MUSTARD SEED – AUGUST 2005

 

District Officers, Unit Presidents, and all Members of Albuquerque District UMW,

 

Greetings to all as we begin a new year of service through United Methodist Women.  “This is the day (time) that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  What opportunities for outreach and mission await us.  We must be diligent and discerning in our outreach to make the most of our time and resources in helping those who need.  There are so many needs, but not to do in the face of such challenge is not what Jesus asked of us.  We share as the widow did with our mite to make the difference we are able to accomplish. Many of you are serving needs in your communities in marvelous ways; do continue that generosity and work as we reach out also to those whom we cannot see who have hopes and dreams to better their lives as well.  The Prayer Calendar calls our attention to those areas across the United States and the world where UMW serves.

 

Unit elections are to be completed in September with officer lists sent to District Secretary Cathy deLong by e-mail or regular mail before October 1.  She will need to complete her directory to pass  information along to the Conference Secretary, so that the tasks may be completed before the busy holiday season begins.  Your cooperation is so appreciated.

 

A recent  interview I heard on television,  perhaps on Charlie Rose, who spoke with a  young entrepreneur who had accomplished in his early years his goal of acquiring millions through a business called overstock.com. He has chosen  to focus on alleviating poverty in nations around the world.  His honorable plan is to eradicate poverty by helping 1500 people per country.  He said he soon learned the lesson that by helping men, the health of family members showed little change.   But when his outreach went to women to create a small business, there was weight gain and improved health for  the children almost immediately. His efforts are to be applauded, but he might have learned earlier from United Methodist Women who long ago knew that help for women benefited children and youth. May we continue in that worthy effort one mite at a time.

 

It is easy to be overwhelmed with the many needs which are brought to our attention, both here in our own towns, cities and state.  Let us take courage to do what we are capable of doing, one step at a time. Let us not allow ourselves to become cynical and discouraged, even in the face of those who may seem unappreciative and acquisitive.  That is their cross, let us not add to the weight of our own.

 

Let us hear from units about their projects so they can be shared on our web site, or published as space allows in “The Mustard Seed”.  Let us also hear from units about wonderful programs which you have experienced, so that others may find similar excitement and enrichment from those experiences. 

 

By now your units have made connections with a school and found ways to encourage and support needs in that area.  Teachers, parents and students are under unusual pressures in our day and time with outside influences on young people unknown in our youth;  parents- both single and couples-who must work outside the home, and teachers who have frequent changing requirements and expectations for lengthy portfolios, individual teaching plans per student, with total school success burdens placed largely upon faculty and staff.  Surely we can provide appreciation to each for their efforts to lead children and youth to a successful future.  Our country’s future depends upon them.

 

Look at the calendar in this issue to plan to join us for opportunities to learn and worship together.  District Officers, please plan to attend Conference in Alamogordo in October 22-24, where we will be gathering as three districts and joining in efforts to be cohesive and directed to meaningful tasks.  Units, your opportunity for officer training will be met with specific training at Conference also.  Do plan ahead to bring a carload for that training opportunity to make your unit even more successful.

 

We must continue to pray for guidance and discernment for the tasks our units  undertake as a group and as individuals within the unit.  As the saying goes, “Those who do nothing make no mistakes, but those who give of themselves are willing to risk making a few mistakes as they accomplish much.”

 

Wishing you a wonderful year as United Methodist Women,

Helen Jo Satterwhite, District President.

 

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“BEEPS” FROM THE VP

 

 

Wow, the summer break for United Methodist Women is nearly over and it’s time to hit the ground running with plans for the coming year.  Hopefully your Nominating Committee has been working recruiting officers for next year.  You may say, “Not Yet!”, but officers need to be elected and their names, address, and office the will hold needs to be sent to the District Secretary Cathy deLong by October 1.

