United Methodist Women of Indiana 2012 Report Indiana United Methodist Church 2013 Annual Conference Submitted by Carolyn Maxey, President
United Methodist Women 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 PURPOSE is the backbone of all that United Methodist Women of Indiana do and who we are. These words remind us that we are called first and foremost to know God and to be in relationship with Jesus Christ, to be in supportive fellowship with one another, and to be in mission. These words define who we are as United Methodist Women of Indiana and they frame our faith, hope and love in action. 2012 was an historic time in the life of the United Methodist Women organization. General Conference 2012 voted 889-20 to grant autonomy to United Methodist Women, allowing the mission organization to function as a separate agency within The Church, yet solidly connected to The Church while still missionally connected to the General Board of Global Ministries. This relationship allows new ways of working together and is conducive to learning from one another while creating synergy so new and fresh ideas can grow. Overview by UMW National Harriett Olson here: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/resources/multimedia/index.cfm?i=43841. The action brought a new name: Women s Division is now named United Methodist Women National Organization. Governance of the Deaconess and Home Missioners was returned to United Methodist Women National. A more flexible structure encourages the organization at every level to be in mission that best meets their needs. United Methodist Women of Indiana are making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through mission to women, children and youth. Our entire program focus includes spiritual growth opportunities, leadership development, transformative educational experiences, service and advocacy for justice. Rev. Derek Weber led two Spiritual Growth Retreats, Living a Life that is Life, one at McCormick s Creek State Park and the other at Epworth Forest, with attendance at 99 and 98 respectively. Janeen Burrows & Phyllis Swick at Spiritual Growth Retreat at Epworth Forest March 2-3, 2012. Nina Kamman, front, at Silent Retreat at McCormick s Creek in January 2012. 2
2012 also offered two guided Silent Retreats. The one at Sarto House in March was facilitated by Vickie Newkirk and the other at St. Joseph Retreat Center in May was guided by Pat Payne. Each had near capacity attendance. Vickie Newkirk Guided Silent Retreat at Sarto House, Evansville Anne Bunch, Jeanie Park and Carolyn Maxey participated in a rally for immigrants and addressed the increased incarceration and detention of immigrants and people of color, often by the private prison industry. The rally took place at the UMW Day in Tampa, Florida during General Conference. Jeanie Park UMW Day at General Conference 2012 3
Lucille Raines Residence in downtown Indianapolis is owned and operated by United Methodist Women of Indiana. The three-quarter house is a safe haven for men and women rebuilding their lives from substance abuse. April 16, 2012 marked the 35 th Anniversary of Changing Hearts and Lives. Current and former residents shared personal stories of how their lives are transformed by the unconditional love offered at Raines. Robert Raines, grandson of Lucille, came with his wife and four children. They were all deeply touched by their grandmother s legacy lived out in the ongoing ministry of transformed lives at Raines. Robert Raines Lucille Raines 35th Anniversary Gathering, Executive Director Carolyn Marshall, left 4
Raines residents experienced love at Christmas as some had never known---many had never received a Christmas gift at all. Each year two districts give funds enough to provide two $25 gift cards for each of the 49 residents. Northwest and Southeast District United Methodist Women were purveyors of Christmas JOY in 2012. Residents often use these gifts as a means of providing a Christmas gift for a loved one. The true gift is in the spirit of giving! Indiana United Methodist Women find creative ways of giving of themselves so others may benefit from their gift. Such was the case of LynnMarie Davis; she ran a marathon to raise funds for Raines; she raised $902!! Thank you, LynnMarie Davis -- Awesome Job! Dedicated Raines board members demonstrated God s love October 2012 as they volunteered time, gifts and service to takeover Raines in order that staff had a 48 hour respite. The women provided 24/7 desk coverage, meals, and activities and prizes so United Methodist Women got to know residents and encourage their recovery. Residents are overwhelmed by United Methodist Women s generosity. Pat Hoover coordinated food for the hungry crowd. Raines residents and board members enjoyed activities and games while the staff were in retreat. 5
