American Baptist Women s Ministries Of Indiana Officer Update Pages Fall 2013

Transcription

1 American Baptist Women s Ministries Of Indiana Officer Update Pages Fall 2013 The many languages in the theme logo (languages of Burma, Spanish, English) represent the history of mission and ministry of American Baptist Churches USA as well as the relationships we have with Christian women across the world, each seeking to be Christ's hands and feet in service and praise. Theme Scripture The gifts He gave were... "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ." -- Ephesians 4:12-13

2 Over the last three years, the song words from my past have proved true. Friends are friends forever when the Lord is Lord above and Love grows when Christians unite. So much love it's hard to deny. And it hurts more when we say goodbye. But it s worth it with Jesus because you know without Jesus, we wouldn t know the meaning of love Words cannot express how blessed I feel. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your gatherings. I will enjoy having the time now to wash my windows. But, God s timing is always and all ways perfect. It will give me a chance to count my many blessings, naming them one by one, with each spritz of the Windex. Thanking God for each of you as we have been Designed by the Potter in this Time to Serve. With a smiling heart, I introduce our next ABW Ministries president, Janet Moore. Janet and her husband, Jim, live in Summitville and worship at Anderson FBC. Janet has a heart for ABW having served on the local, association, state, and most recently the national level as our Midwest Coordinator. She will bring to Indiana all the really good ideas that she has gleaned from our sister regions. Janet has a heart for mission. Ask her about her trip to Chile. Ask her about our Edna Martin Christian Center as she will serve on that board as our representative. Ask her about our 2014 State Project since she visited Rainbow Acres this past summer. Janet will retire from Anderson University after 42 years in the library. Ask her about the needs of our Scholarship Students. Use but don t abuse Janet. Pray for her! As all 7 of the past presidents have said, Time will go by quickly! Oh, so true! Now is the time for everyone to serve. Do it knowing that God is equipping the saints for the work of ministry Ephesians 4:12-13 Your sister-in-christ, Are you looking for a new way to connect into mission opportunities locally and around the world? Do you want to learn more about issues affecting women and girls? Here are some ways for you to stay connected and become involved. AB Women s Ministries has a podcast entitled, In Their Shoes: Women Walking with Women Worldwide along with a blog that shares stories, ministries and issues concerning women and girls. This is a great resource not only for yourself but you could play an episode for your women s group to listen to and discuss. Would you like to go on a mission tour but cannot leave home AB Women s Ministries will be offering four Virtual Mission Encounters that you can participate in from your computer. To get more information on these opportunities go to If you are not sure how to navigate your computer or what a podcast is, why not find a teenage girl or young adult woman who can help you navigate the technology. What a great way to build a relationship with someone new. ABW = Always Busy Women Through your generous support of Break the Chains since 2007, over $515,000 has been raised and awarded by AB Women's Ministries to new ministries addressing sex trafficking and other forms of violence against women and girls. The fundraising ended as of April, Gifts received for Break the Chains will be used through Women and Girls Mission Fund to offer healing and hope to women and girls worldwide.

3 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Fall Update 2013 Do you sometimes wonder at the end of the day exactly what you have accomplished during that busy day, or why there is still so much you haven t done? Late summer and early fall bring so many things to do, places to go from Women s Day, Association meetings, Fall Conferences, kid s sporting events, lawn and garden work, etc., etc., etc. It s a wonderful time, but it can easily become overwhelming. We need to be very careful to keep our priorities in the correct order. Take time/make time each busy day to read the Bible, seeking guidance and wisdom from God s Word. It seem s to me the best time to do that daily reading is the first thing in the morning, before we get caught up in the activities of the day. Pray and pray all throughout the day; anytime you get a quiet moment. Secretaries, take care of business as soon as possible after you meetings. Go over your notes and translate them into record able minutes. The longer you leave those notes lay, the harder they will be to interpret or recall something very important you forgot to include in your scribbles. Be diligent not just busy. Develop the discipline to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. REMEMBER NOW IS THE TIME TO SERVE. Jean Ponsler N CR 500 E, North Vernon, IN njponsler@yahoo.com A TIME TO SERVE A TIME TO SERVE A TIME TO SERVE A TIME TO SERVE A TIME TO SERVE AB Women s Ministries national nominating committee will begin its work this fall to select nominees for key officer positions with three year terms that begin in September Selections are based on skills needed for the position, experience, active membership in an American Baptist church, and a passion for women s ministries. In addition, women are selected to serve on the AB GIRLS National Leadership Team. In all cases, a biographical information form is required for consideration and can be downloaded and printed at Prison ministries and ministries for those who are re-entering society are helping to maintain important family connections and providing hope to former inmates now seeking to become productive members of their communities after release. In this virtual mission encounter, participants will learn about preventative programs for at-risk youth, congregations engaged in prison and jail ministries, ministries for families of incarcerated persons, re-entry programs, and the restorative justice movement. Join in on November 4-8, 2013 $30 per person "For I Was in Prison and You Visited Me: Prison and Aftercare Ministries" And also at Now available two new two programmatic resources in a new series for women s ministry. The resources are In Their Shoes: Economic Empowerment and In Their Shoes: Immigrants and Refugees. Each In Their Shoes book includes fact sheets, Bible studies, program sessions, activities for children, Scriptures for reflection, resource listings, and suggestions for ways to engage in the issue locally. By walking in the shoes of women and girls globally, you will gain a greater understanding of issues that have an impact upon all of us.

