Circuit News South Central District - Iowa

Transcription

1 A Message from the President Sandra Oswald 612 Grand Ave, Apt C3 Creston, IA This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Greetings from your president! Hopefully, we finally have spring. We got some rain and would like to have a few more days of nice weather and then more rain. I love rain during the night--rain drops on the roof are wonderful! If you missed the spiritual retreat day or our mission study, you missed two great days. Now we can look forward to Mission-U. Emily, our Treasurer, has enclosed applications for first timers. We are allowed two. It is a great experience and we always have fun. Hope to see you there. A Message from the Vice- President Anita Martin 509 S. Lincoln St Knoxville, IA annmarie@yahoo.com For we are God s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 Busy time for me, planning, preparing, and working on our annual meeting. I need a push from God right now, to make sure I am on the right track. Do you ever feel that way? And then open your Bible, or read the day s devotional and find your push? That happened to me today. I was reminded that people are counting on me to be prepared, so I am digging in and doing my job! Please be reminded of our officer meetings for the remainder of this year: July 26th -- Ellston UMC, 101 Sherman Street, Ellston, IA. Our chance to visit the location of our annual meeting. (I will attend this meeting via Skype, with a trial run prior). Sept. 21 & Annual meeting prep day and meeting dates, Ellston UMC Oct. 25th -- Lamoni UMC, 9th and Maple, Lamoni, IA Page 1 of 13

2 A Message from the Secretary Susan Godfrey 2797 Elk St Osceola, IA Spring has sprung! There is so much to do and enjoy outside as the weather warms and things are starting to grow. As we start into another busy season, please remember to keep the district and conference officers updated on officer changes and address and changes. Just send them to me by , regular mail, or even a phone call. I'll get them out to the officers. You can also give them to your district friend, who can pass the information on. United Methodist Women has something for everyone. So much information to be shared! Please send in your officer updates as they occur so you'll receive all the information. Look forward to hearing from you with the official update in the fall or, even better, meeting you at Mission- U! Enjoy the spring!!!! A Message from the Treasurer Emily Haase 221 E. 1 st St Pella, IA ehaase2011@gmail.com Greetings from your Treasurer! Praise God for the gift of a beautiful spring! I have lots to share with all of you, so let's get right to it! **MISSION U SCHOLARSHIP** Each year the South Central District of the United Methodist Women offer two (2) scholarships for first time attendees. Tuition and $50 for travel expenses will be provided. Only first time attendees are eligible to apply. The attendee DOES NOT have to be a member of UMW and can include youth and pastors. Scholarships will be offered on a first come, first serve basis. The application form is attached. (Page 10) Think of women in your units that have not had the pleasure of attending Mission U. Better yet think of inviting your daughters, granddaughters, nieces, young women in your congregations, or friends to join you! All of you know what a joyous and informative experience United Methodist Women and Mission U can be; so let's share that joy with potential new members. For more information visit Page 2 of 13

3 More from the Treasurer Emily Haase 221 E. 1 st St Pella, IA ehaase2011@gmail.com In other news, please continue to send monies for the Legacy Fund directly to National. Also, please send monies for the World Communion Scholarship directly to National as well. World Communion Scholarships: Send directly to: General Board of Global Ministries, UMW 458 Ponce DeLeon Ave NE Room 226 Atlanta, GA Legacy Fund: Send directly to: United Methodist Women 475 Riverside Drive, Treasurer's Office New York, NY Write The Legacy Fund in the memo section As always, please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns. A Message from the Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth Penny Warren 407 N. West Street Bloomfield, IA pennyrae@netins.net Point your kids in the right direction when they re old they won t be lost. Proverbs 22:6 (The Message) At the Spiritual Mission Study, Living as a Covenant Community, held in Lamoni on April 26, we began the morning session by recalling our first memories of church. Almost without fail, each member related stories of Sunday school teachers, Sunday school experiences, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and influential church members that acknowledged them as children. At a time when many churches are eliminating Sunday school classes, decreasing the length of Vacation Bible School or limiting church camp opportunities, it was eye-opening to recognize how those experiences provided a Christian foundation for many of the women. These are the women that have been active members in their church and United Methodist Women. In considering church programs that will have an everlasting and eternal influence, it is imperative that churches implement and sustain programs that promote Christian growth for children in their communities. Afterschool Christian programs, Christian preschools, and youth groups, in addition to Sunday school, VBS, and church camps, are all ways we can point kids in the right direction. What is your church doing? How can you help? Page 3 of 13

