Health Kit Blitz. Conference churches raise $164,244 for Haiti relief

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1 Louisiana Annual Conference June 6-9 Centenary College Shreveport, La. Theme Whole World, Whole People Discerners Academy March The Wesley Center Woodworth, La. For more information visit the home page of the conference website VOL. 11, NO. 3 BATON ROUGE, LA Conference churches raise $164,244 for Haiti relief A total of $164,244 has been collected through local churches in the Louisiana Annual Conference in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Those still wishing to donate should make checks out to their local church or to Louisiana Annual Conference and mark the advance number Haiti # in the memo line of their check. Donations can be turned in during offerings on Sunday mornings or Health Kit Blitz mailed to the Louisiana Annual Conference, 527 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA Donated funds are administered by The United Methodist Committee on Relief. Apportionments / 2-4 UMW Section / North Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID BATON ROUGE, LA PERMIT # 575 Rev. Wybra Price, senior pastor of First UMC in Slidell, distributes communion to worshippers wearing the black and gold of the New Orleans Saints. Behind Rev. Price are piled hundreds of health kits that will be sent for Haitian relief. Louisiana and Indiana churches meet challenge BY BETTY BACKSTROM A United Methodist church in Louisiana and another in Indiana have found a way to harness the energy surrounding Super Bowl XLIV with a friendly challenge Which church can assemble the largest number of health kits for Haiti? Although the New Orleans Saints won the historic game Feb. 7, the competition is not over for Roberts Park United Methodist Church in downtown Indianapolis and First UMC in Slidell, located just 10 miles from New Orleans across Lake Pontchartrain. We thought this would be a creative way to increase the number of health kits generated by our church. We re grateful that First UMC in Slidell was willing to play along with us, said Rev. Howard Boles, pastor for Roberts Park UMC. The Louisiana congregation had already begun collecting items for health kits, but the challenge ramped up excitement for the project. Kits have been pouring in and we expect many more before the challenge cut-off date of Feb. 12, said Rev. Wybra Price, senior pastor for First UMC, Slidell. The respective pastors are encouraging their congregations to do their best with donations because there are serious consequences for the church that falls in second place. If Robert s Park wins the challenge, then Wybra and I must wear Colts t-shirts and caps during worship on Feb. 14. If First Slidell wins, then their pastors must wear Saints items, said Rev. Pattye Hewitt, associate pastor for the Louisiana church. Rev. Boles is no stranger to initiating these competitions. When the Colts played the Chicago Bears in the 2007 Super Bowl, Roberts Park UMC challenged a Chicago area church with a food drive that followed the same guidelines. We collected a lot of food for distribution that year, said Rev. Boles. Rev. Price pointed out that First UMC in Slidell is always ready to help during emergencies. This church is great about responding. After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, we were recipients of health kits, too. Mission teams from throughout the country came to help us rebuild our church, said Rev. Price, explaining that the church complex was flooded with five feet of water during the 2005 storm. This is another opportunity to give back, to give to the people of Haiti. Rev. Boles remembers a time that a mission team from Roberts Park UMC served at the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. We actually See Challenge, page 4

2 2 Louisiana Conference Now! Churches that paid 100 percent of apportionments Congratulations to the Louisiana Conference churches that paid 98.4 percent of all Conference apportionments in 2009! That is a remarkable achievement in a year when we are all trying to recover from recessionary times. Thanks to all the churches that paid 100 percent! Acadiana Abbeville John L. Vining Franklin, Asbury Darrel W. Briggs Lafayette, Asbury Troy Edward Boyd Bayou Blue Calvin Jeffrey Duke Briggs Junius Egby Calvary Robert E. Johnson Clanton Chapel Cyril A. (Kirby) Verret Donaldsonville First Barbara J. Beaumont Donaldsonville, St. Peter Gaynell R. Simon Berwick, First Mary Amanda Carpenter Rosedale-New Roads, First Jeremy S. Jones New Roads, First Scott T. Bullock Thibodaux, First Donald Lamar Wilkinson Houma, First R. Don Ross Fitzgerald Charles Edward Hill Franklin, First Susan C. Pugh Grand River Earline T. Guidry Green Chapel Laurence Edward Hall Hartzell Ulysse Stephens Hurst Chapel Thomas A. Wesley Jeanerette, McGowen Erin J. Oliver Jeanerette, St Paul Darrel W. Briggs Krotz Springs Ted Fine Lafayette, Covenant Chris A. Blanchard Lafayette, First Jan C. Holloway Lottie, Wiley Laurence Edward Hall Lottie, Wilson Memorial Ted Fine Louisiana Memorial Pamela Fitch Roy Lutcher Chapel Elva Jacobs Lutcher Barbara J. Beaumont Lydia Robert W. Cormier Magnolia Robert E. Johnson Mallalieu Immanuel Marguerite Jenkins Maringouin, Shiloh Emmett C. Collins Mason Elaine C. Smith Melville Kenneth B. Chapman Memorial Calvin Jeffrey Duke Morgan City, Pharr Chapel Lamar C. Oliver Verdunville, Mt. Zion Charles Edward Hill Baldwin, Mt. Zion Barry A. Whittington Mt. Vernon Joseph Holland Palmetto Kenneth B. Chapman Patterson Aaron J. Carpenter Pecan Island John L. Vining Plaquemine, First Stephen C. Fleming Rosedale Jeremy S. Jones Scott Chapel Inita L. Smith New Iberia, St. James Junius Egby Waxia, St. Paul Marvette J. Thomas St. Martinville-Mallalieu, St. Peter Eugene James Anthony Hebert Belle Rose, St. James Elva Jacobs Plaquemine, St. Luke Thomas A. Wesley Opelousas, St. Mark Clifton C. Conrad Maringouin, St. Peter Emmett C. Collins Trinity Barry A. Whittington Vacherie Gwendolyn A. Streams Wesley Albert Holland Woodlawn Albert Holland Alexandria Alexandria, First Alexandria, St. Marks Asbury Atlanta Bayou Chicot Belah Bethel Beulah Booneville Memorial Boyce, First Bunkie, Trinity Campti, St. Paul Cheneyville, St. Paul Cheneyville Colfax Couley David Haas Memorial Barry Hoekstra Ossie D. Clark James A. Graham Kenneth Wallace