4 Intergenerational Retreat with American Baptist Women's Ministries! July 26-29, 2014 Green Lake Conference Center A Time to Serve: Deepening Relationships Join us at the Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin for an intergenerational retreat for girls and women of all ages! Program fee for Full Time: Early bird program fee $125 if postmarked before April 30 $150 if postmarked after April 30 $185 on-site program fee Saturday only: Early bird program fee $40 if postmarked before April 30 $50 if postmarked after April 30 $70 on-site program fee These costs only cover AB Women s Ministries retreat program. Your retreat program fee does not reserve your room at Green Lake or include meal or travel expenses. Go to National ABW Ministries Events with our Sisters-in-Christ Set sail on a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas with American Baptist Women's Ministries! September 19-22, 2014 aboard Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas sailing from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida "A Time to Serve: A Time to Prepare" Join your American Baptist sisters on a cruise to the Bahamas as we explore more of our focus on "A Time to Serve." During our sessions together on the ship, you will be inspired through Scripture, meaningful worship, and spiritual growth. Register by January 17, 2014 Early registration is highly recommended due to a limited number of aboard the ship. 1. Register and pay your $135 program fee to national ABW Ministries. Go to 2. Book your cruise arrangements through Rosenbluth Vacations. Cruise rates begin at $375 per person in a double occupancy cabin and include 3-night stay nightly entertainment daily ship activities round-trip airport transfers to the pier government and port taxes

5 Set sail on a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas with American Baptist Women's Ministries! September 19-22, 2014 aboard Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas sailing from Port Canaveral, Orlando, Florida "A Time to Serve: A Time to Prepare" Join your American Baptist sisters on a cruise to the Bahamas as we explore more of our focus on "A Time to Serve." During our sessions together on the ship, you will be inspired through Scripture, meaningful worship, and spiritual growth. 3-night stay Register by January 17, 2014 Early registration is highly recommended due to a limited number of aboard the ship. 1. Register and pay your $135 program fee to national ABW Ministries. Go to 2. Book your cruise arrangements through Rosenbluth Vacations. Cruise rates begin at $375 per person in a double occupancy cabin and include

6 Love Gift Love Gift Love Gift Love Gift Love Gift Fall Update 2013 What a beautiful September morning as I write this, (Money in Love Gift box.) The leaves are falling, days are shorter, and it s cooler. Summer came and has gone so quickly. I m going to put the canning supplies away there was a bountiful supply from the garden, (Money in Love Gift box.) Do you remember that I asked you to look on the front of your dollar bills for an L? At a recent family meal, I was talking about that and our 2 ½ year old great granddaughter asked her Daddy if he had any Lord s dollars in his billfold. He did and she said, Give it to GG for her box. I have a report from the state that our Love Gift offering from January 2013 to March was $7, from January 2013 to May was $14, from January 2013 to June was $16, Our total from January 2012 to June 2012 was $21, As of September 15, it is $24, Even tho we don t set a goal, let s don t slack on our giving. We have so much love given us. God Bless, Carol Theobald We are gathering Love Gift devotions from Indiana. If you have a Love Gift story or thought, please submit them to Carol by snail mail 5598 W. CR 700 S. Greensburg, IN or Robin by ronolin@indiana.edu. We want to have them in time for Spring Retreat White Cross White Cross White Cross White Cross White Cross White Cross Fall Update 2013 I cannot believe how fast this year is going. This will be my last update page as your White Cross Chairman. I want to say thank you once again for all you continue to do through White Cross. I know there are times when you think that your small church cannot do this large request. But remember, God is in control. We continue to hear the stories of how White Cross meets the needs of people. At this year s Summer Conference, I enjoyed listening to Chris Marziale, IM White Cross Coordinator as she told us about how the American Baptist Women of Indiana are still touching lives in the Congo. Every baby born at the Hospital will go home with a baby layette, and Roller Bandages are not just Roller Bandages they are life savers. White Cross is a very important mission as we continue to reach out to people. Together we can make a difference. Christ throughout scripture makes it known where our responsibilities are in reaching out to others. He encourages us to be good workers and to use our abilities, whatever they may be, to help get the work done. We have many opportunities to participate in Christ's mission with joyful hearts. White Cross is one of those ministries that should make our hearts sing as we share with those in need. I hope by now the ladies in your churches are busy working on this year s request. Once again I want to say thank you for allowing me to be your White Cross Chairman, it has been a pleasure working with all of you. Libby Wilcox wilcoxfamily3@comcast.net Lord, we thank you that through White Cross you have given us eyes to see the needs of others near and far as you see them.

