Pacific Waves. september 2013, Volume XiV, Issue V. Save the Dates UMW 2013 September District Annual Celebrations

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1 1 Pacific Waves Newsletter of the California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women september 2013, Volume XiV, Issue V Table of Contents President 2 Vice President Information 3 Secretary 4 Treasurer 5 Chair, Committee on Nominations 12 UMW Mission Team Slate Mission Coordinators: Education and Interpretation 7 Membership Nurture and Outreach 19 Spiritual Growth 8 Communications Coordinator 21 School of Christian Mission Dean and Assistant Dean 21 Save the Dates UMW 2013 September District Annual Celebrations Check District Newsletters or website October 26: Cal-Pac Conference UMW Annual Celebration and Elections Saturday, October 26, 2013 Westwood United Methodist Church Wilshire Blvd.. Los Angeles, CA October 26: D LTE (District Leadership Training Event) (By Invitation Only) Watch for 2014 Events: Facebook, District Newsletters, and Pacific Waves Language Coordinator Korean 9 Spanish 5 Biographies of New Incoming Officers Limitless Event Hawaii 20 Mission Projects & Auxiliary Update s 5, 9,19 Forms and Flyers: Annual Celebration Registration 23 ASSEMBLY 22 Candle of Commitment 6 Photos and Date Reminders Cal-Pac Conference United Methodist Women Slate of Officers Included in this Issue See you on October 26, 2013 Westwood UMC Local units: Please elect two voting members and mark names on registration form.

2 2 R E V E A Message from our President evelations were abundant over the past 8 years as serving with the most inspirational, loving, selfless, and passionate angels in United Methodist Women. nriched by all the new members in our newly organized and reorganized Local Organizations: God bless Torrance Korean, Grace River Korean, Kum Ran, Hawthorne, Paramount, Pico Rivera, El Getsemani, Walnut, Baldwin Park, Point Loma, Downey, Waimanalo First Tongan, La Trinidad, Westwood, United with Hope and Samoan Mainland UMW. We are one of the fastest growing Conferences with 16 new groups in the past 4 years. Thank you to all our other Local Organizations for continuing to be the role models for us! The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29: 11) ery grateful for the passionate and inspirational mission work you have done to truly transform lives and make a difference in the lives of others. In these past four years, you made pledges totaling $ 1,040,000 in these challenging economic times, yet you surpassed your pledge by 24% in 2010, 86% in 2011, and 61% in 2012 for a grand total of close to $ 1,500,000. whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple, truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward. (Matthew 10: 42) ncourage you all to invite our new Leadership Team to present our dynamic power point presentations of UMW 101 and UMW 201. We have shared this with other Conferences who have reported great successes. L A T I eaders from UMW are now a part of other Conference, Jurisdiction, and National Boards. We have received incredible training in how to excel in a myriad of different groups and environments. Let us concentrate on becoming delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences in the future. Our strong and wise voices must be heard in order to bring about much needed human rights for all. And it is in God s power to provide you richly with every good gift; thus you will have ample means in yourselves to meet each an every situation, with enough and to spare for every good cause. (II Corinthians 9: 8) lot of work still needs to be done in the areas of domestic violence, human trafficking, immigration, and climate change. We will continue to focus on presenting programs and resources on these. here is so much information available on our website at as well as the National Website at If you want us to put on a program about how to navigate through the websites, please contact us. We love to help! nvite everyone you know to Assembly: Make it Happen on April 25-27, National Assembly happens every four years and is a gathering of thousands of women from around the world involving worship, study, hands on mission work, and unbelievably exciting life changing experiences. O nce again, thank you all for changing my life and giving me hope. When I became active in UMW in 2003, I just completed a year of 3 surgeries, chemo, and radiation. It was a very dark time in my life and God blessed me with UMW. God s light is always present and filled with the Holy Spirit, I wanted to walk in the path of Christ to give back to all who helped me. Sometimes words cannot explain the power of our Sisterhood; however, you need to step out in faith and try UMW. It is truly a special gift from God. ow I will once again end with what I believe is the future of our denomination: N WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD OUR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH THROUGH UNITED METHODIST WOMEN!!!!! So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ Corinthians 5: 17-18a Soaring ahead with Christ s Love Leanne Nakanishi, President

3 3 Vice President s Praises Kam sa ham ni da! Fa afetai! Muchas gracias! Malo aupito! Thank you! We had a special gathering of almost 200 women at our Annual Conference UMW Luncheon. Thank you to Deaconess Jeanne Roe Smith who educated us and shared so much of her powerful ministry. What a beautiful sight to see so many UMW as voting members to Annual Conference. You all rock!! Annual Celebration and D LTE will be on Saturday, October 26, 2013 (See flyer for more 411). This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and see our past Honorary UMW President, Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, who has been traveling all around the world as our Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops. We have listened to you and are trying a new schedule. Please continue to make our events an intergenerational affair and invite your spouses, partners, children, grandchildren, friends, and especially your pastors! For our District Leadership Training Event (D LTE) for Vice Presidents, this year we will have a combined training with Presidents and Vice Presidents. One change in our new UMW Handbook is our Constitution and Bylaws is the Vice President is not a required elected officer on District and Conference levels. This DOES NOT mean there will NOT be a VP. What we are blessed with is the flexibility to structure however best fits our Conference and 8 Districts. You will hear more about this at D LTE and Annual Celebration. Praise God for these new changes and thank you Jesus for you, who give so much of yourself as volunteers. Your dedication and passion does not go unnoticed. God bless you all, Leanne Nakanishi, Acting Vice President A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13: 34-35)

