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TRANSCRIPT
February 2012 Volume 1
The Purple Cloth
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121 NIV
Bonnie Hansen, Editor
Northeast Indiana District United Methodist Women
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S COMPUTER
Happy 2012 to all of you! We are blessed to have
so many wonderful women who have volunteered
to serve on the Conference, District and in Local
Units. And, believe me, all of you are important
and your service is cherished! Program planning
has been finalized in the District and I am sure
most of you are firming up your local plans as
well.
There are many points of need for us that haven’t
been named in our United Methodist Women
meetings, but we are a loving community and will
find ways to help in these areas. Sometimes, a
willing ear, a steady hand, and a clear voice are
what is needed:
1. Human Trafficking has been brought to our
attention with the Super Bowl in our state this
year. Inform yourself about the issue and stand
up and be heard when called on to do so.
2. Families who are affected by loss of jobs are in
most of our churches.
3. Some family members are coming home from
the war- front and will need our love and support
in many ways: financially, physically, and
emotionally.
Some of you are new to the office of President of
your local unit. Remember these points from our
Handbook. Section 2. The PRESIDENT, working
with the Executive Committee, shall actively seek
to advance all phases of the work of United
Methodist Women. She shall:
a. preside at all meetings of the unit and its
Executive Committee and serve as an ex officio
member of all other committees, where they exist,
except the Committee on Nominations;
b. sign with the secretary all official and legal
papers and orders of the treasurer;
c. prepare reports as necessary with the elected
officers;
d. develop, with the Executive Committee, a plan
to assure the unit will become a Mission Today
Unit, using the criteria received from the district
or conference.
e. represent the unit in all meetings or name a
substitute;
f. be a member of the local United Methodist
Church to which the unit is affiliated and serve,
where they exist, as a member of the church
council or on the Administrative Council or
Administrative Board/Council on Ministries (The
Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church
2008, ¶252.5i). Membership in the local church
may include affiliate membership.
We are called to our PURPOSE and once called,
we are equipped to fulfill our duties. God loves
you and will uphold you with his strength. The
key, share the responsibility with others and let
all of you enjoy the blessings of serving God
through your work with women and children
around the world. Beloved, it isn’t about money
and if our unit is able to raise the money you have
in the past. This is your time to share the love
God has given you all of your life through prayer
and emotional support of women and children in
your church, your community, and abroad. For
this moment in time you are called to LOVE.
Blessings,
Doris Rapp
President, Northeast Indiana District UMW
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/northeastdistrict/
Greetings to my fellow sisters of the faith,
Serving in United Methodist Women is my
passion but I am fairly new to district work.
Currently I serve as president of one of our
district’s larger units: Angola United Methodist
Women. We have an active group of women, many
of us well seasoned! Like the district United
Methodist Women, we are always looking for new
members, especially younger women. We have
discovered that sponsoring an annual women’s
retreat has opened the door to attracting new
members as well as personally inviting women to
our events.
I joined Women Society of Christian Service in
1964 and my grandmothers and mother were
active in United Methodist Women’s predecessor
groups. Since retiring from American Electric
Power (I & M) in 2004, I have dealt with two
major life-changing events in my life that some of
you can identify with. I became a widow in 2006
after 47 years of marriage and last year my 10-
year-old granddaughter moved in with me so I am
now a single grandma. I have three adult
children, two wonderful sons-in-law and eight
grandchildren ranging in age from eight to
eighteen.
As your district vice president this year, I hope to
continue the quality programming this new
district has already established. Just as in your
local circles or units, when personally inviting
women to United Methodist Women events, solid
programming is the key to attracting and
retaining members of all ages.
Since this year’s emphasis in the program book
WALK WITH WHOLENESS is on using the book
of Psalms to conclude programs, I’d like to share
my favorite one: “I lift up my eyes to the hills.
Where does my help come from? My help comes
from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. .
.” (Psalm 121 NIV)
Myrna McCracken, 260-833-3619
SECRETARY’S DESK
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that 2012 is
here and another year has come and gone! As
time flies, we are reminded that there has been
much accomplished but yet there is much to be
done.
2 We always thank God for all of you and continu-
ally mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember
before our God and Father your work produced by
faith, your labor prompted by love, and your en-
durance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
~Thessalonians 1:2-3
Let’s continue to encourage each other and sup-
port the missions of United Methodist Women
while keeping Christ at the center of all we do.
