News-A-Plenty. From Your District President

Transcription

1 G reenwood D istrict United Me thod ist Women News-A-Plenty Willie Jo LaGroone, President From Your District President Journeying Life takes us all on a journey from birth to death. The year 2012 was a year of journeying with the Greenwood District United Methodist Women who did not think it was robbery to give their time and talents that were exemplified in HOPE. FAITH. LOVE. Greenwood District United Methodist Women traveled across the conference attending meetings and training, learning about the changes in this great organization. These ladies have shown by their actions and contributions that they desire to empower women and children from all walks of life. Jeter, the keynote speaker, delivered a beautiful message. All the special guest speakers encouraged and enlightened attendees that it was Christ's demand to remain faithful and to keep the flame burning. Greenwood United Methodist Women keeps a spark lit, they stir the flame and add more kindling to the fire that ensures that the warmth of love abides within their hearts. SC Conference President, Linda Durant updated SCCUMW of changes in structure of the United Methodist Women in the 21 st century during our Leadership Training in Harriet Creswell, Editor Columbia. The next journey led Greenwood District United Methodist Women to Leesville UMC for Local President's Training, where the Spiritual Growth Coordinator, Mrs. Beatrice Ray delivered a spiritual message of encouragement for incoming new officers; updates on the new structures were discussed by the President and other officers. A plea was made by the District President, Willie LaGroone, to encourage young women to keep the flame burning. The President again thanked all the Incoming Officers for their commitment to Greenwood District UMW. Again, I extend my special December, 2012 thanks to all United Methodist Women and their Pastors for hosting 2012 United Methodist Women District Officer's meetings across the District. The elected officers look forward to continuing our journey as we prepare for Conference & District Meetings that inspire, train and, proclaim God's work through us. May God continue to bless our new officers who did not turn back from their commitment to do God's will for women and children as we move forward to the second coming of the Kings of Kings. Willie Jo LaGroone The Annual Meeting convened in Rock Hill, SC, in October. The expression of love shown by the host church made the meeting very special. All comments from Greenwood District attendees were positive, as we had good representation. Our newly elected SC Bishop Jonathan Holston was a featured Speaker; our Bible Study leader, Rev. Sheila Elliott, of the York-St. James Charge, made the Scriptures come alive; and Rev. Narcie Spiritual Growth Coordinator Beatrice Ray, President Willie Jo LaGroone, and speaker Reverend Alice MacKeil at the District Annual Meeting at Main Street

2 PAGE 2 NEWS-A-PLENTY News from District Vice-President Greenwood District UMW Annual Meeting and Officers Training Events By Linda Kidd, Vice President, Greenwood District UMW The Greenwood District UMW Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, September 22 at Main Street United Methodist Church in Greenwood. As the ladies arrived, they were greeted warmly by their hosts from Main Street UMW who served delicious continental breakfast goodies. Following registration, all in attendance were directed to the church sanctuary for the worship service and business meeting. Willie Jo LaGroone, District President, gave the welcome followed by greetings from Rev. Phil Thrailkill, Main Street UMC Pastor, and Zella Williams on behalf of the ladies of Main Street UMW. Special music was provided by Joyce Nickles and Rhonda McGinnis, musicians. Beatrice Ray, District Spiritual Growth Coordinator, presented a very inspirational devotional followed by a special memorial service for all UMW members who have died since the last Annual Meeting. The Love Offering, which came to a total of $586.56, will be divided among our five SC Mission Projects. This year s Annual Meeting theme followed the conference UMW theme, Stir The Flame. Guest speaker was Rev. Alice MacKeil, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Laurens; and many comments on the evaluations completed afterwards revealed that her audience felt she had done just that! Her interactive presentation style provided opportunities for participation by the audience. The 127 women in attendance represented 34 churches in the Greenwood District, with at least 9 firsttimers and 4 in the under-40 category. The evaluations revealed that this year s Annual Meeting met the expectations of those who attended and that the accommodations and food were outstanding. During the Business Meeting led by Willie Jo, the minutes from the 2011 Annual Meeting were presented by Dodie Conley, Secretary, and approved as recorded. The Treasurer s Report was presented by Sarah Deal, Treasurer, followed by the Pledge Service for 2013 and approval of next year s budget. The following certificates were presented: Reading Program, Mission Today, Five Star Units, and Diamond Units. Joyce Crouch, Cluster 4 Leader, installed the new officers for 2013 and retiring officers were recognized by Willie Jo, who thanked Sallie Berry, Historian, for her many years of dedication to that office. Officers for 2013 are listed on page 9 of this newsletter. Our Annual District Officers Training was hosted by Leesville United Methodist Women at Leesville UMC in Leesville on Saturday, November 17. There were nearly 50 officers in attendance. Jo-Ann Kneece and the ladies of Leesville UMW did an outstanding job hosting this event for us, and we are so very appreciative of all of their wonderful efforts. The evaluations revealed that all in attendance were very pleased with the great accommodations, directions, and delicious continental breakfast foods. Reports Due by Local Units Report Due Send report to: Absolute Deadline Local Membership Census (found on page 3) Jane Price January 30, 2013 Officers for 2013 Dodie Conley December 31, 2012 Note: You will find addresses for the above officers on page 9 of this newsletter.