4 4 P a c i f i c W a v e s, S e p t e m b e r From the Secretary UMW Directory Updates September 2013 Page 8 New Address: Carmen Julia Hortiales 735 Southwick Street Santa Paula, CA This will be my final update, but keep your pens ready as you continue to work with the new Mission Team. It was an honor to work with all of you learning so much about what is involved in the structure of our Conference Leadership Team. The experience was great and I look forward to serving with you in the future. It s hard to say goodbye, so I will say... Mahalo and Blessings of Aloha, Vera Tom Methodist Hospital Women s Auxiliary News I bring you September greetings and hope all of you had a restful and relaxing summer: traveling, going to the beach, reading, and going to Mission u. I gave talk to a UMW Unit about the Hospital and the Auxiliary, and found that there is confusion about Methodist Hospital Women s Auxiliary membership. I will try to clarify this. Any UMW Unit may give a donation to Methodist Hospital by sending it to the UMW District Treasurer. Membership in Methodist Hospital Women s Auxiliary is completely separate. There are membership envelopes available from Lena Knowles or you can write the names and addresses on a piece of paper and send them with the money to the Auxiliary Treasurer, 300 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, CA These may be a Unit membership - $50.00; and individual memberships of regular up to $29.00, sustaining - $30 and up, or life - $ and up. THESE DO NOT GO TO THE UMW DIS- TRICT TREASURER. The donations, memberships, and profit of the Present Place (gift shop) go for our annual gift to the Methodist Hospital Foundation for the Spiritual Care Department and Endowment Fund, which was $104, for I hope this has clarified the confusion. If you still have questions, call me at Plan to come to the General Meeting on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 10:30 AM. Make a reservation for lunch by sending $8.00 to the Auxiliary Treasurer at the address above. Delora Brown, Auxiliary President Sept 2013

5 5 Simplemente gracias! Misión u 2013 fue de verdad todo un exito, gracias a todas las damas que participarón en la clase de Español. Mil gracias a nuestro líder de estudio, el pastor Ruben Esponda, como siempre un gran placer trabajar con un gran maestro. Estoy muy agradecida con todas las personas que ayudarón con Misión u desde nuestro equipo ejecutivo, los maestros, los voluntarios, las personas que ayudaron en la cocina, en la registracion, en el sonido, el pianista y tambien por las oraciones de los que no pudieron asistir pero nos tuvieron presentes en sus oraciones. Sin el arduo trabajo de un gran número de personas Misión u no hubiera sido el gran evento que fué. Muchas de las personas nos dieron las gracias por el evento más no saben que nosotras somos las que estamos agradecidas. De nada sirve los sin números de correos electronicos, las traducciones, las horas enfrente de una computadora, las practicas, las horas empacanda y desempacando, arreglando, haciendo el programa, probando el sonido, afinando el piano, preparando la comida, limpiando, imprimiendo programas, organizando salones, y muchos detalles más, de que sirve todo eso sin la presencia y apoyo de todas las personas que asistierón...así que simplemente gracias. Gracias! Bendiciones, Jackie Vazquez Coordinadora Hispana From the Treasurer One year ago I wrote, What a wonderful idea if the world s people could all work together in helping God s children. We are all one and the color of our skin or the way we talk shouldn t make a difference. The Mission u study, The Roma of Europe gives us insight into another culture. Be sure to get a copy of the study book and be enlightened with new ways to look at world. Also one year ago, I had the privilege to go fishing in Canada with my family. You never know what the future holds for anyone. Beginning in January, after four short months, my son-in-law died of cancer. I am looking at the world differently, but not through sad eyes. Jim was a very strong Christian and loved the Lord. We find courage and peace when Christ is at the center of our lives. Psalm 23:6 says, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Now our worlds cross paths with many people and the United Methodist Women play a big part in helping others around the world. Mission u was well attended this year and the offering that was collected equaled $2, Thanks to all who had an opportunity to contribute. This money will be sent as part of the Cal-Pac Conference s pledge. During the school, the Finance Committee met and worked on the 2014 budgets. The District Treasurers and the members of the Conference Leadership Team worked hard and we think we have budgets that are attainable. All the numbers will be presented for a vote at the Annual Celebration in October. As of the end of July, our financial report shows the following: Pledge to Mission $111, Designated gift $32, = Total sent to National $144, Thanks to all for being committed to mission. There is a new mystery to find the answer. Clues killer in the dark, campaign to stop it, joint effort between UMW and California Pacific Conference churches, diseases of poverty, and a global health initiative. Have you guessed what it is yet? IMAGINE NO MALARIA ---- This campaign was first announced at the Cal-Pac Annual Conference in Redlands. Local UMW units have an opportunity to help with this campaign. Please send your money to your district treasurer and mark it as Imagine No Malaria. Each district president was given a copy of the DVD video collection. It is available for local unit to present as a program. Let s kill the killer. Blessings, Loraine

6 6 Candle of Commitment 2013 Our Candle of Commitment represents the cost of our mission work to women, children, and youth in the US and in countries around the world. $ will burn the candle for one minute at our Cal-Pac UMW Annual Celebration on October 26, Gifts can be given by a Local Unit or an Individual "In Honor or in Memory of a Woman or Group who exemplifies the Sisterhood of Grace." and Name: in Honor or in Memory of: Person or /Unit submitting the name: Amount: Deadline for inclusion in the Cal-Pac UMW Annual Celebration program: October 1, Please send form and check to: UMW District Treasurer (check one) Hawaii, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara Add any additional names on a separate piece of paper. Please type or print neatly. Thank you!

