communication link september 2014 - ngumc
TRANSCRIPT
Communication Link September 2014
Rome - Carrollton District
United Methodist Women
“…..you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem, and in
all Judea and Samaria, and to
the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
(NIV)
Inside this Issue…
Spiritual Growth Retreat
ROCA Annual Meeting
“Stop Hunger Now”
Executive Team
From the Desk of the
President
Walk for Others
“Stop Hunger Now”
Pictures
Giving Makes A
Difference
Mission Studies List
North Georgia
Conference Annual
Meeting
Spiritual Growth Retreat
Pictures
Devotional Booklet
Mission U Picture
Christmas Shoe Boxes
2015 Officers
Registration Form
Valerie Thomas
Social Growth Coordinator
“Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You're my God. You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me.”
This was the atmosphere that was set for us at the Rome Carrollton United Methodist Women’s Spiritual Growth Retreat held at beautiful Shiloh United Methodist Church Campground in Burwell, GA. Nestled within 24 acres of God’s beauty, lies beautiful gardens, a covered bridge, and a 100 year old arbor that set the stage for our first sleepover weekend held September 5 & 6. United Methodist Women are known for our mission work. This weekend was no exception! We completed Christmas boxes for the Methodist Operation Christmas Child Shoebox project which is a simple gift that can affect entire families and show them God’s love. We filled the boxes with dolls, trucks, flip-flops, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, and so much more. We even put a coloring book in each box with the first page of the coloring book colored by us. Our mission projects took us outside as well. We explored Shiloh with a walk through their nature trail which benefited Murphy- Harpst Children Centers in Cedartown, GA with $5 from each registration. On Friday evening, the United Methodist Men of Waco United Methodist Church furnished us with an all American cookout. We were entertained with a talent show. Yes, our women are very talented. Ms. Irene Keith and friends wrote and performed a play. Sylvia Vick and Dorothy Burton- Callaway did poetic recitations. The women from Crawford Chapel UMC performed a skit, and Lana Norman danced to the hit song “Happy”. It was a hoot, and oh did we laugh. We then indulged in ice cream sundaes and coffee as we engaged in games, conversation and good ole’ fellowship. Some of the ladies’ fellowship of Mexican Railroad Dominos lasted until 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The dormitories consisted of MOST of the amenities found at a five star hotel. Yes, the dormitories had plug- ins and hot water. Hallelujah!!
Saturday morning with the dew on the ground and the birds chirping, we were lead in devotion under the arbor by the new Pastor of Waco United Methodist Church, Rev. Donald Stevens, husband to our President, Heidi Stevens. He reminded us from the book of Nehemiah that when we have a mind to work, we can make it happen. We appreciated the United Methodist Men of Bowdon First United Methodist Church preparing breakfast and service. Cindi Hicks, our Vice President, and the New Vision dance ministry from Griffin Chapel U.M. C. led us in praise and worship. Rev. Karen Kagiyama, the Director and Campus Minister of the United Methodist Wesley Foundation at the University of West Georgia, was the guest speaker. “Becoming the woman of God through the power of God will allow us to make it happen” was the topic she shared with us. Pat Davis and Vannie Edge shared their testimonies, and a candle burned in memory of Ruth Wright, a very committed United Methodist Woman. The weekend is now over, but the fellowship, the friends made, and the memories will never be forgotten. Our prayers continue to be with Dr. Rev. Shirley Wright, Pastor of Shiloh UMC, who is convalescing and the Shiloh U. M. C family.
From the Desk of the President:
Hello ladies!
What a great year in our District so far! The Spring Banquet, the
Stop Hunger Now project, and the Spiritual Growth retreat. And
there is even more to look forward to. Mark your calendars now
for Nov. 15. We will be meeting at Cedartown First UMC for our
annual meeting and leadership training. Come find out how we
are doing, hear a great speaker, meet and vote on the new slate
of District officers, learn more about our mission outreaches, and
have fun and fellowship with ladies from around the district. And
all that is before lunch! After lunch we will divide into groups to
learn more about your job description or about United Methodist
Women in general. We would love to show off what each unit
has been up to this year. We would like to invite each unit that
can to make a display that highlights your ministry. There are
some great mission ministries going on this district! We will put
these up for everyone to enjoy and get ideas for their own unit!
Can't wait to see you there!
Blessing!
