The Cascadian Spirit Cascadia District United Methodist Women May 2014 Cascadia District Officers President: Nadine Gilmore 157 McLoughlin Dr., Woodburn, OR 97071; H.: 503-981-6558; cell: 503-951- 7931; nadine.m.gilmore@gmail.com Vice President: Judi Day 362 Sunnymeade Ct., Jefferson, OR 97352; 541-327-7802; cell: 541-974- 7743; widay64@aol.com Secretary: Sue Hicks PO Box 1133, Astoria, OR 97103; 503-325-9013; rosiebo@charter.net Treasurer; Judith Bowden 615 SE Tumbleweed Ln, Madras, OR 97741; 541-475-7414; kiddo97741@yahoo.com Prog. Resources: Kay Gooding 16743 SW Jordan Way, Tigard, OR 97224; 503-624-0627; kayn1939@hotmail.com Communications: Sue Chambers 616 Camden Ln, Newberg, OR 97132; 503-538-2633; suetnt@comcast.net Chair Com. on Nom.: Linda Langham 1000 Wilsonville Rd. #82, Newberg, OR 97132 503-949-0440; linda.langham@gmail.com Mission Coordinators: Ed. & Interpret: Shirley Cross 1970 Broadway NE, Salem, OR 97301; 503-580-0841; sambrusie@comcast.net Social Action: Vacant Mem. Nurt. & Outreach; Lorraine Bjork 20140 NE Dopp Rd., Newberg, OR 97132; 503-538-3215; bjorklandb@gmail.com Spiritual Growth: Ruth Buntele 602 S Hembree St., McMinnville, OR 97128; 503-434-8505; jruth602@aol.com Let There Be Peace! For those of us who were able to attend Cascadia District s EMEE (Every Member Enrichment Event) in February, we found an origami Peace Crane at the head of our place setting for lunch. These were lovingly made by Lois Walton, Newberg. This crane story originates from a young Japanese girl, Sadako Sasaki, who was 2 years old when she was exposed to radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. Legend has it that if you were to fold 1,000 cranes, you could be granted a wish.. She had folded over 600 when she died at age 12 of leukemia. In 1958 a statue of Sadako holding a golden crane was unveiled in the Hiroshima Peace Park with an inscription on the bottom: This is our cry, this is our prayer, Peace in the world. A 12 year old wanting more than anything else, for all of us to have peace in our world! How wise she was! She truly lived far longer than her 12 chronological years. Well, I want peace in our world, in our state, in my community and in my church. So why to I so often feel upset, frustrated with others and myself, and feel like I don t always belong anywhere? Many times I find myself reading John 14:27 where John tells ME that Jesus said, I am leaving you with a gift peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn t like the peace the world gives so don t be troubled or afraid. (NLT) It seems to be so much easier to listen to and talk about the criticism, frustrations, lack of cooperation, those who abuse the system for their own goals, etc., etc., etc. BUT it isn t because there is a lack of positive information out there about us as people. I believe it is because those stories don t sell newspapers and magazines and tell us to tune in for the latest news story, So how can we resolve this within ourselves? Two verses of a song say it best for me: 1. I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have gifted you and ask you now to shine. I will not abandon you; all my promises are true. You are gifted, called, and chosen; you are mine. 2. I know you will need my touch as you go; feel it pulsing in creation s ebb and flow. Like the woman reaching out, choosing faith in spite of doubt, hold the hem of Jesus robe, then let it go Let go and let God May you continue to experience the peace that only God can provide as we search for ways we, as United Methodist Women, can make a difference in this world to benefit all women, youth and children. Mahatma Gandhi once said: There is no way to peace. Peace is the way! I send you God s Blessing and peace with many prayers and thankfulness for each of you in my life. Nadine