3 Jane Price 106 Fairway Court Greenwood, SC NE WS-A-PLE NTY PAGE 3

4 PAGE 4 From Carolyn Cantrell, Secretary of Program Resources he Mission T Resource Center is moving and changing names. It will now be called United Methodist Women Mission Resources. On Monday December 17, 2012, the new resource center will go live. The new center will be located in Duluth,Georgia. It is a new easy-touse e-store that will be accepting orders at You may call toll free or Fax December 13 will be the last date to place an order with the current Resource Center in Dallas, Texas, whether by phone, fax or . The new program book Living the Heart of God has some very good programs in it. The purpose of the programs is to see how God challenges you to see needs in the world, especially women, children and youth through God s heart. Jesus himself never looked at a crowd without seeing individual needs. The purpose of our programs is to equip you to live the heart of God in the world so that you will be prepared to see the way in which you can help build up the body of Christ. I am encouraging each of you to join the Reading Program. This year we have some good books. I recommend One Simple Act. In a world that seems often stingy and greedy, Debbie Macomber has witnessed how a simple act of a stranger can yield unforeseen miracles. This blend of true stories and motivating messages will delight and surprise you as you discover how giving the gift of time, encouragement, hope, laughter, prayer and service can have a lasting, life-changing impact on giver and recipient. Praying for Strangers In 2009 River Jordan made a New Year s resolution to pray for a complete stranger every single day of the year. In the book she tells the stories behind the people she met. Love in a Headscarf, Rubble Nation, Morning Coffee with James, Alone and Invisible No More are all good books. Just a reminder that the books from count if they haven t been counted on a previous report. Well, this is the last article that I will be writing for News A Plenty. For me, writing the article for News A Plenty was the least favorite part of the job. My favorite part was meeting and working with each of you. I loved reading the books and being able to tell about them. The new Program Resource Person will be Linda Woods, 109 Ronnie Drive, Greenwood, SC Home Phone woodslinda@live.com Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Carolyn NEWS-A-PLENTY Bulletin board at Main Street United Methodist Church highlighting the United Methodist Women Reading Program

5 NEWS-A-PLENTY PAGE 5 From Jane Price, Membership, Nurture, and Outreach residents, it is getting closer to that time of year P when you need to complete your 2012 Membership Census form. Last year, only 39 of the 60+ units reported. Some of you picked up your forms at the local officers training session on November 17. You will also find the form in this newsletter on page 3. There are several things to remember when completing this form: presidents should complete it. 2. The form should not be completed until after December 31, The number of members at the beginning of 2012 should match the number of members at the end of 2011, so you will want to find the 2011 report and compare. 4. There are only four numbers that have to be reported. This report is so much simpler than the ones your units had to do in the past. 5. This report is due to me by January30, This allows me time to compile all the information of our district to send in to the state. We need to show the rest of the state just how strong our United Methodist Women units are! If you have any questions, please contact me at (home) or I will be more than happy to help you in any way I can. Jane Price From Sue Mitchell, Social Action he Greenwood District will be concentrating on Human Trafficking as its Social Action focus in I T encourage your unit to have a program on this subject. This is a current issue in South Carolina. We need to be aware. January 15 at the State House will be Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I hope you will search the subject on your computer. There is a wealth of information available. You might find these websites helpful: 1. traffickinginsc.wordpress.com South Carolina progress on this issue 2. This site covers some USA and some world issues. 3. www2.wspa.com Search human trafficking. Legislation was passed in September. This website brings you up to date on what the legislature is doing trafficking stats 5. Click on Human Trafficking; you can request a packet of information including a moving poster. I wish for you all the blessings of Christmas and I hope you will remember to pray for those victims of human trafficking. Sue Mitchell 2013 Spiritual Growth Retreat A Woman s Place Session 1-May 3-4, 2013 Session II-May 4-5, 2013 Lake Junaluska, North Carolina Speaker: Dr. Arnetta Elizabeth Beverly, Senior Pastor, St. Matthews United Methodist Church, Greensboro, NC Registration forms in December Mission Echo or next News-a-Plenty