7 7 Education and Interpretation In the last issue of Pacific Waves, I wrote about the change in the structure of the McCurdy School Mission, a National Mission in Espanola, New Mexico. I visited the site in May, during a road trip to the four corners area, and toured the campus. As you can imagine, it is in a very poor part of New Mexico. Last year, the program for the mission was renamed McCurdy Ministries. The school that previously enrolled approximately 250 students became a charter school with an enrollment of over 500. The school pays rent for the space and that rent helps fund the programs of McCurdy Ministries. The current ministries include a preschool, meals, tutoring, and other support services for the school population. The need for the change in the program came about because of the lack of funds. It is admirable that a solution was found and there is still a strong United Methodist presence on the campus. Other National Missions are experiencing the same funding cuts and at least one has closed its doors in the past few months. The support for the National Missions is critical for their programs to continue. On the McCurdy campus, there is good housing for work teams and at the time I visited, there was a group on site. In Cal-Pac Conference, David and Margaret Youth and Family Services, Neighborhood House of Calexico, Susannah Wesley Community Center, and Toberman Neighborhood Center are National Missions and need our financial and service support. If you live near one, call and ask about volunteer opportunities, or if not so near, arrange a car pool or a bus for a team to do a Ubuntu project at one of the sites. Joy Prim was our Missionary on Campus during Mission u. She is a young women serving as a Missionary Intern at the Filipino Migrant Center in Long Beach. I was fortunate to attend the Interest Groups that she led for the school. We heard about the road she has traveled to become a missionary and about her previous assignments. If you want to be impressed, look at her Internet postings. I appreciated that she explained the difference between the US2 program and the Missionary Internships. Beginning in 2011, Missionary Interns are commissioned by Global Ministries and serve to connect faith and justice with programs around the world which gives the candidate the opportunity to explore becoming a permanently commissioned missionary. US2 s are young people committed to two years of service in the U.S. The training, term, etc. reminds me of the Peace Corps program I experienced 50 years ago. Find the Global Ministry site and explore all that is available for worldwide service opportunities by younger and older persons. You are all missionaries in your local communities as you help with meals, food pantries, etc. but the need is also great beyond our horizons. We are connected as UMW members with a common purpose to care for brothers and sisters wherever they may be. Jacque

8 8 Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth I was recently challenged by a reading in The Upper Room entitled God s Presence. Do I sense God s presence with me each day? It s easy to answer yes. I pray daily, I appreciate His gifts of creation whether in the beauty of our islands or the kids I work with. I know I can call on Him when I m in need and He answers. I love His presence in Sunday worship. I work with United Methodist Women. But do I really feel God s presence during my normal everyday routines? Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I go to flee from your presence? I look behind me and you re there. Then up ahead and you re there, too your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful I can t take it all in! Psalm 139 (The Message) In our studies at Mission u, I learned that sacramental living is living daily in the light of God, acknowledging the grace of God, and taking a stand for justice in acting out our conversion. I am still becoming with God s grace. I am thankful for all of my United Methodist sisters who are on that journey with me. As we continue to grow, Teach us, God, to be aware of your presence with us at all times. Peace and Blessings on your journey, Maxine Wheeler Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth God is never too busy for us. Let us never be too busy for Him. See you at Annual Celebration at Westwood UMC, Oct. 26 th! With a thankful heart, Maxine Wheeler

9 9 Korean Language Coordinator Summer Thoughts The summer is almost over. For those of us living in the States, the new school year starts sometime between August and September. I was born and raised in Korea where the new school year starts in the first week of March. The winter in Korea is long and cold. The students have their winter break from mid December till the end of January. Then it is back to school for the month of February to wrap things up, and get ready for the new school year. When I was a kid, the spring arrived with an unmistakable air of newness. New school uniform, new pair of shoes, new book bag, new classmates, and, of course, new teacher. Everything starts anew in March just as the flowers start budding. Here in the states I noticed the summer is more than meets the eye. It is not just a season of fun and ease. Schools end in summer, but re-start in summer as well. Many people take days off in the summer for a vacation, but for many small business people, the summer is the busiest season. Summer is the season to stop and smell the coffee, so to speak. It is also the time to regroup and rally. A time to click on the pause button. But just as a good time to hit refresh. My precious summer is diminishing. My June days were blessed by the Cal-Pac Annual Conference where I learned so much about the work United Methodist Church and our conference are engaging in. It was at the Annual Conference I renewed my identity in Christ as the interpreter, and translator of His words for the world. The words must be interpreted and translated not only into another language we speak, but into action and deed as well. My July days were blessed by Mission u. Seeing the days (and nights) of the cooperative work culminating in a beautiful plenary worship was like standing in a field of wild fresh flowers. I am enjoying my August days with a new book from my favorite author, Khaled Hosseini. His new novel And the Mountains Echoed starts out with an Afghanistan fairy tale about a monster coming to the village to claim a child as an offering of sacrifice from the villagers. I don t want to go into the detail for the fear of spoiling the story, but want to share that I find it truly amazing that no matter where we were born, where we grew up, what pain and hardship we experienced, we are all children of God who neither forgets nor forsakes us. That He is holding us firm. That He is Immanuel. So here I am in the close of summer, I sing one of the Christmas songs, come, o come Emmanuel. I told you the summer is much more than meets the eye. Praise the Lord! Young Mae Kim