4 A Message from the Mission Coordinator for Education and Interpretation Reta Freihage P.O. Box 64 Ellston, IA Teaching them to observe all that I command you, and lo I am with you always even to the end of age. Matthew 28:30 We enjoyed a Mission Study on April 19 at Lamoni United Methodist Church. Penny Warren and myself led the study on Living as a Covenant Community. Twenty-five men and women joined us. The book is a valuable read, just as the study and presentations were. Everyone took part in discussions with the leaders and with each other. A BIG Thank you to Lamoni for hosting this event. What a wonderful day! Please send your Mission Today and Mission Studies forms by June 1. These were in your District Annual Meeting Packet or see pages A Message from the Mission Coordinator for Program Resources Mary Morris 1103 Joshua Ave Creston, IA Mjmorris_jm@hotmail.com Read Pray Act Study to show yourself approved by God. 2 Timothy 2:15a Have you been reading from the Reading Program this year? The list includes books from these categories: Education for Mission Leadership Development Nurturing for Community Social Actions Spiritual Growth Plan I is 5 books per year, one from each category and regular reading of Response magazine. Plan II is 10 books per year, 2 from each category. Plan III is 15 books per year, 2 from each category plus 5 additional books from any category. Plan IV is 20 books per year, two from each category plus 10 additional books from any category. Plans II, III, and IV include regular reading of Response and New World Outlook magazines. Please send the list of your unit s readers for with their plans to me by June 30. Persons who did not complete a plan but did participate can be listed as Honorable Mention. Selections can be from the 2013 to 2018 lists. The 2013 list can be used until December 31, Forms are available on the website. You may not enjoy everything or may not agree with everything but you will think and learn. If you haven t read this year, how about next year? Reading Program link Page 4 of 13

5 A Message from the Mission Coordinator for Social Action Cindy Flaherty 7503 G76 Hwy New Virginia, IA Phone The priority justice issues for United Methodist Women for 2018 are a continuation of 2017; Climate Justice, Economic Inequality, Criminalization of Communities of Color, and Maternal & Child Health. You can find information about each of these areas at The last Advocacy Alert came out on March 6, The items are listed below. You can get more details at ISSUES WE ARE WATCHING WHICH UNITED METHODISTS OPPOSE 1. A TAX BILL (SF 2383) in the Senate promotes regressive taxation and tuition tax deductions all schools (even private) K-12, reducing higher education support. PASSED THE SENATE HOUSE is considering HSB 671 GOVERNOR Tax Bill which does not include corporate tax cuts, but potentially makes bigger cuts ($1.7 billion) over six years. 2. A Utility Bill (SF 2311) attacks energy efficiency and ends solar power development. (IN SENATE) 3. An Iowa Constitutional Amendment bill (SJR 2009 and HJR 2009) which might make gun regulation and background checks much more difficult. 4. A new Gambling law (HF2448) to permit Betting on Sports. (HOUSE WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE) 5. Anti-Sanctuary Bill (SF 481) DEBATED BY HOUSE PUBLIC SAFETY COM. Signed by Governor 4/10/18 6. A bill Requiring Work for Medicaid (HF 2428). (HOUSE COM. ON HUMAN SERVICES) 7. A Victim s Rights Amendment to Iowa Constitution (SJR 2010 and HJR 2010). ISSUES WE ARE SUPPORTING AS UNITED METHODISTS 8. Strengthening Mental Health Regional Services (SF 2351) (HF 2456) 9. Restore Felon Voting Rights House: (HF 2429) Amended to refer to study committee. 10. Increase Minimum Wage (No bill currently filed) 11. Create a Mental Health Care System for Children (Waiting for bill number) 12. Prevent Racial Profiling by Law Enforcement (SF 2280) (IN SENATE) 13. Move Mental Health duties to Public Health (HF 2376 HUMAN RESOURCES COM.) and (Senate SF 2244 HUMAN RESOURCES COM.) Please don t hesitate to contact me with questions. Page 5 of 13

