NEXUS Long Island East District United Methodist Women September 2015 Dear Sisters in Christ, President s Message This has been a relatively quiet year for the UMW LIE District Team. We were recuperating from last year when we hosted all of the UMW Conference events. In spite of the work involved in hosting, each event was more spiritually fulfilling than the previous. We pray that Metropolitan is having an equally inspiring year as they are the 2015 UMW Conference Year hosts. There was no Assembly this year and I was not able to attend Mission u which is always a highlight of the year for me. But, I attended the Conference-wide Spiritual Growth Retreat and the Conference Charter for Racial Justice Day, both at CCUN (the UMW s Church Center at the United Nations), and was filled and inspired to continue the work of UMW. As always I learned so many things which help me to know God, and to understand how much is needed to be done to bring about God s kingdom here on earth. I hope these two events can be repeated every year. At our last District Team meeting two of our officers reported about their experiences at Mission u. Serena Richardson, our Social Action Coordinator, a first time attendee at Mission u, and a Jo Gibson Scholarship recipient wrote a moving letter about her time at Mission u. We have included it as her article for the Nexus. I know you will be inspired as we were as she read it during our meeting. We thank all of you individuals and Units for your support of this Scholarship and ask that you increase your gift so that more people will be able to have a Mission u experience. This time of the year we are always preparing for our District Annual Meeting and the Conference Annual Meeting. Please note the forms/information that you will need to get to us for your Unit to be recognized at the Conference Annual Meeting and listed in the Conference Annual Journal. The deadline to get things to us is September 30, 2015. We then have to compile the forms/information and get that to the Conference Officers by their deadlines. That is: Mission Today forms; pledges; Memorial lists (those persons from your Units who passed away Oct.1, 2014-Sept.30, 2015); and names, etc. of persons who participated in the UMW reading program. If you have any questions feel free to call or email me. Otherwise hope to see you at our District Annual Meeting, October 3, 2015 at Freeport UMC as we celebrate the reorganization of the United Methodist Women Unit at that church. We will have an interactive program as we learn more about what we all can be doing in Living the Purpose. Yours In Christ, Grace H. Bryant, UMW LIE District President 516-334-4166 (H), 516-805-0831 (C) Glhb2003@yahoo.com
NEXUS Long Island East District United Methodist Women September 2015 Treasurer s Notes Please take the time now to review your unit s financial status. Although your yearly pledge may be received later in the year, if you are seeking an award as a 5 Star unit for 2015, all monies must be received no later than September 30. To qualify as a 5 Star Unit the local unit must have sent a remittance covering each of the following: 1. Pledge to Mission: Each unit is urged to notify the District Treasurer of a pledge that your unit wishes to make to Mission. It is a portion of each unit s budget that is set as a goal to send to the Women s Division through the District Treasurer. 2. Special Mission Recognition: An individual or your local unit honors a special person. Gifts are in the amount of $40, $60, $100, $200, $500, $1,000 or $2,000. The recipient receives a gold lapel pin and a certificate. Details regarding these are in the UMW Handbook. The pin and certificate are ordered through your District Treasurer. Delivery has been enhanced due to improvements in the on-line ordering system, but adequate time should be made for processing. Any Special Mission Recognition may be ordered with certificate only for recipients who have several pins. 3. Gift to Mission: A gift of $5 or more for mission is sent in honor of any person. A card may be sent by the donor (an individual or the local unit) to the honoree. The cards may be ordered from the District Treasurer. There are several card themes. They are: For a New Baby, Congratulations, Peace, In the Service of Christ, A Special Day, Thank You, Thinking of You and Happy Birthday. 4. Gift in Memory: A gift (minimum of $5) is made in memory of a member of the unit or a friend. Gift acknowledgement cards are available free (except for postage) from the Mission Resource Center in packages of 10. When a Gift in Memory is made the Local Treasurer sends the money along with the tear off portion of the card to the District Treasurer and sends the card to the family of the deceased. The District Treasurer also has a limited supply of these cards if one is needed quickly. 5. World Thank Offering: Individuals or families collect additional gifts in special boxes or containers (see Mission Resource Center catalog for appropriate resources). Gifts are brought together once a year, usually with a special service of thanksgiving. A service is printed each year in the Program Book. Please contact me with any questions. Mary Munkenbeck 631-567-4939