Cindi Hicks
Vice-president
Ellen Hester
Social Action Coordinator
2 Corinthians 9:6, 7 KJV
"But this I say, He who soweth sparingly shall reap also
sparingly; and he who soweth bountifully shall reap also
bountifully.
Every man according as he purposed in his heart, so let him
give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful
giver."
This year we have placed our social action emphasis on poverty.
As individuals and as local units I know many of you have
provided for the less fortunate. It is right that we do this as
missions should certainly start in our own communities. Christ
left us instructions that we should help, love and care for one
another.
This year we came together as a district with our “Stop Hunger
Now” project. Every UMW member in the ROCA District had
a hand in either raising money, packing meals, or both. These
meals go overseas to an area of great need. When we read in 2
Corinthians 9:9, we find Paul comments on sending aid abroad and the reward of doing so. (“As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad;
he hath given to the poor, his righteousness remaineth forever.........”).
I am pleased to report that we raised the full $2500.00 needed for our District project and had 51 people, some from WMU
members and others friends and family of members. I had hoped to let you know exactly where the meals we packed had been shipped,
but to date I have not been able to get this information. There are so many parts of our world in great need. Please check the Stop
Hunger Now website to see the wonderful work they do. Isn't it nice to know we have been a part of this work.
As fall takes our youth back to school and we look forward to cooler weather, I wish each of you good health, much love and success as
we move toward a new year. Let us not forget to pray for one another and for the needs of our Christian family, our
communities, our nation and our world. May we never forget to ask GOD's blessing and his will for each day.
2014 ROCA –United Methodist Women
Executive Team
Rev. Dr. David Naglee, District Superintendent-706-291-6113
Heidi D. Stevens, President – 770-301-9806
Cindi Hicks, Vice President – 706-233-2286
Secretary – vacant
L. Susan Stroup, Acting Secretary & Treasurer –
770-546-0799
Valerie L. Thomas, Spiritual Growth Co. – 770-301-3722
Ellen Hester, Social Action – 770-748-7488
Sylvia Vick. Education & Interpretation – 770-258-0289
Jean Soules, Program Resources-770-748-3287
Communications – vacant
Vanessa Kirkland, Nurture and Outreach Memberships
404-904-5895; [email protected]
Lana Norman, Parliamentarian – 770-537-2097
Anne Miller, Historian-706-291-9085
Carolyn Martin, Nomination Chair – 678-901-0121
Ender Price, Member – 706-378-7706 (H)
770-324-5843
Annie Vaughn, Member – 770-748-4200
Gussie Wood, Member – 770-748-1762
Winnie Holland, Member-706-291-0829
From the Desk of the President:
From the Desk of the President:
As I look over this newsletter and read the articles, it has made me realize what a successful and big year the ROCA District United Methodist Women have had for 2014 starting off with the banquet at Bremen First, then the Ubuntu Service Day at Anna Kresge-”Stop Hunger Now” event– raising $2,500 to make 10,000 meals that day which 51 people worked the event, and then we just had the Spiritual Growth Retreat at Shiloh United Methodist Church Campground where 18 ladies took the whole advantage of the retreat by spending the night Friday night. Many others attended Saturday. Please read Valerie’s article on the front page of this event. It was “GRAND” in every sense of “GRAND”. If you were not able to attend, you really missed out and that is saying it mildly. The next and last event for this year is the Annual Meeting/Leadership Training November 15 at Cedartown First starting at 10:00 a.m. Cindi has written an article in the newsletter about this event. Advanced registration is required and found on the back page. This event is for everyone!!! Something we have asked units to do this year is to make a display of what their unit has done in 2014 to be displayed at this Annual Meeting. This way the unit can show off what they have done and other units can get ideas.
The ROCA district United Methodist Women has a great and hard working Executive Team for 2014. I am so very proud of each person on this team.
The Conference Annual Meeting is October 4 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church. There is an article on this event in this newsletter. Please read for more details.
The North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women Leadership Development is November 1 for EVERYONE!!! not just for officers. If you are interested in attending, please let me know.
