an d Al ex an dri a Di str ict U M W Join United Methodist Women of the Arlington and Alexandria Districts for a day of reflection A Day Apart: Homelessness in Our Backyard July 12, :00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Rising Hope UMM Church 8220 Russell Road Alexandria, VA Learn about solutions to homelessness in Northern Virginia: Devotions Panel discussion with local government, faith, and law enforcement leaders Testimonials from Rising Hope members Tour of Rising Hope Registration by July 1 Please register with Myrna Meling at mpmeling@hotmail.com 8740 Arley Drive, Springfield, VA $15 registration fee includes lunch make checks payable to Alexandria District UMW Child care available by request no later than July 1 Please bring non-perishable food items for Rising Hope s pantry 8

9 Spring into Social Action! The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social, no holiness but social holiness Russell Road Alexandria, VA You cannot be holy except as you are engaged in making the world a better place. You do not become holy by keeping yourself pure and clean from the world but by plunging into ministry on behalf of the world s hurting ones. John Wesley The UMW of the Alexandria District stepped out this year in adhering to John Wesley s call to ministry on behalf of the world s hurting ones. Through advocacy, education workshops, and public presence UMW members are bringing attention to addressing several concerns. Three specific Social Action priorities in 2014 are 1) Human Trafficking; 2) Poverty and 3) Domestic Violence. Through prayers, programs and petitions, UMW members are acting as catalysts of change in addressing these dire concerns. Following are some upcoming activities to mark on your calendars SAVE THE DATE: June 7, Human Trafficking Old Bridge UMC, 3966 Old Bridge Rd., Woodbridge, VA. Contact: Sally Adams at profonyva@verizon.net July 12 9:00 AM 3:00 PM A Day Apart: Homelessness in Our Backyard. This UMW bi-district event will involve a tour of Rising Hope UMM Church; an expert panel discussion with local government, faith and law enforcement officials; and personal testimonials from those who have been touched by homelessness and Rising Hope s ministry. Cost: $15 includes lunch. Childcare available with advance registration. Contact: Myrna Meling at mpmeling@hotmail.com. Members are asked to bring canned food goods to donate to Rising Hope s food pantry. Flyer with information is attached to this issue. These are just a few of the programs and activities in our communities that are addressing social action concerns. If you have others that you would like forwarded to the UMW membership of Northern Virginia, contact Brenda Romenius at brendaromenius@yahoo.com. God Bless Brenda Romenius, Deaconess Social Action Coordinator 2014 Homelessness in Our Backyard Arlington-Alexandria Bi-District Day Apart, July 12, 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church 8220 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA Join UMW from Northern Virginia for a day of learning and action at Rising Hope UMMC. Reverend Keary Kincannon will welcome us to this remarkable building on the Route 1 Corridor serving the least, the lost, the lonely, and the left out. God is at work in this place with multiple programs and worship opportunities that bring relief, hope, new life, and grace to those ready to step into the blessings of a life with Him. The day will include a panel discussion with local government officials, law enforcement representatives, and faith leaders who will discuss the problem of homelessness and solutions we can all help to bring about. We will hear testimonials from Rising Hope members and share worship and devotion time. Please register by July 1 by sending $15 (includes lunch) to Myrna Meling at 8740 Arley Dr., Springfield, VA, If you need child care, please alert Myrna no later than July 1 so arrangements can be made. Due to considerations for children s allergies, you will be responsible for providing your child s lunch. Also, please bring non-perishable food items to replenish the vital work of Rising Hope s pantry. 9

10 Social Media-Making Connections By Beth Brooks What does Social Media mean to you? Wikipedia states: Social media is the interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. So how do you use Social Media? According to Out: think ( there are 6 types of social media: Social networks, Bookmarking sites, Social News, Media sharing, Microblogging, Blog Comments and Forums. Within each of these types there are several services that provide access. Most commonly used are Face book, YouTube, Twitter, Pintrest but there are many more and new sites cropping up each day. So when asked by the Alexandria District board to lead a team to investigate using social media for the UMW, I knew this was going to be a big job. A team of 5 members joined to research how social media is used within the UMW and the resources available for UMW members. We found information and resources at the national and state level on both the UMC and UMW websites. Unfortunately, the information was so vast that it took hours to read through it all. Our members want easy to find, quick to read answers to their social media questions. Where is the one document that tells you "How to set up a Facebook page" or the document that provides the guidelines for appropriately using social media when representing your church and the UMW? Our team contacted representatives of the UMW at both the state and national level as well as some local members who are currently using social media for their UMW units and Districts. We found that members at all levels are very interested in this issue and are diligently working to set policies, guidelines, and make resources available to members. Of course all of these actions take coordination, collaboration, and time to achieve. Achieving these will be challenging as the technology of social media is constantly changing. Our team's best advice to units or districts that want to start using social media is to: Think hard about the positive and negative consequences as what you post or say represents you, your unit, and your church. Before posting pictures, do you have permission to post them? Some people may not want their photo out there in the wide world web for all to see. Think about who will maintain the social media venues? Sites must be monitored and kept up to date and active at least every other day to be effective. Attend the Communicating in the 21st century training offered by UMC _21st_Century.htm. I'll be attending later this year. Always follow your church's social media policy first. If your church doesn't have such a policy then being an active participant in developing the policy would be great. Check the district, state, and national UMW websites frequently for updates. Just in the two months that our team started this investigation information was updated and we know more is coming!! Our team will continue to stay updated on this issue and will provide resources as they become available. I can be reached at brookseaj@comcast.net if you have any questions or comments. 10