 

Almost on the heels of that official duty it is time the program planning for 2006. Whether your unit has a Program Committee or the entire Executive Committee plans the programs, it is the Vice President’s role to help develop exciting programs that inform, inspire, create community, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the fulfillment of the PURPOSE of United Methodist Women. Some suggestions are:

• Evaluate – go over your unit’s activities from the past year, determine what went over well, what type program may be repeated, and what should be eliminated.
• Organize – brainstorm ideas, identify needs/concerns/interests.  Dream for the future!
• Identify/Review program resources available. Response & New World Outlook, Program Book for UMW and Prayer Calendar are tried and true sources.  Try using skits, panel discussions, videotapes, field trips and speakers. Try to give programs“thought-provoking” and eye-catching titles.
• Promote and publicize-let others know what your and planning. Enthusiastically invite others to attend. Activate your calling system and ADVERTISE! ADVERTISE! ADVERTISE!
• Follow up- if the program lends itself to an activity in the community to do a “hands-on” project. Or consider a monetary donation if your unit can afford it.

 

Remember: the total program that the local unit does is MISSION!

 

If your unit has developed an especially powerful and interesting program idea, please share it.  Send me the information and I can pass it along in a later issue of the Mustard Seed.

 

One of His,

Marilyn Jacobson, Vice President

Albuquerque District of UMW

District Treasurer

The first half of the year went by so fast and I know that the last half will go even faster.

Thank you to all the treasurers for being prompt with your reports. Keep up the good work. However, I need to remind you that your reports need to be sent to me by March 5^th, June 5^th, Sept. 5^th, and Dec. 5^th. The only critical date is Dec. 5^th for your unit to receive credit for 2005.

When sending money for gift to mission cards let me know if you need me to send you the cards or if you already have them. Some units keep the cards on hand and pay when they are used.

 

Secretary’s Report

Dear Fellow UMW Members:

 

I have been enjoying the wonderful summer weather that we're so blessed with in New Mexico.  It's hard to believe that we're soon going to have to switch gears and prepare for fall weather and fall activities.

One major fall project for me will again be the assembly and printing of the ABQ District telephone directory.  Your assistance is very necessary and much appreciated.

I am asking that all lists of officers for 2006 be sent via email or regular mail by 1 October.  Please include the following for each officer:                 Name

                             Office held

                             Address

                             Telephone number

                             Email if applicable

If your unit doesn't elect officers before the new directory is prepared, or if current information isn't available, I'll use the previous year's information.

I look forward to hearing from all secretaries very soon.  Thank you in advance for your help.

 

Catherine deLong

Home telephone:  505-298-4369

Email:  [email protected]

 

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District Mission Education and Interpretation

 

2005 is off to a good start. Sixteen of the Albuquerque District Units sent the "Mission Today" reports  promptly and I was able to compile the results and forward the information to Johnnie Ragsdale, our Conference Coordinator of Education and Interpretation. Thank you. The new due date for these reports is June 15th each year. We have some very busy units in this district. Some of the units are charting their own path in "Interpretation." The Valley View Espanola UMW has chosen to focus on the McCurdy School Crisis Center, The Soup Kitchen, and The Navajo Mission in Farmington. Educating ourselves on Missions is one thing, but to complete our task - a work project should follow. I know many of our units have participated in a myriad of projects. Keep up the good work!

 

This year our Mission focus in on India, Pakistan, and Public Schools. The 2005 School of Missions was very helpful in helping us to learn and gather information about these topics. Marcia Fitzner was one of our teachers. She sent us on a treasure hunt for knowledge in all directions - Public Library, Response Magazine, books on Gandhi, Islam, Pakistan, and the UMW Service Center. The Service Center has an excellent map of the region. Seek these out and share this with your unit.

There are many things coming up for United Methodist Women. I'm looking forward to meeting many of you in the near future. Please put July 21 - 24, 2006 on your calendars - that is the next Conference School of Missions. The District Mission Study will be coming soon to a church to be announced later. Stay active!

 

E. Carol Turman

District Mission Education and Interpretation Coordinator

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MEMBERSHIP, NURTURE & OUTREACH

 

Some of our Units and Circles have taken vacations in June, July, and August, but we need to begin planning for the last months of 2005 and look for a bright future in 2006.