NEXUS Long Island East District United Methodist Women September 2015 SPIRITUAL GROWTH: Living the Purpose In our daily walk with God we look to grow in understanding our calling as United Methodist Women. Our purpose gives us direction, we know how to turn faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world. We as United Methodist Women have been called by God to serve other people and respond with our hearts and minds. We stop and listened knowing what He is saying is contrary to what we want to do and what others are saying. God has push us out of our comfort zones and helped us to help others near and far. Peter addresses the importance of serving God in 1 Peter 4:10:10-11. Each of us one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully showing God s grace in its different forms. If you speak you should be speaking the very words of God. If you serve, you should do it with the strength support God provides, (Holy Spirit). Peter makes it clear that we receive our gifts from God for two purposes-to serve other and to bring praise to God. Serving God isn t about us but the will of God. We are serving other people for His purpose and not ours. He gives us ability and strength to accomplish all things. In times of hardship, with our prayers, trust in Him, and faith will get us through. God will never let us down. For the Son of man not come to be served, but to serve Mark 10:45 I believe, if you take the attitude of Christ you will discover your calling, and you will do it faithfully and passionately till God calls you home. Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God s mercy, to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approved what God s will is his good pleasing and perfect will. Giving of ourselves in serving with the passion love of Jesus, is only reasonable gift to a God who has given us the greatest service in giving us salvation through Jesus Christ. Pray: O God, thank you for sharing your holy self with us. Help us to share ourselves more fully. Strengthen us in our relationship with you, so that we may share with others the blessing of knowing you. Amen Garydiane Morrison
NEXUS Long Island East District United Methodist Women September 2015 My Mission U Experience By Serena Richardson I must begin by saying how honored, humbled, and overjoyed I am to have been a recipient of the Josephine Gibson scholarship which enabled me to attend and experience one of the most memorable events of a lifetime. There s not many times in my life when I can remember being in the company of so many kindred spirits that were genuinely committed to serving the Lord. As a first time participant, to single out one portion of Mission U that was most fulfilling and enlightening is not possible. From the stay on campus, the morning vespers, the resource room, orientation, gathering, introductions, the plenary sessions, the mission fair, the Stop Hunger Now event; which was phenomenal, to meeting, greeting and sharing thoughts and prayers with others, to creating new relationships, the food, and my focus group study of The Church and People with Disabilities were all equally yoked. If I must choose one that made the greatest impact on my spirit, it would have to be the focus group study. As each one of us journeys through our own spiritual labyrinth in our Christian walk of faith, prayerfully we hope that we will attain all the knowledge and wisdom that our heavenly father wants to bestow upon us, so at some point along our walk we will be able to shed his light and the love of Jesus to ALL we meet along the way. What I realized and learned in my disabilities study group is that, many of the church s; as well as myself, fall short in spreading the gospel to those who are plagued with various levels of disabilities, and unfortunately it s not even a thought or topic of discussion at council meetings or any other ministry meeting in the church. The many ways in which the church fails to make their buildings accessible; as well as, signage, announcements, sermons, and music to those with physical, mental, emotional, and psychological limitations is too many to fathom. Jesus says the gospel is for ALL of those who believe, and for ALL to come who are burdened and heavy laden, but if his Holy Temple is not made accessible and safe for all to come and hear the word of God, then we fall short. This revelation to me; which I had never given a thought to in the past, of how such a large portion of our society is not being served by the Christian community, was a life changing moment for me. For me I will share with my church what I have learned, and with God s help and the approval of the church council, I will put a plan of action together to make all our church properties accessible and remove all barriers in thought, mind and deed, so that ALL who want to come and hear the word of God is able to do so. I will also tell all who will listen that this would not have been possible for me without the Josephine Gibson Scholarship and I will encourage and make aware to ALL through literature, and word of mouth, that it s an opportunity that should not be passed by.
