Editor: Debbie [email protected]

THE MUSTARD SEED

Albuquerque District of the United Methodist Women

February, 2007

 

President’s Message

A New Year; a new beginning; so like the reminders we receive each time we take Holy Communion. An opportunity awards to make our lives more meaningful and fulfilling as we follow Christ’s path. As we mature some of us may tend to become a bit cynical, but we must remember the promises and hope He brought to us despite the sadness of the world. Our goal to make a difference through our mission work remains valid, filled with hope for a better life for those we help. Let us strengthen ourselves through prayer and study to fulfill our Purpose through United Methodist Women.

With new officers, program planning, mission outreach and renewed commitment, we can make 2007 our best effort ever. Let us look for opportunities to interest new members in our work to strengthen our units for the future.

Can we make our programs be filled with fellowship, worship and FUN each time we gather? Can we make our time together meaningful and transforming with new ideas and dreams? Can we reach out to the many needs which surround us? Can we share our work with our congregations to make all aware of, not only the mission needs and work, but the impact we can make by working together? If you have had a wonderful program or experience, please share it with your congregations’ women and other units to spread the joy.

We met for Executive Board planning on January 27 graciously hosted by Paradise Hills United Methodist women. We welcomed a new District Secretary Jill Henderson (Central). Doris vineyard, Nominations Chairperson (#268-9321) would like suggestions for Coordinator of Mission Education & Interpretation as well as Secretary of Program Resources.

We agreed to have a member of the local UMW Executive Boards contact each unit to offer assistance and encouragement; to look into having a representative from Lydia Patterson Institute attend our District Annual Meeting; took suggestion for a speaker for the meeting; and to attempt to meet the following goals.

  1. Continue to work toward membership growth in district units.
  2. Involve local units in district and conference projects.
  3. Increase attendance at district and conference activities/meetings.
  4. Work to activate inactive units and establish units in churches without units.
  5. Encourage increased giving for 2007 in each unit, by at least 1%.

The District Annual Meeting will be April 14 at paradise Hills United Methodist church, 4700 Paradise Blvd. 87124. Map Quest directions are as we approach on Paseo del Norte from the east, turn right on Eagle Ranch Rd 0.1, the left on Paradise Blvd. 0.4, or call the church at #505.898.1327. We will begin at 9:00 AM and will adjourn soon after lunch. We request that each unit President organized car pools to attend the meeting for a wonderful opportunity

President’s message continued

for fellowship as you travel. Perhaps you might use a meeting time to plan for unit officers and potential future officers to attend.

The registration form for Albuquerque District Annual Meeting is enclosed with the Mustard Seed Mailing.

Note the deadline, and send to Alice Fenton, district Treasurer, asap. Also the Conference Spiritual Growth registration form is enclosed. Do consider joining in this experience of "Resurrection Women" led by Norma Thornbrough.

A heartfelt thank you to all of you who helped so graciously and generously in the efforts as hostesses for the Conference United Methodist Women’s Annual Meeting in October. Appreciation to Asbury UMW, Covenant UMW, and Central UMW for hosting the District Dinners. You are a group of incredible women! May God bless each of you for your gifts of time, talents and food.

In His Service,

Helen Jo Satterwhite

Albuquerque district President

[email protected] 505-299-9165

 

Beep from the VP

Greetings and great programming in 2007. Hopefully you have many exciting programs planned for your units during 2007 and that some of them have come from the program book Rise, Shine! Glorify God!  These are great for circle meetings as well as the unit ones. If there is a way to have a follow up action after each program, that's a great idea. It might be a donation, volunteer service or a letter writing campaign either for or in opposition to a topic or policy. Of course prayer is always a good follow up and anyone, no matter their physical condition can do that.

Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for the 34th Albuquerque District Annual meeting which will be held on Saturday, April 14 at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church.

Also know that any of our District officers are available for help, programs or just getting better acquainted.