United Methodist Women of Indiana are a vital part of the total organization of nearly 800,000 members who are intricately impacting lives in communities across the state, in 98 national mission institutions and in numerous international ministries. Involvement in after school programs, child care, education, healthcare, feeding programs, skills training, homeless shelters, racial justice, human trafficking, domestic violence, justice advocacy, and myriad other outreach missions all share Christ s love, bringing hope and wholeness to others. Human trafficking is the world's second largest criminal industry. The average age of women trafficked is 12-14. United Methodist Women are a voice of awareness working to remove the chains of this insidious modernday slavery and to be instruments of the healing process of those victimized. 6
Nearly 30 Indiana UM Women celebrated the election of Vickie Newkirk as director of United Methodist Women National. Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa was the site of this historic event in June 2012. Mary Duffy-Lewis was also elected to the North Central Jurisdiction Leadership Team as chair of the Committee on Nominations. Both will serve for the quadrennium 2013-2016. Newly elected UMW National Director Vickie Newkirk blanketed in love (a gift of UMW of IN) by conference president Carolyn Maxey. United Methodist Women of Indiana at North Central Jurisdiction, Drake University, Des Moines. Left, newly elected Mary Duffy-Lewis, NCJ Leadership Team, Chair Committee on Nominations; Rosa Bernard, right. Barbara King crafted blankets for mission distribution while at NCJ. 7
Youth and Young Adult Service Fund awarded $13,327 in scholarships to aid 272 youth and young adults for 25 different individual or group experiences. United Methodist Women of Indiana encourages mission opportunities for United Methodist youth and young adults by offering scholarships to aid educational and work experiences that encourage spiritual growth and leadership development. The 2012 funds were made possible by a small asking of 50 cents per member per year. (Note: the 2013 asking has been increased to $1.00). The conference organization is grateful to have received a $1000.00 from the Bishop s Children s Offering. Projects ranged from individual to groups of 30 youth and young adults. Some were as near as Midwest Distribution Center in Chatham, IL and others as far as Brazil, Romania, Africa and St. Croix. United Methodist Women funds make mission possible and provide lifechanging experiences; experiences that lead to encounters with God. Two young men from Colfax UMC accompanied this UMVIM group to Olinda, Brazil, in the Northeast Missionary Conference of the Methodist Church of Brazil. A group of six youth and two adults from Mt. Ayr UMC participated in a work camp at White Oak in Tennessee. Their project was to put skirting around a trailer. 8
Youth and Young Adult Scholarships, continued Twelve youth and eight adults from Pine Village UMC participated in a mission trip to White Oak in Tennessee--affiliated with Henderson Settlement. They replaced windows in one home, built a storage shed, and replaced a roof on another home. Pine Village UMC youth and young adults raised the roof for White Oak Center in Tennessee, learning teamwork and cooperation. 9
School of Christian Mission is always an awesome experience, packed with mission education and challenging studies led by informed leaders, awesome worship with meaningful music, and fellowship with new and renewed friendships. It s a time to grow in relationship with God and one another. The 2012 weekday school was July 24-27 and Sampler Day July 28 at DePauw University in Greencastle. The weekday session qualifies for Clergy Continuing Education credit. 2012 Studies included: Immigration and the Bible, Dr. P.T. Wilson Poverty o Jessi Langlie o Lisa Morris o Rev. Nancy Nichols o Rev. Mike Mather o Mary Margaret Willbanks Haiti o Rev. LeKisha Reed o Marlene Cummins o Deanna Hawkins Chi-Mi-Ca (Children s Mission Camp ages 4-12) o Lisa Vaughan, director Yo-Pe-Mi-Ca (Young Peoples Mission Camp ages 13-17) o Kathy White, director Poverty Study Leader Mary Margaret Willbanks Nancy Nichols, Poverty Study Leader Dr. P.T. Wilson, Study Leader for Immigration and the Bible, prepares the altar, using his photo of Laughing Jesus. Participants of Mary Margaret Willbank's Poverty Class walked the labyrinth centering in preparation for class. 10
