Mission Messenger Serving Women with a Purpose

Mission Messenger Serving Women with a Purpose Editor, Carolyn Maxey President of Two Conferences Grateful for Experience I am privileged to have served as president of both the North Indiana Conference of United Methodist Women and the new Conference. Our transition year brought a number of dedicated, hard-working women together to hammer out our Standing Rules for the conference and all the districts as well as nominations for the new conference and its ten districts. We learned we could not just assume everyone understood policies and procedures as we knew them. There are times we still struggle with erroneously believing everyone knows what we are talking about and how things are handled. However, the process challenged us to be more open, flexible and above all faithful in our mission of serving women, children and youth at the conference, district and local levels. My greatest reward of serving United Methodist Women in many different positions is the wonderful women I have met throughout the years. I cannot begin to name them all, but I am sure all of you have also worked alongside many wonderful women dedicated to serving Jesus Christ with their God-given talents. United Methodist Women has a wonderful and rich history of serving those less fortunate even when they themselves do not have an abundance to share. Register now for the 2012 retreat of your preference see inside December 2011 Jeanie Changes President s Hat I will not be leaving United Methodist Women completely, but changing president s hats. Beginning January 2012 I will become president of Lucille Raines Residence Board of Directors, trying to fill the rather large shoes of Sandy Ruby, the current president. I look forward to this new venture and know it promises to be a different kind of challenge. Lucille Raines Residence is owned and operated by. We have sole fiduciary responsibility for all building and programming expense. I encourage your continued prayerful and financial support of this three-quarter house that ministers to persons rebuilding their lives from substance abuse. Each United Methodist Women unit is asked to submit a minimal $7.50 per UMW member (this is above mission giving). Second mile giving is encouraged. To learn more about the mission and ministry of Raines, call 317-636-3328 to arrange a TTL (talk, tour and lunch). The residents are always open to visiting with guests and they are so very grateful to you for providing them a safe home as they rebuild their lives and learn to live responsibly and independently substance free. My prayer is that you will continue your support for Carolyn Maxey as she begins her journey as conference president. May God bless you and the entire conference team. Jeanie Park, 2011 President Home: 260-463-3525, Cell 260-463-1197 Jpark@embarqmail.com

Page 2 MISSION MESSENGER December 2011 Where Will Christ Be Found This Advent? In preparation for this Advent season I reflect on the numerous ways and experiences where I have seen Christ along life s journey. I have encountered Christ in family, friends, nature, co-workers, and even strangers. My reflection causes me to remember my lengthy history of service to United Methodist Women and the many faces of Christ I have seen in women and experiences. I am always amazed how God continues to find ways to stretch me and show me His great love and faithfulness. Unequivocally my most valuable lesson is learning to trust God when He calls. Just when I am about to have more time as I complete the term as Communication Coordinator (and what a rewarding experience this has been!), God threw a curve ball and has another game plan for me. I do not know what is in store for me as conference president, but I do know that it is always an exciting adventure together with God s grace and training given to me by United Methodist Women! What an awesome God and organization we serve, and I eagerly anticipate the coming of Christ in many new ways and in many new faces! United Methodist Women are in mission to transform lives, predominately lives of women, children and youth locally, nationally, and areas around the world. Lives are being transformed through processes of spiritual growth, education, leadership training, and skills training that empower persons to make significant contributions to community revitalization. Our work brings hope and wholeness as lives are changed. no voice: women, children, immigrants, victims of HIV/Aids, racism, human trafficking, and domestic violence. What would happen this Advent season if we watch with expectant anticipation to find the Christ child in the faces of those who have no voice. Might God be using you and me? I am grateful for Jeanie Park s leadership as conference president the past four year, two for the new Indiana conference and two in the former North Indiana. From the team, we say thank you and God s riches blessings in your new position! Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! Carolyn Maxey, 2012 Incoming President 219-926-1302; Cell 219-241-0341 Rmaxey1050@aol.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE: President 1 Vice President 3 Reminder for Treasurer 3 National Seminar Bible Study 4 Communications Coord. 2, 4 2012 Conference Officers 5-6 January Spiritual Retreat Registration 7 SOCM Flyer 8 March Spiritual Retreat Registration 9 Legislative Day Flyer 10 March Silent Retreat Registration 11 Women s Division Restructure 12 May Silent Retreat Registration 13 North Central Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting 14 2012 Calendar 15 United Methodist Women work to alleviate social injustices. We are a voice for those who often have