 

Yours in Christ

Marilyn Jacobson, Vice President

Albuquerque District United Methodist Women

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Special Information for District Meeting in April

Each Unit needs to notify Margrace Grotefend about any deaths among members since the last April District Meeting. E-mail Margrace at [email protected], or phone at (505)869-3308 or send a note to

1075 Mcnew Lane,

Bosque Farms, NM 87068.

In this issue is the registration form for District Meeting in April. EVERYONE, including officers, MUST pre-register. Register by April 6, so that registration packets can be made and we need a count for the lunch.

Greetings to All Unit Treasurers.

I have recently sent you receipts for your giving for 2006. Debbie Nicholson may already have sent you some receipts for the beginning of 2006. If you find any errors or have any questions, please contact me.

The Service Center has now closed and UMR Communications (as Mission Resource Center) will provide us with our mission resources from now on. The toll-free number is the same—800-305-9857. Other contact information: Mission Resource Center, P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, TX 75266-0275, "e-store" at www.umwmission.org, and email: [email protected]. The same resources will be available as with the Service Center.

The District Directory has been mailed to each unit. In it you will find a listing of New Mexico Mission Projects, and how to be a Mission Today unit along with other very helpful information. As you work with your unit, plan to increase your mission giving and give in the many other ways, such as with greeting cards, Give in the 5 areas of undesignated giving: Mission Giving (pledge), Special Mission Recognition, Gift in Mission (greeting cards), Gift in Memory (card), and World Thank Offering. You can become a 5-Star Unit by giving in each of these 5 areas and be recognized at the Annual Meeting in October.

If you need Remittance forms, you can make copies, contact me and I’ll send you some, or download from the web at http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/finance. There’s other information on this website besides the forms.

The first quarterly report for 2007 is due to me by February 28. Due dates for other quarters are May 31, August 31 and November 30.

I am inspired by what United Methodist Women of the Albuquerque District have given to missions. There is such a need for our help. Mission is what UMW is all about and I am proud to be a part of an organization that works toward that cause. Blessings to each of you for all you have done through mission. May we continue to expand concepts of mission through our mission giving.

Please contact me if you have questions or if there is any way I can be of help to your unit.

Alice Fenton,

5435 Highway 64,

Farmington, NM 87401,

(505) 325-8469, [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

Registration Form

Albuquerque District Meeting

April 14, 2007

Where: Paradise Hills United Methodist Church

4700 Paradise Blvd., NW

Albuquerque, NM 87114

505-898-1327

Theme: From Hunger to Hope

Speaker: The Reverend Sandy Burley

Registration: 8:30 – 9:50 am

Program: 10:00 am

Registration Fee: Registration $2.00, Lunch $8.00; Total Fee: $10.00

(due no later than April 6, 2007)

Make check payable to: Albuquerque District Treasurer

Send to: Alice Fenton

5435 Highway 64

Farmington, NM 87402

505-325-8469 if you have any question

 

 

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Registration Form – Albuquerque District Meeting – April 14, 2007

(Include all names (at bottom) if you are sending in more than one registration)

____# registered @$2.00 = ____plus ____# meal @ $8.00 = ______, = Total $________

Name____________________________________________Church__________________

Address__________________________________________District__________________

City _________________ State____ Zip _________Phone__________________________

Cell phone ____________________ email______________________________________

Is Nursery needed? _______ How many children______ (Bring sack lunch for each child)

MEMBERSHIP, NURTURE & OUTREACH

 

Happy New Year! This is a time for New Year resolutions for 2007. Many of us have taken this time of the year to reevaluate our lives and establish new goals for ourselves personally. I want to take this idea one step farther and encourage you and your officers to meet and discuss ways to energize your unit (INCLUDE YOUR PASTOR.)

Ask yourselves what you did differently this year to create interest in your unit. Did you purposefully create a program or activity that sent your members out into the congregation bragging or did you do the same things you did last year and the year before? We have created a culture in this world that needs and thrives on new and innovative ideas and we need to become apart of this mainstream America. This does not mean that some of the programs and activities that have kept us alive for many years are lacking(somehow), but I think our drop in membership DOES indicate to all of us that we need to ask people who are leaving United Methodist Women …WHY?