6 A Message from the Mission Coordinator for Membership, Nurture and Outreach Lou Ann Willis th Ave Knoxville, IA Phone Thank you to everyone who provided 2017 membership numbers for your units! Entering the numbers on the UMW Website was challenging at times but I appreciate all of you who took the challenge. Areas for improvement have been identified for the UMW Website and will be shared with National. We are so lucky to have so many ways to communicate with each other: web sites, snail mail, , Facebook, Twitter, skype, land lines, cell phones, texting, to name a few. But sometimes "glitches" occur to interrupt those means of communication. Isn't it a BLESSING we can simply talk to God any time and any place with no fear of a poor connection? Jeremiah 29:12 "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Have a great summer and I hope to see you at the South Central District meeting in September! A Message from the Committee on Nominations Chairperson Dawn Egbert 214 E 8 th St Lamoni, IA Phone Cell dawnlumc@yahoo.com We continue to accept nominations for the position of Education & Interpretation Coordinator, Membership Nurture Outreach Coordinator and Nominations Committee Volunteering for these District positions is a very rewarding experience. If anyone you know is interested in an office or would like to recommend someone, please contact us! God loves you with a love that is increasing & overflowing 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 A Message from the Historian Gracie Fort th Place Pleasantville, IA Phone Cell graceanna1930@gmail.com A Message from the Communications Coordinator Julie Gethmann th St Lamoni, IA Phone umwiascd@gmail.com Recording events for history can be a challenge. As hard as I try to gather information, I can only be in one place at a time. You can help Please send pictures taken at United Methodist Women events. Include the date and title, with a brief description or names of those in the photo. You may also create your own scrapbook page and send that to me for the District books. Please forward this newsletter to all who may be interested. If you or someone you know would like to be included in the list please send your request to me with your name, address and associated church or parish. I will also add items to the calendar as I receive them. events and dates to be included in the next newsletter. Page 6 of 13

7 District Friends for 2018 Please give your District Friend a call and set up a date. Thank you! Penny Warren ( ) Albia Drakesville Eddyville Eldon Ottumwa Willard Lou Ann Willis ( ) Attica Olive Chapel Zion, Pershing Agency Centerville Faith Iconium Susan Godfrey ( ) Humeston Osceola St.Charles Dawn Egbert ( ) Ellston Kellerton Rita Freihage ( ) Beaconsfield Hebron Lorimor Macksburg Mary Jo Johnson ( ) Blakesburg Bloomfield Christiansburg Moulton Gracie Fort ( ) Pleasantville Oskaloosa Emily Haase ( ) Chariton Lovilia Pella Ottumwa First Sue Clausen ( ) Corydon High Point Leon Anita Martin ( ) Bussey Fremont Knoxville Milo Cindy Flaherty ( ) Lacona New Virginia Medora Mary Morris ( ) Creston Murray Penn Center Circle of Friends Winterset Sandy Oswald ( ) Diagonal Earlham Julie Gethmann ( ) Lamoni Mt.Ayr Tingley Page 7 of 13