May God bless you, guide you and strengthen you,
Bonnie Elam, Secretary
260-341-1687
WALK WITH WHOLENESS
The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 2
The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 3
READ ~ LEARN ~ ENJOY!
Hello to all Secretaries of Program Resources! I
am the new kid on the block. It is with privilege
and honor that I have accepted this position for
the next two years. We are all in this togeth-
er. Hopefully, we will learn from each other
along the way.
I am an active member of Bethany United Meth-
odist Church in Northeast Fort Wayne; have been
a member at Bethany for twenty-five years; and
have served as President of the unit a total of sev-
en years--off and on.
I have been a member of the United Methodist
Women for forty-three years. I have served as
Spiritual Growth Chairwoman of the former Fort
Wayne District, North Indiana Conference, dur-
ing the 1990's.
Knowing our purpose and what we are called to
do, the Reading Program is a vital part of helping
us to become "whole persons in Jesus
Christ”. Our Program Book is a wonderful guide
to use for our meetings also.
Bethany’s unit has several readers and a
chairperson who loves to encouraging us. Be-
cause of such a strong person leading us, we
regularly learn what books women are reading.
As you know, a new category has been added
recently. Five books are now needed, as well
as Response, to complete Plan I. It is my hope
that each of you encourage as many members
as possible to complete Plan I. There are so
many wonderful books that stretch our minds
and hearts.
If you or any of the other ladies of your unit
have a certain book that is inspiring or an ex-
ceptional read, please e-mail or send me the
titles, short synopsis or your thoughts about
the books, they may be published in upcoming
issues of the Purple Cloth.
One last comment. Please send to me--either
by e-mail or U S mail---the names of those who
have completed plans during 2011. They are
needed no later than February 1, 2012.
I look forward to working with each of you and
hearing from you with your list of readers.
May God Richly Bless You in 2012!
Mary Jane Smith
Secretary of Program Resources
Claiming Earth as Common Ground, by
Andrea Cohen-Kiener
It gathers insights from ecology coalitions,
emerging theologies, and spiritual and environ-
mental activists to rally and inspire people from
diverse faith traditions to live into the chal-
lenge. Questions for discussion and action are
included to help religious people and groups fo-
cus on specifics they can do that, collectively,
have the power to save the planet.
Submitted by Janis Bohnstedt
Recommended Book from
2011 Reading Program
2011 PLEDGED TO MISSIONS REPORT
The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 4
Welcome to all you new and returning treasur-
ers to our 2012 year. Your hard work in 2011
helped our district go over our Women’s Divi-
sion pledge to missions. We turned over
$85,930.54 to Women’s Division for the five
channels of Mission Giving. This included our
pledges to mission, special mission recognition,
gifts to mission, gifts in memory and our world
thank offering. In addition we gave $6,528.44
for designated areas such as the call to prayer
and self-denial fund, national missions, Assem-
bly offering, and our special emphasis for 2011:
“A Brighter Future for Children and Youth.”
Our conference contribution for the Lucille
Raines Residence, School of Christian Mission
and Youth Scholarship Fund totaled $25,508.50.
We also contributed $1,275 towards the Christ-
mas gift cards for the Lucille Raines residents.
Thanks again to all units for your help in meet-
ing our goal.
Remember when you send in your funds, please
use the remittance form that was included in
your packet either picked up at the training ses-
sion or mailed to you. I will be mailing some
packets to the presidents of the units where I do
not have the treasurer’s name. If you have a
new treasurer this year, please let me know.
Also, be sure to write the checks to the North-
east District United Methodist Women and not
to me personally.
My contact information is Joanne Beerbower,
16015 Bayview Blvd, Grabill, IN 46741, 260-
627-2672, email [email protected]. I will con-
tinue to send receipts for your giving by email if
you send me your email address or by standard
mail if you have no email.
In these difficult times God has blessed us all
and helped us to be a loving and giving organi-
zation for missions.
Joanne Beerbower
Treasurer Northeast District
I am enjoying a nice 2012 in Florida this winter. I still need you to send your membership report to me as soon as
possible. The new year will bring new changes for all as we will be doing all the membership counting on line.