Page 3 MISSION MESSENGER December 2011 In the Season of Gift Giving Why Not Remember You? Are you ready for the approaching season? Are you ready for Christmas and a new year? Christmas, a season of gift giving, tree trimming, entertaining but most of all, Are you are ready to worship the Christ Child? Do you take time to think about your own spiritual needs? want to help you this season we want you to give yourself a gift of spiritual enrichment. Review the 2012 events calendar included in this newsletter. 2012 includes four (4) different life-changing retreats, two spiritual and two guided silent retreats. You are encouraged to attend at least one. The two guided silent retreats both follow the same format and theme, Believe. Vickie Newkirk will facilitate the one in Evansville in March, and Pat Payne will facilitate the one in Tipton in May. Each retreat includes guided Chapel and devotional times, more importantly, each participant has time alone to commune with God. The two Spiritual Growth Retreats are both led by Rev. Derek Weber. One will be in January at McCormick s Creek State Park and the other in March at Epworth Forest. Both events will explore what Living Life that is Life truly means. Together in the community of local, district and conference United Methodist Women, there will be shared learning and a time for making new friends and renewing friendships. Full details for each retreat are found on the four registration forms included in this Mission Messenger. Give yourself a gift this season..select the retreat that best fits your need and time schedule and mail that specific registration prior the deadline for the retreat of your choice. Please be sure to use the correct registration form (there are four retreats in 2012!). God will be delighted that you chose to spend quality time with Him and the supportive community of United Methodist Women friends. Reserve now as space is limited at each location. Attention Treasurers Remit TODAY to be Counted for 2011 2011 UMW of IN Pledge to Mission Giving $500,000 Mission Agencies are Counting On UMW! Sue Shafer, Vice President 765-935-2500 hsshafer@frontier.com

December 2011 MISSION MESSENGER Page 4 Are We Admirers of Christ or Are We Disciples of Christ? Sharing from National Seminar theme, Mission: Reconciliation Restoring Justice, Building Communities Dr. Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, Bible study leader The Bible Study was entitled: The Reconciling Practice of Jesus and of His Disciples throughout the Ages. The kin-dom of God is embodied in the reconciling practices of Jesus and those of his original disciples and the reconciling practices of Jesus disciples throughout the ages. Titles of the Bible studies included: Reconciliation: Central Practice of Jesus Disciples; Reconciliation and Forgiveness: No The topic of Shalom was presented as peace; peace not as the absence of war but as fullness of life. Shalom is a central theme surrounding reconciliation. Grace without Discipleship; Practices of Reconciliation in the Gospels, and Justice as Reconciliatory Practices in the 21 st Century. Highlights shared from II Corinthians 5 were verses 18 20. Verse 18 states all this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. Verse 19 states God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. Verse 20 concludes we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. The definition for reconcile (and forms of it) is to bring about harmony, to find an answer or solution, to come to an agreement: to come together. The goal of the process of reconciliation is to arrive at a shared understanding that together with other shared understandings becomes the common good project. The topic of Shalom was presented as peace; peace not as the absence of war but as fullness of life. Shalom is a central theme surrounding reconciliation. We were asked the question: Are we admirers of Christ or are we Disciples of Christ? The group attending the National Seminar from Indiana included: Alicia Harrison (Conference Social Action Coordinator) Lisa Kelly (West District Education and Interpretation Coordinator), Vickie Newkirk (representing the North Central Jurisdiction Leadership Team) and Rita Gaither-Gant (Women s Division resource person). Members of this group welcome the opportunity to share with local units and districts information regarding Reconciliation in the areas of Climate Change, Domestic Violence, Immigration and or Human Trafficking. About this Issue Submitted By Rita Gaither-Gant GBGM Due to time constraints and upcoming retreat registration deadlines, this issue of Mission Messenger does not include articles from all the conference team. Find registration forms for all four 2012 retreats in this issue. Watch for the full issue coming next year, produced by incoming Communication Coordinator, Anne Bunch. I am excited to have Anne in this role! Thank you, Anne. It has been my pleasure to serve as Communication Coordinator two years for United Methodist Women of Indiana, and two years previously for North Indiana Conference. You have been most supportive and I am grateful. I look forward to serving as the conference president and encourage you to call me if I may help in any way. Carolyn Maxey, Communication Coord. 219-926-1302 rmaxey1050@aol.com