Holt Ross C. Ford Lyndle R. Bullard Richard C. Bushnell Ray R. Spiller James E. Ray Eddie Carpenter Connie Thomas Hurvey Sweazie Mary Louise Jones Ross C. Ford Jason H. Sheppard Thomas G. May Joe A. Hoover Eden Effie, Oak Grove Emmanuel Evergreen Fellowship Ferriday Glenmora Horseshoe Drive Jena, Nolley Memorial Jonesville Lahey Chapel Lecompte Liberty Chapel Many Marksville Montgomery Montgomery, Mt. Zion Mt. Zion Natchitoches, First Newman Oak Grove Oakdale Olla Palestine Pine Prairie Pineville, First Pleasant Grove Pollock Sanders Chapel Simmesport Melder, St. Marks Strange Trinity Trout, Justiss Memorial Union Urania Vidalia Weaver White's Chapel Wilton Winnfield, First Baton Rouge Amite Andrew Chapel Asbury Baker, First Baton Rouge, First Beech grove Bethel Blackwater Bluff creek Broadmoor Camphor Memorial Carpenters Chapel Center Clear Creek Clinton Concord Cooper's Chapel Corbin Darlington Day's Deerford Denham Springs, First Ethel Faithful Francis Asbury Friendship Gonzales Greensburg Hammond, First Hope Community Huff Chapel Hughes Memorial Independence Ingleside Jackson Chapel Jackson James Chapel Jefferson Jordan Kentwood Lee's Landing Live Oak-Watson Livingston Antonio E. Ranero James A. Graham Gary L. Van Horn Robert E. Guth Ray L. Varnado W. Mark Strickland Tracy L. Mackenzie Lyndle R. Bullard Leon L. Zordan David Nugent Ross C. Ford Eddie Carpenter C. Frances J. Hooton Antonio E. Rranero Kenneth Wallace Holt Kenneth Wallace Holt Hurvey Sweazie Donald R. Avery Joseph D. Awotwi John R. Foster W. Mark Strickland Gene M. Faurie W. Mark Strickland Ricky L. Willis Katherine S. Morris Eddie Carpenter Thomas G. May Antonio E. Ranero Hurvey Sweazie John Q. Doe Robert E. Guth Connie Thomas Ray L. Varnado RayR. Spiller Joe A. Hoover Jason W. Jacob Mark J. Goins Brady S. Whitton Isaac L. Hammond Gregory McClay Earnest Eugene Rives Christopher H. Andrews Inita L. Smith Earnest Eugene Rives William A. Moon Betty Ann McCarver Fred B. Wideman Darlene Anita Moore L. John Locascio Larry D. Robertson Kenneth M. Graham Kenneth M. Graham Jesse L. Means John G. Deschner Donald Ray Young Paul W. Carter Larry D. Robertson Jimmie S. Parker Robert L. Deich Rhonda E. Feurtado Richard L. Miller William Odell Simmons Lewis M. Morris Gary Don Willis Lamarylis Smith Cotten Joseph M. Donakey H. Louis Jones Milton E. Bourque Constance R. Saizon Reid G. Day David L. Bricker Clark L. Clark Rhonda E. Feurtado Mark A. Lubbock Hulen C. Warren Davis W. Clark Percy Mac Frazier Mark A. Lubbock Mark Edward Crosby Stephen A. Hebert Loranger John G. Deschner Magnolia Lewis M. Morris Mangum Chapel Tim A. Gilmore Meadows Chapel John Krause Montpelier Donald Ray Young Moses Chapel Glorious Morgan Wright Mt. Hermon Percy Mac Frazier Mt. Carmel Clark L. Clark Ethel, Mt. Zion Willis Laws Neely Arnold V. Brown Nesom Memorial Ernest Rand Guy New Hope Jesse L. Means New River Richard L. Miller Pine Grove Jimmie S. Parker Pine Ridge Kevin Smith Ponchatoula, First Kenneth R. Bowman Robert's Deborah B. Williams Scott Willie Laws Slaughter Betty Ann McCarver Springfield, First Emile E. Tosso Baton Rouge, St. Andrews Larry Dean O'dell St. Francisville Daniel P. Gleason Convent, St. James Gaynell R. Simon Springfield, St. James Reid G. Day Baton Rouge, St. Johns Timothy E. Lawson Baton Rouge, St. Landry Constance R. Saizon Greenwell Springs, St. Luke Marguerite Jordan Rheams Baton Rouge, St. Lukes Freddie C. Henderson Baton Rouge, St. Mark Derrick D. Hills Baton Rouge, St. Paul Freddie C. Henderson Clinton, St. Paul Willis Laws Clinton, St. Peter Clark L. Clark Tangipahoa Kevin Smith Tunica Michael Clark University Van A. Stinson Walker Addison Jeffrey Hilliard Greensburg, Wesley Chapel LaMarylis Smith Cotten Ponchatoula, Wesley Chapel Mark A. Lubbock Baton Rouge, Wesley E. Andrew Goff Wilson, Wesley Gregory McClay Zachary, First Gregory Raymond Davis Lake Charles Basile Branch Cameron-Wakefield Church Point Crowley, First Crowley, Wesley Steven Bellard Charles L. Floyd James Bryant Moore Lawrence Wayne Howington Elaine Melissa Burleigh Lawrence Wayne Howington Louisiana Conference Now! William W. Hutchinson Don Cottrill Betty Backstrom Resident Bishop Provost Editor Louisiana Conference NOW! is the newspaper of the Louisiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and is published twice a month. Subscriptions are $20 for one year, $30 for two years. (Please make checks payable to Louisiana Annual Conference.) Send subscriptions, news and information to: Editor 527 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA bettybackstrom@la-umc.org (888) ext. 227 (225) , (225) fax You can find the Louisiana Annual Conference on the Internet at

3 Louisiana Conference Now! 3 Dequincy Deridder, Wesley Ebenezer Elizabeth Elton Eunice Fairview DeRidder, First Leesville, First Florien Prospect Grand Chenier Gueydan Hackberry Hayes Henning Memorial Holly Grove Hopewell Hornbeck Indian Bayou Iota Iowa Jennings Kaplan Kinder Lake Arthur Lake Charles, First Macedonia Mallalieu Maplewood Merryville Moss Bluff Oak Park Oberlin Pine Grove Raymond Rayne Centenary Roanoke Squyres St. Luke-Simpson Sweetlake University Vinton Welsh Memorial Warren Welsh First Wesley Westlake Monroe Ansley Antioch Eros Antioch Bartholomew Beech Grove Beekman Bernice Beulah Boeuf Prairie Centerpoint Chatham Choudrant Claiborne Clay Crew Lake Crowville Dodson Douglas Downsville Dubach Epps Eros Faith Farmerville Columbia, First West Monroe, First Winnsboro, First Monroe, First Bastrop, First Gilbert Grace Grayson Harmony Chapel Harrisonburg Hebert Hodge Holly Ridge Jonesboro Kilbourne Lake Providence Lawson Chapel Lea Joyner Memorial Gerald R. Crise James C. Skinner Charles L. Floyd Mary Ann Carlson Steven Bellard Truman P. Stagg Richard A. Baggett Michael D. Mclaurin Henry M. Hamilton Raymond H. Leidig James Bryant Moore Douglas E. Milliron Peggy B. Foreman Charles W. Crews Timothy J. Neustifter David Stewart Mary Ann Carlson Raymond H. Leidig George Larry Maxwell Truman P. Stagg David R. Dewitt Ted D. Freeland George Larry Maxwell Truman P. Stagg Douglas E. Milliron Richard H. Humphries Dianne Allen Jones John H. Whaley Nancy E. Wofford James C. Skinner Joshua D. Milliron Shawn Thomas Hornsby Steven Bellard Mary Ann Carlson Lisa E. L. Turnbull Charles L. Floyd Lisa E. L. Turnbull Juan Carlos Huertas Karl S. Klaus James Bryant Moore Charles Robert