The Uniter CHURCH WOMEN UNITED IN IOWA SPRING 2016 VOL. 52 No. 2 at the Table May Friendship Day Friday, May 6 Recognizing that God is present in each person
From the president S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 Philippians 1:27 says, in part, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit. This is and should be encouragement for those of us in Church Women United. If all one does is listen to the news, watch the divisions that are occurring across our country and see the injustices in the world, it can be quite heart We have the breaking. Rightfully, our hearts do break for all who are oppressed and rejected. We have the sure hope in the knowledge sure hope in the knowledge that that God is in control and all is well and all will be well. No matter what differences we may have, we all have Christ. As God is in control Christ transforms us, we transform those around us. We model and all is well this in the movement known as Church Women United. Thanks and all will be be to God. well. Prayer has always been an essential part of the Christian life. It is now even more so. Let s join together as sisters in Christ to pray for peace in this world and for ways to show that peace in our lives. We can t wave a magic wand and change things, but we can learn more about the issues facing us and take action to share the Good News where we are with those around us. We can seek and live God s call on our lives. We can do this together. Thank you for all you do. Please let us hear from you! Lynn Calvert President, CWU in Iowa 2
The Uniter Church Women United in Iowa SPRING 2016 From the State President 2 May Friendship Day 4 Church Women United in Iowa PRESIDENT Lynn Calvert 719 10th Ave., Coralville 52241 319-541-8367 lyksmc@aol.com SECRETARY Ann Garton P.O. Box 425, West Bend 50597 515-887-6711 ann.garton@outlook.com TREASURER Marilyn Barnes 409 Cory Drive, Ottumwa 52501 641-682-5224 tm-barnes@live.com COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Kathleen Clark 2006 35 th St., Des Moines 50310 515-274-1428 kclarkdsm@aol.com EDITOR of The Uniter Mary Schuchmann schuchr@pcpartner.net Reaching Out in 5 Ways to help 6 CWU marks 75th anniversary 7 World Day of Prayer 2016 8 Looking ahead 9 Update on the UN 10 Calendar for 2016 11 Subscription information 12 The Uniter is published quarterly for $6 annually by Church Women United in Iowa, 2006 35 th St., Des Moines 50310. Periodical postage paid in Grinnell, Iowa. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to The Uniter, 2006 35 th St., Des Moines 50310. National CWU website www.churchwomen.org Website contains archive of recent issues of Iowa s The Uniter. 3
S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 May Friendship Day Finding grace at the table Recognizing that God is present in each person May Friendship Day is designed to bring together friends in the broadest sense of the word, Not just women who are alike or longtime acquaintances, but all women, no matter what their background. In some ways, the earlier name of May Fellowship Day says it better, for the event is meant to foster a feeling of unity in diversity. An awareness that, as stated above, God is present in each person. A long history May Friendship Day dates back to May 1933, when two independent groups planned luncheons to focus on Child Health and Children of Migrant Families. The first event was sponsored by the Women s Council for Home Missions in New York City, and the second one, called Dedication Day, was sponsored by the National Council of Federated Church Women. in order to bring the group s dream of unity into full expression in each local community. Under a variety of names, this event continued and expanded until 1939, when the groups merged under the National Council of Church Women, which called for an annual observance to strengthen a growing sense of unity, the joy of Christian fellowship, and the power of Christianity in the day of need. In May 1945, a few years after the founding of Church Women United, the celebration was formalized as May Fellowship Day. In 1999, the movement of Church Women United changed the name of the celebration to May Friendship Day, as we continue to celebrate unity in our journey toward wholeness in all communities 4
Our Partners T H E U N I T E R Church Women United is not on its journey alone. In various ways, CWU partners with: Women of Faith for the 1,000 Days Movement Ecumenical Women at the United Nations Children s Defense Fund UNICEF Equal Justice Initiative United Nations United Nations Association of the United States National Council of Churches of Christ USA End Child Prostitution and Trafficking USA Odyssey Networks Church World Service The Sister Fund Religions for Peace Faith Trust Institute Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Ideas for involving young women in CWU The goal of diversity in Church Women United means seeking out and uniting women of all ages. And CWU, like most organizations these days, has an aging membership. As evidence, look around you at your next gathering. Here are some ideas for appealing to young women in your community. Note that the suggestions focus on action and involvement. With limited time, most young people want to focus on doing and have a feeling of accomplishment. Identify a particular issue impacting your area and get together to study it and form an action plan. Check our focus areas for ideas. Brainstorm ways to do a volunteer activity. Hands-on events are usually successful. Have a brunch, lunch or coffee to honor women in your area who do volunteer work. Have a young person come talk about the use of electronics. If you have done something that worked, let us know. This is an ongoing list 5
