April 7, 2008:  Report from SEJ Quadrennial Meeting, Hampton, Virginia, April 4-6, 2008

WOW!!!  This word was used over and over to describe the events of the SEJ Quadrennial Meeting held in Hampton, Virginia.  We were reminded several times throughout the weekend that each of us are "Called by Name!"  The SEJ Core Planning Group, of which our very own Dixie Liggett is a member, did a wonderful job in planning the meeting.  There were 1,209 attendees at the Conference, of which 234 were from Western North Carolina.  We almost beat the Virginia Conference who had 235 in attendance! 

What a wonderful weekend as we heard a message by Bishop Michael Watson of the South George Conference, shared Bible studies by Reverend Dr. Arnetta Beverly, and shared in Holy Communion led by Bishop Charlene Kammerer of the Virginia Conference.  New leadership was elected for the 2008-2012 quadrennium. Our own Lynn Sloan Barnes was elected as a member of the Nominating Committee of the SEJ Leadership Team.

The purpose of the quadrennial meeting was to elect eleven directors and three alternates to Women’s Division for the 2008-2012 quadrennium.  Voting delegates from the Western North Carolina Conference were Amy Johnson, Sandy Hieronymus, Ann Aldridge, Sharon Smith, Patricia Wiseman, and Linda Baity. Each of the 15 conferences in the Southeastern Jurisdiction nominates three people for consideration as Women’s Division directors.  Our nominees were Dixie Liggett, Lynne Gilbert, and Polly Pearson.  (The voting process brought memories from our Annual Conference last year!)

CONGRATULATIONS to Lynne Gilbert who was elected as a director to Women’s Division and to Dixie Liggett who was elected as an alternate. 

Sincere gratitude and appreciation are extended to Lynne Gilbert and Sara Williams for coordinating the bus trip and to Karen Wilkerson and Tonya Lanier for serving as ushers for the weekend.  Also, appreciation is extended to Iva Booker for making our beautiful Conference banner and to Sandy Hieronymus for carrying the banner in the opening procession.  I extend heartfelt thanks to Betty Swarthout who made my name plaque for the worship center.  And, thanks to each and every one of YOU who attended the meeting. 

YOU are “Called by Name.” As United Methodist Women, we are called to tell the story of how we reach out to women, children, and youth to improve their lives through our Mission Giving.  Yes, United Methodist Women are called by name and we make mission possible.

January 2008:  2008 Conference Events Flyer [PDF] [Word]

December 2007:  Programming Announcement
[Download PDF of Programming Announcement]

Over the past several years, the Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women have made a valiant effort to make our PURPOSE come alive.  In studying our PURPOSE, we have been especially strong in the areas of Spiritual Growth (to know God), Membership Nurture and Outreach (to develop a creative, supportive fellowship), as well as Mission Education and Interpretation (participation in the global ministries of the church).   The one area that we have not had as much participation in as we would like is the area of Social Action (to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ).

Social Action is an area that can make us uncomfortable.  Social justice issues are not easy ones to tackle.  In looking at this work area of United Methodist Women, our Conference Executive Committee has approved the formation of two new programs as well as implementing changes to a current one beginning in 2008.

Conference UMW Charter Club

Each local unit is encouraged to become a member of the Conference UMW Charter Club.  Criteria for the Charter Club provides new and innovative ways for local units to implement the Charter for Racial Justice.  There are three different levels of participation which enables the local unit to be as involved as they would like.  Please study the attached criteria and make plans how your local unit can become a member of this new organization.  Recognition will be given to those units who achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold status during 2008 at the 2009 Conference and District Annual Meetings.

For Christ’s Sake, Turn the World Upside Down Initiative 

In August of this year, Sherry Sink and Tonya Lanier represented the Western North Carolina Conference UMW at the National Seminar in Nashville, Tennessee.  The National Seminar is held every four years with special emphasis on a social justice issue.  This year, there were several social justice issues targeted:  Economic Justice; Community Food Security; Public Education; Health Care; Militarism, Peace and National Security; Immigrant and Refugee Rights; and Environmental Justice.  Each conference was asked to determine how they would implement this program upon their return.

 

The Western North Carolina Conference UMW Executive Committee approved at the November 2007 meeting to make PUBLIC EDUCATION our Conference priority for 2008.  While all of the social justice issues are worthwhile, we felt that it is better to focus on one issue rather than try to spread ourselves too thin in trying to cover all of them. The work that we do should not be just a “band-aid fix” but a movement to effect change in our communities.  The Conference UMW Mission Team has pledged to work diligently to implement this initiative.  The Conference UMW will model ways that local units can be involved and work for change at all of the Conference events in 2008 as well as provide related materials in the Conference Gram and on the web site (www.wnccumw.org). 

 

Why Public Education?

