Newsletter of the California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women

Transcription

1 1 Pacific Waves Newsletter of the California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women APRIL 2017, Volume XVIII, Issue 2 Message from the President Mālō e lelei Brothers and Sister s in Christ! Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 Our amazing Leadership Team has been engaged in many conversations, planning and developing ways, flexible in our decisions, and has been taking actions towards building and strengthening our Leadership Teams at all levels Conference, District and Local Organizations. This year the District training was changed using a new training format; all Officers and potential Leaders from all Local Organizations were invited to be a part of this open training for women of all ages in Hawaii and the North District (second training event). What a great way to dialog and learn from each other and have clarity of our involvement in UMW. This new format of training will be used at the East, North (first training event), South and West District Training next year. National UMW Inc. has offered trainings throughout the year. The more we are involved in Leadership training the better off we are in the long run. Our Conference Language Coordinators and I were involved in VOICES training in Nashville last month; another great way to meet other language Coordinators and Conference Presidents from other Conferences nationwide. We can use our education and knowledge that we learn outside of UMW. You can start by becoming a representative of your Local Church to our Annual Conference as a voting member and let your voice be heard. I am proud to say that we have done well by establishing our new Cal-Pac UMW Limitless Team, four young women for each District--a Young Woman Coordinator, a Mentor, a University/College and a High School representative. They are our future, the future of our great UMW organization and the future of our Church. They have created a network of young leaders throughout our Cal-Pac UMC Connection and have invited young women to participate and be a part of the Leadership Team. The Limitless Team will have their first Official Event next month on April 29 th. All are invited and we encourage you to bring your daughter/s, granddaughter/s, the young people at your church, family and friends. Let us help our young women to move our Organization forward to the next 150 years. Our online registration is: Please do not let the registration fee be an issue, just let me know how many young women you will be bringing. Our Cal-Pac UMW Conference head counts were not accurate on the National UMW list. Most of our Local Organizations were not listed and not recognized by National UMW. It is our responsibility to make sure we are on their list. All our Local organizations must register and be accounted for. We are grateful to many of you who have worked very hard to register your unit on or before the deadline, March 30 th. (continued on next page) ~ Table of Contents is on last page ~

2 2 Message from the President (cont.) We are inviting you to join us at the Assembly 2018, May in Columbus, Ohio at the Convention Center. The Power of Bold is the Theme. It will be a fun time to meet new friends, network, worship, attend workshops, and celebrate the 150 year anniversary. The bible study will focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, a mother whose son was incarnated. We will look at her story in a different way. This is a great way of having more women be involved and participate in the work of United Methodist Women. The online registration does not open until September 1 st but you can go to and pledge to attend. They can then remind you when registration opens and keep you updated when speakers and workshops are announced. Early Registration fee: $295 Early Registration deadline: November 30 th, 2017 Regular Registration fee: $330 Regular Registration deadline: April 9 th, 2018 Let us work together on finding ways to get the women of California-Pacific Conference there. The beauty of being a United Methodist Woman is when you need help or maybe looking for resources, you always have another sister in Christ to help you. You would never be alone or have to do anything by yourself. Ofa atu moe Lotu (Love and Prayers), Mele Faiva Blagojevich President, Cal-Pac UMW Conference maryblago@gmail.com SAVE THESE DATES MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW April 29, 2017 Limitless 9:30 pm 2:30 pm Arcadia Church of the Good Shepherd June 17, Annual Conf. Luncheon 12:00 pm 1:30 pm Redlands University Mission u July 6-8 Korean July 7-9 English/Spanish/Tongan See registration form on page 19 for information Oct. 20, 2017 D LTE By invitation Oct. 21, 2017 Annual Celebration San Diego First UMC May 17 20, 2018 ASSEMBLY Columbus, Ohio See page 9 April 17 19, 2020 Western Jurisdiction UMW Tempe, Arizona

3 3 Vice President Musings Saturday, February 18 what a great day! The weathermen forecasted a cloudy, wet weekend with intermittent torrential rains destined to hit the Southland hard! But Praise God we were blessed with cloudy, cold weather but the threatening storm destined to arrive, did arrive but without the force as forecasted! It truly was a blessing to see our Cal-Pac Women gather together at Wilshire UMC here on the mainland and of course those in Hawaii gathering at Susannah Wesley Community Center. Welcoming Strangers was our theme as we explored the various avenues organizations are using and how they are addressing the ever increasing numbers of homelessness in and out of our communities. This year s event touched the hearts of many, as we looked at homelessness though the eyes of the Haitian community in San Diego with Rev. Dr. Bill Jenkins, of Christ United Methodist Ministry Center, secondly, through the eyes of children and families in Orange County, with Jennifer Friend, CEO of Project Hope Alliance, and lastly, through the eyes of our very own Cal-Pac Conference with Rev. David Farley, the Director of Justice and Compassion Ministries. Each presenter shared their stories, their passions, and most importantly how God has touched their lives as they work and plan within their own respective ministries and organization. It was an informative day with each of the panelists addressing a number of thought provoking questions and concerns in addition, to opportunities and suggestions indicating how we could play a bigger part in assisting with these programs. We all left with a greater desire to see what we could do as UMW in our local organizations! We cordially invite and hope you will find time to attend our annual UMW Luncheon at the University of Redlands during Annual Conference on Saturday, June Orton Center at 12 noon. Lunch reservations will be $25.00 per meal and $13.75 for those who have a prepaid meal ticket. An informational flyer with registration instructions is in this issue of Pacific Waves. CALLING ALL YOUNG WOMEN.Saturday, April Arcadia Church of the Good 10:00 a.m. will be the place to be! It s a Meet n Greet, so bring your UMW membership card and a hat to show your support to our Limitless Team! Registration is on the Cal-Pac website It s never too early to mark your electronic calendars or jot down this date on your planners, our 45 th Annual Celebration will be held at San Diego First UMC on Saturday, October 21. Plans are underway as we are speaking so keep your eyes and ears open for the upcoming announcements. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11 In His Service, Diane dlokgin@gmail.com Phone:

4 4 California Pacific Annual Conference United Methodist Women s Annual Luncheon Children: God s Gifts, Our Future Saturday, June 17, :00-1:30 p.m. Orton Center University of Redlands You MUST purchase ticket through the Annual Conference Registration website at If you are NOT a voting member to Annual Conference, please register as a Visitor/Guest. Go to the special meals and mark UMW Lunch. Cost will be $13.75 with a meal card and $25.00 without a meal ticket! One person may purchase MULTIPLE tickets! No tickets will be sold outside of the Annual Conference website. Any questions, please contact Diane Gin, Cal-Pac UMW Vice President dlokgin@gmail.com

5 5 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM Registration begins at 9 AM. Come expecting to learn new things, meet new friends, and connect with young women across our conference! Guest Speaker: Mele Faiva Blagojevich REGISTER ONLINE Brenda Tuita, CAL-PAC UMW Young Women Coordinator , BrendaTuita@gmail.com