Langford Kathy C. Fitzhugh Anice N. Moses Charles W. Crews Peggy B. Foreman Elizabeth M. Northe Dalton Edward Rushing Joseph Zhong Guo Steven Joe Koskie Brett Pickering Johnie W. Adkins Brett Pickering Johnie W. Adkins Lisa Thomisee Mayo Rex Stephen Barker Dalton Edward Rushing Lala B. Cooper Reginald D. Colvin William F. Foster John E. Finch Marshall A. Sevier Christan L. Thomas M. Rolly Walker Gloria L. Youngblood Donald William Lanier Lynn Merrill Joseph Zhong Guo James W. Barrett Kibbie E. Hatfield M. Stuart Sherman Jon E. Tellifero John G. Hankins R. Larry Stafford Mark B. Benge Frances I. Guy A. Wayne Evans Christmas Carol Wilbur Donald William Lanier Andrew L. Hitchcock M. Stuart Sherman William G. Waller William H. McLain Owen H. Peyton Sonia D. Gee Weldon C. Bares Little Creek W. Wayne Ray Locust Grove William H. McLain Mangham Marshall A. Sevier Marion William Edward Smith Mcguire Michael T. Head Monroe, Memorial Rollie S. Emerson Memorial Danny D. Baskin Mer Rouge Samuel P. Emanuel Mount Zion Wanda S. Cosentino Mt. Nebo Isaac Brown Mt. Olive Robert A. Bradford Mt. Sinai Isaac Brown New Hope Newellton Union John Henry Wilkins Oak Grove William H. McLain Oak Ridge Judith D. Bazer Pioneer Lynn Merrill Quitman Letty L. Strawbridge Rayville John Robert Black Reily Memorial Mark B. Benge Reveille Marcelle F. Crow Ruston, Trinity Jerry G. Hilbun Salem Danny D. Baskin Sicily Island Andrew L. Hitchcock St. Andrew's Judith D. Bazer Monroe, St. James Thelma J. Stevenson St. Joseph Raymon L. Owens Monroe, St. Mark's Lysbeth B. Cockrell Monroe, St. Paul's J. Roddy Taylor St. Peter Sonia D. Gee Summerfield Johnie W. Adkins Tallullah John R. Kavanaugh Union W. Wayne Ray Ruston, Wesley Chapel Dalton R. Shovan Wisner Frances I. Guy Woodlawn Newton M. Horn New Orleans Aldersgate Marie Palmer Williams Algiers Rebecca D. Conner Asbury Andrew J. Douglas Aurora Simon Chigumira Bethany Hadley R. Edwards Boynton Kermit Curtis Roberson Brooks Shaw Temple Eunice Chigumira Buras, Trinity David C. Carlton Bush Karl D. Wood Centenary Steven J. Porter Cornerstone James F. Haynes Covenant Monica Gayle Monk El mesias Samuel Calvo Elizabeth Sullivan Alan D. Einsel Kenner, First Steven W. Bush New Orleans, First Shawn M. Anglim Fisher Steven J. Porter Fitzgerald William V. Turner Golden Meadow united James Wendell Reid Grand Isle James Wendell Reid Harry's Chapel Louis A. Smith Slidell, Hartzell Mt. Zion Ernest E. Scott New Orleans, Hartzell Elenora M. Cushenberry Haven Trinity Charles E. Washington Hayes Chapel Bruce L. Brown, Sr. Lacombe William V. Turner Laharpe Thompson William L. Jones Lake Vista Norwood N. Hingle Laplace, First Regina B. Hickman Live Oak Terrence S. August Luling Wayne Grey Taylor Mary's Chapel Terrence S. August Metairie J on M. Lord New Orleans, Mount Zion Lawrence P. Gaines Munholland Malcolm Eugene Finnell Newell Nolan M. Robinson Parker Memorial William E. Thiele Pearl River Benjamin N. Mcgehee Peoples Eunice Chigumira Philips Memorial Elenora M. Cushenberry Rayne memorial Carol S. Winn Slidell, First Wybra Joseph Price Destrehan, St. Charles Juliet P. Spencer Hahnville, St. James Marva L. Mitchell New Orleans, St. Luke's Irvin J. Boudreaux New Orleans, St. Mark's Anita C. Dinwiddie New Orleans, St. Matthew Andrew J. Douglas Metairie, St. Matthew's Jeffery D. Conner Harahan, St. Paul's Sharon D. Zehner St. Timothy-on-the-North Shore James W. Mitchell Sun Paul M. Corse Thirkield Thomas Varnado Waldheim Wesley Ray Williams Ross Shreveport Arcadia, First Arizona Athens Barksdale Bayou Scie Benton Bethany Bienville Bonchest Bossier City, Asbury Bossier City, Fellowship Bossier, First Brushwood Castor Christ Colquitt Cotton Valley Cousahtta, Wesley Chapel Coushatta Cross roads Doyline Ellerbe Road Evergreen Gibsland Gilliam Grace Community Grand Cane Greenwood Hall Summit Haskin Chapel Haughton Haynesville Heflin Homer, First Hosston Ida Lakeview Lisbon Logansport Logansport, Bethel Longstreet Mangum Memorial Mansfield, First Mansfield, Pleasant Valley Mansfield, Wesley Mcdonald Minden, First Minden, Pleasant Valley Mooringsport Logansport, Mt. Zion Mt. Mariah New light Noel North Highlands Northpoint Oak Grove Oil City Pelican Pilgrim Rest Pine Grove Plain Dealing Pleasant Hill Ringgold Rosa Round Grove Shady Grove Shiloh Shongaloo Shreveport, First Shreveport, Broadmoor Shreveport, Lakeview Shreveport, St. James Shreveport, St. Paul Sibley Springhill St Luke's Summer grove Vivian Walker's Chapel Wesley Chapel Whitehall Zwolle Louis A. Smith Erica R. Jenkins Lawrence K. Benson Christopher S. Fryou Terrence S. August Dale E. Branch Jayne Trammell-Kelly Willard Wray Moore Ross W. Genger Paul C. Carroll Richard C. Hooton T. Lynn Malone Clinton P. Lowell, Sr. Jack Sutton Oscar E. Player W. Scott Adams David R. Melville David B. Dietzel John H. Lavo Stephanie T. Kidd Thomas L. Howe Willard Wray Moore Bryan S. Dauphin Jonathan S. King Jonathan S. King Jeff Jones William G. Sewell H. Elizabeth Love Tu'uta Dorothy J. Smith Emile A. Rousseau Robert A. Weber Ken Norton Clinton P. Lowell, Sr. Jeff Jones Katina Yvette Lane Thomas E. Dungan David J. Sheehan Carol D. Heard Roy Bryan Moore Emile A. Rousseau Kendall R. Docter Leon A. Boggs Terry Clovis Willis S. Kemper Smith S. Kemper Smith S. Kemper Smith Steven W. Caraway Ken Norton Oscar E. Player Anna Morris Jackson Linda B. Gatlin John Allison Cannon James W. Kennedy Michael G. Miller Linda B. Gatlin Jayne Trammell-Kelly Oscar E. Player Flint E. Shea Jean Mack Foreman Steven W. Fowler Dorothy J. Smith Michael G. Miller Carl Munyon Samuel L. Bradley Jerry G. Brannen Sandra R. Defatta Carl Munyon John Edwin Dilworth Samuel L. Neal Donny R. Nedd Joe D. Connelly R. Dean Register David J. Sheehan R. Pat Day Kenneth Wayne Irby M. Theresa McConnell Cheri Lee Godwin Beverly Hubbard Connelly Milton K. Geltz Walter L Parker Terry A Love Mark A. Bray Ellen B Montegudo John A Butler Roy Bryan Moore Bryan S Dauphin Richard C Hooton