7 Personal Development Personal Development Personal Development Fall Update 2013 A new season is almost here. It will soon be autumn. If you look closely, the leaves of some trees are already beginning to change colors. After this hot summer, we are all looking forward to a season with less humidity! How interesting that our Creator makes a new season four times every year. This is reflective of His desire to give us new chances, bring about new blessings, and create new changes in our hearts and lives. Isaiah 43:18-19 says Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!... I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Another new season is about to begin. It is ABWM Fall Conference time! This is our time to gather together to be energized by the fellowship, inspired by stories of God s activity in ministry throughout our world, and refreshed by the stream of His Holy Spirit dwelling in the midst of us as we gather to worship Him. Are you planning to attend Fall Conference? Are you bringing as many ladies as you can fit in your car? This is our time of blessing. We are all thirsty for more of Him. When we come to Him we are not disappointed. After Fall Conference newly elected state Officers will assume their roles. Please be in prayer for them. God is doing a new thing in their lives and they will need our support. Please also be praying for all of the IN-KY women who have said yes to the call to serve in all the capacities of ABWM throughout our Region. We are the Body of Christ. We may not have an elected office, but each one of us has been elected and gifted by God! We are all vital to completing His Mission. He is using all of us to do new things to reach our world with His love. God bless you as you enter into this new season of the year! God bless you as you discover a new season in your heart! With Christian Love, Rhonda Compise 406 Crest Way, Henryville, IN recompise@inbox.com Church and Community Church and Community Church and Community Fall Update 2013 How appropriate is the time to serve for all times. I think this is the perfect theme for us all and especially those Church and Community Officers. Ephesians 4:12-13 NIV says, to prepare God s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Let us prayerfully consider the works of service God has for each of us to do and do it as unto the Lord. What has that still small voice been saying to you? Don t be afraid to try something new or to drop something old that is no longer working. Be sure to involve others, both men and women, boys and girls, whenever possible. Remember it doesn t have to be perfect, just something you think God wants you to do and go for it. Remember Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NIV. Let s live a life of service. Ephesians 6:7 NIV says, Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Roxie Hobbs 4017 John Adams Road, Lafayette, IN roxie_hobbs@yahoo.com

8 Mission and Service Mission and Service Mission and Service Fall Update 2013 Chris Marziale, IM Consultant to AB Women's Ministries, writes: I received an from one of our missionaries this past week to let us know that their address where they serve has been put on the Region/State website. This is a major problem and I have shared many times that addresses cannot go on the website. Please in all of your correspondence whether it be newsletters (mailing) or send information through your Region/States on etc. it is very important that NO missionaries addresses or personal information goes on your websites. Some of our missionaries work in very sensitive areas and you could be putting them in a difficult situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Emerson and Ivy Wu have arrived and started ministering in Macau, "We are so very thankful for all the prayers and financial support that you, our faithful Missionary Partnership Network, give us. Without your prayers and support, we would not be on the mission field today. In that regard, please pray: that the Lord will be working on hearts in Macau, that the Lord will give us the wisdom and energy to learn Cantonese and adjust to the new environment quickly, that our visas will be approved quickly and without difficulty, that our health and travel will continue to be blessed. May you be blessed with God s warm love and trust in His living grace! Barb Bolick writes her latest journal: It s Fall in North America now, so I asked my Mapudungun tutor, Antonio Canio, how to talk about the leaves changing color in "the speech of the earth." He said, "petuy ñi ad." The verb, petuy, speaks of finding something lost. The word, ad, refers to one s face or aspect. Sometimes it means one s people. Antonio said his grandparents spoke of the leaves changing colors as finding their face, or character. We can all draw our own conclusions about the depths of meaning and experience here, and not be far off the mark. What stunned me was to think of how this kind of perception would be lost if Mapudungun became extinct. This is why we still see language recovery as part of mission, of equipping leaders, as recovery of identity as people made in God s image. We ve seen the changes in peoples sense of dignity and vocation upon using their native language. Please pray for this part of our mission. Pray for a couple of people coming alongside us to help create an effective teaching method for Mapudungun, for certifying teachers. It s not just about language, but about equipping the church for good work. To find out more about these missionaries or others, log on to the International Ministries website: Jan Jackson jmjackson815@sbcglobal.net