That means each unit will be reporting online all of your numbers. I will need all units email addresses so I can
send you all the info. I know that some units do not have excess to a PC and will need to call or mail their info to
me.
Hope you all have a great year. Hope to see you at the Spring meeting.
Charleen Allison
NEW CHANGES ~ MEMBERSHIP COUNTING
SOCIAL ACTION PRIORITIES
The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 5
Let me know how I can be of help to you.
Carolyn Danielson
Social Action Coordinator
260-463-2858
Legislative /
Social Advocacy Day
Indiana Capital Building Rotunda
Thursday, February 23, 2012
9:30 -3:30
20/20: Visioning an AIDS-Free World
As the Mission Coordinator for Social Action, it
is my responsibility to coordinate the districts
study and action relating to local, national, in-
ternational and global social issues. The Wom-
en’s Division has four social action priorities for
2009-2012.
1. Environmental Justice
2. Economic Justice
3. Health/Healthcare
4. Immigrant/Civil Rights.
Themes cutting across all of these priorities in-
clude:
Gender Justice, Rights of Women, Youth and
Children
Racial Justice
Peacemaking
All of these areas are important and it does
seem overwhelming when trying to find a place
to start. Where do we begin? How can we get in-
volved? Here’s some steps for your local unit to
consider adapted from the booklet “Why Should
I Get Involved in Social Issues?”
Acknowledge that we can all do our part to
build a just world and proclaim the good
news of Jesus Christ.
Prayerfully choose an issue in your com-
munity, neighborhood or the world. Develop
a list of ways you can work to alleviate the
problem.
Narrow your focus. Find an aspect of the
problem that you know you can manage.
Learn all you can about the problem.
Design a plan of action.
Act. Remember to let the power of prayer
support the entire process.
We are a community of women dedicated to ex-
panding the concepts of mission and acting on
behalf of “the least of these”. May God bless your
units as you work in the name of Jesus Christ.
LUCILLE RAINES RESIDENCE AND YOU ~TAKEN FROM THE MAY 2011 MESSAGE MANAGER
Carpool and bring your friends. Districts bring your United Methodist Women. Churches bring your
congregations. Just phone Lucille Raines Residence at 317-636-3328 to make reservations.
Lucille Raines Residence is a facility owned and operated by Indiana Area United Methodist Women.
Many of the men and women, who are residents, are actively engaged in rebuilding their lives from
substance abuse. They all share in learning to function independently and as whole people in life.
Many are finding Christ to be the source of successful recovery.
TALK ~ TOUR ~ LUNCH ~~ ALL FOR ONLY $5.00 PER PERSON
April 16, 2012, the Lucille Raines Residence
celebrates its 35th anniversary. Owned and
operated by the Indiana United Methodist
Women. It offers hope to as many as forty-nine
men and women who are actively engaged in
rebuilding their lives from substance abuse. Many
of these residents find Christ to be the source of
their successful recoveries.
Though residents pay rent, this accounts for only
half the expense of the program. United
Methodist Women provide support—local United
Methodist Women units contribute $7.50 per
United Methodist Women member. Opportunities
for giving, sale of Lucinda pins, gifts made in
memory and in honor, and conference advance
specials provide funds for staffing, programming
and residence upkeep.
In addition to United Methodist Women monetary
gifts, there is a Lucille Raines Residence
Executive Board that meets monthly (with the
exception of February, July and August) to assist
in decision-making, to maintain awareness of on-
going needs and to provide that little ―extra to
the residents upon occasion. (At the April board
meeting, Easter baskets for the residents and
staff were filled from board member donations.)
As with any board, terms expire and new
members are elected to the Lucille Raines
Residence Executive Board. The board is
composed of members that represent all districts
of the Indiana Conference United Methodist
Women. If you are interested or know of someone
you think would make a good board member,
please consider completing a Talent Bank form.
The form can be obtained online by going to the
Lucille Raines Residence website
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/lucilleraines/ or by
contacting Linda Crawford at (812) 336-2277 or
[email protected]. If you have questions or
would like further information, contact Linda.
JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
GREETINGS ON BEHALF OF LUCINDA PINS When you look for a meaningful gift to give, remember that a Lucinda pin is a great
idea; and each is always unique. The sale of these pins help to subsidize the ministry of
the Lucille Raines Residence, a project of United Methodist Women of Indiana.