2014 Fall District Meeting October 4, 2014 Wesley United Methodist Church 619 Fenworth Blvd Franklin Square, New York 11010-3535 Rev. Laurel Scott Topic: Crossing Borders - Breaking Barriers Breakfast Program/Meeting 8:30-9:30 AM 9:30 AM 12:30 PM We will be collecting new or gently used towel and wash cloths, and soap to be donated to the INN in Hempstead. As always we also will be collecting box tops for the Red Bird Mission. Directions: From the Northeast - Take Northern State Pkwy West toward New York. Take exit #31A toward RT-25/Glen Cove Rd North. Turn left onto Jericho Tpke. Go West on Jericho Tpke (RT-25) to Nassau Blvd. Turn left onto Nassau Blvd. Bear right onto Dogwood Ave. Turn right onto Fenworth Blvd. From the Southeast - Take Southern State Pkwy West toward New York. Take exit #17N. Turn right onto Hempstead Ave. Turn left onto Nassau Blvd. Turn left onto Dogwood Ave. Turn right onto Fenworth Blvd. Unit IS YOUR UNIT A MISSION TODAY UNIT The purpose of Mission Today Unit is to:
Energize United Methodist Women to be more involved in mission through prayer, study and action. Increase contacts between units and mission personnel and mission projects so that United Methodist Women understand where their money goes. Encourage use of mission resources through United Methodist Women. Expand concepts of mission, including social justice as mission. Criteria for a Mission Today Unit Units are encouraged to complete a minimum of 10 of the following criteria, including five of those marked with an asterisk (*). The criteria are to be fulfilled EACH YEAR, based on the timeline of each conference. *1. Use the Prayer Calendar at each general meeting of the units to pray for people in mission and for our mission work with women, children and youth. Date:,,,,,. *2. The unit will make and meet its pledge to mission. Date *3. The unit will add at least two members to its roll. 1. 2. *4. The unit will have at least two members subscribing to Response magazine. 1. 2. *5. The unit will use two programs from the Program Book during the year. 1. 2. *6. The unit, circle, or subgroup will conduct at least one Mission study a year. Leader: Topic: *7. The unit will implement the Charter for Racial Justice Policies in at least two ways during the year. Some suggested plans of action: Plan a joint unit meeting with a unit of different racial/ ethnic background, using programs from the Program book. Develop bi-racial/ cultural or multi-racial/ cultural koinonia groups. Hold a joint Vacation Bible School. Hold pulpit exchange Share joint worship service on special occasions. Encourage the church to sponsor a refugee family. Action taken: Date:. 8. At least one member of the unit (other than a conference or district officer) will attend the Conference School of Christian Mission. Name: 9. At least two members (other than a conference or district officer) will attend the district or conference annual meeting. Name: 1., 2.. 10. The unit will have one person join the United Methodist Women s Action Network to receive and respond to legislative information. Name.. 11. Members shall write to five people listed in the Prayer Calendar at least twice a year. Person in charge of project Name: 12. The unit will participate in the Campaign for Children in at least two ways. Help sponsor a church or community program related to children and their needs. Sponsor a Children s Sabbath, promoted by the Children s Defense Fund.
Get involved with children in mentoring, tutoring, and big sisters program. Write letters, e-mail, or even call congressional representatives and / or other government regarding children s issues. Visit your local school. Attend a school board meeting. Learn how our school are funded Explain *13. The unit will be a Five Star unit, contributing to all five channels of Mission Giving. Date 14. Each unit circle or subgroup will include a Response moment where an item from the magazine will be lifted up, as a way to tell the mission story. 15. Have at least two people from the unit, circle or subgroup complete one of the Reading Program Plans, and report on one of the books read; encourage all members to complete Plan one; have a book review program. 16. The unit will invite a district or conference officer, other than that of a member of the unit, to one of the unit meetings during the year. Name:. Office:. 17. Make a pledge to care for God s creation and become a Green united Methodist Women unit (get information on How to Become a Green Unit at www.umwonline.org/environment or contact Women s Division Office of Community Action.) Explain: 18. Hold a mini-spiritual Growth Retreat, prepare for the retreat by watching the video Resurrection Road and get the accompany study guide Resurrection Women. For additional information contact the Women s Division Office of Spiritual Formation and Mission Theology. Explain:. Submitted by: Date: To Become a Mission Today Unit in the New York Annual Conference: Bronze Unit --- Complete 5 8 of the activities including *2 and *13 Silver Unit --- Complete 9-12 of the activities including *2 and *13 Gold Unit --- Complete 13-18 of the activities including *2 and *13 Please submit the completed form to Grace Bryant on or before September 30th