2012 United Methodist Women of Indiana Conference Officers Revised 11/11/2011 President Carolyn Maxey (12-13) 14 E 1050 N, Chesterton, IN 46304 H) 219-926-1302, C) 219-241-0341 rmaxey1050@aol.com Vice President Sue Shafer (10-11) (12-13) 8 S 27th St. Richmond, IN 47374 H) 765-935-2500, C) 765-914-0403 hsshafer@frontier.com Secretary Barbara King J(12-13) 1112 N. DeQuincy St. Indianapolis, IN 46201 H) 317-356-6583 kking31@juno.com Treasurer Sherry Ralston (11-12) 5144 W. Timberwood Dr Newburgh, IN 47630 H) 812-858-9611 sherryhralston@yahoo.com Secretary of Program Resources LaDonna Weber (9-10) (11-12) 5603 Middle Grove Rd. Fort Wayne IN, 46804 H) 260-755-0396, C) 260-444-8036 ladonnarw@aol.com Social Action Alicia Harrison (10-11) (12-13) 9462 Maple Way Indianapolis, IN 46268 H) 317-876-7974 HRALC8@att.net Spiritual Growth Karen Korn (12-13) 7599 E Waldrip Creek Rd Bloomington, IN 47401 H) 812-837-9422 klekorn@aol.com Membership Nurture Outreach To be announced Education & Interpretation Jan Wilcox (11-12) 2218 N 875 W Etna Green, IN 46524 C) 574-858-9648 wilcox.jj57@gmail.com Communication Coordinator Anne Bunch (12-13) 837 Maple Ave. Terre Haute, IN 47804 H) 812-232-7530, C) 812-249-2670 bunchal@frontier.com Young Women s Coordinator Jennifer Meadows 1400 E Hanna Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 C) 812-525-9535 meadowsj@uindy.edu Webmaster LaDonna Weber 5603 Middle Grove Rd. Fort Wayne IN, 46804 H) 260-755-0396, C) 260-444-8036 ladonnarw@aol.com Chair, Committee on Nominations Rosa Bernard 1325 Keensburg Court Indianapolis, IN 46228 H) 317-255-5816 bern1445@aol.com Members Committee on Nominations Bonnie Hansen Class of 2012 NE 816 Buckingham Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46845 H) 260-637-1842 bnbhansen@frontier.com CON Members continued Patsy Holdsworth Class 2012 SE P O Box 32 Versailles, IN 47402 H) 812-689-6520 pfholds@hotmail.com Vauline Wallace Class of 2012 North 6524 E. Third Ave. Gary, IN 46403 H) 219-938-1334, C) 219-743-6024 vauline@att.net Pat Weeks Class of 2013 NC 12038 Clubhouse Dr. Fishers, IN 46038 H) 317-596-1467 C) 317-417-4991 johnandpatweeks@msn.com Barbara Spaulding Class of 2013 South 106 N. Shelby Street Salem, IN 47167 H) 812-883-1958 Saleminumc@frontier.com Patricia Cosby-Wilkins Class 2014 3424 Pennwood Drive New Albany, IN 47150 H) 812-944-5128 Margaret Woody Class of 2014 NW 5142 E. 650 N Crawfordsville, IN 47933 H) 765-794-4508, C) 765-430-8281 mehwoody@hotmail.com Cheryl Cole Class of 2015 East 8501 Lincolnshire Dr. Yorktown, IN 47396 H) 765-759-6712 C) 765-702-1709 Icole10448@aol.com Lexa McCampbell Class of 2015 West 10545 New Ross Road New Ross, IN 47968 H) 765-723-1234 C) 765-366-1131 jlmlgm@tds.net See continuation on page 6

2012 Conference officers continued 2012, continued Racial Justice Committee Carolyn Maxey (President), Chair Alicia Harrison, Social Action Coord. Rosa Bernard (Chair CON) LaDonna Weber, Executive Committee Member Barbara Gould North Central District President 3855 Barstow Drive Fishers IN 46038 317-915-8651 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WOMEN S DIVISION: Vickie Newkirk Jeanie Park Alternate Kathie Clemenz 6 Voting Delegates Carolyn Maxey Sue Shafer Sherry Ralston Alicia Harrison Jan Wilcox LaDonna Weber Alternate Rosa Bernard FILL MY CUP, LORD North Central Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting June 19-20, 2012 Travel day June 18 (Tuesday and Wednesday) Drake University Des Moines, Iowa See article page 14 School of Christian Mission & Sampler (something for all ages) Week of July 23, 2012 Returns to DePauw University Greencastle, IN 2012 Studies: Immigration in the Bible, spiritual growth study* Poverty, social issue study Haiti (for the 2 nd year) Watch for more information and scholarship applications Informational flyer on page 8 Page 6