6 6 From the Secretary I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 It s a new year and it s exciting to see what learning experience awaits with UMW in What a start we had so far: first, the 5 districts held their local officers training events in January; and second, Conference held their Mid- Winter Conference (both California and Hawaii) in February. Truly United Methodist Women in Action. Connect, contact, communicate seems to be the key words for me in the beginning of this year. Connect is a very powerful word, especially in this highly (and challenging) Technological times we live in, as it offers many ways to communicate with people, organizations, business entities, etc. Communication resources are abundant like.. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and many more. As I try to keep up I still used some of the old methods to connect and communicate using , telephone, and personal visits to accomplish activities and goals this year. One of my major goals as Conference Secretary was to complete the UMW Conference Directory which was distributed at our Spiritual Retreat to the District Presidents/VPs. Thanks to the help and support of the District and Local Secretaries (and acting secretaries, communication coordinators, presidents) who I was in constant connection with to update information regarding the local churches and its officers or contacts. It took teamwork and together we accomplished in completing this very useful tool which is our Conference Directory. As you know, it contains a lot of helpful information churches, officers, contacts, calendar of events, missions, Mission u info to name a few. Please use it and continue to send me updates and/or corrections. I was given opportunities to connect personally with some UMW sisters at their local churches by being invited to speak at two local churches at their UMW Sundays. My thanks to Orange UMW and UMC for their wonderful hospitality and the opportunity to worship with them. Thanks also to Shepherd of the Hills at Monterey Park UMW and UMC for their amazing hospitality and for the experience to worship with them. On both of these occasions, I felt blessed and honored to have been with the community of UMW sisters who gave support and to the wonderful church members who were so kind, warm and welcoming. I thank God for offering me these experiences. It is truly heart warming to be in contact with our local churches as it gives us the chance to fellowship and make personal connections. Many thanks to the East District Leadership Team for offering me the opportunity to speak at their East District Training Event, focusing on their theme of Empowering Leaders to Help Communities. Our East District UMW sisters were encouraging, welcoming, and supportive. Their work on UMW is so dedicated, organized, faithful and their training was wonderful. On doing research I learned more information about UMW and I am grateful to continue growing in faith and to trust God in all the paths He leads us with His Light. Thanks be to God for his blessings for all things. Respectfully, Julie Asuncion UMW Conference Secretary juleton@sbcglobal.net Conference Directory Updates can be found on page 30.

7 7 METHODIST HOSPITAL PRESIDENT S MESSAGE PRESIDENT S MESSAGE BY JULIE ASUNCION Spring and Easter Greetings -- flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and we walk with an extra spring in our step. What a wonderful season, a time to refresh, rejuvenate and renew. On January 23, 2017, the Methodist Hospital Women s Auxiliary started the year by holding their General Meeting at the Vance Auditorium. The Acute Rehab Unit had their grand opening in November 2016 and Dan Ausman, Hospital President, announced that the Rehab Unit already serves patients a day. Thank you, UMW sisters, for contributing with our pledge to this worthy facility. Mike Driebe, Foundation President, remarked that the hospital is a five-star hospital. The hospital provides CMS, Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services. The Women s Auxiliary happily presented a check of $95,000 to the Hospital Foundation from which $85,500 goes to the Spiritual Care and $9,500 to the Endowment Fund. Approximately $90,000 was from the net proceeds from the gift shop, The Present Place, and $5,000 was donations from Auxiliary membership (individuals/units). Thank you, Women Auxiliary members/umw for your support and generosity. Thanks also to the Gift Shop staff, volunteers, and patrons. The purpose of the Methodist Hospital Women s Auxiliary is to provide spiritual care for the patients and we are so grateful for the support. The Membership Chairperson was glad to report that membership donations increased last year. The By-Laws were reviewed and proposal was submitted to re-classify the level of membership. The revised By-Laws was voted and approved by the body present. Program was presented by the Spiritual Care Chaplains introduced by Rev. Blake Arnall. The interfaith feature of the CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) program attracts ministers of all faiths -- pastors, rabbis, monks, etc. All of the speakers professed a special sense of peace having to be with patients and their families. The sharing of their experiences was inspirational. Giving prayers, being a listener, acts of kindness, and even just being a presence were some examples. We are thankful for the Chaplains for their kindness and dedication. They also emphasized the giving of Teddy Bears to the young patients which are important as visits from loved ones. Many thanks to those that brought the Teddy Bears at this meeting and to those that continue to donate them. The Installation of Officers was performed by Rev. Stephen Wilson. This year they gave bracelets they made as tokens of appreciation for each officer. Each bracelet is a reminder that service is valuable! Eutha Hankinson, Nominating Committee chairperson, presented the slate of Auxiliary Officers for They are as follows: President: Julie Asuncion; Vice-President: Rosalie Niemann; Recording Secretary: Aurora Garcia; Corresponding Sec.: Lois Tusan; Treasurer: Delora Brown; Nominating Comm., Chairperson: Eutha Hankinson; Members: Melinda Songco, Beverly Canon. Appointed by President: Membership chairperson: Loraine Locke; Green Sheet Editor: Natalie Owens; Gift Shop representative: Delora Brown. The Methodist Hospital held their 21st Mardi Gras fundraiser on February 28 at Santa Ánita Park. More than 30 restaurants participated and over 700 attended. The proceeds will fund the digital mammography machine. We are so proud to be associated with this great hospital doing such wonderful service. Respectfully, Julie Asuncion

8 8 Treasurer s Notes Now that Easter is over and we are celebrating that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, this is a time of Rejoicing!! We had two wonderful Mid-Winter Events, both in Los Angeles Wilshire and Hawaii. We were fed some wonderful information in both places regarding Strangers that are all around us. I know I learned a lot from the three panelists that were at Wilshire UMC and I am sure from the questions that were asked, you did as well. I met a lot of wonderful people within our Conference at this meeting, and this was great for me. Wherever you see me, do not hesitate to speak and ask any questions regarding your treasurer and where your money goes. I am always happy to answer any question you have, if I do not know the answer, I will surely get the answer for you. I hope all of you have become familiar with your District Treasurer, if not please do so as soon as you can. If you do not know who she is, you can or call me and I will give you her information. Our pledge for 2016 was $260,000 and we sent $316,792 to National for our Conference Pledge. Thanks to each Local Organization that made this possible. Our Pledge for 2017 is $270,000 and I am sure that God is still with us. I pray that you all had a wonderful Easter and that you are looking forward to a great summer. Blessing to you all! Eutha Hankinson Conference Treasurer ehskier@att.net Find the forms you need on our website: Gifts and Graces Legacy Campaign Pledge Form Mission u Registration Mission u Application Scholarship Mission Today Online registration is open for Limitless and Mission u on our website. It s easy to get to our website. Copy and paste this link: to your browser.