4 4 Louisiana Conference Now! ABC churches-above and Beyond Congregations Since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit Louisiana in 2005, many churches are now giving more than 100 percent of their apportionments to help make up for the churches that can t pay 100 percent. Starting this year we recognize these churches as the ABC group (Above and Beyond Congregations. Acadiana New Iberia, First Scott T. Bullock Franklin, First Susan C. Pugh Thibodaux, First Donald Lamar Wilkinson Green Chapel Laurence Edward Hall Houma, First R. Don Ross Lafayette, Covenant Chris A. Blanchard Lottie, Wiley Laurence Edward Hall Morgan City,Pharr Chapel Lamar C. Oliver Alexandria Montgomery, Mt. Zion Kenneth Wallace Holt Cheneyville Ross C. Ford Glenmora W. Mark Strickland Trout, Justiss Memorial Jonesville Leon L. Zordan Olla Simmesport Antonio E. Ranero The following is a list of pastors and churches which in addition to paying 100 percent of their 2009 apportionments, paid something in each of the Special Offerings and Advanced Special Offerings. Congratulations to all of these Louisiana Conference congregations. Acadiana Alexandria, St. Marks Lafayette, Covenant Lafayette, First Lutcher St Paul Wilton Alexandria Emmanuel Pollock Baton Rouge Asbury Baton Rouge First Beech Grove Bluff Creek Broadmoor Darlington Day's Ethel Ossie D. Clark Chris A. Blanchard Jan C. Holloway Barbara J. Beaumont Marvette J. Thomas Jason W. Jacob James A. Graham Eddie Carpenter Gregory McClay Christopher H. Andrews Inita L. Smith Betty Ann McCarver Fred B. Wideman Paul W. Carter Larry D. Robertson Rhonda E. Feurtado Baton Rouge Jefferson St. Johns St. Luke Rheams Kentwood Walker Moses Ethel Lake Charles Hughes Lee's Landing Meadow's Chapel Moses chapel Slaughter St. Landry Lake Charles Dequincy DeRidder, First Hackberry Henning Memorial Lake Charles, First Mallalieu Monroe Crowville Farmerville Grace Hodge Jonesboro Quitman Ruston, Trinity Wisner New Orleans Aldersgate Bethany Hulen C. Warren Timothy E. Lawson Marguerite Jordan Percy Mac Frazier Addison Jeffrey Hilliard Glorious Morgan Wright Rhonda E. Feurtado Vinton Welsh Memorial Kathy C. Fitzhugh Warren Anice N. Moses Jennings Ted D. Freeland St. Luke-Simpson Karl S. Klaus University Charles Robert Langford Henning Memorial Timothy J. Neustifter Grand Chenier James Bryant Moore Monroe Little Creek Grayson Reveille Marion Grace Monroe, First St. Paul's W. Wayne Ray Christmas Carol Wilbur Marcelle F. Crow William Edward Smith A. Wayne Evans R. Larry Stafford J. Roddy Taylor Constance R. Saizon Mark A. Lubbock John Krause Glorious Morgan Wright Betty Ann McCarver Constance R. Saizon Gerald R. Crise Michael D. McLaurin Peggy B. Foreman Timothy J. Neustifter Richard H. Humphries John H. Whaley Christan L. Thomas Kibbie E. Hatfield A. Wayne Evans Letty L. Strawbridge Jerry G. Hilbun Frances L. Guy Marie Palmer Williams Hadley R. Edwards Mt. Olive Beekman Jonesboro New Orleans Lake Vista Covenant Algiers Wesley Ray Peoples Winan Hartzell Golden Meadow Shreveport Bush Karl D. Wood Cornerstone James F. Haynes Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial Alan D. Einsel Munholland Malcolm Eugene Finnell Rayne Memorial Carol S. Winn Thomas Erica R. Jenkins Shreveport Robert A. Bradford Brett Pickering Norwood N. Hingle Monica Gayle Monk Rebecca D. Conner Terrence S. August Eunice Chigumira Bruce L. Brown, Sr. Elenora M. Cushenberry James Wendell Reid Springhill Walter L. Parker Bossier City, Fellowship David R. Melville Benton T. Lynn Malone Minden John Allison Cannon Shreveport R. Pat Day Haskin Chapel Katina Yvette Lane Homer, First Roy Bryan Moore Mansfield, First Ken Norton Northpoint Steven W. Fowler Vivian Ellen B. Montegudo Mooringsport Michael G. Miller Haughton Thomas E. Dungan Churches that paid 100 percent plus special offerings Challenge, from page 1 packed some of the health kits and got to see the facility from which these kits are sent all over the world to help those in need. The Indianapolis pastor explained that his children were with him on that mission. They were probably around 10 or 8 years old. I remember that shortly after we got back home, a national disaster was being covered on the news. My son said, Look, Dad. That s where our health kits are going! I was happy that he was able to make that connection. The work through UMCOR is a powerful and important ministry, added Rev. Boles. Both congregations were invited to wear their respective team colors during worship services on Feb. 7. My wife Judy even made special stoles for Pattye and me to wear. They were gold with black fleur de lis designs on them, said Rev. Price. The South Louisiana pastor talked about the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl in a city that only five years ago was devastated. It s all over the local media. People are saying that the success of the Saints has brought a renewed sense of hope Barksdale Paul C. Carroll Bayou Scie Richard C. Hooton Benton T. Lynn Malone Brushwood John H. Lavo Christ Thomas L. Howe Cousahtta, Wesley Chapel Jonathan S. King Coushatta Jonathan S. King Ellerbe Road H. Elizabeth Love Tu'uta Grace Community Robert A. Weber Hall Summit Jeff Jones Logansport, Bethel S. Kemper Smith Mt. Mariah Jayne Trammell-Kelly Oak Grove Dorothy J. Smith Plain Dealing Sandra R. Defatta Pleasant Hill Carl Munyon Rosa Samuel L. Neal Round Grove Donny R. Nedd Shreveport, First R. Pat Day Shreveport, Lakeview M. Theresa McConnell to this area. Referencing the collection efforts of the two United Methodist churches, Rev. Price added, The joy surrounding the game is serving as an instrument to help us help those in need. The challenge is not about a football game, it s about people living on the streets. It s about our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

5 Louisiana Conference Now! Special UMW Section 5 UMW Sunday: A nationwide celebration event PRESIDENT S MESSAGE CELEBRATIONS As we continue to celebrate United Methodist Women s Sunday across the country and worldwide, we in Louisiana have chosen the theme: Celebrating Faith, Edna Brown Hickman Love, Hope and Joy. How appropriate this theme and how similar it is to our Assembly theme of Faith, Hope, Love in Action. As we reflect on our theme and celebrate FAITH, we think of Abraham who is known as the Father of Faith. For those of us who strive to walk by faith, Abraham is a portrait of inspiration. Just as Abraham s strength of FAITH sustained him, so did the faith of eight women, who on a stormy night in Boston in 1869, held a meeting and started the groundwork our organization. God has given every one of us a measure of Faith. It has been 140 years since that stormy night in Boston when those eight women gathered to organize the Women s Foreign Missionary Society, a predecessor of today s United Methodist Women. Our organization has understood the work of faith and the labor of love through our commitment to addressing the needs of women, children and youth. As we celebrate LOVE, let us remember that it is the defining characteristic of who GOD is. When the Bible describes God in one sentence, it states God is love. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Some might ask why should we celebrate HOPE? We celebrate Hope because without hope, life loses it meaning. The righteous that trust or put their hope in God will be helped. Along with FAITH and LOVE, HOPE is an enduring virtue of the Christian life. Hope produces JOY and peace in believers through the power of the spirit. Hope is what sustains us. No matter what we are going through, we are people who have hope in Jesus Christ. As we celebrate United Methodist Women s Sunday, let us not forget what we have been called to do. Our challenge for Ring the Bells for a new year in UMW From the UMW Vice-president Ring out the Old Year and Ring in the NEW! (I love bells). And what a year we have had in For me, it was getting used to a new way of serving after my election to Conference Vice President. Also, it was my first opportunity to attend Regional School of Missions as Assistant Dean of our Conference School of Mission had many outstanding events. In February, we Listened with New Ears as Rev. Janet Wolf led our Spiritual Retreat. In June, the West Gulf Regional School of Missions was hosted right here in Louisiana by Dillard University. In July we attended School of Christian Mission and through a variety of competent leaders, learned of the needs of others with two new studies: Food and Faith and The People of Sudan. The response to the needs of our Mission Agencies was once again outstanding. In September, the New Orleans District hosted our Conference Annual Meeting. Women s Division Director, Cheryl Trent was our speaker. Our theme was Faith, Love, Hope and Joy and for the first time, we combined the Annual Meeting with our District Elected Leaders Training (DELT) for a one day meeting. We also voted to move the 2010 Annual Meeting and DELT from September to October 1-2. Special recognition was given to Doretha Brown, our native missionary serving in Africa, celebrating her 50 year anniversary of her start as a missionary. We also extended congratulations to G. J. (Jerry) Bridges upon his retirement as Director of one of our UMW agencies, the UMC MacDonell Children s Services. Under the leadership of our Social Action Coordinator and Conference President, our entire membership waged a letter writing campaign to legislators for the plight of Admission Requirements denying Equal Access in Louisiana Charter Schools. Also, in response to a mandate from Women s Division, our Membership, Nurture & Outreach Coordinator and our President encouraged us in a Membership Counts campaign. Our Districts have made major efforts to begin the process of making visits to each and every one of our local units over the next two years. This was the year that we all became aware of the need to be computer savvy. Thanks to the work of our Communications Coordinator Lana Lathan, Webmaster Tim Hebert and Communications Director Betty Backstrom, we have a newly updated website for our use. Now a variety of specific UMW information is at our fingertips and mouse. Not all our efforts were rewarding however. Our book sales were down as well as total reading certificates awarded. Even though we sang the song about having Mission Giving down in our hearts, we experienced a shortfall for our pledges. Our pledge to missions for 2010 is $213,000 with a budget of $85, We must set realistic budget goals and follow them using our guidelines and bylaws. Our Conference, District, and Local treasurers are all working to give us a better sense of where the money goes and how it works in our organization. We know it is hard to ask to give more in these economic times. Hopefully, with the forming of new units, additional membership and the generosity and support of our wonderful UM Women who see the needs and are willing to meet those needs, we can meet our goals. See Vice-president, page is to continue to live up to our purpose, which is to be an advocate for the oppressed and dispossessed with special attention to the needs of women and children. Considering what has happened in Haiti, we as United Methodist Women have been called once again to show the LOVE OF CHRIST in each one of us. LOVE is an action word, so we have been called to take action wherever we find the need. Because of the need, our Social Action project this year is to donate to the people of Haiti, who have lost so much. Therefore, I am calling upon every United Methodist Women s unit at every church in Louisiana to make a financial contribution to Haiti, through their United Methodist Women s District Treasurer. She will then send it to the Conference Treasurer. I am calling upon all seven UMW districts to make a monetary contribution through the LA Conference Treasurer, Laurie Seeger, who will then make a complete report to us at Annual Meeting in October. Please note that we are also requesting you to give through your local church, as our Bishop William W. Hutchinson has urged all of us to The office of Bishop William Hutchinson, Episcopal leader of the Louisiana Conference, has requested that all local pastors within the be urged to take offerings for Haiti Disaster Advance # In making donations, please mark the advance number in the memo line of your check. As in past disasters, UMCOR will help the conference offer assistance to those in need through our Methodist connections in Haiti. United Methodist Volunteers in Mission officers for the South Central Jurisdiction are planning response efforts to this crisis. Bishop Hutchinson noted that local churches wishing to start handson response efforts are encouraged to assemble health kits to be sent to UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. Updated information will be posted as it is available. UMW Conference President Edna do and please, please, Let us all pray and pray without ceasing for the people of Haiti! We will also give to our Mission Agencies at our 2010 School of Christian Mission and our Annual Meeting. As United Methodist Women, we are called to work together