10 10 METRO Congratulations, Metro of San Diego! Way To Go! Metro was one of 12 community-based organizations that were recently awarded nearly $32 million in Federal grants from the U.S. Department of Labor that will provide job training, education, and support services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth and women. Metro received $5,000,000 to fund Neighborhood College, which will conduct projects in Georgia, Arizona, Northern and Southern California. Metro will fund 12 sites and serve 1200 young people in high crime, high poverty areas. In addition, Metro was one of eight organizations chosen nationally to receive $1.5 million from the DOL to provide needed services to young women transitioning from incarceration to self-sufficiency... And on June 26 th, Metro received an additional $1 million to fund services for youth ages to provide juvenile offenders with support services, training, and skills development to help them obtain employment and overcome the stigma of a juvenile record. We at Metro incorporate everything from cultural wisdom and service learning to the latest strategically based behavior change services to help our clients be successful. John Hughes, Metro s CEO NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE, CALEXICO Neighborhood House of Calexico Children s Literacy Program has received an award of over $147, for the first year of funding, through the Imperial County Children & Families First Commission, with a second year funding approved upon evaluations. This Literacy Program targets children 0-5 years of age. The Notice of Award states in part, The amount of time and dedication that you invest in the overall development of our youngest residents is wholeheartedly appreciated, as is your desire to impact their lives. Cindy Alba, Assistant to Ricardo Ortega was invited to speak at one of the Interest Groups at Mission u. She reported that there are now 33 resident clients (including children) living in the new Women s Shelter. The Shelter has the potential of housing 44 residents. That s a lot of household items, bedding, and paper good supplies. Ann Clarke and Jacque Howard go down once a month to the Board of Directors meetings and will be happy to take your donations. Cindy told the group about the Neighborhood House programs with a wonderful video showing the program in action : Pre- Kindergarten class; Micro Business Center and graduates of their program; feeding the homeless daily; monthly Farmers Market and the Thrift Store, as well as other services for Imperial Valley residents. NEW ENTRA CASA New Entra Casa has seen some changes since Kim Kelly took over the reins as Director, with her able assistant, Sharlene (Charlie) Brewer. Already the monthly budget has received a shot in the arm as they implement their cost saving ideas a little here a little there, really adds up. There are fund raising activities on the table as well as contacts with several Grants available to non-profits that fit the New Entra Casa profile. One major decision has been made. The New Entra Casa Thrift Store closed as of August 1, The store has provided many hours of training for the residents, and there has been generous support with donations over the years. Rental costs and other factors have all had their negative impact to the extent that it is no longer feasible to continue the store operation. But don t go away with your donations! The NEC staff and residents are working on a new version of The Store. They have set up a system to organize the donations at the house and will continue to accept your donations. Any clothing or items that the residents or the House cannot use will be offered for sale at special event Yard Sales, Rummage Sales, and Parking Lot Sales around town, with all proceeds going to support the NEC Program. Other current fund-raising projects include Mile of Pennies and Sponsor A Bed If you would like to receive the New Entra Casa quarterly newsletter, please contact the House at newentracasa@cox.net or Phone:

11 11 A Glimpse of Cal-Pac UMW Sharing Our Mission u Experience 2014 Save the Dates January: Local Unit Leadership Training: Check District Newsletters February 15: Mid-Winter Event CA and HI April 25-27: ASSEMBLY 2014 MAKE IT HAPPEN Louisville, KY June TBD: Annual Conference University of Redlands July 17-20: Mission u, Biola University Korean Language 17-19, All other Languages September: UMW District Annual Celebrations October 25: UMW Conference Annual Celebration Election Dates, locations, and flyers will be on our UMW website and newsletters. Check them out!! U M W

12 12 From the Chair of Committee on Nominations UNITED METHODIST WOMEN S HANDBOOK Page 32 and 124 of the Constitution of the UMW in the Conference: Conference UMW Leadership Team should include at least a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and the Chair of the Committee on Nominations. Additional persons may be named either at-large or in the designated roles approved by the Conference. Page 130: There shall be a Conference Leadership Team, also known as the Executive Committee in some instances. Section 1 (a) Membership: The Leadership Committee will include the President as Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary, Chairperson of the Committee on Nominations, the Bishop of the area, and the President of each District within the boundaries of the Conference. The Leadership Team will also include members of the Jurisdiction Leadership Team, Directors of the United Methodist Women National Organization, members of the Program Advisory Group residing within the boundaries of the Conference, and OTHERS as the Leadership Team may determine. This means our Standing Rules Committee would have to make some recommendations to the Conference Leadership Team. The President would be convening a Standing Rules Committee meeting very soon to discuss all the changes to our Standing Rules (i.e. Page 1 Item Those persons listed in Article III, Section 2 Elected Leaders ) To all my sisters in Christ! As I have come to the end of my two years term of serving you as your Chair of Committee on Nominations, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, your trust, and your support. The Committee on Nominations worked hard to fulfill our commitment to the Conference Leadership Team. I have enjoyed meeting new and great women through the process of our Organization. It has been the most wonderful and fun years. You know when you say YES to serve in the United Methodist Women, you are not doing the work alone. We share all the responsibilities equally. We have trainings, spiritually retreats, worships, constantly learning together, and meeting new friends through the process. It s a great place to be among great women. The knowledge, spiritual growth, and special relationships are priceless. We thank each and every one of you from the Local, District, and Conference Organizations who have answered Yes with an open heart and open mind to serve our Lord Jesus Christ through United Methodist Women. May God bless you and give you strength to do His will. We challenge you to say Yes to a new year full of excitement when anyone asks you to be in ministry with our Local, District, and Conference United Methodist Women. All you need to do is bring forth your talent, your time, and your service. Please invite a friend or two to any of our events starting with our Annual Celebration on October 26, Let s continue our faith journey in making disciples for Jesus Christ and the transformation of the world. Ofa atu moe Lotu (Love and Prayer) Mele Faiva Blagojevich, Chair, Committee on Nominations

