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Vice President “All Things are Possible with GOD” I believe it and hope you do too. We are planning an inspiring day at Owensville UMC on April 22 for our District Spring Gathering. Please join us for 2016 recognitions and an informative day of mis-sion focus on jail ministry. We want to grow our UMW membership and need everyone’s help. The Leadership Team asks you and challenges you to brig guests to our Spring meeting. Every unit who brings a guest will receive special recognition! Love and Bee-Lief, Pamela Rhodes prpearls@frontier.com 7864 W State Rd. 165 Owensville, IN 47665-8739 (812) 204-5724

Ladies of the SW District attend the Spiritual Growth Retreat in January

Publisher: Southwest District United Methodist Women

Editor: Ruth Salley — March 2017

The Purpose of United Methodist Women 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.

Southwest Connection

President Why are you a United Methodist Woman? Seriously, why? Is it the sisterhood, the many educational opportunities and resources, the opportunity to make a difference in the world? I challenge all of you to prayerfully consider your motivation. And then think on whether you are fulfilling God’s dream for your role in our Purpose. Are you extending a welcome to all women – regardless of age, background, or interests? Are you going a step further and actively inviting women to accompany you to your group’s next event? Are you advocating for children, youth and wom-en by educating yourself on social action issues, contacting your legislators, and raising aware-ness of the challenges? Are you praying for our mission projects, missionaries, staff, and those whose lives we touch through our offerings? Are you growing in faith and spirituality - through retreats, bible and other studies, participating in the reading pro-gram, and attending district and conference programs? So, why are you a United Meth-odist Woman, and how would anyone know? Margaret Dennis margdenn@att.net 6500 Blue Spruce Dr. Newburgh, IN 47630 (812)858-1987 / (812)604-5995

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Treasurer We have good news and bad news. The bad news is as a District we did not meet our Pledge to Con-ference in 2016. We only met 83.2%. A lot of things depend on our Mission Giving Pledge, the District operating budget, the conference operating budget and the biggest reason is our being able to help improve the lives of women and children who are struggling to survive. The good news is we are starting a new year and UMW is still at the forefront of bringing about change in the world. We advo-cate change in Climate Justice, Political Justice and Justice & Equality for Women. Our Pledge to Con-ference this year is $30,000. If we as a district strive a little harder and each give an extra $1 or $5, I am sure we can meet this 2017 Pledge. As we begin another year as United Methodist Women I would like to remind you of a couple of the Mission Giving categories: Gift in Memory is self-explanatory. Instead of giv-ing flowers that wilt and die, or plants that need constant attention or a plaque, a nice remembrance is to send them a Gift in Memory card and give a donation in their name. The family will know you are thinking of them and the gift will be used to help others. Gift to Mission can be a donation in honor of someone’s birthday, their anniversary, a new baby or grandbaby, a special day or even just to let a friend know they are special in your life and they are in your prayers. Instead of buying Mom, Dad, or a Grandparent another cute ornament, which needs to be dusted, or candy which ruins their diet, send them a Gift to Mission card. This will let them know you appreciate them while helping others in their name. Candle Burning is another way to honor someone. It is over and above a Gift to Mission and Gift in Memory. Candle burning is like an extension of these two categories. United Methodist Women distribute approximately $25.54 every minute to Na-tional and International Missions. The SW District Candle Burning Honorees from 2016 will be recog-nized at our District Spring Gathering on Saturday, April 22nd at Owensville UMC. A candle will burn for each minute and second that our extra gifts have provided Hope, Courage and Love to others. If you need additional Remittance forms or you have any questions, please contact me. I hope to see all of you at our Spring Gathering. Mary Lich malich2@att.net 1576 N 100 W Washington, IN 47501-7294 (812) 254-1805

Secretary

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for

those who persecute you, so that you may be chil-

dren of your Father in Heaven; for he makes his

sun rise on the evil and the good.”

Matthew 5:44-45

It was a cold January weekend, but hearts were

warm at the United Methodist Women’s Spiritual

Growth Retreat at McCormick’s Creek. While

there is no way I can convey all that transpired

there in this brief article, it was so uplifting that I’d

like to share just a little bit. One of the points the

leader, Rev. Mary Katherine Pearce, made was

that we need to see God in the face of every per-

son. This means not only the “good” people, but

also those I don’t think are so good or so im-

portant. I cannot choose whom I will love, whom I

will build up, each person is created in the image

of God, and all persons are equally valuable in the

sight of God. As part of the body of Christ, I am

responsible for the well-being of every other per-

son. I AM my brother’s keeper.