Page 2 The Cascadian Spirit May 2014 Shepherding Units Barbara Alexander Banks, Carus, LeeWood Lorraine Bjork: Canby, Tigard, Tualatin Judith Bowden: Bend, Fossil, John Day, Madras Ruth Buntele: Sheridan, Sherwood, Stayton Sue Chambers: Forest Grove, Tillamook Shirley Cross: Astoria, Keizer-Clear Lake, Woodburn Judi Day : Morningside, Salem-Trinity Nadine Gilmore: Jefferson, McCabe Chapel, Hillsboro Kay Gooding: Molalla, Newberg Sue Hicks Bay City, Nehalem Bay, Seaside Penny Higgins: Clarks, Marquam Linda Langham: Mt. Home, Wilsonville Lynda Sloan: Monmouth, Salem 1st Mission u 2014 George Fox University, Newberg, OR: July 10-13 Learning Together for Transformation of the World How is it with your soul? taught by Rev. Sandra Kimbrow and Sheila Sundahl, framed within the four verbs, pray, learn, mentor and transform, examines the historical setting of tha important question in Methodist class and band meetings and their perspective from different cultural contexts The Roma of Europe The Church and People with Disabilities with Rev. Jainie DeLaunay and Dr. Roger Boe as leaders, includes topics of Awareness, Accessibility and Advocacy range from Biblical perspectives, overviews of living with and adapting to varying disabilities, completion of an accessibility audit, and multi-sensory worship and education Helen Van Nice is again leading this study in its second year. This history of the Roma explores their treatment in contemporary European culture, their lifestyle and their spirituality, and how others work with them. Friday afternoon will feature four focus areas: > Wesley class meetings > Roma community in the Northwest > An agency providing services for people with disabilities > Charter for Racial Justice and a hands-on work project: gardening at Newberg FUMC community garden See page 3 for Mission u registration form Need help with tuition? See page 10 for district scholarship form. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Ubuntu PLUS at Mission u 2014 is an event on Sat., 7/12, that offers a one-day learning opportunity and service for those unable to participate in either the two or four day Mission u event. We have something for EVERYONE this year! See page 8 for Ubuntu registration form
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Page 4 The Cascadian Spirit May 2014 Tidbits from District Officers Judi Day, Vice President Welcome Springtime! Our weather has certainly been an interesting mix so far this winter and spring! As I look out the window, today, it is overcast with showers off and on. But we DO live in the Northwest and God will shower us with warmer, sunnier skies soon enough! Our district team has been busy planning future events, including our Sept. Annual Meeting at Seaside. We are also planning another one in the Mid-Willamette Valley the following week, Oct. 4. More details to come. The Annual Meeting will feature Anita Padilla, Exec. Dir. of Women At The Well, Grace House, in Salem. This is a Christ-centered, faith-based traditional home for women without dependents and provides a place and resources for them to get back on track with their lives in a supportive, caring and healing manner. Grace House is a new hope for these women. Consider this (Upper Room): Recall a time when you felt alone and as if your life were falling apart. How did you handle the situation and how did you feel? Next, make a list of all your blessings. (Don t overlook the small yet important things that God blesses us with.) I look forward to seeing you again or meeting you for the first time at Mission u and/or one of our annual meetings in September/October. With Joy for Jesus. Judi Day Judith Bowden, Treasurer Mission Giving, the foundation for the mission work through United Methodist Women. The FIVE CHANNELS OF GIVING support this work through: our Pledge to Mission, Special Mission Recognition, Gift to Mission, Gift in Memory and World Thank Offering. Canby, Forest Grove, Newberg, Tigard and Tualatin units gave in all five areas in 2013. Thank You!!! Special Mission Recognition: Please allow 6 weeks for your order. Gift to Mission: Contact me to purchase a card with a gift of $5 to mission. The Solar Ovens for the Haiti project touched our hearts with a giving of $902.65 at EMEE. As we turn the knobs to cook with our stoves, remember to send a prayer for the women in Haiti who are learning to cook with the sun. A remittance form must be included with all money that is sent from your unit. Please contact me if more forms are needed. Checks MUST be made to: CASCADIA DISTRICT UMW and should not include my name. Remittances sent the next 3 quarters must reach me by: 2nd June 5; 3rd Sept. 5; 4th Dec. 5. Don t forget to send me a copy of your financial audit. Thank you to all treasurers for accepting this important responsibility for your unit. Please become familiar with Section III Local Finances (p. 67-80) in the 2013-2016 United Methodist Women Handbook. Judith FAITH HOPE LOVE IN ACTION