to address the needs of women, children and youth, as we rise to loose the bonds of injustice, free the oppressed, feed the hungry, welcome the homeless, and care for the poor that all might know the abundant life that Christ intended. As we look to the future, we invite ALL women to join us including teen women, college women, young women, older women, women of all races and languages and women from all walks of life as we move toward the finish line that brings justice, hope and freedom as whole persons in Jesus Christ for all women, children and youth. Let us celebrate FAITH, LOVE, HOPE and JOY as United Methodist Women all year long. In His Name, Edna Brown Hickman, President, Louisiana Conference UMW The call for help in earthquake ravaged Haiti B.Hickman along with the Bishop s urgings, is challening all UMW Districts and Local units to make donations and contributions of a monetary and service nature toward this significant cause. Per her comments and urgings to all Christian friends, President Hickman noted that We have been called upon once again to show the LOVE OF CHRIST! What has happened in Haiti is beyond comprehension. But what we can comprehend is that we as Christians must do our part to assist those in crisis and in time of need. I am calling upon all Christians and especially United Methodist Women, individually and collectively, and all units and districts in Louisiana, to make special effort to send whatever monetary donation that you can. May God continue to bless us as we partner with Him to express the Love of Christ to the people of Haiti. ASSEMBLY 2010 REGISTRATION AND TRAVEL REMINDERS The time for Assembly is drawing closer and I know several of you have already registered. If you have not, it is not too late. In an effort to be prepared and organized, I am making some special requests of all who plan to attend the Assembly Please do the following: Contact your District President and let her know that you will be attending, where you plan to stay and your mode of travel. If you plan to fly, I will need to know this in particular because I have been told there will be vouchers available in a month or so, that will entitle you to use the shuttle from the airport for $25 round trip. If I have your name, it will expedite my getting this information to you. If you are not able to reach your District President, you can call me at (318) (home) or (318) (cell phone). You can also contact me by at gjmccalman@centurytel.net Thank you for your attention to these requests! Jeanette McCalman, Louisiana Liason for UMW Assembly 2010

6 6 Louisiana Conference Now! Special UMW Section Bus transportation: available for travel to Assembly 2010 Happy New Year! Can you believe we are in the year 2010? Well, many of us start every New Year with goals and resolutions. The UMW organization does this also. The goal concerning our treasury is for each individual to increase her Pledge to Mission by $1.00. Pledge to Mission is the undesignated part of the money we send to mission. This money is what the Women s Division and the Louisiana Conference budgets are based on. Our budget for 2010 is 32% of all money collected from Pledge to Mission. So, for every $100 pledged Louisiana Conference will use $32 of that money for our needs. Our budget for 2010 is included in this issue of LA NOW. Let us look at how awesome and fruitful your dollars were this year: Louisiana Organizations Dollars given by Louisiana UMWs Dulac Community $4371 Sager Brown $ Local and District MNO Coordinators should send Membership Counts reports for January and February of The reports should cover the yearly statistics for Local Unit Membership Reports were due by January of If you have missed that date, it isn t too late to send it to your District Coordinator. Be sure your report accounts for all the women of your local church. Local officers, please get your reports in as soon as possible so that your District MNO coordinators can get reports to me by Feb. 28. We are pleased and fortunate to again be able to offer chartered bus service to St. Louis for Assembly 2010! Arrangements have been made by the Louisiana Conference UMW. The cost is $300 round trip and the 33 passenger bus is fully equipped for comfort and efficiency with satellite TV dish; bathroom; built in ice chest; extra hand rails to make getting on and off easier and more safe; cordless microphone system; DVD player; and extra thick seats for more comfort. Departure will be from the Alexandria area. Four Seasons Tours is the company providing the service and our communications with the company and trip manager offer the assurance that a safe and comfortable ride awaits us. We are so glad that this service is again available as a travel option for our conference with a reasonable price and shorter travel time. Ride along and enjoy the friendship, fellowship, and fun as we travel to Assembly For additional information, please contact Edna B. Hickman at phone number (225) or by e- mail: ednabrownhickman@yahoo.com Get On Board! UMCOR $ North Rampart Community Center $2550 MacDonnell Home $ Louisiana Methodist Homes $550 Wesley Foundation McNeese $600 Grace Camp $250 Estelle Dameron Scholarship (SCM) $880 Doretha Brown Youth Scholarship (SCM) $360 These are the local Louisiana organizations we supported this past year. The Louisiana Conference gave to many other world and national organizations, also. Ladies keep up your focus on Him and all things are possible! With ongoing Thanks for your attention and continued support of the work of United Methodist Women. Laurie Seeger Treasurer, Louisiana Conference UMW Please complete information from the Unit Membership Report and be sure to follow instructions 1, 2, and 3 at the bottom of the page. Your cooperation in this important effort is most appreciated. Please contact me regarding any assistance you may need. Ethel Lilly UMW Conference Membership, Nurture & Outreach Post Office Box 309 Mansfield, LA (318) eflilly@aol.com Get your collars for Assembly 2010 Plans are underway and we re excited about Assembly As a conference, we want to have some uniform attire to let everyone know we are members of the great Louisiana Conference UMW! Specially designed collars will be worn as our conference attire and will be made for members attending. If you would like to place an order for a collar, mail a