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10 10 Message from Committee on Nominations Easter Blessings Dear Sisters. It was good seeing so many of you at the Mid-Winter Celebration in February. It was a great day and the weather contributed to the celebration by holding back on the promise of rain. Therefore it is in this form of good things happening that we offer you the opportunity to become a member of Executive Team of California-Pacific United Methodist Women. It is a journey you will not regret taking; we are on the eve of Celebrating the 150 th Year of Advocacy for Women and Youth. If you attended the Mid-Winter Event you heard me say that United Methodist Women are far ahead thinkers planning and working on problems before others realize the problem exists or consider the implication or impact. This year, we need your UMW know-how to fill these offices: President, Vice President, Secretary, Chairperson Nominations Committee, and Program Resources. I know this seems like a tall order, but I have faith that it will be done with your help. The Nominations Committee is a year round endeavor that includes getting to visit sister churches and organizations; never boring, always exciting. We are the ones out front and you are the eyes and ears that guide us to finding dedicated officers to fill positions. You can serve as our Esther and take a Leap of Faith for A time such as this.esther 4:14. Your Sister in Christ, Carrie Garrett Chair Committee on Nominations tap@peoplepc.com Gifts and Graces form can also be found on our website: Committee Members: Elizabeth Martinez Sharon Jackson Randa Krakow Veolafrank@yahoo.com samkittykitty@yahoo.com randakra@cox.net

11 11 Mission Education Peace and blessing to us all as we journey on through Our District leaders have passed on what they learned at the D LITE Training in October 2016 during the District LLT and now the unit officers feel more confident to lead their local organizations. If you missed your training and you are not sure what you are supposed to do, you can still call or your Conference officer. They will be more than willing to help you figure out what to do to have a successful group. Educating yourself so that you are confident to pass on what we are as United Methodist Women is very important. Knowing the mission projects that UMW is doing can also increase awareness to many who do not know who we are. Living out the joy that Jesus puts in our hearts when we come to know Him will attract people to become interested in what we have and what we can offer to those who are still searching for meaning in life. For those who were at the Mid-Winter event, I challenged them to work to increase the number of units who will achieve Mission Today. I know that many of you are doing a lot in the name of mission and we will like to acknowledge and encourage you on, so please set a goal for your unit this year to do at least eight of the criteria set by National. This year Mission u is coming on earlier than in the past and the venue has also changed. It will be held at Cal- Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks from July 6 8, 2017 for our Korean sisters, and July 7 9, 2017 for everyone else. This is an opportunity to learn and grow in your Christian faith and journey. See the details of the studies this year in this Pacific Waves issue. There is also the scholarship form for those who need help with the registration fee. Districts, local units and even individuals can help pay the way for a member who would like to go but cannot afford the fee. The deadline for the scholarship application is May 15 th. So please read the instructions and work within the time frame if you want to apply. Wishing you a great spring season. May the Lord s blessings abide with us all. Sophia Blankson Mission Education sblankson@sbcglobal.net The Mission Today form can also be found on our website:

12 12 Membership Coordinator Hi everyone, Easter s right around the corner. It s Spring, a time for rest and reflection. Hope all s well with you and your family. The deadline for the Membership Census was March 30. Hope everyone posted their membership numbers for their local UMW Group. We will be informed at the end of April. Let s hope we have all of our churches registered. It would be nice if the National Office would re-open their website again like they did last year. The West District President (Betty Lopez) thought of a great idea for ensuring the registration of their UMW Groups. She asked her District Officers to call their 5 Liaison Churches to ask if they sent in their membership numbers or if they needed help. I ve been fortunate to visit several churches recently. It s been nice to see some of our UMW s reactivating. As many of our congregations are aging, several UMW officers have been president for 5 or more years and they are getting tired. Sometimes it just needs a group to take a small break in order to move on. Some of our groups are getting so small that they feel a need to join another group and that is fine. Visit other church UMW group meetings. Take time to see where your group really feels comfortable. Sometimes, a group should have co-presidents. The more experienced president can help the newer one feel comfortable in the position; the newer one may even serve as president, by herself, the following year. In fact, I suggest many officers do this so that newer people can step in and try a hand at some of these offices. We need to allow others to fly - we just need to be around to help, if needed. In some of the Cal-Pac areas, new church UMW Groups are being established. It s so much fun to see young (50 and younger) groups being developed. The energy and focus is fun to be around. This is our future. And the Limitless Group will help bring in some younger women with new ideas, energy and passion. It s a good time to be a UMW woman. It will be fun to watch. Linda Swanson Conference Membership Chairman lindadswanson@att.net Pacific Waves the voice of your Cal-Pac Conference UMW Team Subscribe Today!!

13 13 Spiritual Growth Walk in the Light of Jesus Our United Methodist Women's purpose statement reminds us that we are to be a community of women who seek to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ. It is when we become more deeply rooted in Christ that we are able to put our faith into action. It is important that we are continually reminded that spiritual growth is central to our mission. For this reason, I would highly recommend that each unit and district ensure that there is a person appointed to fulfill the roll of spiritual growth coordinator. Join with me in a short devotion in which we can take time to re-center our minds on Jesus. Reflecting Light, a Short Meditation First Reading 12 Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8: 12) Meditation Think for a minute about daybreak. You are outside sitting on a cold bench waiting for dawn. Slowly the darkness dissipates and you begin to see your surroundings. At the same time a little bit of warmth begins to seep through the morning chill. With a triumph of colors the sun bursts forth and the darkness of the night is gone. In the same way, Christ waits for us to claim his light so that he can break through those dark places in our lives. Take a minute to meditate on the joy of Christ's light overcoming darkness. Second Reading 14 You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14 16) Meditation As Christ's light begins to illuminate the darkness for us, we in turn can begin to reflect Christ's light. Being a reflection emphasizes the idea that Christ is the source of light. It is Christ working in and through us that allows us to shine before others. In a way this is wonderful news. We can move over and let Jesus do His work through us. But to do this, we need to continually recenter ourselves in Christ's light and love. This is not always an easy thing to do. It takes prayer time, scripture time, and time working with others. Take a few moments right now to recenter yourself in God's Light and Love. Wonder about how you might be a reflection instead of a distraction. Benediction: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills from where will my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. (Psalm 121) Blessings, Polly Petersen pollypetersen52@gmail.com

14 14 FROM THE PROGRAM RESOURCE TABLE! "Look at how great a love the Father has given us, that we should be called God's Children!" (1 John 3:1) Why do we have such trouble believing and accepting the love of God, even though unbelief regarding his love is the ultimate slap in His face? The world came into being from the foundation of God's love. He nailed it down for us on the cross. Can you imagine the grief of our unbelief after all He's done? Belief is not a feeling it's a choice. We may live many days when we don't feel loved or lovely, but we can choose to take God at His word inspite of our feelings and emotions! Our Mid-Winter! I would like to express my gratitude to all the Readers of 2016! Your kindness to participate makes the Reading Program happen. And this is one of the important parts of our mission because it is from our connection to the Women's Division Reading Program Committee (made up of directors and staff) that books are evaluated and chosen. As you know the 2016 winner of the Reading Program is the "East District" and the Children Readers winner is the "North District". We praise God for you! Keep continue our reading for Communicating the importance of motivating District PRCs is especially crucial as you work with your conference, district, and local units, and reemphasize the connectionalism through the use of our resources. The District PRCs and I have been working on an Action Plan for what we need to do to improve the readers as our membership. We need some positive reinforcements when we are successful in completing our action and some encouragement when the outcome is less than anticipated or desired. We use the Action Plan Sheet as an aid in setting specific goals, defining tasks and following through on those action steps to completion. Districts can make other action plan sheets for themselves that meets their particular needs. Some PRCs may even hold one-person staff meetings, talking over with themselves what was accomplished, what goals need to be set, evaluating progress, etc. Remember, barriers can be either internal (in you), external (outside you) or both! Consider how we can overcome such barriers to action! In this case, talking to yourself doesn't mean you are off the deep end! I believe in "Team Work". Successful mission teams are not the result of simply putting thirteen women in a room together. Giving them a specific goal does not automatically create a "team" either. Rather, a successful mission team must be "intentionally built." I hope we know how important our job is and how much we appreciate you sharing your gifts and your talents! God's blessing on Districts and Locals PRCs as they work to fulfill the PURPOSE of United Methodist Women. Thank you! Yours faithfully with Grace and Peace, Vika V. Tuuholoaki Cal-Pac Conference Program Resources Vikaredondo@gmail.com East District Award North District Children s Award