How many of the UMW units work closely with the mission team of the church or do we do our "thing" exclusively? Did you give your pastor a report at the end of each year that included ways that you have worked to bring new members into the congregation? Did you welcome a new member of the congregation and go with them to Bible Study, Sunday School Class, a small group meeting, choir, or worship?

When a person joins the church or any organization, they are saying that they want something. Let’s become alert to people in our community and the members in our congregation that may be waiting for us to invite them to share their lives in a Christian environment with us. Most of the time the invitation process takes more than one or two touches. Remember the scriptures (Mark 4:30) saying "the smallest seed becomes the largest of all garden plants…" Think of this each time you extend an invitation. Go forth in 2007 and plants seeds for God’s garden.

 

Anita Y. Spain

Coordinator for Membership, Nurture & Outreach

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READ! READ! READ!

Hope everyone is reading those books from the 2007 Reading Program.  The report for books read will be due on June 15, 2007 and I will ask for the information in the May timeframe.  The United Methodist Women Mission Resource Center has moved to Dallas TX and can be reached at 1221 Profit Dr, Dallas TX 75247 or by phone at 1-800-305-9857.  Books will be available at the Albuquerque District Annual Meeting in April.  I will have copies of the 2007 Reading Program books, other program resources and hopefully School of Mission study books.  I will be placing the order by March 9th so if you have any special requests, please let me know.  I can be reached at (505) 237-8933.

Peggy Arensdorf, Program Resources

SPIRITUAL GROWTH MESSAGE

Happy New Year and may God's richest blessings be with you all. I'd like to share a favorite recipe for a new year: TAKE TWELVE WHOLE MONTHS, CLEAN THEM THOROUGHLY OF ALL BITTERNESS, HATE AND JEALOUSY. MAKE THEM JUST AS FRESH AND CLEAN AS POSSIBLE.

NOW CUT EACH MONTH INTO TWENTY-EIGHT, THIRTY, OR THIRTY ONE DIFFERENT PARTS, BUT DON'T MAKE UP THE WHOLE BATCH AT ONCE. PREPARE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME OUT OF THESE INGREDIENTS:

MIX WELL INTO EACH DAY ONE PART OF FAITH, ONE PART OF PATIENCE, ONE PART OF COURAGE AND ONE PART OF WORK. ADD TO EACH DAY ONE PART OF HOPE, FAITHFULNESS, GENEROSITY, AND KINDNESS.  BLEND WITH ONE PART PRAYER, ONE PART MEDITATION, AND ONE GOOD DEED.  SEASON THE WHOLE WITH A DASH OF GOOD SPIRITS, A SPRINKLE OF FUN, A PINCH OF PLAY, AND A CUP FULL OF GOOD HUMOR.  POUR ALL OF THIS INTO A VESSEL OF LOVE. COOK THOROUGHLY OVER RADIANT JOY, GARNISH WITH A SMILE, AND SERVE WITH QUIETNESS, UNSELFISHNESS, AND CHEERFULNESS.

YOUR'E BOUND TO HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN UNITED METHODIST WOMEN!!

 

BRING THE BEST THAT YOU HAVE TO EACH MEETING AND ACTIVITY -BLEND IN YOUR STUDY, YOUR PRAYERS AND YOUR ACTIONS - SET YOUR GOALS WITH GOD'S SPIRIT AND LOVE - MAY SERVANTHOOD BE YOUR GUIDING LIGHT!!  REMEMBER - YOU ARE ALL INVITED TO OUR SPRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT AT SACRAMENTO IN MARCH - "RESURRECTION WOMEN" IS OUR THEME.  MORE INFORMATION WILL BE COMING SOON –

MARGRACE GROTEFEND

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

 

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Dear District UMW,

 

I want to take this opportunity to encourage each and everyone of you to plan to attend the Spiritual Growth Retreat at Sacramento Methodist Assembly March 16-18 2007.  It is entitled "Resurrection Women" and is written by some members of Women's Division.  I think it is well done and will be worth your time to attend.  I especially encourage each Spiritual Growth Chairperson of each Unit to attend.