School of Christian Mission 2012, continued Children ages 4-12 perform before the full School of Christian Mission. Lisa Vaughan was their director. The children learned about mission and through stories, crafts, and activities while adults were in class. Youth ages 13-17 learned about missions and how the study relates to the Bible. In these photos youth share their talents with the school participants Kathy White was their leader. 11
The hands-on mission items collected at School of Christian Mission were student and teacher book bags for Haiti. United Methodist Women across Indiana gave generously of their time and resources as they crafted 1,680 school bags, plus many, many boxes of school supplies were donated. Anne Bunch, son Sam and husband loaded them all into their pickup and van and delivered them to Midwest Distribution Center. The MWDC shipped them to Haiti to be used by children and teachers in the poverty-stricken land. UMW of IN gave generously so Haitian children may be educated. Displayed here is only a small portion of the 1,680 book bags sewn by Indiana United Methodist Women. Schools supplies were shipped to Haiti from Midwest Distribution Center. Sam Bunch, right, with his pickup in the background 12
Giving Hope with Hearts and Helping Hands reflected in the Fourth Annual Meeting and Celebration October 12-13 at Avon United Methodist Church in Avon. The nearly 70 women who gathered for Friday s banquet not only enjoyed an excellent meal and fellowship, but they were challenged as Rita Gaither-Gant raised awareness about domestic violence. The issue affects many and is one that United Methodist Women were eager to learn more about in order to reach out to those victimized. Rev. Steve Cherry lightened the tone with his clowning ministry. Rev. Steve Cherry clowning with New World Outlook Editor Christie House 1 in 4 women experience violence in their lifetime. Learn more and complete survey: http://new.gbgmumc.org/umw/media/pdf%20files/do mesticviolenceflyerforrsocm.pdf Rita Gaither-Gant spoke about the horrific and growing issue of domestic violence. This is just one of many social justice issues for which United Methodist Women give voice and support. United Methodist Women were eager to learn more about domestic violence. Continued mission education empowers them to be voices of advocacy through faith, hope and love in action. 13
Annual Meeting, continued The spirit of celebration continued Saturday as 197 women arrived for the Annual Meeting, bringing with them hands-on-mission items for PourHouse to be distributed among Indianapolis homeless. Personal Dignity supplies filled eight large garbage bags with men's hats, gloves, scarves, socks, underwear, and personal care items. 2012 President Carolyn Maxey presided over the business session: Generous United Methodist women arrived for the Fourth Annual Meeting bringing items for Indianapolis' homeless. Items were distributed through PourHouse. Election of 2013 Conference officers: Carolyn Maxey, Sue Shafer, Barbara King, Sherry Ralston, Kathy Lentz, Cathy Burris, Karen Korn, Alma Sigler, Jan Wilcox, Anne Bunch, Margaret Woody, Rosa Bernard, Pat Weeks, Barbara Spaulding, Patricia Cosby-Wilkins, Lexa McCampbell, Cheryl Cole, Phyllis Swick, Jennifer Meadows, Shannon Priddy, and LaDonna Weber Special Mission Recognition presentations to officers not continuing in their completed roles LaDonna Weber, Bonnie Hanson, Patsy Holdsworth, Vauline Wallace, Priscilla Campbell, Vickie Newkirk, and Rita Gaither-Gant 2013 Conference Budget approved in the amount of $185,175.00 (includes $97,450.00 combined support to the ten districts organizations) 2013 Pledge to Mission Giving to United Methodist Women National $400,000 President Carolyn Maxey presided over the Fourth Annual Meeting of United Methodist Women of Indiana, October 13, 2012 at Avon UMC. 14