Spiritual Retreat January 19-20, 2012 UMW of IN has four (4) retreats planned for 2012. Choose the one that bests fits your schedule. Registration form for the specific retreat you want to attend must be used in order to assure you are registered for the retreat of your choice. Guided Silent Retreats 2012 March 2-4 Friday/Sunday at Sarto House in Evansville, IN May 18-20 Friday/Sunday at St. Joseph Retreat Center in Tipton, IN, with option of an extra day of personal silence starting 7-pm May 17 (Spiritual Growth Retreats (not silent) 2012 Jan 19-20 Thursday/Friday. Canyon Inn at McCormick's Creek State Park Use registration form below March 2-3 Friday/Saturday Epworth Forest Spiritual Retreat January 19-20, 2012 Begins Thursday 7:00 p.m. ET Friday 3:00 p.m. Rev. Derek Weber, Leader Living a Life that is a Life: Living God s Abundance in an Age of Scarcity I Timothy 6: 18-19 Canyon Inn at McCormick's Creek State Park 451 McCormick Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN 1-877-922-6966 Thursday night dinner NOT included Registration Deadline: January 10 January 2012 Spiritual Retreat Registration Deadline January 10, 2012 Name Address District Church City Zip Phone Email Please specify your choice by checking the appropriate option # Per Room Lodging & Meal 1 person per room w/breakfast & lunch $100 2 persons per room with 2 beds w/breakfast & lunch $ 80 each 3 persons per room sharing 2 beds and /or a sofa bed w/ breakfast & lunch $ 70 each 2 persons per room sharing 1 queen bed w/ breakfast & lunch $ 65 each Commuter No room lunch only No room lunch only $ 25 Need Handicap Accessible Room; Special Diet, please specify Amount Enclosed $ (Make check payable to UMW of IN) Roommate (s): (1), (2), (3). Please send completed registrations, along with checks made payable to UMW IN for all persons staying in one room together in one envelope to: Cheryl Cole, 8501 Lincolnshire Drive, Yorktown, IN 47396, Phone 765-759-6712, Email: lcole10448@aol.com. Registration deadline January 10. 7.

2012 School of Christian Mission & Sampler Event Returns to DePauw University, Greencastle, IN Week of July 23, 2012 (Firm dates to be announced) 2012 Studies: Immigration in the Bible, spiritual growth study* Poverty, social issue study Haiti (for the 2 nd year) Something for all ages: Adult Children, ages 4 through 5 th grade Youth, grades 6 through 12 Watch for scholarship information for all ages and clergy continuing education credit information. *Previously announced study, Living Sacramentally and Walking Justly, was changed as it will not be available in time for 2012 Schools of Christian Mission. 8.

Spiritual Retreat March 2-3 Spiritual Retreat March 2 3, 2012 Begins 7:00 p.m. Friday 3:00 p.m. Saturday (Eastern time) Epworth Forest 8580 E. Wesley Lane, North Webster, IN Rev. Derek Weber, Leader Living a Life that is a Life: Living God s Abundance in an Age of Scarcity I Timothy 6:18-19 Cost: $75, includes overnight lodging and 2 meals (Friday dinner on your own) Commuter with lunch only, $20 Space limited to the first 68 to register Registration deadline: January 31 March 2-3, 2012 Spiritual Retreat Registration Deadline January 31 Name Address District Church City Zip Phone Email Need Handicap Accessible Room; Special Diet, please specify ; Commuter w/lunch only $20.00 Amount Enclosed $ (Make check payable to UMW of IN) IMPORTANT NOTE: Room accommodations vary, but the $75 cost does not vary for overnight lodging and 2 meals. Some rooms accommodate as many as 4 persons per room. Other accommodations are in lodges with lower bunks and shared bath. Roommate requests will be honored as long as space allows. Please know that we may not be able to accommodate your room request. Bring a spirit of JOY in sharing God s Good News together! Please indicate if you have special needs, or if you are a commuter. Commuter registration with lunch is $20.00. Roommate (s): (1), (2), (3). Please send completed registrations, along with checks made payable to UMW IN for all persons staying in one room together in one envelope to: Barb McCoy, 1025 Brandon Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46845, email: barb.mccoy@frontier.com, phone 260-637-1842 no later than January 31.