15 15 Six Ways To Give By Mail: Use a Commitment Envelope whenever possible!** Completely fill out envelope and include your check or money order and mail directly to National. Don t forget to write Legacy Fund on your check memo line. Make checks payable to UMW. You may give in honor/in memory of. Area located on top right of envelope. Online: Go to unitedmethodistwomen.org and then click on the 150 Legacy Fund box on the right. Find the Online Giving Box on top of page and click on it. Follow directions. Text: On your cell phone, text Legacy 150 to Call: Don t use the internet? No problem, just use your phone and call UMW National directly at Local Organization Giving: UMW give through our local organizations. The local treasurer sends money to the District Treasurer who will now send directly to UMW Nation Office of the Treasurer. Bequests: Remembering UMW in your will ensures that the work will go on long after you ve gone. Before making any bequests of gifts in your will, consult an attorney. A will should not be drawn without expert legal advice. If you have questions about how to give: PLEASE do not hesitate to call me [see contact information below]. But just as you excel in everything excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7 **When giving by mail, IF you do not have a Commitment Envelope, mail your pledge commitment to: UNITED METHODIST WOMEN OFFICE OF THE TREASURER 475 Riverside Drive, 15th floor New York, NY Make checks payable to United Methodist Women. Please write: The Legacy Fund in the memo section If you don t have a commitment envelope, you must include your name, address, City/Zip, AND YOUR church name with zip code so that you money is credited to you or your church. If this is a new commitment pledge, please make note of that. Write the total amount of pledge and how you plan to give: one time or monthly or annually. The Legacy Fund is a permanent endowment that will support the mission outreach of future generations of UMW as they address the needs of women, children and youth of their day. It is part of United Methodist Women s five-year 150th anniversary celebration. If you have questions, contact: Jane Stewart, UMW Conference Legacy Chair stewartsweetjane@verizon.net

16 16 TONGAN LANGUAGE COORDINATOR FAKAMATALA MEI HE FAKAFOFONGA KONIFELENISI LEA FAKA-TONGA A E KAKAI FE- FINE METOTISI, VAHENGA HAWAII.. Tau fakafeta i mo tuku kololia ki he Otua i he ene taulama hao mai etau mo ui, o tau a usia mai a e faka osinga o e uluaki kuata o e ta u ko eni He ikai ke tau fakasi isi i a hono fakamālō ia a e ofa ta efilifili manako a e Otua oku fai mai kia kitautolu fa ahinga o e Tangata o hange koe Saame oe mahina ko eni. Saame 121:1-3. Teu tangaki hoku mata ki he ngaahi Mo unga e ha u mei fe a hoku tokoni ko hoku tokoni oku meia Sihova a ia na a ne ngaohi a e langi mo māmani. Seuke e ikai tene tuku ho va e ke ngāue: Ko ia oku tauhi koe, e ikai tene mohe. Fakamālō lahi ki he ngaahi ngāue kāfakafa kuo tau lava i mei he kamata anga oe ta u ni mei Sānuali o a u mai ki he māhina hono tolu ko Ma asi ni. a ia teu fakaikiiki atu pē a e ngaahi ngāue kuo lava a hono fakahoko i he kamata anga o e ta u ni. Na e lava lelei a e leadership Training a ia na e fakahoko i Kilohana UMC i he aho 28 o Sanuali Na e fakaafe i mai e he Vahefonua o Hawaii UMW a e Palesiteni Konifelenisi a e kakai fefine, Amelika, Hawaii, Mele Faiva Blagojevich kene Tataki a e ako ni. Na e kau ae tauhi pa anga ae Konifelenisi UMW, Eutha Hankinson, mo Brenda Tuita, koe Fakafofonga Konifelenisi ae tamaiki fefine (Cal-Pac UMW limitless he folau mai. Hili pe a e leadership training fakakātoa a e kakai fefine oe Vahenga, na e hoko atu kihe ako ngāue fakatonga hono 2 ae kakai fefine Tonga. Na e kau mai moe SUTT kihe ako ni, na e fakafofonga mai ehe hoa oe faifekau Pule Hawaii Mina Ikavuka. Na e kamata aki a e lotu, moe poupou ehe Palesiteni ae kakai fefine Hawaii Tupouseini Kelemeni, ngāue aki ae kaveinga o e ta u ni koe Maama o e Mo ui (The Light of Life). Hili pe a e poupou a e sea, pea na e hoko atu ai pe a e workshop e he Palesiteni Konifelenisi Mele Faiva. Na e oange faingamālie a Brenda Tuita kene fai ha lea fakaloto lahi ki he tamaiki fefine o e limitless a Hawaii, he ko kinautolu a e kaha u a e UMW pea mo hotau ngaahi Siasi. I he aho Sapate ko hono 29 o Sānuali Na e lava ke fakakakato a hono a ahia a e ngaahi siasi fakakolo, tatau pe kau palangi moe kakai Tonga, pea ma u faingamalie ai pe a e Palesiteni Konifelenisi pehe kia Brenda pea moe Tauhi pa anga Konifelenisi ke nau lea fakalotolahi ki he ngaahi iuniti fakakolo a e ngaahi me a ke lelei ki he ngāue a e Eiki, pea mo toe tokolahi ange kenau kau mai ki he fai etau ngāue a e UMW. Na e fakahoko foki i he aho 18 o Fepueli a e Mid-Winter Event a etau Konifelenisi UMW, tatau pe a Hawaii mo Amelika. Koe taha eni a e ngaahi polokalama a e kakai fefine Metotisi na e faka afe i mai a e kakai oku nau i he mala e takitaha felave i moe kaveinga kuo fokotu u ke fakalele aki a e polokalama koia. Pea ke ilo i mo mahino ki he etau kakai fefine a e mahu inga o etau kau mai ki he potungāue a fafine. I he aho o Fepueli, Na aku lava atu ki Nashville, Tennessee ki he Training a e Language coordinators mo e ni ihi oe kau Palesiteni Konifelenisi a e UMW fakakātoa. Na e kau etau Palesiteni Mele Faiva Blagojevich, ongo fakafofonga mei he etau Konifelenisi, Taufa Kalisi Tenisi mo Akesa Ahoia, pehe kia Ofa Finau mei Alaska, na a mau toko nima Tonga, neongo na e iai a e ngaahi matakali kehekehe. Me a fakafiefia koe faka au ke tokolahi etau kakai fefine Tonga ki he ngaahi polokalama ako ngāue a e kakai fefine oe Metotisi Fakatahataha. Oku tau fakafeta i ai a e mahino oku toe fakalaka ange etau ngāue fakataha mo tau toe unu ki ha epoki fo ou, pea lava leva ke toe ope atu ki si a fa ahinga oku fie ma u etau tokoni. Na e fai mai foki a e fakataha a e Pincum, PIC (Pacific Islander Commission) ki Hawaii i he aho 2 o Fepueli ki he aho 5 th, pea na e ma u faingamālie a e houa e taha, na e kole e he Palesiteni Konifelenisi, Mele Faiva ke oange ma ae kakai fefine Tonga mo Ha amoa, ke i ai ha atau le o i he matakali polinisia oku tau (continued on next page)