January 2014 The Cascadian Spirit Page 5 Linda Langham, Chair Committee on Nominations Col. 3:15:...And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. HAPPY SPRING! Cascadia Dist. is going strong but this is a year of transition. Nadine Gilmore, Pres. Is completing her final year serving as are a number of our other leadership team members. The Nominating Committee needs YOUR HELP! The Committee (Barbara Alexander, Vicki Bastion, Penny Higgins, Lynda Sloan and myself) have an enormous task ahead of us.sept. will soon be upon us and we will need to present a new LEADERSHIP SLATE for the offices of: PRESIDENT SECRETARY SPIRITUAL GROWTH EDUCATION & INTERPRETATION SOCIAL ACTION COMMUNICATIONS MNO (Membership Nurture & Outreach) As Chair of the Committee on Nominations, I urge you to become involved by: NOMINATING COM. MEM. ~~ fill out the GETTING TO KNOW YOU INFO FORM (PP. 11-12) and send to me (see p. 1 for add.) ~~ prayerfully consider running for one of the above offices and/or ~~ offer recommendations of others who might consider serving in a position ~~ support the Leadership Team with prayers, thoughts and participation. Thank you wishing you all a Spring filled with joy! Linda Langham Ruth Buntele, Spiritual Growth Spring arrived on March 20th and the weather is following its usual pattern. We have some warm, sunny weather for a couple of days, followed by a week of rain, followed by freezing temperatures and the, hopefully, some more warm, sunny days. There are some women and children in this world whose lives don t ever see the sun. To them, it always seems like it s raining. When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, he told Peter to feed His sheep and to feed His lambs. Jesus continues to call out to us: Feed my sheep..feed my lambs. As women of the cross, Jesus calls to us saying, Follow me! May the joy and blessing of Easter by yours. Ruth Buntele
Page 6 The Cascadian Spirit May 2014 Kay Gooding, Program Resources Why Read? To: Expand our understanding and role in God s mission; Increase our sensitivity to all humans; Encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today; Grow in our understanding of scripture as it relates to Christian faith in everyday life; and Strengthen our involvement in local and global Christian mission. The five categories leadership development, education for mission, nurturing for community, social action and spiritual growth include books from 2010 through 2014 that qualify for the different levels. One of the books I have enjoyed, King Peggy by Peggielene Bartels and Eleanor Herman, is a true story about a secretary in Washington, D.C., who is chosen King of her village in Ghana. It is an interesting and funny tale that shows how one woman was able to improve her village of 7,000 while still living in the U.S. Questions? Contact me at 503-624-0627 or kayn1939@hotmail.com. Kay Gooding Some day I would like to visit that black church in Kansas City where, we are told, they have this slogan in their bulletin: Wake up, sing up, preach up, pray up, stay up, pay up, but never give up or back up or shut up until the cause of Christ in the church and in this world is built up! (Holy Humor) Shirley Cross, Education and Interpretation Just a Reminder Ladies, remember that we are able to use either the Oregon/Idaho Conference UMWCharter Club (see p. 15) or the Mission Today Criteria for a Mission Today Unit (see pp. 13-14) for this year, 2014. I will let you know if the choice is extended more. [See also article on p. 7] Like many of our district officers, I am president of my local unit. At our next meeting we will be discussing both of these forms to be sure we are on target for one. If there was a special hit in your unit, please let me know so I can share it with others. Shirley Cross I asked for many good things so that I might enjoy life God game me life so that I might enjoy many good things.