 

But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.”  Luke 9:47-48

 

On an average day in the United States, one-fifth of all citizens are in school.  Current educational policy trends emphasize using testing to judge the performance of students, teachers and entire systems.  Disparities in the quality of education reflect the reality of racial and ethnic inequalities within U.S. society.  Taxpayers in many areas consistently reject calls for increased funding for schools.  Parents organize to home school, or create schools where they have a larger say in the content of their children’s education, or place their children in charter or private schools in order to avoid what they consider negative influences of the public schools.  Other parents watch helplessly while their children fall further behind.  We envision a world where public education names core values that serve individuals, communities and the nation in the future – a system that serves the needs of all children.

 

Women’s Division has provided a list of resources for our use.  They include:

CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN, Phase III Resource

Campaign for Children booklet, 2002 (#3223) $5.00  (available through the Mission Resource Center*)

PROGRAM BOOK

2005, “A Call to Prayer and Action for Public Schools” (p. 13)

RESPONSE issues

April 2004 featured Public Education

March 2006, p. 28, “Story of Katie Peterson,” UM Deaconesses and establishment of after school care

March 2006, p. 29, Story of Nancy Delaney, “Kids are falling through the Cracks”

June 2006, p. 15-17, “Public Education Summit”

June 2006, p. 16, 17, “Summit Inspires” – story of Pat Butler

SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION Studies

Public Education (2004/5)    Study book:  Lyman, Mary Grace.  Public Education:  Issues and Challenges.  New York: General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church 2004.  (#3597) $1.00 (available through the Mission Resource Center*)

READING PROGRAM books

I Choose to Stay – A Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City, Salome Thomas (2008 list)

Taught By America: A Story of Struggle and Hope in Compton, Sarah Sentilles  (2007 list)                                                                                                                  

Schools that Do Too Much: Wasting Time and Money in Schools and What We Can Do About It, Etta Kralovec  (2005 list)

Will Standards Save Public Education?  Deborah Meier (2005 list)

The Evolution of the American Public High School, Lyle Schaller  (2003 list)

ACTION ALERTS

Reading, Writing and Raspberries

No Child Left Unrecruited

(*The Mission Resource Center, 1-800-305-9857)

There are also some suggested ideas of things you can do for Public Education:

Explore your own local schools

• Visit area schools
• Talk to people involved (teachers, parents, students, administration)
• Engage others in conversation

 

Take action

• Vote
• Participate with local advocates-grassroots organizations such as PTA, etc.
• Utilize your church for school board elections – “Meet the Candidates” forum

 

Volunteer

• Mentor a child in public school
• Volunteer to read or tutor or chaperone a field trip
• Collect school supplies for low income students
• Recognize public school teachers in your own local church

 

Pursue systemic changes

• Consider running for the local school board or encouraging someone else
• Sponsor community information events
• Learn about school budgeting and engage in efforts to improve it
• Engage the local media through public meetings and letters to the editor

What will your local unit do to work for change in the area of Public Education?

NEW Mission Today Criteria for 2008

The Mission Today Committee has made some additions and changes to the Mission Today criteria.  In studying the Mission Today reports submitted by the local units, they found that there were units who qualified as being a Mission Today unit without making or meeting their pledge to mission.  The Mission Today Committee, as well as the entire Conference Mission Team, felt that this is wrong!

Beginning in 2008, the NUMBER ONE Mission Today criteria is that you MUST make and meet your pledge to mission.  Your unit may complete all of the other criteria listed; however, if your unit does not make and meet their pledge to mission, your unit will not be a Mission Today unit.  

Additions to the Mission Today criteria were implemented to reflect the new Charter Club as well as the For Christ’s Sake, Turn the World Upside Down Initiative.  Changes made to existing criteria were done so in order to challenge the local units to become more action oriented. 

Please check over the attached Mission Today criteria and help your local unit become a Mission Today unit in 2008.  Our Conference goal for 2008 is for 40 percent of our local units to be a Mission Today unit.

In closing, I’ve listed some pretty big changes for 2008, but they are changes and additions to our existing program that can be achieved.  You may say that your unit is too small to participate in these new programs.  The answer to that “problem” is to partner with another unit.  Don’t think of the obstacles that may prevent you from doing the work; instead, begin building bridges to help your local unit work with other units in your community to effect change.

Your Conference UMW Mission Team stand ready and willing to help the local units in any way that we can.  Please call or email any of us if you have questions or need assistance in any way.  It is my prayer that the Western North Carolina Conference will become a brighter beacon of Christ’s love through your continued support of United Methodist Women programs.