17 17 (continued from previous page) kau ki ai i he fakataha anga ko eni. Oku tau fiefia e iai etau taimi ke fakaha etau ngaahi ngāue kuo tau lava i, pea moe ngaahi ngāue oku amanaki ke fai he kaha u. Oku amanaki ke fakahoko a e retreat a e kakai fefine UMW a e vahe fonua Hawaii i he aho uluaki o Epeleli ki he api siasi o Waianae UMC. Oku lolotonga fai kiai e ngāue ki he takitaha iuniti ke kau kiai. Oku teuteu lahi aupito a e kakai fefine oe vahenga Hawaii ki he Mission u i he aho 6-9 o Siulai, faka amu e toe toko lahi e tau kakai Tonga ke kau mai ki he ako ni. Ke toe tokolahi ange mei he ta u kuo osi. Tui pe kuo mou ma u etau tohi polokalama na e liliu fakatonga e he Palesiteni Konifelenisi, Mele Faiva, koe uhi ke toe mahino ange etau ngaahi ngāue kuo lava mei he ta u kuo osi, pea moe ta u ni, pehe ki he ngaahi polokalama fakakakai fefine a etau Metotisi Fakatahataha a fafine oku amanaki ke fai i he toenga o e ta u ni, pea toe faingofua ange etau ngāue. Koe me a mahu inga ke tau lotua mo hufia etau ngaahi ngāue kotoa pē, pea tau felotu aki i he funga ae ofa moe kelesi a e Otua. Fakatauange ki he laumalie ma oni oni ke ne hifo mai o nofo ia iate kitautolu fakafo ituitui, pehe ki hotau famili moho tau kaungā fononga i he etau fononga pilikimi oku fai. Tu a ofa atu Mapuana T. Maka Ma ilei. UMW Websites: - our Cal-Pac website our national website UMW Facebook website UMW Twitter website videos for presentations photos for newsletters or PowerPoint

18 18 Mission u IS 4 YOU!!!! Learning for the Transformation of the World Cal-Pac Mission u 2017 is coming up soon, July 6-8, 2017 for Korean attendees and from July 7-9, 2017 for everyone else, including youth and children attendees. There is a change in location to California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks. Our studies will be: Spiritual Growth: Living as a Covenant Community presented in English, Spanish, Tongan, and Korean to adults; and in English for our Bridging class. Geographic: Missionary Conferences of the UMC in the United States presented in English to adults, children and youth, and to adults in Korean; Social Issue: Climate Justice presented in English to adult attendees. Our Missionary on Campus will be Rev. Claudia Genung Yakamoto who is currently serving in Kobe, Japan. Rev. Claudia will be one of our Interest Group Leaders sharing with us of her experiences as a missionary in Kobe, Japan. Registration fees are $275 per adult attendee and $175 for youth and children. The fee covers all lodging and meals for your life transforming weekend. Twenty $150 Scholarships are available for any attendee. The Scholarship deadline is May 15. The Registration and Scholarship Forms are available within this Pacific Waves, as well as going online to Proceed to Ministries, then to United Methodist Women, then to 2017 Mission u for online registration. The Scholarship form can be found at the same online location, but proceed to Other Forms. If for any reason you have a problem or questions, please contact the 2017 Mission u Dean, Laura Wilson or Assistant Dean, Jackie Vazquez. All are welcome to attend. Enjoy this transformative learning through study, dancing, singing, and sharing with UMW friends! Our UMW covenant is to be in mission to women, youth and children in our local church, nation, and to the world. Learn how you can transform yourself and others by putting your faith, hope and love into action. Blessings, Laura Wilson Jackie Vazquez Mission u Dean Mission u Asst. Dean ( ) ( ) bellflaura@aol.com jv0624@hotmail.com

19 19 HOW DO I REGISTER? Complete the appropriate registration form in this brochure and mail by June 15, 2017 along with the registration fee. Your check is to be made payable to CAL-PAC UNITED METHODIST WOMEN and mailed to: Elizabeth McKibben, Registrar 2060 Wheeler Drive, Monterey Park, CA (323) / bethmckibben@gmail.com CHECK# AMOUNT $ For Registrar Only Date postmarked: Due to the limited space, NO walk-ins will be accepted. Deadline for ALL reservations and is June 15, Registration is not complete until payment is received. REGISTRATIONS postmarked after June 15, 2017 will be assessed a late fee of $25.00 NOTE: MISSION u event fees paid for a registrant may be transferred to another provided the registrar is notified by June 15, If registration is cancelled, fees shall be refunded, with the exception of $25.00 retained for administrative costs, if the Registrar is notified at least fourteen (14) days prior to the opening day of the MISSION u. Dean: Laura Wilson / bellflaura@aol.com Assistant Dean: Jackie Vazquez / jv0624@hotmail.com Cal-Lutheran is a non-smoking facility STUDY OFFERINGS Living as a Covenant Community The 2017 Spiritual Growth Study examines major covenants throughout the Bible and what they reveal about God's character and eternal love for us. This study will enhance your understanding of how God works with us, in us, and through us. Missionary Conferences of the UMC in the U.S. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the three missionary conferences in the United Methodist Church: Alaska UMC, Red Bird Missionary Conference, and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. The study explores church history alongside US history in these regions, our ability to both welcome and marginalize those we consider different from ourselves, and the ways which the church comes together to welcome and support our sisters and brothers through creative and authentic ministry. Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action Call to Hope and Action will deepen your understanding and awareness of climate change and its impact on God s creation. The study highlights justice, peace, and integrity of creation as important dimensions of partnering in God s mission today. Bridging Class The make-up of the bridging class is intentionally intergenerational on a one-to-one basis. Our hope is to encourage young matched one-to-one with persons 23 and up to attend MISSION u and help them discover the gifts of community and Christ which they have to offer as they learn and grow together. The Study will be Living as a Covenant Community. Youth/Children Studies focus on The Missionary Conferences In this mission study, youth/children will explore the three United Methodist missionary conferences: Alaska United Methodist, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, and Red Bird Missionary Conferences. This study will open the first of many doors into the world of mission for young people participating in the study. California-Pacific United Methodist Women 2017 MISSION u July 6-8, 2017 Korean July 7-9, 2017 English/Spanish/Tongan Learning Together for the Transformation of the World CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY 60 West Olsen Road Thousand Oaks, CA WHAT IS MISSION u? MISSION u is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