check payable to La. Conference UMW in the amount of $18 (total for collar and postage) to Tillie Shows, 210 Kimberly Drive, Mandeville, LA as soon as possible. March 15 is the deadline for accepting orders. Reports from the La. UMW Conference officers Treasurer s Report for the New Year Calling all artists Membership, Nuture, and Outreach report reminders Each year a drawing depicting an interpretation of the School of Christian Mission theme is selected as the winning entry and used as the program cover for the various Regional Schools. In addition, it is recommended that each conference of that region use the winning drawing as its program book cover. This year s theme is Faith, Hope, Love in Action. You are invited to submit your depiction of this theme. We certainly want representation from the Louisiana Conference as our own Dillard University campus will again be the host site for the 2010 West Gulf Regional School. If you know someone who may be interested in the contest, please contact them and encourage them to enter. Please submit two copies, one in color and one in black and white. Be sure to sign your entry and include your contact information as well as the name of your conference. Your signature will note your agreement with use of your entry in publications for and related to 2010 Schools of Mission. Please send your entry by Saturday, Feb. 20 to: Dorothy F. Kimball West Gulf Regional TeamSCM 3140 Nature Dr. Marrero, LA Entries may also be sent by to D122947@aol.com Theme Description: Faith, Hope, Love in Action As people of faith, we trust in the promise of Christ to bring light into the darkness and new life to brokenness and death. As people of hope, we celebrate and share the good news of Jesus Christ. Together in the world we are partners in God s mission of healing and wholeness so that all might have abundant life. As people of God, we love because He first loved us. It is out of that love that we welcome all into community, mend what is broken; call for peace where there is war; unite what is divided; make just what is unjust and offer hope where there is despair. Faith, Hope, Love in Action: All God s people in mission together in the world!

7 Louisiana Conference Now!Special UMW Section 7 The Women s Division extends an open invitation for United Methodist Women to put their crafting skills in motion creating prayer shawls and baby blankets for Assembly, April 30-May 2, The shawls and blankets will be on display in the Assembly Experience Hall and later distributed to mission institutions and persons in physical and/ or spiritual need. Shawls and baby blankets can be made of fabric, knitted or crocheted. Recommended size for the prayer shawls are: triangles, 65 inches long and 32 inches center back; and rectangles, 19 x 69 inches or 14 x 70 inches. Recommended sizes for the baby blankets are: 30 x 30 inches, 32 x 32 inches, 36 x 36 inches or 38 x 38 inches. It is suggested that the shawls and baby blankets be brought to your local church and have them blessed. Send the consecrated items by March 1 to: Linda C. Douglas Women s Division/ General Board of Global Ministries 475 Riverside Drive Room 1504 New York, New York For additional information go to and click on the Assembly 2010 box or contact Linda Douglas at: ldouglas@gbgm-umc.org or (212) Gratefully, Kathleen Conrad Women s Division Director Assembly Mission Opportunity Hodge UMW complete mission study The United Methodist Women of Hodge UMC recently completed a study of the American Indian entitled Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Surviva. This study was one of those recommended by the Women s Division of The General Board of Global Ministries and was the School of Mission General Issues study for Displays of many Indian artifacts were exhibited and analyzed. Among these was a 1,400 year old bowl recovered and unearthed in the early 1990 s by one of the Hodge UMW members, Gerri Hathaway Gaines, and her family. The historical piece was discovered on their family estate. Archaeologists from the University of Louisiana in Monroe restored the partial pieces. It was determined to be of the Troyville Coles Creek pottery culture which once occupied a wide area of Jackson Parish and other sections of Louisiana. Vice-president, from page 5 As for the New Year of 2010, I hope you are registered and have made your plans to attend Assembly 2010 and to celebrate the theme Faith Hope Love in Action, April 30-May 2. There is a Mission Work Day on April 29. I will be going and look forward to seeing you there! Also, the West Gulf Regional School of Mission will be held again on the Dillard University campus on June 26-29, One last thing I know you will all wish to join me in extending heartfelt sympathy to the families due to the death of Earl Cobb, husband of Pat Cobb who served as President of the South Central Jurisdiction Core Planning Group, and At this session, Hodge UMW was host to the UMW groups at Wesley Chapel, Quitman and Jonesboro UMCs, all in the Monroe District. Approximately 20 ladies participated in the study which was led by Juanita Busbice of Hodge United Methodist Church. Bernard Brown, brother of Edna Hickman, Conference President. Prayer is also requested for the family of Shirley Ledbetter, Shreveport District UMW President for the loss of her brother, Darrel Keithley. Celebrations of UMW Sunday will be done at various times but the fourth Sunday in January was the officially recognized date. I served as speaker at the Gonzales UMC on January 24. I hope you all have a wonderful and rewarding day of celebration and membership growth. Wishing you, one and all, a new year blessed by God s Love, Hope and Joy. Respectfully submitted Judy Willis Conference Vice President Church Women United--Baton Rouge 2010 celebrations announced The schedule for the four 2010 Celebrations for Church Women United is as follows. An invitation is extended to ALL! World Day of Prayer Friday, March 5, Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God, Blackwater United Methodist Church, Blackwater Road, Baker, Rev.William A. Moon, host pastor. May Friendship Day and Fellowship of the Least Coin service, Friday, May 7, Living The Vision, Wesley United Methodist Church, 544 Government Street, Baton Rouge, Rev. E. Andrew F. Goff, host pastor. Human Rights Day, Friday, August 6, "Living the