Blessings for a great 2008,

Amy Johnson
Conference President

September 2007:  President's Message from 2007 Conference Annual Meeting [PDF]

August 2007:  It’s hard to believe  that  this is  the final issue of the Conference Gram for 2007.    We’ve had an opportunity to come together this summer at our Spiritual Growth Retreats and the School of Christian Mission.  Now, it’s time to prepare for Annual Meeting.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every local unit had a representative at Annual Meeting?  After all, each local unit has at least one voting delegate to make their wishes known in the business matters of the Conference.  Annual Meeting is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the districts for 2006.  We will also have opportunities to live out our PURPOSE with periods of worship “to know God,” as well as opportunities to expand our concepts of mission. If you have not made your reservation, it’s not too late.  I look forward to greeting you at the Lake.

This is a good time of year to check your progress in several areas,

1. Has your local unit given in all 5 channels of Mission Giving?

2.  Has your local unit received a visit from a District or Conference officer?

3.  Has your local unit participated in a hands-on mission project from the Material Resources for Mission catalog?

4.  Have you completed at least Plan I of the Reading Program?  Have you implemented the Children’s and Youth Reading Programs in your local church?

5.  Are you using the Prayer Calendar and Response magazines in your meetings?

6.  Have you corresponded with at least five persons listed in the Prayer Calendar?

7.  Have you conducted or attended a mission study?

If the answer is “no” to any of the above, you still have time to complete the requirements that will help your unit become a Mission Today unit.

I also want to encourage all local unit officers to attend their District training events this fall.  I firmly believe that God doesn’t call the equipped.  He equips the called.  When you say “Yes” to your Committee on Nominations and accept a leadership position, there are opportunities to learn about your position, as well as many available resources to help you. This training will only make you and your unit stronger.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of the local unit officers and members.  YOU make mission possible with your prayers, your giving, and the many ways in which you are in mission.  It is my prayer that God will bless each of you as you continue to give of your time and talents as you serve in His name and grow through UMW.

Amy Johnson
Conference President 

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June 2007:  What better way to fulfill the PURPOSE of United Methodist Women than to attend the School of Christian Mission!  This event has it all – a time for spiritual growth, opportunities to learn more about social issues, a time to nurture our membership, as well as opportunities to participate in mission. 

To Know God – Everyone who attends the School of Christian Mission will participate in the spiritual growth study of “God’s Mission, God’s Song.”  We will explore how the role of mission has evolved over the years through Bible study and the singing of our great mission hymns.  We will leave with a renewed commitment to participate in God’s mission.  Of course, there is always time for worship with our Morning Praise and opening plenaries each day.

Social Action – Each year, the studies make us aware of social issues and how the choices we make affect others.  The studies of “Israel and Palestine” and “Globalization” will be no different!  There will also be an opportunity to correspond with our legislators in a letter writing campaign.

Creative, Supportive Fellowship – It is always a blessing to renew old acquaintances and to make new friends.  I’m excited about the return of  Youth Day.  These young women are the future of United Methodist Women.  Let’s make a special effort to meet and greet them and let them know how much we appreciate their attendance.

Expand Concepts of Mission through PARTICIPATION in the Global Ministries of the Church – Our hands-on mission project is school kits for the Bethlehem Centers in Charlotte and Winston-Salem.         The studies allow us to learn more about our mission projects.  Visit the Resource Room and the Discovery Room.  Glean new ideas of how your local unit can be in mission. 

And don’t forget about the Growth Opportunities on Saturday afternoon. Choose one of the options and expand your horizons.

You don’t have time to come for the whole weekend?  Then join us either on Friday or Saturday for the one-day overview. Our ultimate goal is that you will experience a fact-filled, inspirational weekend that will enable you to return to your local unit and fan the flame for mission.

I look forward to seeing you there.

“As a fire is meant for burning with a bright and warming flame, so the church is meant for mission, giving glory to God’s name.  Not to preach our creeds or customs, but to build a bridge of care, we join hands across the nations, finding neighbors everywhere.”  - Ruth Duck

Amy Johnson
Conference President 

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April 2007:  "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”  II Timothy 2:6-7 (NIV)

Have you ever witnessed what happens when a fire is fanned by the wind? Several years ago on a windy, Saturday afternoon in March, I looked out my window and saw that the woods across the street from my home were on fire. 

I immediately called 911, gave them my name and address, and help was on the way.  I ran back to the window and, much to my disbelief, there was no fire!  Not even any smoke!  The wind had died down and so had the fire.  My first thought was that I would be charged with calling in a false alarm!  This would have been very embarrassing because, at the time, I was the daughter of the fire chief.  (It would still be embarrassing if this happened today because my husband is the fire chief!)  But, within the few minutes it took for the fire department to arrive, the wind had picked back up and fanned the embers and the woods were on fire again.  The firefighters were able to get the fire out in a short amount of time.