S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 State Project focuses on hunger in Iowa Iowa Food Bank Association is collaborative effort Working together makes sense when it comes to alleviate hunger in Iowa. The Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA), CWU s 2016 State Project, is a collaboration of the eight Feeding America food banks that serve all Iowa s 99 counties. Together, the food banks serve over 1,000 non-profit organizations serving families and individuals of all ages. The organizations include food pantries, emergency meal sites, congregational meal sites, emergency shelters, and other sites that provide food to clients. The Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA) was formed in 2009 by the executive directors of the eight Feeding America food banks that serve Iowa. The eight food banks serving Iowa are located in Des Moines, Davenport, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Waterloo, Sioux City and Omaha. Contributions from CWU members and Units help support the IFBA. Please send your contributions to CWU Treasurer Marilyn Barnes, 409 Cory Drive, Ottumwa 52501. Another way to help Women at the Well is a United Methodist Congregation located within the walls of the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women in Mitchellville. It is a diverse community composed of women incarcerated at ICIW, men and women from around the state of Iowa who choose to worship with them, and many volunteers who regularly support their ministries and programs. They gather together to share the teachings of Jesus Christ and to experience the life transforming Spirit of God. Church Women United in Iowa helps support Women at the Well by contributing funds raised through collection of beverage tabs. Contact any CWU state board member if you have tab collections of bring them to the State Assembly in November this year. If you would like to worship with Women at the Well, contact them at womenatthewell@iaumc.org or call 515-822-4599. 6
T H E U N I T E R Remember Rejoice Rebuild CWU marks 75 years Church Women United will mark 75 years with a celebration in October in Louisville, Ky. The event includes a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Fellowship of the Least Coin. Dates Thursday through Sunday, October 13-16 Place Louisville, Ky., Galt House Hotel (special rate for rooms) Program Opening ceremony, 7 p.m. Thursday; banquet and birthday party, 7 p.m. Saturday. Details of workshops and speakers to follow. A celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Fellowship of the Least Coin will be held on Sunday. Registration Register before May 31, $250; after May 31, $275. Final registration needed by August 31. Registration does not include lodging. REGISTRATION FORM Name Street Address City State ZIP Special Needs I would like to be part of the choir. First-time attending Amount enclosed (Make checks payable to CWU-75. Mail to: Church Women United, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 243, New York, New York 10115. F0r more information, call 1-800-CWU-5551. 7
S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 World Day of Prayer around the state CWU in Iowa celebrated annual observance in various ways Three services were held in Des Moines - at Grace United Methodist Church, Wesley Acres Retirement Center and at Ruth Circle, CUMC Total attendance was 95. Denominations attending were United Methodist, UCC, Disciples of Christ, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist and ELCA. The symbolic 24 hours of prayer for peace and children worldwide was a favorite part of the celebration. Samples of Cuban food were enjoyed. The Dubuque CWU met over morning coffee in a beautiful room at the Convent with more than 60 attending from the United Methodist, UCC, Unitarian Universalist, Presbyterian and Lutheran churches present. Before the worship, the editor of the local newspaper presented photos and his personal impressions of justice issues from a tour he led to Cuba in 2013. The Cedar Rapids-Marion CWU also held morning worship at St. Ludmilla s Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Participants were from the Catholic, Lutheran, United Methodist, UCC and Presbyterian denominations. Three fourth-grade girls did the testimonies and read the parts for girls one, two and three. Favorite parts of the celebration were making butterfly jasmine flowers for each person, and the singing of songs in Spanish, then English, During breakfast, the Cuban flag displayed with explanation about its meaning and colors. Table decorations were the jasmines and cards stating various facts about Cuba. Oskaloosa held a 1:30 p.m. service at the Presbyterian Church with 22 in attendance. representing Presbyterian, Christian, Friends, Lutheran, UCC, United Methodist and Baptist denominations. A beautiful variety of authentic items were placed on the worship table as the program progressed. In Waterloo, the World Day of Prayer worship was held in the early afternoon at Unity Presbyterian church with 34 participants from Presbyterian, Baptist, United Methodist, Lutheran African Methodist Episcopal, and Mennonite churches. A young adult gave the message. Music was sun in Spanish and English, and instruments included a violin as well as Cuban instruments. Children honored and included during worship were an inspiring reminder. All Units mentioned using and appreciating the materials available. Suggestions to improve the materials included having more information from the Leaders Guides included in the worship bulletins so that individuals could make use of it or enjoy it later. Larger print would also have been helpful. A wide variety of ages were represented from elementary students to those in their 90s. Shirley Frey Celebrations chair 8