13 13 Page 1 of 3 CALIFORNIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN OFFICER NOMINATIONS FOR Officers to be elected for First 2-year term: President Mele Faiva Blagojevich Long Beach District (West) 4429 E. Village Road Suite 235, Long Beach, CA (Cell) maryblago@gmail.com Vice President Diane Gin Pasadena District (East) 1400 Pebble Hurst Street, Monterey Park, CA (Home) dlokgin@gmail.com Secretary Carolyn Steuer Hawaii District P.O. Box Wahiawa, HI (Home) steuer@lava.net Secretary of Program Vika Tu uholoaki Long Beach District (West) Resources 1101 Camino Real #8, Redondo Beach, CA (Home) vikaofa@yahoo.com Elected for One 2-year term: Committee on Nominations, Julie Asuncion Pasadena District (East) Chair 2116 S. 7 th Avenue, Arcadia, CA (Home) juleton@sbcglobal.net Officers continuing to serve their First elected term: Membership Nurture Ellie Yang Santa Barbara District (North) & Outreach 72 Via Magnolia, Newbury Park, CA (Cell) ellie.yang@hotmail.com Education & Jacque Howard San Diego District (South) Interpretation 1276 Calma Court, Vista, CA (Home) gramajacque@gmail.com Officers to be elected for Second 2-year term: Spiritual Growth Maxine Wheeler Hawaii District 106-A Dole Road, Wahiawa, HI (Home) Mikasaiah@aol.com Officers continuing to serve their Second elected term: Treasurer Loraine Hartranft Santa Ana District (East) 1740 N. Community Dr. #206, Anaheim, CA (Cell) loraine@videocam.net Mission Coordinator for Suzanne James Pasadena District (North) Social Action 1070 N. Holliston Avenue, Pasadena, CA (Home) suzynart@aol.com Communications Donna Johnson Long Beach District (West) Coordinator 9258 Birdvale Drive, Downey, CA (Cell) donnaj0964@aol.com

14 Committee on Nominations to be elected for 2-year term: Class of 2015 Kara Mark Hawaii District 5651 Haleola Street, Honolulu, HI (Home) 14 Pg 2 of 3 Committee on Nominations to be elected for 4-year term: Class of 2017 Carrie Garrett Riverside District (East) 1433 Everton Place, Riverside, CA (Cell) tap@peoplepc.com Committee on Nominations continuing to serve their 4-year term: Class of 2014 Sara Dickens Long Beach District (West) 3638 Blair Way, Torrance, CA (Home) sldickens216@yahoo.com Class of 2016 Carmen Julia Hortiales Santa Barbara District (North) 735 Southwick Street, Santa Paula, CA (Home) carmenjuliah@msn.com Willa Dalrymple Pasadena District (North) 201 N. Granada Avenue #3, Alhambra, CA (Home) willa1909@gmail.com Committee on the Charter for Racial Justice Policies to be elected for : Carmen Julia Hortiales Santa Barbara District (North) 735 Southwick Street, Santa Paula, CA (Home) carmenjuliah@msn.com Young Mae Kim Pasadena District (North) 5305 Bellingham Ave #204, Los Angeles, CA (Cell) youngmaekim@gmail.com Brenda Scott-Horn Los Angeles District (West) 6025 Bedford Avenue, Los Angeles, CA (Home) mizzscott@aol.com Carolyn Steuer Hawaii District P.O. Box , Wahiawa, HI (Home) steuer@lava.net By virtue of office, Mele Faiva Blagojevich, Suzanne James, and Julie Asuncion are also on this committee. Mission u Leadership elected for 1-year term by Conference Leadership Committee: Dean 2014 Roni Kuester Santa Ana District (South) 4551 Suite Drive, Huntington Beach, CA (Home) ronik2@msn.com Assistant Dean 2014 Jane Stewart Long Beach District (West) 3110 Greenbrier Road, Long Beach, CA (Home) stewartsweetjane@verison.net

15 For Information and Reference: 15 Pg 3 of 3 District President to serve on Program and School Committees for 1-year term (elected by District Presidents per Standing Rules) Language Coordinators continuing to serve their First 2-year appointed term: Korean Co-Coordinators: Young Mae Kim Pasadena District (North) (appointed by Cal-Pac) 5305 Bellingham Avenue #204, Valley Village, CA (Cell) youngmaekim@gmail.com TBA Language Coordinators Appointed to serve their Second 2-year term: Samoan: Helen Faagata Long Beach District (West) Avalon Blvd. # 28, Carson, CA (Cell) hfaagata@yahoo.com Spanish: Jackie Vazquez Long Beach District (West) 8127 Conrad Street, Downey, CA (Cell) jv0624@hotmail.com Language Coordinator Appointed to serve their First 2-year term: Tongan: TBA Young Women : TBA United Methodist Women s Director to serve next quadrennium: Tupou Seini Kelemeni Hawaii District 1218A Artesian Street, Honolulu, HI (Cell) toop@hotmail.com Western Jurisdiction Leadership Team to serve next quadrennium: Barbara Miller Pasadena District (East) 701 E. Camellia Dr., Covina, CA (Home) barbara@lantoga.net National Seminar Representatives to serve this quadrennium: Western Jurisdiction Grace Han Pasadena District (East) E. 186 th Street, Artesia, CA (Home) habaragihan@yahoo.com Conference Régan Pope Riverside District (East) 4595 University Avenue, Redlands, CA (Cell) rpope1977@yahoo.com District Merle Davis Los Angeles District (West) 2427 ½ S. Cloverdale Ave. #3, Los Angeles, CA (Home) merled6@aol.com