20 20 SESSION DATES JULY 6-8 FOR KOREAN LANGUAGE JULY 7-9 ENGLISH, SPANISH & TONGAN Onsite check-in begins at 12:00 p.m. *The English Language Participants will attend only ONE study class. Please select a first and second choice. Living as a Covenant Community Climate Change Missionary Conferences of the UMC in the U.S Living as a Covenant Community (Spanish) Living as a Covenant Community( Tongan) Living as a Covenant Community (Korean) Missionary Conferences of the UMC(Korean) REGISTER EARLY! Is this your first time to MISSION u? Yes / No PLEASE SPECIFY SPECIAL DISABILITY CONCERNS: Please send my confirmation letter by: Mail Roommate Option #1 Roommate Option #2 *Please purchase your book by visiting the UMW Mission Resources Online REGISTRATION DEADLINE JUNE 15, 2017 Please let us know if you are a: Conference Officer District Officer ADULT & BRIDGING REGISTRATION FORM I will attend the following session: (Cost $275.00) English Language Korean Language Tongan Language Spanish Language Bridging (17-22) Bridging (23+) NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CELL PHONE CHURCH DISTRICT EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON AND RELATIONSHIP: PHONE I AM CHAPERONE FOR: NAME OF YOUTH: YOUTH/CHILDREN REGISTRATION FORM CIRCLE AGE GROUP AGES: 7-11 (Children) (Youth) COST: $ NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CELL PHONE CHURCH DISTRICT EMERGENCY CONTACT PERSON AND RELATIONSHIP: PHONE CHURCH DISTRICT PLEASE SPECIFY SPECIAL DISABILITY CONCERNS: MY CHAPERONE IS: CHAPERONE'S CELL: CHILDCARE DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2017 AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE. RESERVATION REQUIRED, $25.00 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT PER CHILD ON A SEPARATE CHECK. CONFIRMATION WILL BE PROVIDED NAME AGE NAME OF PARENT ATTENDING:

21 21 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CALIFORNIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE 2017 Application for Partial Scholarship to Attend Mission u Partial Scholarships of $150 are available to provide financial assistance to women within our Conference who are seeking a spiritual, educational, and supportive community experience. Applications are available to any Woman living within our Conference. Name Phone Address City, State, Zip 18 or older District Church Language Please Provide in 250 words or less: 1. Why you would like to attend Mission u? 2. Why you need the Scholarship? 3. How you will share this experience? Please use additional paper. Put your name at the top of EVERY additional page. ALL applications Must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2017 Please complete this form and send it to: Sophia Blankson, Malagon Drive, Fontana, CA sblankson@sbcglobal.net **Have you applied for and/or received any other scholarships for the 2017 Mission u, if so from whom and for what amount? **Have you received a scholarship from the Conference to attend Mission u (or School of Christian Mission) in the past? YES / NO ALL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE BEEN AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP. THEY WILL BE NOTIFIED IN SUFFICIENT TIME TO SEND IN THEIR MISSION U REGISTRATION FORM. If their Mission u registration form is NOT postmarked by the Mission u deadline of June 15, 2017, the scholarship is FORFEITED.

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23 23 LEGACY CAMPAIGN FUND California-Pacific United Methodist Women Name: Address/City/Zip: Church: District As an expression of my commitment to United Methodist Women and the mission work that we are involved in around the world, I/we hereby make my/our personal pledge of $ toward the United Methodist Women s Legacy Fund Campaign. I/We wish to fulfill this commitment by the following payment of cash and/or check. Please indicate your pledge payment schedule: $ to be paid over a period of : One time Monthly Quarterly Annual First payment will be on: MM/DD/YYYY Signature Today s Date I wish my pledge to be made in: Name of person Honoring Memory of This is a gift for our Legacy Fund Annual Day of Giving on March 23 of this year, in the amount of $ Make checks payable to: [Your Local] United Methodist Women. Local treasurers send this original form, keeping a copy for yourself, for each person pledging with your check to: Your District Treasurer** **District Treasurers: Send original forms and money for the Legacy Campaign Fund to your UMW Conference Treasurer monthly. Keep copy for your records. If you are attending a District or Conference Event presently, write your check to them with Legacy on your memo line. Years in Mission United Methodist Women members and friends may consider giving $15 or $150 or even $1,500, in recognition of our upcoming 150 th anniversary, or $18.69 or $ or even $1,869, in recognition of the year of United Methodist Women s founding. These are suggestions. Give as the Lord leads you. Legacy Campaign Fund Form Revised October 2016

24 M. Theresa Basile, Cal-Pac UMW Social Action Coordinator (323) with their immigrant neighbors. For more info, contact Rev. Fred Morris, Chair: Learn more: VOLUNTEER FOR IMMIGRATION CLINICS! Cal-Pac Neighborhood Immigration Clinics provide access to reliable, free immigration services such as: Know Your Rights Seminars, services from qualified attorneys, and more! Sat, April 29 Claremont UMC; Sat, May 20 North Hills UMC Center; Saturday, June 17 Huntington Park UMC Use this link to learn more and volunteer: January 25, 2017 Harriett J. Olson, UMW chief executive, joined with interfaith leaders to oppose a proposed U.S. ban on refugees and immigrants based on their national origin or religion. Ms. Olsen said "Today, we affirm this history by calling on the United States to protect men, women and children fleeing war, famine, drought or persecution. We denounce calls to refuse refugees based on national origin and to turn away Muslim refugees. Our nation has a moral obligation to welcome refugees in numbers commensurate with the need, rather than excluding persons in need due to fear or xenophobia. Read more United Methodists are speaking in unity on this issue: GBCS Stands With Immigrants and Refugees See the statement GCORR Statement on Compassion and Justice for Immigrants and Refugees Read it Ecumenical Declaration: Protecting Welcome, Restoring Hope - A bold and powerful declaration, signed by the President of the Council of Bishops, UMC. See the declaration In March 2017, United Methodists from the five U.S. jurisdictions came to Washington, D.C. for an Interagency Immigration Task Force national gathering. United Methodist Women was there, and so was staff from the Cal-Pac conference. Take a peek into what their three days of fellowship, strategizing and prayer looked like! Great 2 ½ min video The Cal-Pac Immigration Task Force Our mission is to welcome our immigrant neighbors by offering warm hospitality, reliable legal services, and relevant policy and advocacy information. We strive to assist local churches in developing positive relationships Flanked by a police escort, women prepare to begin a march in New York City marking International Women s Day. (Photo: Linda Bloom, UMNS) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN S DAY March 8, 2017 United Methodist Women (UMW) was among five organizations coordinating the march and rally near the United Nations. The rally focused on protection and support of human rights for women. Read more at GBCS TAKING THE LEAD FOR PEACE March 16, 2017 What began as an effort by United Methodist Women in 2015 to bring Ukrainian and Russian women together to talk peace has evolved into a permanent regional forum called the Women s Peace Dialogue Platform, a side event for the 61st Session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. Read more at UMNS