Contact me to purchase, or to secure pins to sell at your church, meetings, or other
events. Sell, Sell, Sell! (View video of Lucinda flowers pins being
made: http://www.lucinda.com/about/pins/)
Pat Hoover
574-223-5533
The Purple Cloth August 2011 Page 6
Letter from Carolyn Marshall, Lucille Raines Residence Director
Dear Christian Friends:
You were instrumental in making Christmas 2011 extraordinarily meaningful for Lucille Raines
Residents. Each resident received two $25.00 gift cards, one from Wal-Mart and one from Kroger.
Over and over, we heard this was the best Christmas ever-or, at least, in many years. For several
residents, sharing in a traditional holiday meal was a joy beyond words. That was help in our dining
room Tuesday evening, December 20. Following that, Santa and his elves distributed gift-wrapped
packages. These contained the gift cards.
As has happened in previous years, we rejoiced with residents who shared the fruits of their
shopping – several having used them for gifts for children, parents or other family members.
Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for your thoughtfulness. You were significant in
making the holidays, often the most difficult time of the year, positive. Thank you all very, very
much.
Gratefully,
Carolyn M. Marshall
The Purple Cloth August 2011 Page 7
2012 DISTRICT EVENTS
April 21 Spring Meeting (see flyer in newsletter for more information)
September 29 Fall Annual Meeting (see flyer in newsletter for more information)
November 17 Mini-School / Officer Training
No United Methodist Women Dinner
At Annual Conference
The United Methodist Women of Indiana Conference Team has agreed that costs prohibit hosting a UMW dinner at Annual Con-ference this June. We will be hosting an event the Friday night before our Annual Meeting held in October. We hope that our members will appreciate our desire to be good stewards with our mission money.
The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 8
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/northeastdistrict/
Stay Connected
Officers Contact Info
Resources
Forms Library
. . . and more
Webmistress: Bonnie Hansen
Stay Current
Events Calendar
Newsletters
Registration Forms
. . . and more
Home On The Web
The Purple Cloth February 2012 Page 9
STAY CONNECTED ~ STAY INFORMED
United Methodist Women of Indiana: www.gbgm-umc.org/indumw/
North Indiana Conference United Methodist Women: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/umw/
General Board of Global Ministries of UMC: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/
Lucille Raines Residence: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/lucilleraines/
UMCOR: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor
Northeast Indiana United Methodist Women Blog: http://www.neinumw.blogspot.com/
Indiana United Methodist Church: http://www.inumc.org/
INTERNET RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND ADVOCACY
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN OF INDIANA
GOVERNMENT
Updated information on Congress – http://www.congress.org/
Common Cause (government watchdog) – http://www.commoncause.org/
Vote Smart Project for information about local and state elected officials – http://www.votesmart.org/
Contracting your US Representatives – http://www.house.gov/
Contacting your US Senators – http://www.senate.gov/
Information for the Whitehouse – http://www.whitehouse.gov/
Indiana state government – http://www.in.gov/
Women, Children and Youth
Women Thrive Worldwide (Shaping U.S. Policies that help women life themselves and their families out of
poverty – http://www.womenthrive.org/
Children's Defense Fund – http://www.childrensdefense.org/
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – http://www.ncadv.org/
About Fair Trade – http://transfairusa.org/content/about/overview.php
ENVIRONMENT
Water for Life, 2005-2015 (International Decade for Action) – http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/
United Nations Development Program, Water Governance – http://www.undp.org/water/
UMW Green Team – http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/work/social-action/environment/green-team/
Women's Environment and Development Organization – http://www.wedo.org/
Sudan Save Darfur Coalition (180 faith-based, humanitarian and human rights groups representing 130
million people)– http://savedarfur.org/
Enough Project of Center for American Progress – www.enoughproject.org/
Professor Eric Reeves, Sudan information site – www.sudanreeves.org
Ginghamsburg (Ohio) United Methodist Church Sudan Project – www.thesudanproject.org
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.
Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
Northeast District
3898 New Vision Dr Ste A
Fort Wayne, IN 46845-1719
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
PERMIT NO. 936
CURRENT RESIDENT OR