16 16 Cal-Pac United Methodist Women Slate of Officers Meet the New Nominated Officers Mele Faiva Blagojevich President United Methodist Women is always a part of my life. I have served as a member of the Committee on Nominations, including the past two years as Chair, as well as four years as the Conference Tongan Language Coordinator. I am a member of Lennox Tongan UMC in Inglewood for over 35 years and served various positions in different committees. It is always my hope and prayer for women of all ages, ethnicity and in all areas of our Cal-Pac Conference to work together hand in hand to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. I m very blessed and honored to be part of this Team and looking forward to serving in this great organization. Carolyn Steuer - Secretary I have been asked to serve on your Cal-Pac Conference United Methodist Women s Leadership Team as secretary. I have been on the Conference UMW Leadership Team for the past four years as the Hawaii District UMW President. I am a member of Wahiawa United Methodist Church and have been involved with my local Unit since 1969, when, as a young mother, was kidnapped to a UMW breakfast, wearing my bathrobe and my toddler son in his PJs. It was fun! I met another young mom and many older aunties who wanted to be friends. I stayed involved because childcare was provided during their daytime morning meetings. I became inactive with my local Unit from , as I was involved with my children s school and sporting activities. In 1990, my local Unit reminded me that my children were now grown and no longer living at home and it was time for me to refocus on the work of UMW. I served as their president from and then served in other various Unit offices. In 2001, I was asked to serve on the Hawaii District UMW Leadership Team as a member on the Committee on Nominations and later served as Secretary of Program Resources, Communications Coordinator, Vice-President, and President. I have learned so much and still find the Mission work of UMW to be challenging and fun. Julie Asuncion - Chairperson, Committee on Nominations I feel so honored to be asked to serve as Chairperson, Committee on Nominations. I will get to work with great women on the Conference, District, and Local teams united to serve our Purpose of the UMW, united to serve God through mission, united to be disciples of Jesus Christ. The job description on the Chair, CON states: The Chairperson and other members of the Committee on Nominations are responsible for the nomination of all elected leaders of the conference organization. This requires a clear understanding of the duties of each elected leader. This is quite a task that I will clearly give my best efforts to accomplish with God s guidance and team support. (So grateful for so many role models on the team.) Having served on the Conference, District, and Local Organizations, I have had the pleasure of meeting dedicated, hard-working, and caring women sharing their individual gifts, talents, and time. I have experienced many inspirational moments through attending many UMW events which have helped me in my continued spiritual growth. I am retired, married, have 2 children and 8 grandchildren which also keeps me busy and active. If you are ready to share your gifts and talents, please call or me or any member of the Committee on Nominations Team. I m looking forward to serve the UMW and its missions and to seeing you ladies at the next UMW event. Peace and blessings, Julie Asuncion, juleton@sbcglobal.net, (cell)

17 17 Vika V. Tu uholoaki - Secretary of Program Resources I, was born and raised in Tonga. I moved to the US in I have been married 28 years to Ofa Ki Saione and we are blessed with three beautiful lovely children. I have been a member of United Methodist Women for many years and served in various leadership positions. This organization has been instrumental in my spiritual growth and I learned ways to serve God through our mission focus. I am an active member of Redondo Beach United Methodist Church and served on many committees. I m currently Vacation Bible School crew leader, involved with Shared Bread Program and love to sing in the choir. In the local United Methodist Women (UMW) unit I served as President and circle leader. Currently I serve as Vice President. I said yes when asked to serve the Long Beach District Board as Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth, and when that term was complete served as Secretary of Program Resources, and one year on the Committee of Nominations. In 1998 I attended my first Assembly in Orlando, FL. With that great experience I saw the vision for our next generation. I love serving with UMW sisters and I am willing to use my gifts and talents, striving to fulfill the purpose with love and humility. I look forward working with you as Secretary of Program Resources. Let us keep the good work flowing and may God richly bless us. Vika Kara Mark - Committee on Nominations Class of 2015 She is a member of Kilohana United Methodist Church in Honolulu and has served on the Hawaii District UMW Mission Team from as Vice President and Secretary of Communications. By virtue of her UMW position, she became a member of the Susannah Wesley Community Center Board of Directors, eventually serving as Vice President and President. She served from as the Hawaii District Director and Conference Chairperson of Christian Education. She currently is Secretary of the Hawaii United Methodist Union Board. By profession, Kara is an educator and has been a teacher, school and state office administrator, and is currently coordinator of a Federal grant for high schools on three islands. Kara s husband, Alan Mark, retired from the ministry in June 2013, and continues to be actively involved with community organizing initiatives. They have been blessed with three daughters and two grandchildren. Their oldest daughter Allison Mark, is a pastor at Pasadena First United Methodist Church. Kara Carrie Garrett, Committee on Nominations Class of 2017 When I retired from my day job of thirty years, I was given this advice: learn to say NO. Of course, I did not listen and answered the call to join United Methodist Women; a call that I have found rewarding and exciting. I have served in local as well as district offices, the latest as president of Riverside District. While each office was challenging, I feel that I gained a deeper spiritual experience, through serving. I was given the opportunity to learn and experience new things. I enjoy reading, theater, travel, and puzzling my brain in a feeble attempt to learn and keep abreast of the new communication techniques. I look forward to working with the Committee on Nominations, serving where needed, answering the call. Carrie