9 Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer Treasurer It was a joy to attend the National ABW Conference this summer in Phoenix. We learned there is a slight change in our theme for the next two years. It will be I m doing here sharing with each of you about the monies you have sent to me. One thing I want to let you know about is something that has occurred recently and a couple of other times since I ve been Treasurer. I have received checks that were designated as Dues. Since I don t have a column for dues and nothing is listed on the remittal form, I ve got a problem as to where to put the money. The State ABW has never asked any Association or Ladies group to pay dues to the State. The State has suggested that each Association give $20.00 each year, putting it in their budgets for the future is the Ella Mae Thomlinson Memorial Fund for AB GIRLS. This is to help the Fund continue to grow so that the girls will have money to draw from when needed. SO, that is where I have put any money that was marked as dues. Unless someone objects, that is where it will continue to be put, if so marked. Many groups must have taken the summer off because the money was verrrrry slow in coming in. Our General Operating Fund is uncomfortably low. The State Project Fund has only $4, as I write this and we hope to raise $25,000 to be shared between Purdue s and Ball State s Campus Ministries. We have less than three months left to reach our goal! Spread the word!!!!! After writing checks to our new Scholarship recipients, our Scholarship Fund only has $1, in it. You have until March 31 st of 2014 to give to this fund. The total amount in the fund at that date determines how many $500 scholarships we can give next year. In loving service, Carolyn Porter carjport@aol.com Fall Update 2013 Below is a transmittal form to be used when sending your money to the State. Make as many copies as you need and share with other churches in your Association. MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: AB Women s Ministries of IN Donation given by (Association gift, circle, individual, etc.) Name of Church Association Your Name Your Address AMOUNT FUND AMOUNT FUND $ Operating $ National Support $ State Project* $ National Endowment $ Scholarship** $ AB Women & Girls Mission Fund $ Ella Mae Tomlinson Memorial Fund $ Leadership Development For AB GIRLS of INDIANA $ Refit $ (other) *Checks MUST BE postmarked by 12/31 to count toward current year s State Project **Checks MUST BE postmarked by 3/31 to determine number of Scholarships given in current year TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED Check No. Dated MAIL TO: Carolyn Porter 6317 Turner Dr. Clayton, IN Use this form until Dec. 31, 2014

10 State Project 2013: and Colleges and Universities throughout the state have resumed classes for the fall and students are getting back into the swing of things. Along with classes, Campus Ministries are resuming their activities and outreach to students at Ball State University and Purdue University. The Oasis (at Ball State) and The Found (at Purdue) are excited about the new school year and the potential for strengthening their students relationships with Christ. We are thankful that our ministries have been selected as the ABW state project for The sad reality is that less than ¼ of today s college students profess any religious affiliation, and even less professes faith in Jesus Christ. This is why campus ministry is so important. It provides a spiritual home for students in the midst of all of the un-godly activities that take place on a regular basis on a college campus. The Oasis and The Found do just this. Both campuses have a residential ministry where students live and care for the facilities and properties. These students provide a friendly, Christian atmosphere for the other students involved in the ministry. They have open doors and are always available to talk or provide a place to hang out. The problem that we are facing at both ministries is that our cooperative houses need some improvement in order to provide comfort and safety to the students who reside there. This is where the State Project comes in! The generous donations of the ABC churches and ABW groups will be split evenly between the two campus ministries. Each ministry will use the money to update their facilities. At The Oasis, they are planning to add some new exterior storage, expand their parking area, add a deck with a ramp to make their facility handicap accessible, and do some minor wiring repairs. The co-op house at The Found is hoping to majorly update the plumbing and electrical wiring. They also want to add some insulation as well as do some minor cosmetic repair to areas that need it. Our ministries are looking forward to what God has in store for our futures. We are very thankful for the support of American Baptist Women this year and we ask that you continue to pray for both ministries for years to come as they show God s love on campuses flooded with lost souls! If you would like more information on the 2013 state project and the work being planned, please contact: Leah at or lschill@purdue.edu From left-right: A burned outlet needing repair at the Oasis. Water damage as a result of bad plumbing at The Found. Some Oasis students during their Spring Break Mission Trip to Boston. Some Found students at their Soup-er-bowl party.