Annual Meeting, continued Rev. Karen Devaisher led worship and presided over Holy Communion. In her message More, Not Less, she reminded the women of 2 Timothy 2:6, Stir into flame the gift God has given you. It is our God-given abilities that make us who we are. I Corinthians Chapter 13, although known as the wedding chapter, is also instruction for living. Still we need more. We need prayer, love, grace, and joy! Our face, words, and actions should show God s love. We can change the world if we use more, not less! Rev. Karen Devaisher's message challenged United Methodist Women to "More, Not Less". Christie House, New World Outlook editor, spoke about Karen is a product of United Methodist Women. A Tradition for the Next Generation. She reminded the conference organization it is the 45, 50, and 60-year olds that are missing from the organization. That age group wanted their daughters and granddaughters to have educational opportunities, health care, good environment and social justice. They have been raised with different priorities. Christie said sometimes it is necessary to skip a generation. Christie House, New World Outlook, editor. NWO is a mission periodical of General Board of Global Ministries. Christie challenged United Methodist Women to begin by having a program led by someone under 20. She offered these thoughts to engage the next generation of young women: Allow young women to discover how to own their history as United Methodist Women Younger women want/need to learn more; then they will have more pride in the organization Help them know how to become engaged in mission work Make them aware of issues we are fighting against: human trafficking, undocumented people, domestic violence, local food production, sustainable agriculture Plan one program a year in which youth/teens are an integral part Director Vickie Newkirk installed the 2013 UMW of IN officers. 15
Young women s event galvanized interest and excitement about United Methodist Women for Maddie Weber. She attended the young women Limitless: Redefining Tomorrow event last August at Duke University. The event was sponsored by UMW National for the purpose of introducing young women to the organization. The event was organized by young women who are excited about the PURPOSE and mission of United Methodist Women. They learned about social justice, ending hunger, and just how empowering women can be. Community service and nightly worship was an important part of their experience. Bianca Carter and Mary Lynn Dennis were also part of the Indiana delegation. Kathy White will mentor these young Maddie Weber is committed to educating other young women to the PURPOSE and mission of United Methodist Women. women. The four have formed the Indiana team and are excited to plan a mini Limitless event for young women in Indiana. United Methodist Women of Indiana are excited about the potential and energy these young women bring! Front row center, Jenn Meadows is the conference Young Women's Coordinator, Kathy White is the Indiana Young Women's mentor, and Maddie Weber, member Indiana team. Jan Wilcox, far left. 16
Indiana United Methodist Women are connected throughout the world by their shared love of God and their hearts for mission. Vickie Newkirk, Rita Gaither-Gant and Bonnie Albert (all from Indiana) shared a journey of faith, hope and love in action in December 2012 in their Ubuntu experience with their UMW sisters in Christ in Sierra Leone, Africa. The United Methodist Women National Organization helps to fund mission projects of the United Methodist Women s Organization (UMWO) in Africa. Great work is being done to lift women and families out of poverty and into a life with dignity. Thanks to UMW and UMWO. Vickie Newkirk, 2nd from left with Matilda (far right) UMWO conference president. Members of the UMWO walked three days to attend their seven day conference. Women of the Sierra Leone UMWO bring items from home to share with others in community. UMW led workshops for UMWO conference as part of Ubuntu experience. 17 Members of Ubuntu Sierra Leone--Rita Gaither-Gant and Bonnie Albert from Indiana. Vickie Newkirk must have taken the picture!
United Methodist Women of Indiana not only transform lives for Christ on the local and state level, their mission outreach extends to National and International mission institutes. The members of United Methodist Women of Indiana are part of the total 800,000 United Methodist Women National membership who gave nearly $18,000,000 to support mission in 2012. It is important to note that the giving of United Methodist Women is above and beyond their giving to the local church. United Methodist Women receive no funds from the Indiana United Methodist Church. 18