8 Calendar May Assembly, Columbus, Ohio THE POWER OF BOLD June 1 Mission Study forms due to Reta Freihage (see attached) June 1 Mission u Scholarship forms due to Emily Haase June 9-11 Iowa Annual Conference of United Methodist Church June 10 United Methodist Women Gathering at Annual Conference June 15 Mission u registration due for July event June 30 Reading Program Participation due to Mary Morris July 15 District Officer Training Event (DOTE) July Summer Mission U, Iowa Valley Conference Center, Marshalltown July 26 South Central District Ellston September 7 Human Relations Day, CWU September 15 North Central District Annual Meeting, Garner September 15 Southeast District Annual Meeting, Prairie View September 20 Mission u registration due for October event September 21 East Central District Annual Meeting, Vinton September 21 Northeast District Annual Meeting, Janesville September 22 Central District Annual Meeting, Indianola First September 22 Northwest District Annual Meeting, Cherokee, St. Paul September 21 South Central District setup day for Annual Meeting, Ellston September 22 South Central District Annual Meeting, Ellston September 22 Southwest District Annual Meeting, Harlan October 1 Local Unit Officers list due to Sue Godfrey October 6 Iowa Conference United Methodist Women Annual Meeting, Knoxville October Fall Mission U, Iowa Valley Conference Center, Marshalltown October 26 South Central District Ellston November 2 World Community Day, CWU December 10 Cash Receipts for 2018 to District Treasurer, Emily Haase LOCAL UNIT FORMS DUE IN 2018: January 31 Program books due to District Friends March 30 Membership Reports to be submitted online. Online address is: June 30 Reading and Mission Reports to your Chairperson October 1 Local Officers list for 2019 to District Secretary December 10 Cash Receipts for 2018 to District Treasurer Page 8 of 13

9 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN SOUTH CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICERS President Mission Coordinator for Membership Sandra Oswald Nurture and Outreach 612 Grand Avenue Apt. C3 Lou Ann Willis Creston, Iowa th Avenue Phone: Knoxville, Iowa Phone: Vice President Anita Martin Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth 509 S. Lincoln St Penny Warren Knoxville Iowa N West Street Phone: Bloomfield, Iowa annmarie002@yahoo.com Phone: pennyrae@netins.net Secretary Susan Godfrey 2797 Elk Street Secretary Program Resources Osceola, Iowa Mary Morris Phone: Joshua Avenue suegodfrey@hughes.net Creston, Iowa Phone: Treasurer mjmorris_jm@hotmail.com Emily Haase 221 E 1 st Street Pella, Iowa Mission Coordinator for Social Action Phone: Cindy Flaherty ehaase2011@gmail.com 7503 G76 Hwy New Virginia, Iowa Mission Coordinator for Education Phone: And Interpretation cmflaherty816@gmail.com Reta Freihage P.O. Box 64 Ellston, Iowa Communications Coordinator Phone: (cell) Julie Gethmann retafae46@gmail.com th St Lamoni, IA Committee on Nominations Chairperson Phone: Dawn Egbert umwiascd@gmail.com 214 E 8 th Street Lamoni, Iowa Committee on Nominations Phone: Sue Clausen dawnfegbert@yahoo.com th Avenue Leon, Iowa Committee on Nominations Phone: Mary Jo Johnson jnstrukin@aol.com th Street Bloomfield, Iowa Committee on Nominations Phone: Open dancinhorse51@hotmail.com APPOINTIVE POSITION: Historian Gracie Fort th Place Pleasantville, Iowa Phone: (cell ) graceanna1930@gmail.com Page 9 of 13

10 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION South Central District offers two (2) scholarships for first time attendees to either summer or fall Mission U. The scholarship pays the registration fee of $ and $50.00 toward expenses. The applicant does not necessarily need to be an United Methodist Women member. The scholarships are awarded according to the order in which they are received. Registration forms can be downloaded from Applicants first should complete the form below and mail with a completed registration form to: Emily Haase, 221 E. 1 st Street, Pella, IA APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP Dates: July 15-17, 2018 October 19-21, 2018 Name Address City Zip Telephone (Day) (Evening) Page 10 of 13