When the February issue of Response arrived, I

rejoiced to read how United Methodist Women is

at work for justice in so many areas—in the Do-

minican Republic; in Standing Rock, North Dakota;

in Hempsted, Texas; and many other places

throughout the world. I am proud to be part of an

organization whose motto is FAITH—HOPE—

LOVE IN ACTION.

I urge you, dear sisters, if you are not already

reading Response and sharing some of its inspir-

ing articles with your UMW unit, please begin to do

so at your very next meeting. Your membership

will be excited to learn about the work that United

Methodist Women is doing in the United States

and throughout the world, particularly for women,

children, and youth.

Blessings, Irene Callis reniecall@att.net

306 Pioneer Ct. Boonville, IN 47601-1904 (812)897-1404

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Membership Nurture and Outreach Gold Stars to 13 units who have completed their 2016 census!! We only have 21 more to go by March 15. Please, please report your 2016 census. If you need help, call me at 812-204-5724. Please send any memorial information to me as soon as possible to be included in the Spring Gathering. I also encourage each UMW woman to register your individual membership. Your information will help National UMW to fine tune programming and mission emphasis. Together we are stronger. Blessings, Pamela Rhodes prpearls@frontier.com 7864 W State Rd. 165 Owensville, IN 47665-8739 (812) 204-5724

Chair, Committee on Nominations

Nominations committee is a very important committee in your UMW unit. You need to talk to each woman in your unit/church to see if they have the passion for missions to help women, children and youth around the world and locally. Also ask them if they would be willing to serve on the District Leadership Team. We are always looking for women to join our leadership team and I would like for you to give me names and phone numbers of women in your unit/church to join us. We need new ideas to help us grow and continue our mission work. I would be happy to talk to anyone who is interested in joining our leadership team. Please give me a call. Marianne Hahn marrianneph@yahoo.com 831 Tawny Drive Evansville, IN 47712 (812) 426-2678

Education and Interpretation Thanks to one and all who sent their reports to me. Your certificates will be ready at the spring meeting. Hope to meet you at the Owensville UMC on April 22, and I hope you bring a friend that doesn’t usual-ly attend. The program was discussed at our last leadership team meeting and it does sound interest-ing as well as educational. Our next order of business is Mission u. It’s time to register and time to invite someone new to go with you. Mission u will be held July 18-21 on the cam-pus of DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. This summer the cafeteria and some of the classrooms will be brand new! Remember there is a full schol-arship available for each person who attends for the first time. While I am suggesting that you expand your UMW world, I’d like to remind you that the Assembly meeting will be close in 2018. Why not mark that on your calendar? Assembly is held every four years somewhere in the country and we have been lucky enough to have had the last two in St. Louis and Louisville. The next one will be in Columbus, OH on May 18-20, 2018. Early registration and discount end on November 30, 2017 so be thinking about this and start saving your pennies. Much more infor-mation will follow, just wanted to give you a heads up. As I mentioned at the fall meeting, I consider my office to be one of encouragement and education, so feel free to call me with your questions. If I can-not answer them I can probably find someone who can. With love and prayers, Your sister in Christ, Janet Sellers jvsellers@gmail.com 18100 Old State Road Evansville, IN 47725-9403 (812) 499-9118

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Communication Coordinator “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” Song of Songs 2:11-12 Don’t the words of the psalmist David make you bubble inside, put a new “umph” in your step and make you want to clasp hands and go forth anew to accomplish our goals? Spring is just around the corner and with it comes the promise of renewal. Renewal happens when-ever an old life takes on new meaning. This re-newal usually comes about through change, new interest, new vitality, involvement. With personal renewal of each member comes the potential for great growth in our units, our district, our state and national UMW. In anticipation of that growth, let us accept the challenge of adopting the following creed: Let me be a little kinder Let me be a little blinder To the faults of those about me; Let me praise a little more. Let me be, when I am weary, Just a little bit more cheery; Let me serve a little better those That I am striving for. Let me be a little meeker With a sister who is weaker; Let me think more of my neighbor And a little less of me. Author Unknown Ruth Salley rdsalley@aol.com 3199 Brookfield Drive Newburgh, IN 47630 (812) 490-9172

LUCILLE RAINES RESIDENCE (LRR)

Changing Hearts & Lives Celebrate Lucille Raines Residence 40th Anniversary May 16-18. Tours available. Hors d’oeuvres, cake and punch will be served. Tuesday, May 16 3pm-7pm Resident Sharing 4pm & 6pm Wednesday, May 17 10am-4pm Resident Sharing 11am, 1pm & 3pm Thursday, May 18 3pm-7pm Resident Sharing 4pm & 6pm

Lucille Raines Residence is a project of Indiana United Methodist

Women. 947 North Pennsylvania Street Indianapolis, IN 46204-1070

Social Action **New Address and Phone Jacque Hardin jqhardin@gmail.com 5417 Egret Way Evansville, IN 47715- (812) 204-0488

Did you know that each newsletter costs $$ to

print and mail? If you wish to help save money

for missions by receiving this newsletter only in

electronic form, please email:

Ruth Salley at rdsalley@aol.com.