2015 Fall District Meeting and Celebration of Reorganization October 3, 2015 Freeport United Methodist Church 46 Pine Street Freeport, New York 11020 516-378-0659 Rev. Edward Norman, Pastor Breakfast Program/Meeting 8:30-9:30 AM 9:30 AM 12:30 PM We will again be collecting new clothing items (ladies underwear size 8,socks size 9-11, XL sweatshirts and XL sweatpants with drawstrings ) for the SAFER Project, which provides services for victims of rape, sexual assault and/or domestic violence. As always we also will be collecting box tops for the Red Bird Mission. Directions: From North: Take Meadowbrook Pkwy South to exit M8W, Sunrise Highway toward New York. Take Sunrise Highway to Guy Lombardo Ave. and turn left. Take Guy Lombardo Ave to Pine Street and turn left. Destination on the left. From East: Take Sunrise Highway toward New York to Guy Lombardo Ave. Head south on Guy Lombardo Ave to Pine Street and turn left. Destination on the left. From West: Take Sunrise Highway toward eastern Long Island to Guy Lombardo Ave. Head south on Guy Lombardo Ave to Pine Street and turn left. Destination on the left.
NEXUS Long Island East District United Methodist Women September 2015 Current Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Spiritual Growth Education & Interpretation Social Action Membership Nurture and Outreach Program Resources Communications Nominations Grace Bryant Judy Mitchell Mary Munkenbeck Garydiane Morrison Serena Richardson Gladys Louie Kira Bryant Mable Jo Robinson Dear Sisters in Christ, As you see, we have vacancies in the LIE District Team. All positions are up for election every year. Some of us have agreed to continue even though we have already finished our tenure in those positions. I urge you to look at your Unit and yourselves and consider serving on the District Team. Nominations for all positions will be taken from the floor at the upcoming meeting. I look forward to hearing from you soon or at the meeting. Prayerfully Yours, Mable Jo Robinson, Nominations Chair 516-334-6512
New York Conference United Methodist Women ANNUAL MEETING/MISSION FAIR Saturday, October 24, 2015 9:00 am 3:00 pm [sign in and continental breakfast starting at 8 am] Christ Church UMC 524 Park Ave [at 60 th Street in Manhattan] New York, New York 10065 Make It Happen - Mission Through Hospitality Registration Fee: $35 includes Continental Breakfast and Luncheon Send your $35 per person check made out to New York Conference UMW by October 9, 2015 Mail completed registration form, lunch entrée selection and check to: Laureen Goodridge-Smith, 2181 Strang Avenue, Bronx, New York 10466 (917) 842-5979 good2smith@gmail.com Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Email: Phone: District: Church: Officer Position in Local Organization [if any]: Entrée Selection (Check one): Chicken Lasagna Vegetable Lasagna Eggplant Parm
SPONSORED BY THE EVANGELISM MINISTRY PEARL MILES-LEE, CHAIR Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors The People of the United Methodist Church of Hempstead
NEXUS Long Island East District United Methodist Women September 2015 September 20, 2015 September 27, 2015 Friends and Family Day Friends and Family Day 10:00 AM Worship/Brunch 10:00 AM Worship/Lunch Hempstead UMC Westbury UMC 40 Washington St. 265 Asbury Avenue Hempstead, NY Westbury, NY 516-485-6363 516-333-0874 October 3, 2015 October 10, 2015 UMW LIE District Fall Mtg./Celebration UMW Bazaar/Luncheon 8:30AM-1:00 PM 8:00AM-4:00PM Freeport UMC Westbury UMC 46 Pine St. 265 Asbury Avenue Freeport, NY Westbury, NY October 24, 2015 November 14-15, 2015 UMW NYC Annual Meeting/Celebration UMW NYC LDD Training/Retreat Metropolitan District Metropolitan District Christ Church UMC TBA 524 Park Ave, NYC, NY 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM LIE District Officers Team Meetings Third Wednesdays, Sept., Jan., March Location: Home of Grace Bryant Time: 10-12 AM Local Unit Officers are welcome to attend