CWU QUADRENNIEL PRIORITIES 2012-2016 HEALTH Promote the health and well-being of all people. ENVIRONMENTAL CARE Promote governmental decisions that express care for all God s creation. JUSTICE Promote shalom/salaam through understanding, education, confession, forgiveness, reconciliation and nonviolence. ECONOMIC JUSTICE Promote dignity, safety, and economic opportunities for all people. Adopted 2012 TIME TO UPDATE T H E U N I T E R Help shape CWU for the next four years Health, Environmental Care, Justice, and Economic Justice have been CWU's Quadrennial Priorities from 2012-2016. (See list at left.) At the Common Council meeting preceding our 75th Anniversary Celebration in Louisville in October, the Common Council of CWU will be voting on our priorities for the next four years 2016-2020. What will we hatch for our new priorities? We want to hear your thoughts! We invite you to complete our online survey about the priorities that you would like to see in CWU's future. This survey, as well as the Quadrennial Priority Evaluation Form,,can be found in the 2016 AIM Packet, which should be completed as a Unit. We encourage you to participate in both surveys! Send in evaluations! Please remember to complete the evaluation form for each Celebration and send it to the national office along with the offering. The evaluation forms are located in the Leader s Guide. The same form is used for May Friendship Day, World Community Day and Human Rights Celebration. The exception is for May Friendship Day, when the offering is split: 50% to the state and 50% to the local Unit. Forms and checks are to be sent to CWU, 475 Riverside Drive, Ste. 243, New York, NY 10115. World Day of Prayer evaluation is found in the WDP Leader s Guide. When completed. send with check to WDP, 475 Riverside Drive, Ste 1523, New York, NY 10115. In addition, please send a copy of each of the forms to the Iowa State Celebration Chair: Shirley Frey, 316 Keomath Village, Oskaloosa, 52577 9
S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 Update on the UN On World Health Day, UN urged global efforts to halt rise in diabetes. This year the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first Global Report on Diabetes. In 1980, 180 million adults were living with diabetes. By 2014, that number had risen to 422 million, or 8.5 percent of adults, reflecting a global increase in risk factors such as being overweight or obese. It is noted that essential diabetes medicines and technologies, including insulin are available in only 1 of 3 of the world s poorest countries. Greece More than 22,000 refugee and migrant children stranded in Greek Islands are facing an uncertain future and even forms of detention related to the European Union-Turkey agreement. Since March 2016, about 2,000 unaccompanied and separated children are among the most vulnerable of all refugee and migrant children in Greece, but not all are registered. (Could be many more!) UNICEF The United Nations Emergency Children s Fund) continues to work closely with Turkish government authorities to provide humanitarian assistance. Turkey currently hosts over 2.7 million Syrian refugees. UNICEF has been helping Syrian refugee children and families since 2012. Last year, UNICEF worked with the government and civil society partners, and provided support to over 400,000 Syrian children with education, protection and basic services. Sue Hattel, UN Reporter New board member Sue Hattel, past president of Church Women United in Iowa, is a new member of the national World Day of Prayer USA board. She recently traveled to New York City for her first board meeting. Sacred Space at Noon on Mondays Be united in prayer wherever you may be! 10
Celebrations in 2016 Gathering at the Table T H E U N I T E R You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23 God sets many tables for us. Food, of course, friendship, family, teachers, faith all in the presence of (our) enemies. God doesn t want those enemies defining us, telling us who we are and how much or how little we matter. God doesn t want the merchants of death to win our hearts. God doesn t want the forces of greed to own us, the masters of style to shape us, or self-serving to be our beacon. Tom Ehrich, On a Journey May Friendship Day May 6, 2016 Finding grace at the table: Recognizing that God is present in each person. World Community Day November 4, 2016 Sharing gifts at the \table. Honoring the global dimension of our faith. Human Rights Day Date to be selected by local Unit Experiencing blessings at the table: Celebrating community service. State board meeting Friday, July 28 First Baptist Church, Grinnell STATE CWU State Assembly Friday, November 11 First Baptist Church, Grinnell Note that the date is later than usual because of the national CWU event in October. 11
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Please enter my subscription for year(s) $6.00 for 1 year $15.00 for 3 years The Uniter SPRING 2016 Vol. 52, No 2 NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP+ 4 If SP16 follows your name on the mailing label, this will be your last issue. Please renew NOW. Send your renewal together with a check made out to CWU Iowa-Uniter to Kathleen Clark 2006 35 th St. Des Moines, IA 50310 Mission Statement of Church Women United Church Women United is a racially, culturally and theologically inclusive ecumenical Christian women's movement, celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice. Adopted by CWU Common Council July 2000 12