11 Education & Interpretation Cozetta D. Johnson Spring forward to summer when it is difficult to recall winter that lingered in bidding farewell 2014 Mission Encounter How Is It With Your Soul? (Spiritual Growth Study) Roma of Europe (Geographic Study) The Church and People with Disabilities (Issue Study) Making a New Picture: Welcoming Persons with Disabilities (Children's Study, ages 7-12) Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center, Blackstone, VA Weekend Session: July Week Session: July Adult/Youth - $180; Child $ brochure & registration form (pdf) offers the Study Guides: How Is It With Your Soul? Priscilla Pope-Levison, Jack Levison The Church & People with Disabilities: Awareness, Accessibility & Advocacy Peggy A. Johnson The Roma of Europe Larry Beman Mini-School of Mission Encounter was held March 22 St. Thomas, Manassas in an inviting, cordial setting, coordinated by UMW President Pat Dodson. District UMW President Nancy West led a time of remembrance for Alexandria District Superintendent Ken Jackson, noting there were UM Women participating this same morning in his Celebration of Life. Roma of Europe - James River District is in a fourth year covenant with the Methodist Hungary District. A mission team goes to Alsozolca, Hungary August Linda Carty spoke to the need that has called she and husband Ken to this mission work. Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly - Rev. Jung Pyo (JP) Hong asked: how does living sacramentally (on the road towards heaven) connect with living justly (on the road of life)? A lively, warm discussion proceeded. Word of the People: Never forget attitudes are contagious. Always ask is mine worth catching? Vicki Hetzges The Word of God: Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. 11

12 SAVE THE DATE SEPTEMBER 13, 2014 ALEXANDRIA DISTRICT UNITED METHODIST WOMEN SPRITUAL LIFE EVENT GRACE UMC 9750 WELLINGTON ROAD MANASSAS, VA

13 Spiritual Life Retreat May UMW Spiritual Life Event Blackstone, VA Hearing Your True Name.. Beloved Child of God retreat leader: Rev. Sara Pugh The registration for this event has been extended through May 10. Registrar - Joann Linsky or register vaumw.org LOCAL UMW ACTIVITIES... St. Stephen s UMC May event: St. Stephen's Spring Concert Friday, May 16, pm Maranatha Singers & St. Stephen s Orchestra Suzanne Bottoms gsbotts@verizon.ne This event is sponsored by the Old Bridge United Methodist Women Human Trafficking: The 5 W's Sat. June 7th 2:00-4:30 p.m. Old Bridge UMC 3966 Old Bridge Rd. 6 speakers to speak on the topic of Human Trafficking...from Shared Hope International, ACTS/SAVAS, GRIT(Gang Response Intervention Team), Homeland Security, FBI, and State Department. For any questions, contact Sally Adams, , profonyva@aol.com 13

14 Upcoming Events of Local Units on the Alexandria District (Note: UMW units may submit event information for the BRIDGE BUILDER for publication. Events being held which are open to other UMWs or the general public must be sent to the editor. to Church/Unit Event Date & Time Other Info Contact St. Stephen s UMC Spring Concert May 16 Blackstone Conference Spiritual Life Retreat May and Retreat Center Event Old Bridge UMC Rising Hope UMC Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center Blackstone Conference and Retreat Center Grace UMC` UMW Breakfast at VA Annual Conference Human Trafficking Workshop The 5 W's Arlington-Alexandria Bi-District Day Apart 2014 Mission Encounter 2014 Mission Encounter Alex. Spiritual Life Retreat June 21 June 7 2-4:30 pm July pm July July Sept.13 St. Matthew's UMC Alex. District Day Oct. 4 Registration has been extended through May 10 Homelessness in Our Backyard Weekend Session Week Session Jo Ann Liskey Register vaumw.org Sally Adams, , profonyva@aol.com Myrna Meling 14

15 Church Women United Alexandria Unit #001 **/ Meeting Schedule for 2014 Meet at Del Ray United Methodist Church, 100 East Windsor Ave, Alexandria, at 10 AM, in Room 207, the Parlor - unless otherwise noted: May 2 First Agape Baptist 11 AM May Friendship Day Program and Potluck (2423 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria) June 6 JULY and AUGUST - do not meet September 5 October 3 November 7 - Del Ray, 11 AM World Community Day Program and Potluck (meet in Lunceford Hall, Social Hall) December 5 **/ Point of Contact: UMW POC is Cozetta D. Johnson cozettaj@verizon.net, FYI: Hazel Anderson, President, CWU Alexandria Unit # 001 (Mt. Vernon Presbyterian) H: C: HazelA9842@aol.com 15

16 Donna Sapp ALEXANDRIA DISTRICT UMW COMMUNICATIONS In the global COORDINATOR ministries of the church Alabama Ave. Woodbridge, VA On the web at: Your Newsletter of the United Methodist Women Alexandria District Of the Virginia Conference 16