18 18 Roni Kuester - Mission u 2014 Dean She is a life-long Methodist, born in Michigan, and a graduate of Michigan State University. She has been teaching in the public schools in California since graduation. She started at the junior high and high school level. Then after a break to begin a family, moving to elementary district to develop the enrichment program of non-remedial psychomotor and education and music she currently teaches. Roni has been involved in United Methodist Women for over thirty years. She has held leadership positions in her local unit, as well as on the district and conference mission teams. She continues, also, to be in active retreat leadership, as a speaker, and in leadership development and training. In addition, she directs an active upper elementary choir at her home church in Huntington Beach and writes a little music. Roni has served in various capacities at School of Christian Mission, the most recent as part of a youth-leader teams in the Cal-Pac Conference, and has done youth leader training at Regional Schools in the Midwest, North Atlantic and South Atlantic regions. Roni was married for 49 years until her husband, Richard s death in They have two daughters, Margo and Temre, and one grandson, Simon. Jane Stewart Mission u Assistant Dean Jane Stewart is the daughter of a Methodist minister, is a Certified Lay Servant, and a member of Lakewood First United Methodist Church. She has been very active in United Methodist Women most of her life. She has previously served on the UMW Conference team as the Spanish Language Coordinator and also as the Communications Coordinator. She served on the UMW Long Beach District team and has held several positions in the Local Organization unit level, where she currently serves as the President. Jane has a passion for composing poems, skits, meditations, workshops, and retreats. She is an avid student of the Bible and begins each day spending a little time with Jesus, engaging in her devotions and Bible study. She has adopted her mother s saying: The most joyous time in my life is working for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through United Methodist Women. She has written articles for the 2002 UMW Assembly Reflection Book, Response Magazine, UMW Program Book, and has written and performed her singing skits for the conference mission team retirement dinners. Her last performance was dedicated in memory of her mother at the 2006 UMW Assembly. She has led several workshops on prayer on the local, district, and church level and she also leads an annual spiritual retreat for the women at her church. Jane has recently gone back to teaching children s Sunday school after 40 years and says that a lot has changed since the 1970 s. [ The kids are younger, they are smarter, and I m tired, she says.] She feels that her volunteering at a local hospital has deepened her compassion towards all peoples and looks forward to the time she spends visiting with the patients weekly. Even though her life changed drastically with the loss of her husband five years ago, she feels that she has managed only through the grace of God. She loves to keep busy with a garden variety of different pleasures, but some of her favorites are karaoke, Bible study, gardening, kids, grandkids, and ironing yes, ironing! I am so excited to be returning to the Cal-Pac UMW Conference team, she says, and I look forward to not only working with Roni again [Mission u Dean], the entire conference team, but also being a part of making Mission u 2014 the best it has ever been! Diane Gin - Vice President Diane Gin has been a member of United Methodist Women for many years. This organization has been instrumental in focusing her energies and thoughts on building selfesteem and confidence in young women and youth from all walks of life. Diane has served UMW as local president, secretary, and program resources, in addition to serving the Pasadena District as a member of nominations, secretary and president. She also has had the privilege of serving as the Children s study leader at School of Christian Mission 2011 and 2012 and Mission u After 40 years of employment as an educator, she is now looking forward to spending more time with God and her family. She is Chinese American, and with her husband Bob have four grown daughters, two son-in-laws, and three of the best grandchildren in the world! Diane

19 19 Toberman Neighborhood Center Toberman Neighborhood Center, 131 North Grand Avenue, San Pedro, CA Helping Toberman is easier than you might think. Check out the link below: Cars for Cause Volunteer Center Toberman Auxiliary Dedicated Giving Planned Giving Wish List Donation Guidelines Membership Nurture and Outreach Membership shall be open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the global mission of the Church through United Methodist Women. The pastor(s)) shall be an ex-officio member of the local unit and of its executive committee (The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2012, 256.5). Thank You! California Pacific (Cal-Pac) Conference UMW Membership Nurture and Outreach (MN&O) Committee Meetings are scheduled three times annually; during Mid-Winter Event, Mission u, and at D LTE (District Leadership Training Event). I extend a heartfelt thank you to the sixteen (16) Conference Membership Committee members and District Presidents that attended the last meeting at Biola University during Mission u. It was reported and updates were shared from District Mission Coordinators for Membership Nurture & Outreach and Conference Language Coordinators. They fervently had been visiting Local Organizations and led UMW 101 to advocate and educate United Methodist Women. A few of the apparent responses that were shared from the Local Organizations after the presentation of UMW 101 were about their acquiring of the fundamentals, such as learning about Pacific Waves, pledges, and local mission areas, and etc. Cal-Pac Conference UMW 101 presentation is an invaluable ongoing tool to build a community of women committed to mission. Updates! A Local Organization s MC for MN&O shall submit the Membership Counts Report to the District MC for MN&O no later than January 31. District s local training in January is the perfect time to summing-up the membership counts from the local units and the due date for district MC for MN&O to the conference via is February 15 th. Reminder: A copy of the Membership Nurture and Outreach Report should be attached to the Pastor s report to each Charge Conference. An updated 2013 UMW Charge Conference Membership Form is now available online and in the District and Conference Newsletters. Reminder! *Please mark your calendar for D LTE before Annual Celebration on Saturday, October 26, (Invitation only) Ellie Yang