Ladies in case you have not heard I am not serving a second two year term as your ROCA United Methodist Women President. Let me tell you the story on this. Sometime this year I officially informed the Executive Team I would not be serving another term. I knew the Lord did not want me to. The Saturday that I had informed the team of this I was cutting grass Sunday, and jokingly I told the Lord, “ I told you I wouldn’t make a good President but I did what you wanted me to do Lord-I served a two year term as President like you wanted me to and now you don’t want me to serve another term.” I did laugh it off but, seriously, I knew He didn’t want me to serve again but I did not know why until May of 2014. Let me back track a little bit. In 2013 my husband, Donald Stevens, recently let it be known that he wanted to take the “Course of Study” to be a Pastor one day. One evening in May of 2014, close to the end of the month, I came home late from a meeting. Donald greeted me being excited and told me we needed to talk. I sat down and to Donald’s excitement, he told me our District Superintendent, David Naglee, had called and asked him if he was really serious about being a Pastor. Donald stated, “Yes!” David continued by saying I have a church for you in Waco if you are interested. He continued by saying pray over this and let me know something Monday. Donald was so excited and I was too!!! My first thought was I know why the Lord didn’t want me to serve a second two year term as President; I am to be serving side by side with my husband as a Pastor’s wife at Waco United Methodist Church. We didn’t say much more about this that night and really didn’t until Monday morning when I said, “Donald, you are crazy if you don’t take this position. The Lord has opened too many doors for this to be able to happen.” He said, “I know. I will be calling David today and tell him yes I have accepted.” Donald started his appointment at Waco United June 22. I resigned as United Methodist Women President at Bowdon First United Methodist Church and now am the President at Waco United Methodist Church. We are happy and blessed at Waco UMC and I ask for all of you to have us in your prayers that we will always do what the Lord wants us to do at Waco UMC and that this excitement that Donald and I have will never fade away.
Love and blessings
Heidi
WESLEY WALK FOR OTHERS
Who are your others?
Join ADOX and Relational Group 7 on October 25, 2014 at Stone Mountain First UMC and walk for your others. Your church
keeps whatever funds it raises to help the others in your community. Same Wesley Walk, Same Place, Different
Beneficiary….you decide.
For information:
Betty Jones- [email protected] Ellen Shepard- [email protected]
Sue Raymond- [email protected]
From the Desk of the President: From the Desk of the President:
“STOP HUNGER” EVENT
Measuring and Bagging
Packing for Shipping
Your giving makes a difference in a lot of lives!
*Excerpted from the United Methodist Women Renewed for Mission Annual Report 2013.
When United Methodist Women members learn all the places and ways they are touching lives, they are amazed and inspired to continue and expand their generosity. Telling United Methodist Women’s story is
a rewarding job. It can also be an overwhelming job – in a good way.
When people in your church or community ask where the money of United Methodist Women goes, what
do you say? The 30-second answer can be to tell them it goes to women, children and youth in 110
countries, including the United States where 2 million people are served.
When that piques their interest, then you can tell them United Methodist Women use their resources to:
Engage in Compassionate Service and Advocacy United Methodist Women will provide training
events, community organizing opportunities, and avenues to advocate for the marginalized and work towards racial justice. At the same time we will continue to challenge members to think
critically about the relationship between service and advocacy. United Methodist Women
accomplish this by developing leadership through participation in Leadership Development Days
(11/1/14 and 11/15/14), advocacy events (Stop Hunger Now), workshops, engagement with
partners, opportunities to participate in web-based learning and resources available on the web,
such as action alerts.
Mission Education Mission education is a priority for UMW! Your giving helps provide resources, preparation and training for Mission U making it more affordable to all. Mission U experiences
challenge members to dig deeper in their faith and then put that faith into action.
International Ministries Giving from United Methodist Women members helps address social
action issues, leadership and organizational development, compassionate service and advocacy
and equips women, children and youth around the world. Our combined giving through the
Pledge to Mission supports over one hundred projects, scholarships, Bible Women, Programs,
Ubuntu Journeys, Regional Missionary events and Global Justice Volunteers—all occurring in nearly 110 countries. Response magazine is a wonderful resource to learn about your mission
activities in the world.
National Mission Institutions National Mission Institutions meet ongoing needs of the most
vulnerable people in our communities. This mission has been ongoing since our foremothers first
began to reach out to help women and children in need and it continues today. The needs may
have changed, but the issues have not NMIs are a place a community can gather, organize,
network on issues, find support and speak on behalf of those in need. The budget will support the ongoing and new projects of the NMIs such as Clark College, New Bethlehem Community
Centers, Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, and Paine College in our own conference. Using
your Prayer Calendar introduces you to NMIs, missionaries, and projects around the world. And
if your pastor preaches from the Lectionary, you will up to date in your Bible reading!