 Here is the Registration form for this event.  Please bring Bibles, a picture of yourself, Snacks, Copies Global Praise 1-2, good health and Safety. 

Norma Thornbrough,

Conference Spiritual Growth Coordinator.

 

2007 Registration Spiritual Enrichment Retreat

March 16-17-18

Please duplicate this form and send one per person to registrar. 

Name__________________________________________Church_________________________

Address________________________________________District_________________________

City_______________________________State______Zip___________Phone______________

Registration deadline is Feb.25, 2007- add $10 for late fee. 

Checks payable to: Conference UMW

Send registration form and $20 ($30 after Feb. 25)

 

                                                   Linda Haverty

                                                   616 Edith Dr.

                                                   Belen, NM 87002-2823

Registration at Sacramento Methodist Assembly for the event begins at 4 pm in the Lobby of Ayers.  Fees for the event are due and payable at Registration.  The fees are as follows:

Housing

____Ayers Bldg. $95.00                   ____ Forest Lodge-$123.00(includes linens) 

***Please check preferred housing (Lodge will be first come, first served basis double occupancy). 

Linens in Ayers are $8 per set and need to be requested prior to event. Please circle below if you need to be requested prior to event

a. Downstairs only     b. lower bunk only           c. Will share double bed.

 

***Please indicate the following choices:

 

!.________I will not arrive in time for supper Friday, March 16, 2007 $9.00 off whole fee.

2.________I will not be able to stay for breakfast Sunday, March 18, 2007 $6.00 off whole fee.

 Cost includes Friday supper thru Sunday breakfast: adjustments for meals will be made if notified 10 days prior to the event.

Please state any meal requirements or specific diet requirements.                                                      

                                           Health Form

Name_________________________________Female_________Male____________________

Allergies (including Medicines)____________________________________________________ 

Other Medications______________________________________________________________

Any other essential information___________________________________________________

Contact Person_____________ ___________________________Phone__________________

Signature of person attending camp________________________________________________

 

Dear Women, I pray that all of you will be able to attend this "Resurrection Women Retreat." It will be a special time in your life.  Please bring your Bibles, any copies you have of Global Praise 1 and 2.   You need to bring a picture of yourself, also. 

God Bless all of you and I pray to see you there, especially Spiritual Growth Chairpersons. 

Norma Thornbrough

SOCIAL ACTION

This is a prime time for us to "ACT" in response to our social responsibilities; the legislature is in session for two months to improve life in New Mexico, the November elections answered a demand by people nationwide for something new. Almost every Christmas card this year echoed the hope for peace.

The local newspaper gives information and your local representatives are always willing to receive your opinions at no cost to you. Some of those elected for congress are seasoned politicians, some for the first time but they have a plan and two years to execute: Six for ‘06," Security, Jobs, Education, Energy, Healthcare and Retirement. We must listen to the dialogue and debate, watch for the mergence of a coherent national solution and be mindful of what is occurring to direct our personal action, writing or calling our congress people perhaps once a week, you can influence the outcome by choosing to "ACT" now. Congressional representatives have local offices or their Washington DC US Capitol Switchboard

202-224-3121.

UMW’ Action Network has devoted an entire edition to the Peace movement. Coretta Scott King has said, "I am convinced that the women of the world, united without any regard for national or racial dimensions, can become the most powerful force for international peace and brotherhood."

 

 

 

 

 

In Jesus we find the greatest depth of love, the fullest portion of joy, the richest measure of peace.

Let us begin in our units.

Each unit should have a copy of Action alert e-mailed or mailed to your unit Social Action Coordinator or Unit President and reviewed at your meetings.

UMW’s Action Network

Women’s division

Board of Global Ministries

100 Maryland Ave. NE suite 530

Washington, DC 20002

(202) 485-5660

Social Action Coordinator

Bette Gorton

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Message from Nominating Committee

As I have said before, the nominating committee is the most important committee, but for some reason it is the hardest one to fill. If we don’t elect good officers our organization is lacking the most essential people—GOOD OFFICERS. Attached is a talent bank blank form. Please fill it out if you know someone that would make a good officer and return it to me.