20 20 ALOHA UNITED METHODIST WOMEN, First of all, thank you for all the support and encouragement for our Limitless Event. On August 3rd, 2013, The Future Leaders of the California-Pacific Limitless Team presented Forever Limitless at the Wesley Foundation (Hawaii). Many teen and young adult women came to the event excited and ready to become FOREVER LIMITLESS with us. The day was filled with keynote speakers, an Ubuntu project, fellowship, worship, growing and much more. We look forward to having more events in the future and having a Limitless Event next year in California.

21 P a c i f i c W a v e s, S e p t e m b e r From the Editor s Desk: Greeting to all, The United Methodist Women Handbook has changes you need to know. For example Local Units are now Local Organizations. If you do not have your copy, check the Program Resources Table at District and Conference Events, or order online Watch for the new Cal-Pac UMC website coming to a computer near you in September! Visit our UMW Facebook and website. Share photos of your events, so that we can all stay connected. and Need photos: Please take photos and post on Facebook or to me as an attachment, so that I ll have time to add them to a Power Point presentation to share during gathering and closing at Annual Celebration. Check out page 22 for information about ASSEMBLY April 25-27, Watch the You Tube video. Assembly 2014 MAKE IT HAPPEN Love and hugs, remember I m only a phone call away Donna, Communications Coordinator donnaj0964@aol.com, c/ ST MISSION u WAS A BIG SUCCESS!!! Were you there? If not, you missed a great weekend of learning, fellowship, and fun. We had 348 people registered for our first Mission u at Biola. It was great to see so many girls and young women!. I would like to thank our great staff of Study Leaders that made the classes enjoyable and interesting for everyone that attended. I received a lot of comments on how good our study leaders were this year. We really appreciated their talents and all of the hard work that they put into their classes. The plenaries and interest groups were interesting and fun too. We really enjoyed the new songs that were led by Rev. Greg Norton. Thank you to everyone who put so much of their time and talents into these events. I would also like to thank everyone on the conference team that helped to make this Mission u such an amazing time for all who attended. It was my pleasure to serve you as the Mission u Dean this year. Thank you for all of your prayers, help, and support during this past year. FAITH, HOPE, LOVE: May love surround you. May faith sustain you. May hope encourage you day by day. Blessings, Margaret Hummel, Mission u Dean Thanks to all the participants both teachers and students of Mission u. I encourage every youth and woman who attended to share their experience with their Local Organization. Everyone should bring one more women with them to Mission u Let us learn together for the transformation of the world. See you soon. Take care, Lita Santiago, Assistant Dean

22 22 Make It Happen: Faith, Hope and Love in Action At the 2014 Assembly, we will celebrate, share sisterhood and remind one another how faith hope and love in action turns the impossible into reality every day. In more than 100 workshops women will help one another reach new heights in spiritual growth; develop leadership skills; cultivate new ways to strengthen our mission work; and learn more about environmental sustainability and best practices for incorporating these principles into our daily lives when we return home. Early Registration for Assembly 2014 Women from around the country, mission partners from across the globe and even different faith backgrounds are planning to be present at the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, April 25-27, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky. Early online registration opened Aug. 1 and will continue until Nov. 30. Incentive Plans for Groups Attending Assembly While planning your trip, be aware of the incentive plans designed to make it easier for groups to come to Assembly. The Youth and Young Person Group Rate waives registration fees for leaders who bring 10 or more young women 35 years old and under. The New to Assembly Group Incentive Rate waives the registration fee for the first 200 women who register 10 new persons to Assembly. Come Early: April 24, 2014 You may want to come a day earlier, April 24, to be a part of the Ubuntu Day of Service within and around the Louisville, Ky., area. A Limitless reunion will also take place April 24 for the young women and allies who attended the Limitless: Redefine Tomorrow event in August Opportunities for new young women to join Limitless will be offered throughout Assembly.

23 23 California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women 41 st Annual Celebration 2013 The Power of Sisterhood Saturday, October 26, 2013 (**NEW DATE**) Registration: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. (**NO CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST**) Celebration, Lunch, and Business: 11:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m. (**NEW TIME**) Guest Speaker: Bishop Mary Ann Swenson Westwood United Methodist Church: Wilshire Blvd., LA, CA REGISTRATION FEE $12 per person $15 if postmarked after Oct. 15th Mail to: Ann Clarke, Registrar 214 Mango View Drive, Encinitas, CA Jacknann50@hotmail.com or Tear off and return the bottom information along with your check made out to: CAL-PAC UMW. FIRST NAME LAST NAME ADDRESS CITY & ZIP CODE UMW DISTRICT NAME LOCAL CHURCH VOTING DELEGATE (TWO from each unit) 1. Childcare: $25 refundable deposit per family. Parents are responsible for bringing a sack lunch for each child. YES HOW MANY CHILDREN? 2. Accessibility: Do you need assistance? Parking Stairs Other please specify: 3. Dietary Needs: Yes Type