25 A BIG FILM ABOUT A SMALL TOWN One of the most remarkable and moving documentaries I have seen. Jon Snow, Bri3sh TV news anchor APRIL 4 TH 6:00 pm Christ Cathedral campus, Garden Grove. Christ (Crystal) Cathedral welcomes the community during the Holy Season of Lent to turn their attention to the plight of little City of Bethlehem and the suffering Christians who live today in Christ s birthplace. Award-winning film, followed by discussion with the acclaimed filmmaker, Ms. Leila Sansour. Learn more and get tickets Watch the trailer GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION FOR FOOD AND JUSTICE, APRIL 8 TH In a seven-month drought in 2016, with no government assistance for those in need, farmers barricaded a highway in a plea for rice from the local governement in Kidapawan, Mindanao, Philippines. Instead they were met with bullets: at least three were killed, 18 severely injured, and close to 100 wounded. They sought refuge in Spottswood United Methodist Center, home of the UMC Davao Episcopal Area. For three days, police blockaded the United Methodist Center, refusing to let in food and urgent medical assistance. Read about the UMC bishop honored as United Methodist of the Year for his role in helping the farmers. (continued) The Cal-Pac Philippines Task Force asks us to join in fasting for justice for 24 hours on April 8th AND to donate what we would have spent on our food that day to support the Filipino farmers. Make checks payable to: Cal-Pac Conference UMC, (put Taskforce Philippines on Memo line). Mail to: Cal-Pac Conference Office, Attn: JCEMT Rev. David Farley, PO Box 6006 Pasadena, CA For more information contact Joy Prim: or pfeifferswimmer09@gmail.com Learn more: LOVE IN MOTION: YOUTH ECO-JUSTICE RETREAT April North Oxnard UMC A weekend of connecting with God, neighbor, and soil through service, community building & eco-education. Learn more at loveinmotionretreat.weebly.com or contact Ben Camp: ben.bhumc@gmail.com THE PEOPLE S CLIMATE MARCH April 29 TH National / California & Hawaii Laity and clergy of many denominations including United Methodists will bring a strong Christian witness to this national event. Join the marches in our states! Los Angeles, Pershing Square 9:00 AM Los Angeles, Banning Park 11:00 AM Irvine 2:00 PM Ventura 11:00 AM Riverside 10:00 Oak View 10:00 AM Honolulu 10:00 AM. Get details on the march nearest you: peoplesclimate.org/sister-marches/ See UMW s Climate Justice work & resources: United Methodist Caretakers for God s Crea3on April 28th Arlington, VA Learn more: Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) 14 th Annual Breakfast Photo: Bishop Rodolfo Juan, center, and Rev. Rubynell Estrella lead a candlelight prayer service at Central United Methodist Church in Manila for farmers caught in a violent protest at Spottswood UMC. May 25 th 8:00 am St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Los Angeles Hundreds of United Methodists and fellow faith advocates for economic justice will gather for an invigorating morning event to honor justice giants in our communities and support CLUE. Learn more and get tickets:

26 26 SUPPORT OUR NATIONAL MISSIONS Report from Susannah Wesley Community Center, Honolulu Competency-Based Community School Diploma Program In partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Education, Susannah Wesley Community Center offers a Competency-Based Community School Diploma Program (CBase) that provides a valid process for young adults years of age who do not have a high school diploma to earn a diploma through an alternative community-based education program. The purpose is to empower adult learners to become functionally literate, contributing members of the community, effective family members and productive workers. Over eight months the students gain competency in the areas of Community Resources, Consumer Economics, Government and Law, Health, and Occupational Knowledge. Students are also required to complete and provide verification for 100 hours of work or volunteer experience completed over a 3 month period. Graduation is special for students who were not successful, for whatever reason, in the traditional school system when they are given a second chance to apply themselves to earn a high school diploma.

27 27 When we attend the monthly board meetings, as your representatives, to Calexico Neighborhood House we are often asked to transport donations from local UMW groups and individuals: November Christmas gifts for children, December quilts from Lemon Grove UMW, February 4 large boxes of children s books from San Diego First UMW. These gifts plus the money contributions that many South District and Ca-Pac members give are greatly appreciated. Yet the gifts to our missions go beyond us locally. Just last month in the report for our Calexico Neighborhood House board was a letter from the National UMW office that made me proud of every mission giving member in our organization. Here are parts of the letter At its 2016 annual meeting, Unite Methodist Women s board of directors approved the 2017 budget. The approved annual funding for your institution is $22,984. Connecting applications to one or more of United Methodist Women s four social justice priority areas is encouraged. These include: Climate Justice Maternal and Child Health Criminalization of Communities of Color Economic Injustice In Ricardo Ortega s reply he stated: The mission of Neighborhood House of Calexico is to follow God s calling to love one another, to bring together individuals and resources, to provide leadership, to advocate for community betterment, to meet the needs of the less fortunate, and give voice to individuals, who would otherwise remain invisible and silent. This grant will be used to provide shelter to homeless women and children as well as support to provision of emergency food to low-income families. Thank you UMW women. Submitted by Diane Vogan and Polly Petersen U M C O R Immigration Disaster Response

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29 29 Welcome new Conference Team Members Maribelle Ermitanio Dumlao, Language Coordinator, Filipino/Tagalog I am Maribelle Ermitanio Dumlao. It is both an honor and privilege to be the first Filipino (Tagalog) Language Coordinator for the California Pacific Conference UMW, and UMW President of our local church, First Filipino American United Methodist Church of San Gabriel Valley which is under the East District Conference. During my first year of being a UMW President, my involvement with our local church and district meetings gave me the opportunity to learn and educate myself about the mission of the United Methodist Women. I also had the opportunity to attend Voices 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee last month and met some of the UMW members from all over the United States, including the four Missionaries who shared their missions and experiences in Africa. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you especially our Filipino Sisters in Christ and with God's blessing, may our work be acceptable in His sight through our Faith, Hope and In Love. M. Theresa Basile, Social Action My name is M. Theresa Basile, and I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as Social Action Coordinator for Cal-Pac UMW. When I joined our church in 1995, UMW and social action work were the first things I dived into. Early on, I also discovered Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) and served as a Cal-Pac MFSA officer for the last two decades. I owe so much to fellow believers who have taught me about our calling as Christians, especially that it includes standing with the most vulnerable and transforming our global village to be more just, more peaceful, more loving, more life-affirming. My social action experience has spanned diverse issues, including workers rights, compassionate immigration policies, caring for God s creation, racism in our society and our church, a just peace for the people of the Holy Land, and full inclusion in our church for our LGBTQ sisters and brothers. Over the last 22 years, I've served the church in many other capacities, in my home church, the district, and the Cal-Pac conference. I have a mixed ethnic heritage that I love: second generation Lebanese-American on my father s side and Scottish/English/Irish roots going back to the American Revolution on my mother s side. I grew up in the suburbs of New York City, lived in several other states, and then moved to California in 1989, first working as a graphic designer and writer and eventually moving into communications work. Today I m employed in communications positions with two social action organizations, one United Methodist and one ecumenical. Did you know UMW has its own newsletter? It is a free 8-page newspaper highlighting recent events and issues happening within the organization and with its members. Subscribe online at:

30 30 From the Secretary Conference Directory Updates Page Information 11 Jane Stewart: change address to 49 Delete President Angel Copland-Wolf and info, change to new president: Sylvia Gormley P. O. Box 1485, Victorville, CA Sandra Winston: change address to Grace Han: change address to 9536 Park St., Bellflower, CA Linda Smith: change telephone to address to 1065 Lomita Blvd., Harbor City, CA SPIRITUAL GROWTH: delete Retha Meredith s name and information Change to OPEN 79 COMMUNICATIONS: delete Christine Gilbert s name and information Change to Anizette Lingad Anizette13@gmail.com N. Hoover St., #205, Los Angeles, CA SOCIAL ACTION: delete Cindy Waterson s name and info Change to Retha Meredith r-meredith@sbcglobal.net W. 156 th St., Compton, CA SAMOAN LANGUAGE COORDINATOR: delete Sauiluma Stone s name and info Change to OPEN Subscribe to Pacific Waves, the voice of our Conference UMW Team. Published in: January April June September Pacific Waves is FREE with an subscription. All you need to do is send an with your full name and telephone number, church and district to: Janet Townsend, Communications Coordinator, at: jtowns0530@aol.com or umwcalpaccommunications@gmail.com Pacific Waves 2017 Subscription form mail to Conference UMW Treasurer Please print all information Name: Address: City: State Zip+4 Phone: Church: District: Amount Enclosed _$ Check # Date received by Conference Treasurer:

31 31 Cal-Pac Conference United Methodist Women 2017 MISSION TODAY CRITERIA To become a Mission Today Local Organization, the Local Organization (LO will be used instead of Local Organization below) must meet EIGHT (8) of the following criteria, including a minimum of FOUR (4) of those marked with an Asterisk (*). Return To Your District Mission Education Coordinator no later than December 1, Mission Ed. Coord. Name, Address, Local Organization Name, Contact Name, / Phone: * Use the Prayer Calendar at EACH general meeting of the LO to pray for persons in mission & for our mission work with women, children, & youth. * The LO will lead their members in the UMW purpose EACH meeting. * The LO will make and meet its pledge to mission. * The LO will add at least TWO members to its roll. * The LO will have at least TWO members subscribing to response magazine. (Order from the Mission Resource Center) * The LO will use TWO programs from the Program Book for UMW each year. * The LO, circle, or subgroup will conduct at least ONE Mission Study a year. (Contact your Dist. or Conf. to learn what the studies and textbooks are for each year). * The LO will implement the Charter for Racial Justice Policies in at least TWO ways during the year. Suggested plans of action: 1. ENCOURAGING a joint Vacation Bible School. 2. ENCOURAGING pulpit exchanges. 3. SHARING joint worship services on special occasions. 4. ENCOURAGING support for equal employment practices in the church & community. 5. CONTACT your Conference Committee on the Charter for Racial Justice Policies for further action plans. The LO will ADD or ENCOURAGE their LO s Young Women s or Youth Circle. The LO will ADD or ENCOURAGE their LO s Language Group Circle. HOLD a joint LO meeting with a LO of a different racial/ethnic background, using programs from the Program Book. DEVELOP a bi-racial/cultural or multi-racial/cultural Koinonia group. At least ONE member of the LO other than a Conf. or Dist. officer will attend the Conference or District School of Christian Mission. Page 1

32 32 At least TWO members of the LO other than a Conf. or Dist. officer will attend the District or Conference Annual Celebration. At least TWO members of the LO will attend any Young Women s Event in the Cal-Pac Conference. At least FIVE members of the LO will attend any event with emphasis on UMW 101 or any Language event in the Cal-Pac Conference. The LO will have at least ONE person join the United Methodist Women s Action Network to receive & respond to legislative information. (To join, call the Women's Division Washington Office at (202) or write to UMW Action Network, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Suite 530, Washington, D.C ). Members shall write to FIVE persons listed in the Prayer Calendar at least twice a year. The LO will participate in the Campaign for Children in at least TWO ways. Possibilities for action: 1. HELP sponsor a church or community program related to children and youth needs. 2. SPONSER a Children's Sabbath, promoted by the Children's Defense Fund. 3. GET INVOLVED with children in mentoring, tutoring, and "big sisters" programs. 4. WRITE letters, , or call Congressional representatives and/or others in government regarding children's issues. 5. LEARN how our schools are funded. The LO will BE a Five Star LO, contributing to ALL FIVE channels of Mission Giving. Each LO, circle, or subgroup will INCLUDE a mission moment where an article from response or New World Outlook magazines will be lifted up as a way to tell the mission story. Have at least TWO persons from the LO, circle, or subgroup complete one of the Reading Program Plans and report on at least ONE of the books read. The LO will invite a Dist. or Conf. officer, other than a member of the LO, to ONE of the LO meetings during the year. Make a PLEDGE to care for God s creation and become a Green UMW LO (How to Become a Green LO at umwonline.org/enviroment or contact Women s Division Office of Community Action). HOLD a Mini Spiritual Growth Retreat (For addition information contact the Women s Division Office of Spiritual Formation and Mission Theology). The LO will have at least TWO persons visit one of the national mission sites within the Cal-Pac Conference. Other Mission Work: Page 2

33 Return to: Committee on Nominations - Carrie Garrett, 1433 Everton Place, Riverside, CA 92507, carrie9220@att.net P a c i f i c W a v e s, A p r i l Gifts & Graces Inventory Potential Leaders Information Form (to be completed by potential leader) Type or Print (attach additional sheets as necessary) Date: Name: Address: Telephone: (hm) (wk) Member of Local Church: District: Age: 20 s 30 s 40 s 50 s 60 s 70 s 80 s Languages Spoken: Racial/Ethnic Group: Employed: No Part Time Full Time Professional skills, job experience Office(s) held in United Methodist Women: Local District Conference Jurisdiction Office Date of Service Additional experience on the local, district, conference or general church level (other than United Methodist Women), or in the community: How will your spiritual journey strengthen your commitment to serve on the Conference Leadership Team?

34 34 From Your Editor As I wind up this newsletter, I reflect back on part of my life journey, both in UMW and my faith. I was raised in Wesley UMC Riverside. I have only been Methodist but there was a time when just being Methodist was not enough. Where to go from there? That s about the time I joined UMW so I could learn more about UMW involvement in missions. (Joining has also brought me into closer relationship with my UMW sisters). At UMW meetings we often sing Here I Am, Lord. The day I received an about a district mission trip to Mississippi, this song was in my head. I was being called. I gathered up my courage, made a phone call, and off I went. This was quite an Open My Eyes experience. Communication comes in many forms both from us and to us. The songs we sing are communicating to us faith, spirit, love, praise. But to be effective there must be an invitation. Invite a friend to UMW. You could be changing a life. Praise be to God! Janet Townsend Communications Coordinator jtowns0530@aol.com umwcalpaccommunications@gmail.com (h) (c) Deadline is May 15, for June 2017 issue of Pacific Waves Publish Month Article Deadline Distribution Date January 2017 December 15, 2016 January 5, 2017 April 2017 March 15, 2017 April 5, 2017 June 2017 May 15, 2017 June 5, 2017 September 2017 August 15, 2017 September 5, 2017 To subscribe to Pacific Waves, refer to the form on page 30.

35 35 Table of Contents President 1 Vice President 3 Secretary 6 Treasurer 8 Comm. on Nominations 10 Our Purpose The organized 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. Mission Coordinators: Mission Education 11 Membership 12 Program Resources 14 Social Action 24 Spiritual Growth 13 Communications Language Coord. Tongan 16 Limitless 5 Mission u 18 Limitless 5 Annual Conference UMW Lunch 4 Assembly Legacy 15 Calexico Neighborhoood 27 Methodist Hospital Report 7 Susannah Wesley CC Report 26 Forms and Flyers: Gifts and Graces form 33 Legacy Campaign form 23 Methodist Hospital New Rehab 28 Unit Campaign Mission u registration form 19 Scholarship Application English 21 Scholarship ApplicationSpanish 22 Light of the World From Creative Commons website Mission Today form 31 Pac. Waves Subscription 30 CALENDAR 2 Published by United Methodist Women, California-Pacific Conference Communications Coordinator, Janet Townsend Verbena Drive, Riverside, CA 92504, umwcalpaccommunications@gmail.com