6 PAGE 6 NE WS-A-PLE NTY From Susan Davis, Education/Interpretation Coordinator United Methodist Women 144 Years in Mission arch 23, 2013 will be the 144th anniversary of the beginning of the organization that we now know as United M Methodist Women. On March 23, 1869, in Boston, eight women gathered at Tremont Street Methodist Episcopal Church to form the Women s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Isabella Thoburn and Clara Swain left for India in November, 1869, as the society s first missionaries. It was the first of eight women s missionary societies founded by our predecessor organization. Today we continue the legacy of women organized for missions as United Methodist Women. As we begin our new district year, let s remember the 5 missions we support: Killingsworth; Bethlehem, Columbia; Bethlehem, Spartanburg; Wallace Family Life and Rural Missions of John s Island. Also, don t forget the designated giving of Prayer and Self-Denial. This money is used for pension and health care for retired missionaries and deaconesses for whom the United Methodist Women is responsible. A gift to mission is a gift of $5 or more in honor of someone---special occasions, etc. A gift to memory is a gift of $5 or more in memory of anyone. World Thank Offering is an additional gift given out of gratitude for God s abundance and in celebration of the joys of life. If we start the new year off with all of this mind, hopefully we can all be Mission Today Units and/or Gold Star units. For further information about the United Methodist Women mission program, go to the web site: Susan Davis E & I District Coordinator (864) sivads3@embarqmail.com Zella Williams and Sue Owens at the Annual Meeting in Rock Hill A wealth of resources and information on many topics is available on the United Methodist Women website. If you need program ideas or information to give your unit, check out the websites umwonline.net and gbgm-umc.org/umw/.

7 N E W S- A - PLE N T Y Carolyn and Ted Cantrell at the Annual Meeting in Rock Hill PAGE 7 Doris Wilson and Wilma Doyle at the Annual Meeting June Newman, Sandy Wilson, and Ann Staley at the Annual Meeting in Rock Hill Brenda Bruner and Debby Nantz at the Annual Meeting in Rock Hill

8 NEWS-A-PLENTY PAGE 8

9 2013 Greenwood District officers PAGE 9 OFFICE NAME HOME PHONE ADDRESS President Willie Jo LaGroone (864) Shurlington Lane S. Hodges, SC wlagroone@embarqmail.com Vice President Harriet Creswell (864) McCormick Hwy. Bradley, SC harrietcreswell@embarqmail.com Secretary Dodie Conley ((864) (864) Heritage West Ct. Greenwood, SC drcc27@gmail.com Treasurer Sarah Deal (864) Port Royal Dr. Ninety Six, SC Communications Linda Kidd (864) PO Box 225 McCormick, SC dealsin96@yahoo.com kiddsintown@wctel.net lkidd@lander.edu Program Resources Linda Woods (864) Ronnie Dr. Greenwood, SC woodslinda@live.com Social Action Sue Mitchell (864) Virginia St. McCormick, SC Spiritual Growth Beatrice Ray (864) Pinewood Ave. Clinton, SC Membership Jane Price (864) Fairway Ct. Greenwood, SC jsmitch@wctel.net ikeandbe@charter.net janemprice@embarqmail.com Education/ Interpretation Susan Davis (864) Hwy 221 South Bradley, SC sivads3@embarqmail.com Historian Zella Williams (864) York Dr. Greenwood, SC zellawms@yahoo.com Nominations Chair Carol Marse (803) Seagull Lane Prosperity, SC carolmarse@aol.com Nominations Member Carolyn Cantrell (864) Circle Dr. Greenwood, SC cwcantrell@embarqmail.com Nominations Member Ellen Schumpert (864) PO Box 712 McCormick, SC eschumpert@wctel.net Nominations Member Linda Yochem Sauerwein (864) Central Shiloh Rd. Abbeville, SC yochem@wctel.net Nominations Member Mildred Tyler (803) Flintrock Road Prosperity, SC Cluster 1 Leader Wilma Doyle (864) Woodhaven Ct. Greenwood, SC Cluster 2 Leader Cassandra Daniels (864) Panther Dr. Ninety Six, SC Cluster 3 Leader Carol Marse (803) Seagull Lane Prosperity, SC Cluster 4 Leader Joyce Crouch (803) Crouch Dr. Kinards, SC Cluster 5 Leader Rebecca Etheredge (864) Trinity Rd. Saluda, SC charlesdtyler@aol.com grewil7@embarqmail.com cassandradd@embarqmail.com carolmarse@aol.com hmcrouch@peoplepc.com retheredge@embarqmail.com Cluster 6 Leader Brenda Bruner (803) (803) Border Dr. Belvedere, SC brendabruner100@comcast.net