Church Women United & Joint Sponsors Legislative / Social Advocacy Day T h u r s d a y, February 23, 2012 9:30am--3:30 pm Eastern Time Indiana Capitol Building Rotunda, Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana 20/20: Visioning an AIDS-Free World S p e a k e r s : Linda Bales Todd, Director, General Board of Church & Society and Cynthia Prime, President Saving Orphans through Health Care & Outreach Tour YOUR Capitol, visit with Legislators and learn how to influence change with issues impacting women, children and families Lunch available in the Capitol Building Cafeteria or you may choose to bring your own Carpool at 8:30am from North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana or take IndyGo buses! According to UNAIDS, 39,000,000 persons around the world are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. Approximately 900,000 cases of AIDS are in the United States. As people of faith we must all work to eradicate this dreadful disease. We cannot assume that all United Methodists are aware of the AIDS pandemic; therefore, there is a great need for education about the disease itself, methods available for treatment and ways to prevent the spread of the disease. Education and political advocacy must be done hand-in-hand to ensure the presence of just policies and the availability of adequate resources to eradicate the pandemic. Advocacy efforts need to occur at the local, state, national and international levels. Learn how to make a difference.

Guided Silent Retreat March 2-4, 2012 Believe Women s Silent Retreat March 2-4, 2012 Facilitator: Vickie Newkirk Sarto House 4200 N. Kentucky Ave., Evansville, Indiana (812) 424-5536 Limited to first 55 to register Registration includes: Unlimited Communion with God Guided silence Fellowship Unlimited rest Private room accommodations Total cost $120 per person Retreat house check-in 6:00 p.m. Central Time through lunch Sunday (Friday dinner on your own) Registration deadline February 20, 2012 March 2-4 Silent Retreat Registration Deadline February 20, 2012 Name Address District Church City Zip Code Phone Email Emergency Contact Emergency Phone Need Handicap Accessible Room; Special Diet, Specify Amount Enclosed $ Please send completed registration, along with check made payable to UMW IN to: Vickie Newkirk, 2870 S 700 W, New Palestine, IN 46163, Phone 317-861-1525, Email: bvnewkirk@iquest.net. Registration deadline February 20, 2012.

Women s Division Restructure: Proposed Changes, What s Staying the Same and the Proposed Advantages Note: Keep in mind, these are proposals to be brought to General Conference in 2012, and we do not know what will result from the voting. Any changes will NOT be implemented officially until January 2013; however, the Women s Division will prepare for implementation following General Conference. Proposed Changes The Women s Division will structurally separate from the General Board of Global Ministries. The title Women s Division will become United Methodist Women The board of directors will reduce its size from 50 to 25 members, with the task of fiduciary management The program advisory group, composed of 70-80 members, will recommend programmatic policies to the board of directors The term unit will be replaced with local organization of United Methodist Women. Fewer officers will be required What s Staying the Same The PURPOSE The focus of United Methodist Women for women, children and youth The priority of social justice and advocacy work The streams and processes of funding United Methodist Women mission Advantages The main advantage: more flexibility The proposed reorganizing of the Women s Division Board of Directors and United Methodist Women leadership teams independently from Global Ministries means more flexibility to grown in mission with women, children and youth around the world. More flexibility: Enables mission teams at all levels to organize how they best see fit to fulfill the PURPOSE and do the work according to the needs of their community, church and members. Enables your mission team to remain the same if your organizational structure is working for you. Enables the Women s Division to advocate more strategically on behalf of women, children and youth within The United Methodist Church by moving from a division to an agency. Enables the Women s Division to broaden its priorities across the church by working directly with other agencies through the General Secretaries Table. Enables United Methodist Women members from every annual conference representation on the board of directors and program advisory group and thus fuller participation in the organization. 12.

Guided Silent Retreat May 18-20, 2012 Registration includes: Unlimited Communion with God Guided silence Fellowship Unlimited rest Private room accommodations 5 Meals Begins 7pm ET Friday & Concludes with Sunday Lunch Women s Silent Retreat May 18-20, 2012 Cost $125 per person, includes 2 nights lodging & 5 meals Check-in 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time Friday dinner on your own Facilitator: Pat Payne St Joseph Center 1440 W Division Rd, Tipton, IN 46072 Phone: 765-675-4146 (May 17 Optional day at additional $63 Includes 6:00 check-in Eastern Time Thursday lodging with three meals Friday Thursday dinner on your own) Limited to first 45 to register Registration Deadline April 30, 2012 May 18-20 Silent Retreat Registration Deadline April 30, 2012 Name Address District Church City Zip Code Phone Email Emergency Contact Emergency Phone Check all that apply: $63. Extra Day (May 17); $125. May 18-20 only; Total Amount Enclosed $ Need Handicap Accessible Room; Special Diet, Specify Amount Enclosed $ Please send completed registration, along with check made payable to UMW IN to: Sue Shafer, 8 South 27th St., Richmond, IN 47374, Phone 765-935+2500, Email: hsshafer@frontier.net. Registration deadline April 30, 2012. 13.