 

I have mentioned several times about our On-Line Circle at St. John’s in Albuquerque.  The Circle has really begun to develop into a sharing time and our “jump start” began when a member chose one of our reading program books for us to read and discuss On-Line.  HIDDEN WOMEN OF THE GOSPELS by Kathy Coffey is really an appropriate title for us to think about. How many Methodist women are allowed to be HIDDEN from our mission in United Methodist Women work over the past 135 plus years of service?  Did this happen because each of us did not ask our friends and neighbors to become involved in a program that can make a difference in the lives of hungry women and children around the world?  I THINK SO!

 

The premise created by this author brings to mind that women could be placed in situations in the Bible where only men were mentioned.  The first story tells of Susanna, the Shepherd Woman, who made the trip to Bethlehem as a Shepherdess.  One member in our Circle said that her presence gave a softness and real understanding of the importance of that birth in such a lowly setting. Men brought gifts of immense value for a KING and Susanna brought swaddling cloth for the child.  This cloth was identified at the crucifixion. What a thought!

 

Make growth an important topic at each of your meetings and think of a way to give new energy and interest to your CIRCLES and UNITS. Discuss this every meeting! Do not skip over this issue because it is hard to increase interest and growth. Remember the parable Jesus told in Mark 4:30 of the MUSTARD SEED (…“the smallest seed becomes the largest of all garden plants…”)

 

The Conference meeting in Alamogordo in October will offer a special training session for each office.  I want to encourage your Membership, Nurture, & Outreach chair to attend this conference and get the latest news from Georgia and Women’s Division. If you do not have a chair, ask a member of your group to attend this training session.

 

Pray daily for the hungry and needy in the world.  Pray for peace and that leaders of the world will look to people and not for power.  Ask for forgiveness for things that we do to hurt others and ask for a calm to center around all of us.

 

Anita Y. Spain

Spiritual Growth

Dear Sisters in Christ        

 

As the warm summer days fly by - have you been able to slow down a bit and find time for your own personal time of renewal??

Many of us keep up a fairly rapid pace of life and before we know it - we are feeling a bit worn down and spiritually empty.  I have found these hot afternoons and evenings a good time to pull out a favorite book of meditations and try to begin building up my own spirits with wonderful and relaxing thoughts by some of our creative christian authors.  Edith Sitwell tells us - "My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music and silence."   Silence can often be the time to practice the presence of God and to know that as we acknowledge that God is the one and only power in our lives, He is the source of all we could ever need or desire.

In that presence of our Lord, let us rest and relax before taking on the many challenges that seem to confront us from every direction.  Blessings and Peace in your hearts - Margrace Grotefend

Spiritual Growth Coordinator

 

Dear Nominating committee chairmen and members,

 

If you haven’t already begun, August is the time to begin filling the slate for your next year’s executive committee.  Elect your officers in September/October and have your local secretary send the list of officers to our District Secretary (Catherine deLong), immediately after your election or by October, 30, so that the information can be put in the District Directory.  Also, have your secretary forward the name and address of your new president and secretary of  program resources together with the name of the officers they are replacing to the Service Center.  The address is on page 24 of the Handbook for local and district Units.

 

Refer to page 29 and pages 88-91 of the Handbook for Local and District Units for information and important instructions regarding Nominations.  This Handbook, the Financial Handbook and the Constitution and By-Laws are updated this year and are good for the next four years.  Order your copies from the Service Center. 

 

United Methodist Women are organized for mission, and mission work is a passion for a lot of us women.  As we work together, we can do great things through Christ who strengthens us.  Pray as you gather your team together for next year’s mission work.

 

If you need any assistance, please contact me or any other district officer.  . 

 

May God go with you all as you encourage each other in selecting the best person to fill the positions so important to United Methodist Women.