10 PAGE 10 NE WS-A-PLE NTY Mission u The School of Christian Mission to Be Called Mission U Effective 2013, the School of Christian Mission will change its name to MissionU: Learning Together for Transformation of the World. Why the Name Change? The term school can be a deterrent to participation. The name Mission u reflects the personal learning experience. The name change reflects the vision and outcome of the strategic plan for the organization. Greenwood District always has very low numbers of participants at the School of Christian Mission. Let s see if we can change the trend. Watch for more info about Mission u. New Name continued life-changing learning! ldersgate Special Needs Ministry is A located in Columbia and is supported by the South Carolina Conference of the Methodist Church. If your unit is interested in learning more about Aldersgate, please call (803) or (888) or visit the website at There are representatives from Aldersgate who can come speak to your unit or church. T he Mission Echo is the official publication of the South Carolina Conference United Methodist Women. The newsletter is published four (4) times per year and can be accessed for viewing on our website at Subscriptions are $5.00 per year for copies that are mailed.

11 NE WS-A-PLE NTY PAGE 11 CLUSTERS IN THE GREENWOOD DISTRICT Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 Cluster 4 Cluster 5 Aldersgate-Greenwood Bethel-Greenwood Capers Chapel-Pomaria Broad St.-Clinton Bethany-Saluda Cokesbury Cambridge-Ninety Six Central-Newberry Central-Laurens Emory-Saluda Harmony-Ware Shoals Harris-Greenwood Epting Memorial-Newberry Epworth-Joanna Harmony-Johnston Hodges Mathews-Greenwood Lewis Memorial-Newberry First-Laurens Johnston Lowell Street-Greenwood Lupo-Greenwood Main Street-Greenwood Mt. Bethel-Ware Shoals Mt. Carmel-Ninety Six Panola-Greenwood Tranquil-Greenwood Trinity-Greenwood Ware Shoals Mays-Ninety Six McCormick Rehoboth-Greenwood Republican-McCormick St. Mark-Greenwood St. Paul-Ninety Six St. Paul-Plum Branch Troy Mt. Pleasant-Pomaria O Neal St. Newberry Trinity-Newberry Wightman-Prosperity Zion Prosperity Hopewell/Sharon- Clinton Mt. Carmel-Laurens Soule Chapel- Chappells Springdale-Clinton St. James-Laurens Leesville Nazareth-Leesville Ridge Spring St. John s-batesburg St. Paul-Saluda Y our Cluster Leader can be a valuable resource for your unit. She is your first line of information about United Methodist Women. Check the list on page 9 to find the name and contact information of your Cluster Leader. Cluster 6 Bath Belvedere Capers Chapel-N. Augusta Mark your Calendars for these 2013 District Events Edgefield Grace-N. Augusta Langley McKendree-Edgefield Pentecost-Warrenville St. John-Graniteville Trenton Vaucluse Warrenville February 2, 2013 March 9, 2013 June 2, 2012 August 4, 2012 September 28, 2012 November 16, :30 PM Executive Committee Meeting St. Paul UMC, Ninety Six, SC Day Apart McCormick UMC, McCormick, SC 2:30 Executive Committee Meeting Trinity UMC, Greenwood, SC Executive Committee Meeting Bethany UMC, Saluda, SC District Annual Meeting Broad Street UMC, Clinton, SC Unit Officers Training St. Mark UMC, Greenwood, SC

12 PAGE 12 NE WS-A-PLE NTY Mission Trip April 15-19, 2013 Henderson Settlement Frakes, KY Henderson Settlement is a Methodist-affiliated organization whose purpose is to meet the basic needs of people in southeast Kentucky and northeast Tennessee. It is one of the four institutions of the Red Bird Missionary Conference and is located in the mountainous area of southern Kentucky. Lots of information and photos can be seen on their website ( or by searching Facebook for Henderson Settlement. While there we will be working in the thrift shop, greenhouse and other areas at the main campus. We will be housed there and meals will be provided for us. Travel will be by motor coach and our pick up points and times will be determined at a later date. There will be stops in Columbia and Spartanburg, and then we will travel on to Frakes on Monday April 15th. Participants may board the bus at either stop. We will leave the settlement early on Friday April 19 th and again stop in Spartanburg and Columbia. The cost of the trip will be $350 per person and can be paid in installments as seen below. This amount includes bus travel and meals and lodging at the settlement. There will be an additional cost for lunch on the traveling days. Cost of Trip - $350 Mail form and remittance to $150 and registration form due by December 31 st Jane Scott Additional $100 by January 31st 780 Charlotte Thompson School Rd. Final $100 by March 15 th Camden, SC Home Cell jrscott780@att.net The complete schedule will be sent with the acknowledgement of the January 31 st payment.