May 2014 The Cascadian Spirit Page 7 Sue Chambers, Communications Isn t modern technology great? Now, instead of snail-mailing all copies of the Cascadian Spirit to the tune of almost $300 an issue (printing and postage) it can be sent out much faster and, with only just over 30 snailmails, the cost is now under $50 an issue. Not to mention that those receiving it via email can see it in all its splendid color! Yet I wonder just how good we are at reading and sharing it with others in our units. (We now send only to the Pres., VP, Sec y & Treas. or contact person for each unit for them to share with others.) It seems all too often I have had a call/email asking for info, to which I have replied, It s on p...in the last Cascadian Spirit. We get so tied up in the busy-ness of our individual lives that we often skim over, or worse skip important info. Good communication is only as good as BOTH the person sending and the person receiving make it. Please, let s remember to read all and then communicate with our units! Sue Chambers Have Program ~~ Will Travel! In light of recent happenings in the NBA (National Basketball Association) what I was going to include as my officer tidbit I am now going to take the editor s liberty of following up here. Jesus demonstrated through his words and actions that all are children of God and equal in God s eyes. Unfortunately, how timely all this ugliness is with our emphasis on Racial Justice! As some of you are aware, I have developed a program encompassing the Charter for Racial Justice. I have been/will be presenting it at a number of local units. I have now taken it two (2) steps further. 1. Several weeks ago I presented my program at the Crater Lake District EMEE (Every Member Enrichment Event). At the end of my presentation I issued a challenge to them namely that, at the end of 2014, Cascadia District would have more Gold units than they would! (Those of you attending our own EMEE will remember that I warned you I would be doing this.) 2. In addition, I have suggested a new level, the Royal Purple level, where a unit would check off two (2) more areas, thus giving them a total if 8 areas accomplished. [One woman actually came up to me afterwards and said they would be going for the purple because she loves purple!] My program, (+devotions) actually includes all or part of 6 areas on the new, shorter Charter Club list. If I am not available, I would be most happy to email/snail-mail the script so someone in your unit could give it. Racial discrimination has reared it s ugly head, again. We you and I CAN make a difference in our community...let s get to work with education and ACTION!!!! Sue C A member of his congregation told Rev. Warren J. Keating, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Yuma, AZ, that this was the best prayer he ever heard: Dear God, please help me be the person my dog thinks I am.
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May 2014 The Cascadian Spirit Page 9 The Best Kept Secret This is what the School of Christian Mission now know as Mission u is often referred as! Amazing! Because it is chuck-full of in-depth studies (geography, general issues and spiritual growth) every year, inspiring worship, hearty singing and fun fellowship. Have you ever wondered how this all began? Well, of course we know that what we now think of as United Methodist Women was first began in 1869. But did you know that in 1900 a committee was formed for united study to provide reliable information about mission? The new focus differed from previous studies in that they provided reflection among the participants about how they could take action to improve the situation of women around the world, a structure provided by the Federal Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches. The idea of training people to lead the studies began in 1904 and have developed into a very in-depth training, now. In 1998, Global Ministries and Women s Division shared the work, and in 2006 Women s Division basically took over. Topics are chosen 5-7 years prior to be presented, with emphasis on what was and is experienced by the real people for whom Jesus both lived and died. [Info, quotes from Harriett Jane Olson in Joy to the World} After the death of the great 18th-century Methodist evangelist, George Whitefield, a New York woman commented: Mr. Whitefield was so cheerful that it tempted me to become a Christian. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bumper sticker seen on van: IF YOU LOVE JESUS, TITHE! ANYONE CAN HONK! REMINDER: UMRC Birthday Party Dates and Units for the rest of 2014 June 6 Wilsonville July 3 Morningside, Salem August 7 Stayton Sept. 4 LeeWood, Salem October 2 McCabe Nov. 6 Tualatin Dec. 4 Woodburn Questions? Contact Nadine Gilmore (see p. 1 for contact info)
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Page 16 The Cascadian Spirit May2014 United Method Women Western District 616 Camden Lane Newberg, OR 97132 The Cascadian Spirit is a publication of the Cascadia District Leadership Team and is produced tri-annually. See page 1 for a list of the district officers Editor: Sue Chambers 503-538-2633 suetnt@comcast.net Date June 11-14 July 10-13 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 25 UPCOMING EVENTS Event/location UMC Annual Conference: Salem Mission u: George Fox U., Newberg Cascadia Dist. Annual meeting, Seaside Cascadia Dist. Annual meeting, TBA OR/ID UMW Annual Meeting: Eugene FUMC Please report any change of address to the editor Please note: If you are receiving this newsletter but are no longer a UMW officer, please give it to your successor or notify Sue Chambers if you would like to be removed from the mailing list. Changes of address should also be reported as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary returnpostage charges. Thank you. 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 The Cascadian Spirit 616 Camden Lane Newberg, Oregon 97132 Return Service Requested