Doris Vineyard

Nominating Committee Chairperson

319 Amherst Dr. SE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106

TALENT BANK INFORMATION ON PROSPECTIVE LEADERSHIP

(To be completed by prospective leader)

Type or Print (attach additional sheets as necessary)

Name____________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________________

Telephone: Home______________Work__________Email________________

Local Church______________________ District______________________

Age:____ 20’s______30’s______40’s______50’s______60’s______70’s______80’s+________

Languages Spoken_________________________________________________

Employed: Yes____ No____ Full –Time______ Part-Time______

Professional skills, job experience____________________________________

 

Office(s) held in United Methodist women

Office(s) Dates of Service

Local____________________________________________________________

District___________________________________________________________

Conference_______________________________________________________

Jurisdiction_______________________________________________________

Additional Experience on the local, district, conference or general church level

(other than United Methodist women) or in the community______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Special Talents or Skills:__________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Areas of special Interest or Concern:

___secretarial ___recruiting members ___publicity

___ communication ___social issues ___workshops

___ computer ___creativity ___newsletter

___ bookkeeping ___recording minutes ___retreats

___ Organization ___public policy ___music

___ nominations ___public relations ___youth

___ program planning ___community building ___children

___ administration ___inclusiveness/pluralism ___other (specify)

Which office(s) on the Conference United Methodist women’s Team would you most like to hold given the opportunity to serve?

___President ___Membership Nurture & Outreach

___Vice President ___Social Action

___Secretary ___Spiritual Growth

___Treasurer ___Program Resources

___Chair Nominations ___Communications

___Education & Interpretation

Why are you interested in this position and what qualifications do you feel you have for your office(s) of choice?_________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Would you be able to use your gifts and talents to uphold and strengthen United Methodist women through the PURPOSE of the organization?_______

Is it possible for you to be away from your home or employment for:

Full day__________ Weekend_________ Extended Time______________

Yes or No Yes or No Yes or No

______I am sorry but I am unable to accept an office this year. Please keep my name on file and contact me in___________

Year

Please give any other information you feel is pertinent:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Return to: Doris Vineyard

319 Amherst Dr. SE

Albuquerque, NM 87106

 

 

 

 

 

Attention! Attention! Attention!

Please share this article and the "Mission Today Unit" form with the Mission Education and Interpretation Coordinator in your local United Methodist Women unit. It is important to know what must be done in order for your units to receive recognition for all their hard work. Recognition is certainly a good thing, but a United Methodist Woman has a more important purpose. The requirements of the "Mission Today Unit" accomplish several things. First, they energize United Methodist Women to be more involved in mission through prayer, study and action. (Like reading the Prayer Calendar at each General Meeting?) Second, Increase contacts between Units and mission personnel and mission projects so that United Methodist Women understand where their money goes. (Like at least one member other than Conference or District officers attending the Conference School of Christian Mission?) Third, encourage use of mission resources through United Methodist Women. (Each Unit or Sub-group will include a "Response" moment from the magazine to lift up a mission story?) And fourth, expand concepts of mission, including social justice as mission. (Like having members read books and articles about other races and cultures?) As you plan your programs and meetings, think about working some of these things into the schedule. Then, fill out the "Mission Today Unit" reports and send them (along with your "Mission Study" reports) to your District Mission Education Interpretation Coordinator NO LATER than June 15. They, in turn, will compile the information from the local units and mail those reports on to me.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

E. Carol Turman

Conference Mission Education and Interpretation Coordinator

[email protected]

505-298-3460

724 Supper Rock Dr. NE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123-2211

 

Mission Today Unit

Purpose of Mission Today

· Energize United Methodist Women to be more involved in mission through

prayer, study and action.