11 At Rainbow, adults with developmental disabilities receive loving care and enjoy a beautiful, ranch-style campus amid the scenic beauty of Arizona s Verde Valley. It is a Christian residential community with group homes and individual apartments that empowers people with developmental disabilities to live to their fullest potential with dignity and purpose. Founded in 1974, Rainbow Acres is an independent, not-for-profit Christian ministry associated with American Baptist Churches USA ABW Ministries State Project: Rainbow Acres $25,000 Rainbow Acres are in the midst of strengthening/growing our Crews for Ranchers, and could really use some help with our Greenhouse program. There is a need to re-locate, construct, and add to the Greenhouse program in order to both serve more Ranchers and expand what is done at the Greenhouses. Rainbow would like to explore adding an orchard as part of their program; as a way to add more pieces for the Ranchers to learn from and work with. Our 2014 ABW Ministries State Project would: Assist the Residents or Ranchers at Rainbow Acres in the relocation and expansion of the Greenhouse program through the creation of a new site, gardens and potential orchard in order to grow the existing program and provide opportunities for new Ranchers to join the Greenhouse Crew. Currently at a maximum in the number of Ranchers who can work there and the amount of produce that can be grown, this expansion/relocation would enable Rainbow to provide jobs for more Ranchers within the program and expand what can be grown on the ranch. Rancher Nancy Rancher John P with Caregiver Michelle Submitted by the Finance Committee Jo Besser, Chairman Carolyn Porter, Treasurer Robin Nolin, President (Ex-Officio)

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13 EMCC Fall Volunteer Opportunities and Community Outreach New EMCC Fresh Market / Garden on the Go times Every Wednesday at 1 p.m.-- Garden on the Go at EMCC Every Thursday at 5 p.m.--garden on the Go at EMCC Have you thought about being a mentor? EMCC is looking for mentors to provide guidance to youth and their families. Onsite as well as distance mentoring opportunities are available. Contact Barato Britt, bbritt@ednamartincc.org. Zumba Class, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19 and 10/ 26 Coat Giveaway Scheduled for October 26 EMCC is currently conducting a winter coat drive. Coats will be given to youth on October 26. Please help us by donating new or gently used coats, hats and gloves. All sizes are need. We hope to help 100 families this season. Contact Altina Truss, atruss@ednamatincc.org. Pantry donations needed We've had more people coming to the food pantry over the last month than we've typically seen. Please help us restock. Canned and boxed goods, toiletries and paper goods are always needed. Anything you can do to help will be appreciated. Contact Altina Truss, atruss@ednamatincc.org. LOAVES meals and Family Meal Kitchen EMCC is located in what's considered a food desert. That means access to low cost, high quality food is limited. We are working to help families use what they have to avoid hunger. One way is through our LOAVES meals in which individuals, churches or organizations provide dinner for youth during the after-school program or lunch on Saturdays. LOAVES is a great way to enjoy time with you and share. Also, we just started cooking classes. If you are interested in sharing a meal, consider also explaining to youth and families how it's prepared. Contact Altina Truss, atruss@ednamatincc.org. Holiday Planning Underway The Holiday Shoppe plans are underway. Please let us know if you are interested in being on a committee to help with toy donations, sorting and providing families with holiday gifts. The center will be decorated with 450 ABW teddy bears on December 4 th. Come and help decorate. Contact Altina Truss, atruss@ednamatincc.org. Also, 50 kids who attend school #58 do not come to the center but stay at the school for the after school programming. Because this school does not have a kitchen, these kids DO NOT get dinner. They probably aren't getting dinner at home either. If there are groups (churches or circles) who would be willing to supply a dinner (pizza, sandwich boxes, etc.) for them, it could be taken to the school and distributed. The $ amount it would take to feed these kids each day is $4.50 per child each day - 5 days a week. Contact Barato Britt, bbritt@ednamartincc.org. Spend some time with us. Everyone is welcomed at EMCC. Please consider a visit, tour or a volunteer opportunity.