 

Alice Fenton, Chairperson

District Nominating Committee

5435 Highway 64

Farmington, NM 87401

505-325-8469

[email protected]

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Update from Navajo UM Center

Last April’s Methodist Women's District Meeting provided abundant blessings for Navajo United Methodist Center New Beginnings Program.   New Beginnings provides transitional housing for women and children who have been through domestic violence and are homeless, and often, the women and children come to us with nothing but the clothing they are wearing.  All of the gifts that I brought back from Belen have been put to good use and provided many of the necessities our residents needed.  Perhaps more importantly, they uplifted the spirits of our women and children.  To have a new set of sheets and towels is a luxury when one has so little, and the children were thrilled to have new books, color crayons, and the variety of other gifts that were collected.  It was like Christmas in April!  Everything that was so generously given was very much appreciated.

Our transitional center is able to house eleven women and their children, and they are able to stay for up to a year.  During the time that they are here, we encourage the women to reach their potential, which often includes completing their GED, taking college courses, and working towards being able to support themselves and their children when they leave.  Goal setting and budgeting is provided weekly, as is individual counseling; group counseling is scheduled twice a week.  In addition, all of the mothers complete parenting classes while they are here.  About 70% of our families are Navajo, and the majority of our staff is Navajo as well. 

We have seen some wonderful success stories:

We were able to reunite a mother and her four children, after she served her prison sentence.  Not only did she do well here, she is now the head of the Fetal Alcoholism Program in our community; she received an award presented by the mayor, and she has been given national recognition as well.  We were gratified by our involvement in her success, and we are excited that our services have helped her help our community, which is learning about fetal alcoholism because we were here!

With our help, a young family from Mexico has learned to speak English, and the children have done well in school.  The ten-year-old daughter had to be transported to Albuquerque for surgery on her knee, which would not have happened with out our support.  The mother of the family works at a laundry, where she was only allowed a few days off and threatened with the loss of her job if she took any additional time off.  To support her needs, we watched her children and transported the ten-year-old for the surgery and her family members for her emotional support.  The children in this family are ages 12, 10 and 5, and they are remarkable children, who now have a chance at a better life.  In particular, a ten-year-old child will be able to walk with out pain because we were here!

In another instance, a young mother came to trust us enough to tell us that she was hearing voices in her head.  We were able to refer her for a psychological evaluation and counseling, and she is now stabilized.  She and her two-year-old child are safe because we are here!

We have had the opportunity to effect positive change in the lives of women, children, and our community.  For this, we are humbled and grateful, and of course, the reason that we are here is because of the Methodist Women's Organization and Global Ministries! 

Our largest grant, which was from the Navajo Nation, will not be available to us this year, as they have decided to fund only crisis centers and not fund transitional housing . For us, this means the loss of $120,000.  We had to eliminate three positions and every one on our staff has taken on more responsibility.  We are looking for other grants and attempting to cut costs.  While we face this situation with an understanding of the struggle we face, we are not without hope.  When I was at the meeting in April, I bought the book "For Every Child A Better World," which had been so well used for that gathering, and I have read it to each of the Methodist Work camps that have been here this summer, as well as reading it at our board retreat.  Not only am I thankful for the gifts that you collected for us but for this wonderful book that continues to inspire the intent of our program and me.

 

NEWS FROM SCJ-CPG (South Central Jurisdiction-Core Planning Group)

Quadrennial Meeting

Albuquerque has been chosen as the site for the 2008 Quadrennial Meeting. Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, (formerly Sheraton Old Town) will serve as Headquarters,

Assembly Scholarships

The Core Planning Group is offering three scholarships at $300 each to candidates who meet the following criteria

A teen/college woman, ages 18-25, who has never attended

Submit a paragraph as to why she wants to attend and what she expects

Will agree to give a report at her Conference fall 2006 Annual Meeting.

Applications should be sent to CPG Treasurer Sue Luttrell, PO Box 491, Spring Hill, Kansas 66083 by October 15, 2005.

Applicants will be notified after November 15, 2005.

In addition, each Conference is offering a $300 scholarship. Contact your Conference President or Treasurer if more information is needed.

Bobbie Griffin

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