Challenge - Differently Enabled,Uniquely Called," Francis Asbury United Methodist Church, Old Hammond Highway, Baton Rouge, Rev. W. Odell Simmons, host pastor. World Community Day, Friday, November 5, "Building The Beloved Community," Hughes United Methodist Church, 802 North 38th Street, Baton Rouge, Rev. Constance Connie R. Saizon host pastor. Please be mindful of these activities and dates and continue to keep CWU and its work in your prayers. TIDBITS OF INTEREST FOR UMW For the latest official information regarding disaster recovery efforts in Haiti, visit the Louisiana Conference web site at Computer surfers Check out the exciting new South Central Jurisdiction Website at The site features information on and promotion of the 2012 UMW Quadrennial Meeting slated for June in Abilene, Tex. The theme of the event will be Women Responding to God s Love and Grace. Our own Staphenae Carey from the Louisiana Conference is a member of the Committee on Nominations-Jurisdiction Leadership Team (JLT). The 2010 program focus for A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial is entitled Property Makes Mission Possible. The focus scripture is Isaiah 58:12. The 2010 special offering will focus on and provide for capital expenditures at UMW supported national and international mission institutions. The first Call to Prayer and Self Denial offering was in 1911 and went to the Brevard Institute in Brevard, N.C. and the Girls Boarding School, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The special service is found on page 58 of the 2010 Program Book, Let s Get Together, is designed to be created/written by the UMW members presenting the program. Our own Harriette T. Elrod, former Conference UMW President, is now residing in South Carolina close to family. Her new address is 204 Carregeen Drive, Williamston, S.C Her new phone number is (864) She would love to hear from anyone here! (info courtesy of Sandy Decelle, Monroe District) Edna Hickman served as guest writer for From the Pew in the Jan. 15 edition of the Louisiana Now! This series is features the programs sponsored by the Board of Laity. The January column featured the Louisiana Conference United Methodist Women and some of the unique work being done in our conference. As a result of sharing these stories with the editor of the mission magazine, Response, and with the staff of Women s Division, some of the stories were requested as features for Response and the UMW News publications. The 2010 West Gulf Regional School of Mission will again be held on the campus of Dillard University in New Orleans, La. The dates of the school are June Regional Schools provide preparation and training as well as leadership development for conference Schools of Mission. The Monroe District presented their District Woman in Mission Award during their District Annual Meeting. The 2009 recipient is Bonnie McDaniel of the Tallulah UMW. Bonnie is spoken of highly and noted to well deserving of this prestigious award. Congratulations! FYI: United Methodist Women across the country celebrate United Methodist Women s Sunday. The traditional or officially scheduled date is the fourth Sunday in January but it can be celebrated anytime before or after that traditional date. This special day is focused on building membership of UMW. REMINDER: As your units and districts celebrate UMW Sunday 2010, please remember to share your celebrations in pictures, displays, etc. and to submit your reports to your District Membership officers AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! A heartfelt welcome and thanks to two newly elected UMW District Presidents: Gloria E. Lester (Baton Rouge District) Floyce Meyer (Monroe District)

8 8 Louisiana Conference Now!Special UMW Section UMW Publication Information and News Deadlines This newsletter insert is published four times a year in the Louisiana Now! Upcoming due dates for articles/news are as follows: May newsletter March 26 August newsletter July 9 November newsletter October 9 All UMW articles and news stories are welcome. Please send information to: Lana P. Lathan 131 Ogden Drive Baton Rouge LA *Please note the change of address for sending information: lana.lathan@yahoo.com is the preferable mode of sending information as pictures sent for release/publication need to be sent by and must be in jpeg format. Prayers, concerns, condolences are extended to: Edna Brown Hickman, president of Louisiana Conference UMW in the loss of her brother, Bernard Brown Pat Cobb, former president of the South Central Jurisdiction of United Methodist Women in the loss of her husband, Earl Cobb Shirley Ledbetter, president of Shreveport District UMW, in the loss of her brother, Darrel Keithley Jane Ellett, Monroe District, regarding the loss of her mother, Madeline Teer 2010 CALENDAR OF EVENTS February 17 February March 20 April 2 April 4 April 30-May 2 May 7 June July 21 July Ash Wednesday West Gulf Regional School Planning Team meets New Orleans, La. Concurrent meetings of Finance, Nominations, Membership Wesley Center, Woodworth, La. Good Friday Easter Sunday 18th Assembly of United Methodist Women America s Center in St. Louis, Missouri gbgm-umc.org/umw/assembly Church Women United-May Friendship Day Wesley UMC, Baton Rouge West Gulf Regional School, Dillard University New Orleans, La. Executive Committee Meeting (SCM), Wesley Center, Woodworth, La. La. Conference UMW School of Mission Wesley Center, Woodworth, La. RECEIVE INCOME FOR LIFE! A LIFETIME INCOME A MEANINGFUL GIFT Establish a charitable gift annuity with as little as $5000 and receive fixed income each year for the rest of your lives. Help yourselves today and your church tomorrow. Barbara Ferguson, Social Action Coordinator for Louisiana Conference UMW, who is recovering from a fall and resulting injuries. Our prayers are with you. God will certainly continue to comfort all of you with His healing power, His presence, and through the precious memories of your loved ones. Please continue to pray for our Methodist Missionaries and all missionaries worldwide and their families. We thank God for you! Please remember with special inclusions and petitions those with injuries and loss of life as a result of the tragic earthquake in the Haiti. We thank God for you! ONE-LIFE AGE RATE % % % % % % % % (225) (800) TWO-LIVES YOUNGER OLDER AGE AGE RATE % % %