Membership and Leadership Development Money and other resources are set aside to nurture and support existing members and leaders, engage more women at various life stages and equip more
laywomen to lead in a multilingual, multicultural and multiracial environments. We continue to be welcoming of multilingual, multicultural and multiracial women through resource translation,
language coordinators and consultations with racial ethnic women.
Did you realize your Pledge to Mission, Candle Burning, Gift to Mission Cards, Gift in Memory, World Thank Offering and, Special Mission Recognition Pins went so far? Want to learn more about where your
money goes or about the 5 Channels of Giving? I will gladly come to your unit or meet with your officers
to help you expand your impact on the world.
L. Susan Stroup, ROCA District Treasurer
770-546-0799
From the Desk of the President:
Game Night At Spiritual Growth Retreat!
Persons Willing to Lead Mission Studies (2014-2015)
How Is It With Your Soul? (English language) Janine Bethel [email protected] 706.782.6761 Mary Anne Brannon [email protected] 678.386.1170
Kathy Cook [email protected] 770.979.6452
Glenda Creasy [email protected]` 770.596.4288 (local unit)
Suzanne Crossan [email protected] 706.864.9358
Brett DeHart [email protected] 706.866.2626
L. Dorothy Edmond [email protected] 404.349.1414 (local unit)
Martha J. Guy [email protected] 770.251.1984 (local unit)
Lou Ann Harris [email protected] 770.616.4537
Donna Hinson [email protected] 706.473.9011
Patricia Johnson [email protected] 404.610.4483
Cindy Jones/Debye Baird [email protected] 770.898.4129 (local unit)
Judy Kelley [email protected] 678.522.1117
Debra McCullum [email protected] 770.695.6877 (local unit)
Mary Lynn Merkle [email protected] 404.633.7183 (local unit)
Tonya Murphy [email protected] 404.691.8207
Mary E. Ragland [email protected] 404.243.6844
Barbara Rankin [email protected] 770.227.7416
Etta Reid [email protected] 770.982.7673 (local unit)
Addie Shopshire-Rolle [email protected] 404.849.9950
Cande Taylor [email protected] 770.265.4518
Lynda Teague [email protected] 770.424.2260 (local unit)
Vanessa Warner [email protected] 770.254.6889 (LaGrange District)
Cathy White [email protected] 770.474.7912
Yolanda Womack [email protected] 414.349.2525
Sara Worden [email protected] 770.665.3110
How Is It With Your Soul? (Spanish language)
Hilda de Leon [email protected] 269.861.2810
Mayra E. Escoberdo [email protected] 678.687.7989
Diana Flechas [email protected] 770.731.7510
Rosy Flores de Cruz [email protected] 770.769.0409
Marissa PerezdelaFuente [email protected] 678.913.8332
Laura Quintanilla [email protected] 404.376.1594`
Maria Rodriguez [email protected] 678.234.5551
Yuriria Soto [email protected] 678.334.8391
The Roma of Europe Dorie Hill [email protected] 678.396.2557
Eric Powell [email protected] 678.640.3324
The Church and People with Disabilities Kathryn Barb [email protected] 770.461.2866
Jean Bouts [email protected] 770.957.6645
Cindy Campbell [email protected] 770.971.3643
Takeisha Dixon [email protected] 404.388.5796
Jacqueline Evans [email protected] 404.552.8354
Diane K. Faw [email protected] 706.265.3780
Iris Green [email protected] 770.985.0381
Marilyn Robinson [email protected] 770.389.4309
Marilyn Savage [email protected] 770.402.8662
Jasmine Smothers [email protected] 678.533.1387
Tryphenia Speed [email protected] 770.981.0200
V. Ricki Stroud [email protected] 678.773.3235
Linda Wheeler [email protected] 404.683.5560
Lynne M. Wheeler [email protected] 706.757.2667
Marian Wilder [email protected] 404.297.6425
From the Desk of the President:
From the Desk of the President:
WE WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN……
2014 ANNUAL NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN MEETING
….And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere-in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to
the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8b
Will you be a witness in making it happen? Imagine this-- it is a crisp autumn day, October 4, 2014. Why not come to
Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, in October? Where is it located? You will never guess, 709 Christmas Ave,
Bethlehem Georgia 30620. North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women will hold the 42nd Annual Meeting in
this place with a great reminder of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This will be a time of rejoicing and
celebration as persons from across the North Georgia will gather for a day of fellowship--“Making it Happen” through
Faith, Hope and Love in Action.