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12 IOWA MISSION TODAY REPORT FORM Large and Small Groups UMW Unit Name Number of Members District South Central Name of person completing report Phone address ************************************************************************************************** EACH UNITED METHODIST WOMEN S GROUP IS ENCOURAGED TO BE A MISSION TODAY UMW RECOGNITION FOR 16 OR MORE MEMBERS ~ PLATINUM CERTIFICATE Complete 16 Items Recognized at Conference Annual Meeting ~ GOLD CERTIFICATE Complete Items Recognized at District Annual Meeting ~ SILVER CERTIFICATE Complete 8-11 Items Recognized at District Annual Meeting ~ SPECIAL RECOGNITION Complete 7 or less Items Recognition sent to local group by District RECOGNITION FOR 15 OR FEWER MEMBERS ~ PLATINUM CERTIFICATE Complete 12 Items Recognized at Conference Annual Meeting ~ GOLD CERTIFICATE Complete 9-11 Items Recognized at District Annual Meeting ~ SILVER CERTIFICATE Complete 7-8 Items Recognized at District Annual Meeting ~ SPECIAL RECOGNITION Complete 6 or less Items Recognition sent to local group by District YEAR STARTED JULY 1, Reports are to be sent to your District Education and Interpretation Coordinator by June 1, This allows local groups to be recognized for their achievements in the current year. You are encouraged to complete a minimum of 10 of the following criteria, including 5 of those marked with an asterisk. CRITERIA FOR LOCAL GROUPS [ ] 1. *Used the PRAYER CALENDAR for each meeting [ ] 2.*Met its PLEDGE to mission [ ] 3.*Added at least 2 MEMBERS to its roll [ ] 4.*Had 1 member subscribe to RESPONSE magazine [ ] 5.*Used at least 2 programs from the UMW Program Book during the year [ ] 6.*Participated in a district MISSION STUDY or conducted a local study [ ] 7.*Implemented the CHAPTER FOR RACIAL JUSTICE policies in at least 2 ways or attended a RACIAL JUSTICE event during the past year. Other suggestions that would be approved for the implementation of the Charter for Racial Justice would be any of the following: -Plan a joint meeting with those of a different racial/ethnic background, using a program from the Program Book and/or ethnic speaker. -Develop a bi-racial/cultural or multi-racial/cultural group -Become an enabling group to help the local church, through the Church Council and/or work areas to become involved in the implementation of the Charter by: -Encouraging Vacation Bible School -Encouraging pulpit exchanges - Sharing joint worship services on special occasions -Encouraging the church to sponsor a refugee/new immigrant family Page 12 of 13

13 [ ] 8.*Had 1 member, other than a District or Conference officer, attend Mission u [ ] 9.*Had at least 2 members, other than District or Conference officers, attend the District or Conference Annual Meeting [ ] 10.*Had 1 member use the UMW ACTION NETWORK [ ] 11.*Responded to legislative information throughout the year by contacting legislators and advocating on issues sanctioned by the United Methodist Church [ ] 12.*Participated in support of children in at least 2 ways. Suggestions that would be approved for participation would be any of the following: -Helped sponsor a church or community program related to children and youth -Sponsored Children s Sabbath, promoted by the Children s Defense Fund -Involvement with children in mentoring, tutoring, and/or big sister program -Visited local school -Attended a school board meeting. Learn how schools are funded. [ ] 13.*Contributed to Shesler Hall, Bidwell-Riverside, and Hawthorn Hill. Participated in Iowa Ingathering with quilts and/or kits. [ ] 14.*Corresponded twice a year with at least 5 missionaries listed in the Prayer Calendar. [ ] 15.*Was a Five-Star Group, contributing to all five channels of mission giving. [ ] 16.*Had at least 2 members complete one of the UMW Reading Program plans. [ ] 17.* Corresponded with their shepherdess at least twice a year. [ ] 18.*Participated in Being Green by doing 2 of the following: -Avoided using paper, plastic, or Styrofoam - Encouraged the use of fair-trade products -Turned off lights, when not in use -Using non-toxic dish detergent and cleaning products -Recycled glass, tin, plastic, newsprint, and cardboard -2 members took 10 minutes a day to enjoy and cherish nature -2 members used devotional materials that enhance love and nature [ ] 19.*Had a Response Moment at each meeting. [ ] 20.*Will continue to study current issues such as Human Trafficking, Immigration, Child & Maternal Health, Climate Justice, Economic Injustice, and Incarceration. Page 13 of 13