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Secretary of Program Resources Jerrianne Bonenberger Rbones4@aol.com 5610 Picadilly Lane Evansville, In 47710-1876 (812)431-8060

Spiritual Growth The face of the United Methodist Woman may have changed over the last 150 years, but the passion behind the Purpose remains constant. As we head toward our future, let us remember those who have paved the way for us and use all our resources to continue the work they began.

Anatomy of a UMW Member

Carolyn Ellis At64cousin_ellis@yahoo.com 1426 Broadway Vincennes, IN 47591-4513 (812)890-7455

Brain to hold Mission study information

Ears to hear the cries of children

Mouth for singing praises

Broad shoulders for carrying the cares of the world

Small waist from tightening the belt on unnecessary expenditures

Eyes for enjoying the Reading Program

Nose for sticking into legislative issues

An extra big heart for loving

Grease on the elbows from hard work

Callouses on the knees from praying

Thick skin for withstanding criticism

Feet for standing fast in uncertain times—or for walking on water when necessary!

Long neck to stick out for others

Hands for collecting pledges

Hips for moving the church on social issues

Originally “The Ideal UMW Member” by Carol Potter

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812-204-4088 5417 Egret Way Evansville, IN 47715

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2017 SW District & Conference Calendar

DATES EVENT LOCATION

Saturday, April 22 District Spring Gathering Owensville UMC

Tues-Thurs, May 16-18 40th Anniversary Celebration Lucille Raines Residence, Indianapolis, IN

Tues.-Fri., July 18-21 Mission u DePauw University, Greencastle, IN

Saturday, July 22 Mission u Saturday Sampler DePauw University, Greencastle, IN

Saturday, September 30 District Fall Gathering Bicknell UMC

Saturday, October 7 IN UMW Annual Meeting Asbury UMC, Columbus, IN

Fri.-Sun., October 27-29 Saturday, November 18

Silent Retreat District Officer Celebration

Sarto House, Evansville, IN Centenary UMC, Evansville, IN

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Mission u 2017

Dear Sisters in Christ, My name is Barbara King and I am honored to be the Dean of Mission u. I have attended Mission u for many years and even taught the children for three years. My husband and I have been married nearly 47 years. We are the parents of two adult children, one of whom lives with us. Both of our granddaughters are currently living with us as they attend school – one at Ivy Tech Community College and the other at Lincoln Tech. Not too many dull moments at the King house! I am active in my local UMW unit where I am currently treasurer and Secretary of Program Resources. I also teach the children on Sun-day mornings and am a part of our puppet ministry. So, what is Mission u? It is: M – mission opportunities I – issue studies S – singing and sunshine (it is held in mid-July!) S – supportive fellowship I – inspirational study leaders O – occasions to learn and laugh N – new developments in United Methodist Women and new friends u-- time to uplift women, children, & youth throughout the world Mission u is four days of learning; of fellowship with other United Methodist Women from around the state; new friends and spending time with people you have known for years; and, it is a time to learn more about our missions and mission opportunities. July 18 – 21, 2017, will find our Mission u at DePauw University. This year all the construction will be complete! All of our sessions will be held in what remains of the HUB (ballroom area) and new classroom area and in the new Hoover Hall which houses the new cafeteria and several more class areas. Sampler Day will be Saturday, July 22. Our studies this year are: Spiritual Growth – Living as a Covenant Community. Here we will examine the major covenants throughout the Bible and what they reveal about God’s character and eternal love for us. We will discover that cove-nantal living calls us to acts of mercy and justice. Through covenantal living, we are connected to God and the whole creation. Topical Issue – Climate Justice. This study will deepen our understanding and awareness of climate change and its impact on God’s creation. It highlights justice, peace, and integrity of creation as important dimen-sions of partnering in God’s mission today. Participants will learn how their own actions contribute to cli-mate change and what they can do to positively affect the environment. Geographical Study – Missionary Conferences of the UMC in the United States. This is the story of the three missionary conferences of the United Methodist Church: Alaska United Methodist Conference, Red Bird Missionary Conference, and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. We will learn about the his-tory and how each conference is founded as well as how they add to the richness of the United Methodist connection in the United States. The registration form, along with a listing of the Study Leaders should be out soon. Watch your mail boxes! I hope to see each of you in Greencastle in July! Barbara King Kenbarb1969@yahoo.com 317-619-2076

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Southwest Connection

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