There is a “fire” in each of us – something that warms our hearts, something that we have a passion for. As United Methodist Women, we have a fire burning in each of us to know God; to experience freedom as a whole person through Jesus Christ; to share in a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand our concepts of mission through PARTICIPATION in the global ministries of the church.  In order to keep our fire burning, we must fan our flame from time to time.  What better way to fan our flame than to make some time for spiritual renewal by attending the Conference Spiritual Growth Retreats? The retreats offer us an opportunity to study the scripture, have time for personal reflection about what God is calling each of us to do, as well as renew old acquaintances and make new friends

“Faith, Fears, and Dandelions” is our theme.  Often, when God is calling us to go in a new direction, we go in faith knowing that God will lead us and provide us with what we need to do His will.  And yet there are times when God is calling us to do new things and our fears keep us from acting. This could also be true about plans your local unit has been discussing.  Perhaps you want to start a new circle.  Is there a new mission project you want to undertake, one that may stretch your limits?  Or maybe God is nudging you to say “yes” and assume a leadership position in the organization.  I invite you to come and join us at the Lake.  Come, seeking to fan your flame so your fire will burn brighter wherever God is leading you. 

Amy Johnson
Conference President 

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January 2007:  Happy New Year!  Most of us as we look ahead to a new year think of ways in which we can improve ourselves.  We make resolutions and set personal goals.  In looking ahead to 2007, the Conference Executive Committee decided upon a special priority for the year, as well as setting goals to improve our work as United Methodist Women.
 

There are four words in this phrase that I want to call  to your attention. Expand means to enlarge, amplify, or swell.  Concepts are our thoughts and ideas.  Participation denotes ACTION, to take part in an activity.  Global means that our mission work takes us outside the four walls of our church and even outside of our community.  We call special attention to the word PARTICIPATION.   How can you expand your concepts of mission through your participation in the global ministries of the church? Listed below is my “Top Ten” list that will enable a UMW local unit to be a vital mission organization.

1. Pray.  Purchase a Prayer Calendar and pray for our mission personnel and mission projects daily.  Pray for the leaders of your local unit, as well as your district and conference officers, Women’s Division directors and staff.

2. Increase your local unit’s Mission Giving.  Give in all five channels. Our gifts enable mission work to be done throughout the world.  Women’s Division directors are good stewards of UMW funds.  They do not spend what they do not have.  So, when giving is down, programs and projects have to be cut and then the least and the lost of the world are left hurting again.

3. Participate in a mission study.  Make plans to attend your district study and/or the Conference School of Christian Mission in July.  Perhaps your local unit can host their own study.

4. Participate in hands-on mission projects.  Prepare UMCOR health kits, flood buckets, layettes or school kits.  Save Campbell Soup UPC codes for the Bethlehem Centers in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. 

5. Take a field trip!  Visit the Bethlehem Centers in Charlotte and Winston-Salem.  Spend  a day with our retired mission personnel at Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville.  See your mission dollars at work!

6. Participate in the Reading Program.  These books help us to grow spiritually, teach us about social issues, help us to be more supportive of our family and friends, and enlarge our vision of mission. 

7. Subscribe to Response magazine.  Learn more about the work of United Methodist Women.  Every unit should subscribe to this official UMW publication. Learn how YOU are making a difference in the lives of women, children, and youth all around the world.

8. Attend District and Conference events.   Each district holds a prayer breakfast and annual meeting.  The Conference hosts the Spiritual Growth Retreats in June and Annual Meeting in September at Lake Junaluska.  One of our conference goals is to increase attendance at our Conference events by 2% over 2006.  You have the opportunity to make new friends and renew old acquaintances, as well as learning more about the work going on in our Conference.  Scholarships are available from each district for first-time attendees to the School of Christian Mission and Annual Meeting.  Check with your District President for more details.

9. Implement the Charter for Racial Justice in your local unit.  There is a new resource available, “Resources for Racial Justice,” that provides Bible studies, programs, and action ideas.

10. Do you have a question about United Methodist Women?  Invite your district and conference officers to visit your unit.  We are always willing to answer any questions you may have about United Methodist Women.

Is there something listed in the Top Ten List that your unit has not participated in?  If the answer is “Yes,” then it is my prayer that you will choose at least one area to work on this year in which you can expand your concepts of mission. 

You say you’ve already been there and done it all???  There is always room for improvement and growth.  Choose one of the items and take it to the next level!

As always, I am just a phone call or e-mail away.  Please let me know if I can be of help to you and your local unit.

Amy Johnson
Conference President 

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Christmas 2006:  At this time of year, our mailboxes are filled with Christmas cards and holiday wishes.  I received a Christmas card yesterday that was addressed to "Amy Johnson and the Western North Carolina Conference United Methodist Women."  It was a Christmas Gift to Mission card from Nancy Bearden Hudson, President of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Core Planning Group.  The card states:

Amy Johnson
Conference President