● Increase contacts between Units and mission personnel and mission

projects so that United Methodist Women understand where their money

goes;

● Encourage use of mission resources through United Methodist Women; and

● Expand concepts of mission, including social justice as mission.

Criteria for a Mission Today Unit:

and for our mission work with women, children and youth.

Conference School of Christian Mission.

 4. At least one or more members other than Conference or District officers will attend

the District or Conference Annual Meeting.

network and receive and respond to legislative information (Women’s Division

Washington Office, 100 Maryland Ave. NE, Box 56, Washington, DC 20002

during the year.

Possibilities are:

· Have members read books and articles about other races and cultures;

· sponsor an inter-ethnic event between two or more Units;

· view the video "In Search of Racial Justice";

· write to elected representative to support legislation affecting issues such as

immigration, affirmative action, civil rights, programs for low-income person, etc.

worship service highlighting the needs of children.

giving.

Mission Catalog" and will contribute needed materials to the mission project.

up a mission story.

Bronze—Four asterisked items, plus four addition items. ☺Silver—Six asterisked items, plus ten additional items. ☺Gold—All twenty items.

Report must be received by the District Mission Education Interpretation Coordinator by June 15.

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PLAN AHEAD ACTIVITIES

January 27 District Executive Meeting

Paradise Hills UMC

March 16-18 Spiritual Enrichment Retreat

Sacramento Methodist Assembly

April 14 Albuquerque District Meeting

Paradise Hills UMC

Albuquerque, New Mexico

April 14 District Meeting

Logan, New Mexico

April 21 Paso District Meeting

Deming, New Mexico

May 5-6 Rekindle the Spirit Leadership Program

June 6-9 Mexico annual conference

Glorietta, New Mexico

June 15 Reading Program reports are due to District

Program Resources

Unit Mission Study reports and Mission Today

Unit reports are due to District Mission

Coordinator for Education and interpretation

June 16-18 Gulf Regional School of Mission

Winifred, Kansas

July 20-23 School of Christian Mission

Sacramento Methodist Assembly

October 4 Mission Study--"Mission and Music"

St. John’s United Methodist Church

Albuquerque, New Mexico

October 18 New Mexico conference UMW Pre-Conference Executive Meeting

October 19-20 NM Conference UMW 35th Annual Meeting

First United Methodist Church

Roswell, New Mexico

March 28-30, 2008 South Central Jurisdiction Quadrennial Mtg.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

CORRECTIONS TO THE ALBUQUERQUE DIRECTORY

 

Linda Redman [email protected] Rio Rancho

 

Annie L Spitler   505.896.9664 Rio Rancho

 

Juta Beauchamp  505.867.4476 Rio Rancho

Window Rock UMW P. O. box 668 Window Rock, Az 86515 918-871-2228

Debbie Nicholson [email protected] Communications Coordinator

 

Trinity needs to have Jeanne Banister deleted from their roster.  She is a member at Central UMW.

Noami Jordan Treasurer Peralta umw—1144 Jaramillo Ct. Los Lunas, NM

Janice Knoulton Secretary Peralta umw-10 North Park Lane Peralta, NM 87042

CHRIST UMW

Mary Lou Schleher         Unit President                        [email protected]

Kathryn Arning         Joy Lunch Bunch Chairperson   [email protected]

Suzanne Bradley      Education & Interpretation        [email protected]

Winona Brown         Nurture and Outreach              [email protected]

Carole Ernst             Historian                                 [email protected]

Rosalee Heffron       Mission Coordinator. for Spiritual Growth     [email protected] 

Treva Hill                  Treasurer                              [email protected]

Bea Koetter               Publicity                               [email protected]

Sharon Mason           Grace Circle Chairperson         [email protected]

Evelyn Thole             Secretary                               [email protected]

Fran Windle                Vice-President                        [email protected]

CENTRAL UMW

Carol Turman 298-3460 [email protected]

Dede Gronroos [email protected]

Norma Thornbrough [email protected]

Peggy Arensdorf 237-8933 10516 Griffith Park Dr. NE

Lonnie Lopez [email protected]

Jill Henderson [email protected]

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