Please come and bring someone with you to be a witness to what God has done in the North Georgia Conference and
throughout the world using United Methodist Women. We will have an exciting time sharing in worship, celebration and
fellowship. The United Methodist Women of Bethlehem First and the Athens -Elberton District are making great plans to
welcome you to Bethlehem.
Be sure to check out the website—www.ngumw.org—for the registration form and online registration.
Directions to Bethlehem First United Methodist Church:
From Winder/Barrow Co. area (North):
Travel south on HWY 11 to the intersection of HWY 316 and HWY 11.
Continue straight (SOUTH) on HWY 11
Travel approximately one mile and the church is on the right.
Traveling south on HWY 81 turn left (EAST) on HWY 316.
At the intersection of HWY 316 and HWY 11 turn right (SOUTH) on HWY 11.
Travel approximately one mile and the church is on the right.
From Monroe/Walton Co. area (South):
Travel NORTH on HWY 11.
Once in Barrow County travel until you go through the flashing yellow light in Bethlehem.
The church is approximately 1/4 mile NORTH on the left.
From Athens/Clarke Co. area (East):
Travel WEST on HWY 316 to intersection of HWY 316 & HWY 11.
At that intersection turn left (SOUTH) onto HWY 11.
Travel approximately one mile and the church is on the right.
From Lawrenceville/Gwinnett Co. area (West):
Travel EAST on HWY 316 to intersection of HWY 316 & HWY 11.
At that intersection turn right (SOUTH) onto HWY 11.
Travel approximately one mile and the church is on the right.
Please check out North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women website for
articles from our leadership team and information on upcoming events.
www.ngumw.org
From the Desk of the President:
SPIRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT
CHRISTMAS SHOE BOXES
Rome First United Methodist Church made 40 Methodist Christmas Shoe boxes and had them delivered to the ROCA United Methodist Women Spiritual Growth Retreat. At the retreat, 30 more boxes were made. Therefore, I have 70 Methodist Christmas Shoe boxes to take to the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women Annual Meeting. Any other units who have made these please make sure they are delivered the day of the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women Annual Meeting, October 4 at Bethlehem!!!
If you attend the North Georgia
Conference United Methodist Women
Annual Meeting Luncheon on October
4, you will receive a very special
Advent Devotional booklet that was
headed up by our Conference
Historian, Barbara Waldrop and the
district’s historians. All of the daily
devotions are written by Conference
officers and district officers. I asked
the ROCA United Methodist Women
Spiritual Growth Coordinator, Valerie
Thomas, if she would write our
devotional which Valerie so graciously
accepted. It is titled “Joy to the
World.” As always, she did a
wonderful job. If nothing else, you
need to attend the Conference Annual
Meeting Luncheon just so you can
receive your Advent Devotional
Booklet!!!
Two of the many people who enjoyed
Mission U at Athens First United Methodist
Church in July.
ALL Local Unit Presidents and Secretaries, Please, Please, Please ASAP e-mail me or mail me ALL 2015 officers of your unit: their name, office, e-mail, snail mail, and phone number. Even if nothing has changed from last year, STILL send me this info to: Heidi D. Stevens [email protected] or 1088 Old Columbus Road Bowdon, GA 30108
REGISTRATION FORM
What: Rome-Carrolton District Annual Meeting and Leadership Development
When: Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Where: Cedartown First United Methodist
Cost: $8.00 per person
Yes! We will be there! Please reserve the following:
Church:
Number attending: ____________
Amount included (@ $8.00 each) : _____________
Training sessions:
Number attending President/Vice-President: ____________
Number attending Treasurer: ____________
Number attending General: ______________
Names of those attending:
Does your unit plan to bring a display? _____yes _____no
Please return this form by Nov. 3 to:
Cindi Hicks, 413 Roberson Court, Cedartown, GA, 30125
From the Desk of the President: From the Desk of the President:
Heidi D. Stevens
President
Bowdon First UMW
1088 Old Columbus Road
Bowdon, GA. 30108