Page 14 MISSION MESSENGER December 2011 Support Indiana Candidates for Women s Division Directors Two Indiana names have been submitted as candidates for Women s Division directors: Jeanie Park and Vickie Newkirk. Kathie Clemenz is the alternate should either Jeanie or Vickie become unavailable for consideration. United Methodist Women of Indiana are proud of these Hoosier representatives and we wish them well. Every four years delegates assemble at a quadrennial meeting to elect Women's Division directors AND to celebrate our PURPOSE! The theme, FILL MY CUP, LORD is grounded in Ephesians 3:19, And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Plan now to be part of the Indiana delegation to travel to Des Moines, Iowa for the North Central Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting, June 19-20, 2012. The executive team will explore the possibility of chartering buses. It is important to note that it will be necessary to depart Monday, June 18 to allow for a day of travel. Please put the date on your calendar and watch for more information. Voting delegates from Indiana are Sue Shafer, Sherry Ralston, Alicia Harrison, Jan Wilcox, LaDonna Weber, and Carolyn Maxey, with Rosa Bernard serving as alternate voting delegate. Also included is Bible study by Women s Division Staff Marva Usher-Kerr, worship with Bishop Deborah Kiesey (from the Dakotas), presentations by National Institutions, and Hands-on Mission Giving projects. Isabella Thoburn College Began 125 Years Ago by UMW Predecessor Isabella Thoburn College celebrated its 125 th anniversary November 1-4, 2011 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Harriett Olson, Deputy General Secretary of the Women's Division shared in celebrating the legacy of the women's college, along with other staff and members of United Methodist Women. Ms. Olson delivered the keynote address, "Transcending Boundaries and Transforming Lives." The college was founded 1886 with just six students by Isabella Thoburn, a Methodist missionary sent in 1870 by the Women's Foreign Missionary Society, a predecessor organization of United Methodist Women. It pioneered girls' education, being one of the first to do so in colonial India, and was the first Christian (Methodist) college for women in Asia. United Methodist Women has continued to support the institution through higher education initiatives and mission support. Students from Isabella Thoburn College perform street theater against dowry violence. Dowry has grown more prevalent in India in recent years, contributing to violence against women whose families cannot keep transferring wealth.

December 2011 MISSION MESSENGER Page 15 Revised 11/07/2011 Dates Event Location January 19-20 7 pm Thursday- Friday 3pm Eastern Time Spiritual Growth Retreat Canyon Inn McCormick s Creek State Park February 23* Thursday Legislative/Social Advocacy Day Capitol Building Indianapolis March 2-3 7 pm Friday--Saturday 3pm Eastern Time Spiritual Growth Retreat Epworth Forest North Webster March 2-4 April 16 7 pm Friday Sunday lunch Monday Two programs 2:00 & 6:00 Eastern Time Guided Silent Retreat Lucille Raines 35 th Anniversary Celebration Sarto House Evansville Lucille Raines Residence Indianapolis April 25-May 4 General Conference--UMC Tampa, FL May 18-20 7 pm Friday Sunday Lunch Thursday 17 th Optional Guided Silent Retreat St. Joseph Retreat Center Tipton June - (TBA) UMW Dinner at Annual Conf. Indianapolis June 19-20 North Central Jurisdiction United Methodist Women Event Drake University Des Moines July 17-21 North Central Jurisdictional UM Church Event Akron, OH July Wk of 23rd Actual Days TBD School of Christian Mission Sampler Event DePauw University Greencastle October 12-13 Friday Saturday Annual Meeting Avon UMC Avon * Note: Feb. 23 replaces date previously published

Carolyn Maxey Communication Coordinator 14 E 1050 N Chesterton, IN 46304 December 2011 Special Issue Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Lafayette, IN Permit No. 488 MISSION MESSENGER Dated Materials Enclosed PURPOSE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN 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. online: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/indumw/