13 NE WS-A-PLE NTY PAGE 13 Mission Trip 2013 Henderson Settlement, KY April 15-19, 2013 Registration for Travel Please complete all information on this form. You may photocopy additional forms as needed. One form per person needs to be returned along with the appropriate registration fee. It is recommended that you keep a copy of your completed form. Please print clearly or type Name: Address: City, State, ZIP: Pick up Location: (Columbia or Spartanburg) Daytime phone: Evening Phone: Emergency Contact: Phone: Optional Phone Medical Problems that we need to be aware of: Doctor s name and phone number Cost: $350 Total includes travel, housing and meals (except lunch on travel days) $150 due by December 31, 2012, $100 due by January 31, 2013 and balance of $100 due by March 15, 2013 Return form with remittance to Jane Scott jrscott780@att.net 780 Charlotte Thompson Road (H) Camden, SC (C) Deadline December 31, 2012 Specific information about times will be distributed with confirmation notification.

14 PAGE 14 B est Wishes for a wonderful Christmas season and a blessed New Year NE WS-A-PLE NTY From the Greenwood District United Methodist Women Executive Committee WOMEN S CONFERENCE Saturday, February 2, :30 3:30 Tranquil United Methodist Church 1702 McCormick Hwy. Greenwood, SC Registration Fee: $15.00 (includes lunch) Featuring Registration is limited to 200, so please register early. Complete registration form (below) and return, along with a check for $15.00 made out to Tranquil United Methodist Church, to: WISH Tranquil United Methodist Church s your unit plans activities and programs for A the coming year, please keep in mind these words from II Timothy 1:6: I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you McCormick Hwy. Greenwood, SC Your cancelled check will serve as confirmation. Registration fee is non-refundable. Name Address Phone Church You Attend Sandwich Choice: Ham Turkey Chicken Salad Veggie

15 NE WS-A-PLE NTY From Sarah Deal, District Treasurer PAGE 15 Hello from your District Treasurer Just want to remind each of you of the importance to make your Pledge to Mission remittance to the district as you collect at the local level. There are missions all over the world that need UMW support for their day to day functioning. We must remain a constant financial source for them in these lean times so that they can continue to actively work in His name. Please see the resources available on the web site of the missions that United Methodist Women support. ( Just remember that the Greenwood District s pledge is $35,000 annually and that comes from YOU! When all units give as they can, with NO amount being too small, we can reach this aggressive goal. During the annual meeting at Main Street UMC in September our pledges service total was just over $18,000. Ladies, we have a long way to go to meet our goal but feel sure all units will support faithfully as they have in the past. Just as to remind for your local treasurers due dates to the district by Quarter: First Qtr due March 5 th, Second Qtr due June 5 th, Third Qtr. due August 31 st, and Fourth Qtr due November 15 th. Thank you all for your efforts and giving for UMW missions. Sarah Deal GREENWOOD DISTRICT S PLEDGE TO MISSIONS FOR 2013 $35,000 PLEDGES MADE AT SEPTEMBER ANNUAL MEETING $18,000 United Methodist Women Leaders Are Called by God: 10. To know Jesus 9. To nurture each other in faith and obedience to Him 8. To make Jesus known to others. 7. To grow in grace 6. To share our spiritual gifts, resources, and skills in efforts to bring about positive changes in the lives of oppressed and dispossessed people throughout the world 5. To joyfully and confidently fan the flame of God, which is within you 4. To let the flame of God, which is within you, become a beacon of light that shines through the darkness, enabling others to know His Truth; share His goodness and mercy, and experience the abundant life and His abiding love 3. To serve God by carrying out His work on earth 2. To love God, and love one another 1. To Keep the Faith. We always need United Methodist Women to serve as District Officers. It is a great opportunity to serve your church and work toward its focus on mission. If you are willing to serve in any capacity, please let anyone on the nominating committee know.

16 Greenwood District United Methodist Women c/o Harriet Creswell, editor 4324 McCormick Hwy. Bradley, SC We re on the web: Click on Greenwood District he organized T unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE IS TO KNOW GOD and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive, fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. URGENT... Please send a list of your 2013 unit officers to: Dodie Conley 402 Heritage West Ct. Greenwood, SC Or send by to drcc27@gmail.com Please include name, address, phone number, and address of each officer. This will ensure that you receive all information you need for your unit.