( PRINT ON FONT/PRINT SIZE 12) For those who do not download, please print these pages as they are, upon receiving them. The printed form will look a bit different than it does on the screen.
Registration - District Wide Mission Study
Saturday, March 5, 2005
Led by Dr. Ben Smith
Held at Central United Methodist Church
1615 Copper Avenue
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registration: 8:45 - 9:15 a.m.
Registration Fee: $3.00 to cover incidental expense and copy costs.
Study 9:30 am to 3:00 pm with bring your own brown bag lunch break at noon.
(Beverages and snacks will be provided.)
Name: ____________________________________________ Phone # ___________________
Unit Location: ______________________________________
Your Address: __________________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________ Cell # ______________________
For those traveling a long distance, we have a few homes where you can stay overnight, on Friday, March 4, 2005, with advanced reservations.
I am coming from a distance and would like to have overnight accommodations for Friday night, March 4th. I estimate my arrival time at: ____________________________________________
Handouts will be provided and the text book "CUBA" will be available for purchase.
Mail reservations to Marilyn Jacobson
7109 North Hills Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
URGENT\URGENT !
By February 25, 2005
If you have questions, please call at (505) 856-3526
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Mustard Seed Seed Contents
1. Letter from the President, Helen Jo Satterwhite
Print out the document that refers to Helen Jo Replacement Letter
2. Organized Unit of United Methodist Women ...
UMW 136th Year ...
Biosketch for Dr. Mackie H. Norris ...
Membership, Nuture & Outreach ....
3. UMW 32nd Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting in 2005 hosted by Grace UMC in Alamogordo ...
Mission, Education & Interpretation ...
4. UMW - Reading Program
Grace & Peace to You in Our Lord Jesus Christ ...
5. Treasurer's Report
Social Action ...
Goals for the Year 2005 ...
Nominating Committee
6. Historian / WebMistress Report
Web Address ...
Hello Vice Presidents ...
135 Years of Faith, Focus, and Inspiration / offered ...
Happy Hint of the Day ...
7. Registration Form - District Wide Mission Study - March 5, 2005
(Urgent!
8. LETTER FROM McCURDY SCHOOL (To be posted )
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The Mustard seed
Albuquerque District of the United Methodist Women
January 2005
"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."
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW) …
OUR 136th YEAR of CARING, SHARING & MISSION.
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Biosketch for …
Dr. Mackie H. Norris
Dr. Mackie H. Norris has been a Registered Professional Nurse for many years. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana and the Master of Nursing and The Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Her professional career has included Nursing practice, Nursing education, and Nursing administration. She is sought after as an educator by institutions interested in using her expertise in that area and she frequently teaches nursing courses for these institutions. She is frequently sought after nationally as well as internationally, to lead workshops, seminars, and conferences on matters related to health and spirituality, and health and wholeness.
As a health professional, Dr. Norris' expertise was utilized by the Board of higher Education and Ministry as a part of a feasibility study team to recommend the development of a Faculty of health Sciences for Africa University at Mutar, Zimbabwe. Dr. Norris continues to be actively involved with the development of the Faculty of health Scienes at Africa University where she recently attended its official opening ceremony. Additionally, she is a member of Cascade United Methodist Church, in Atlanta, Georgia, and is active in other professional and community organizations.
Dr. Norris and her spouse, Bishop Alfred L. Norris, are the parents of a son and daughter and their spouses, and the grandparents of four. The Norris' currently live in Jonesboro, Georgia.
Submitter- Norma Thornbrough
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Membership…
Nurture & Outreach
Dear UMW women, welcome to the new year of fellowship, study, and service. I want to encourage each unit to take a new look at the methods we use to invite people to join our organization. In the last newsletter I asked each of you to "ASK ONE, ASK ANOTHER, ASK ANOTHER, UNTIL YOU BRING A NEW MEMBER INTO YOUR UNIT." Did you do that? If so, every unit should have at least two new members to work for the abused and neglected children of the world.
Take time this year to tell your stories to every member of your church and community through written articles to your church newsletter, bulletin boards, "word of mouth" and one minute "mission moments" from the pastor. Nothing is more powerful than the visible support of your pastor for all projects you undertake. Take personal time to talk with your pastors about the importance of our programs to the giving of the United Methodist Church and people around the world. Seek his ideas and guidance to involve the complete church community.
I will begin to call each of your unit Presidents this year to talk with you and encourage you to seek new members. The District Officers are always willing to come to your unit and assist in anyway possible. Remember, we are just a phone call away. I know the difficulty of getting new members. Our United Methodist Churches are experiencing a decline in membership and attendance. We can turn this around by asking more people to become a part of your lives and sharing our experiences in mission. What has your walk with Christ meant to you? Are you willing to let someone really see this joy through fellowship, study and service? Become a CONTAGIOUS UNITED METHODIST WOMAN TODAY!
I am enclosing a membership form that I have received from our conference Coordinator of Membership, Nurture and Outreach. Please take time to fill out the form and return to me as soon as possible, so that our Albuquerque District information can be a part of the Annual Conference Report. Be sure to read the guidelines found in the new directory sent to you recently by Cathy deLong, our District Secretary.
Thank you for your time. I know that you all are very busy, but the Women's Division has discovered that the past reporting system was not successful. Give us a few minutes of your time and complete the form.
May God Bless Our Lives and Work this Year!
Anita Y. Spain
Albuquerque District, UMW
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UMW 32nd Annual Meeting
One hundred twenty-three United Methodist Women (UMW) gathered for its 32nd Annual meeting in Odessa, Texas on October 22-24. Centered around the theme, "Purpose Driven-135 Years in Mission," the women engaged in district suppers, fellowship, communion, business meetings, focus groups, elected new officers and held a celebration banquet. Ellen Lipsey and Freida Lane are to be commended for their excellent job of planning and coordination of the event.
Attendees were able to participate in seven Focus Groups ranging from, "Who Or What Is The Women's Division," given by Johnnie Ragsdale and Marcia Fitzner to "The Ads in My life," presented by Jane Perry. Much information was given and exchanged in these small group settings.
"Celebrate: A Seed is A Promise," a video production by the Women's Division celebrating the 135th year of United Methodist Women was shown. It is a very reflective piece on the history of our organization. Beautifully photographed and written… it tells how missions of UMW have trans-formed lives of women and children. The video is available from Johnnie Ragsdale for use in programs.
One bright light was the shining of the Mission Candle. Burning for a total of 96 minutes, the candle produced $3388.70 for missions. All of the ladies were proud of this record- breaking feat.
New officers were elected with Jane Perry installed as President. Be on the lookout for MATTIE! Mattie, a doll mascot, was introduced by the incoming president Jane Perry. She will accompany Jane at all UMW events. You will be delighted with the presence of Mattie and the many experiences she will have with Jane.
A budget was adopted with total pledges of $105,000.00 for Pledges to Women's Division.
The birthday celebration was an elegant affair befitting an organization with such longevity. Held in the Alliance Hospital Banquet Room, past presidents of the conference were in the spotlight. Each related experiences of their tenure with humility, gratitude and humor. Those present were Clois Sanders, '80-'84; Janice Caster, '84-'88; Marcia Fitzner, '88-'92; Lois Miller, '92-'96; and Shug Block; '96-'00. As retiring president, Jean Welch gave the closing remarks.
The Annual meeting in 2005 will be hosted by Grace UMC in Alamogordo on Oct 21-23, 2005. Cheryl Felder, president of the El Paso District offered a warm welcome for all to attend.
Bobbie Dillahunty Griffin
S.C. Core Planning Group
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Mission Education and
Interpretation
Greetings in the year 2005. Hopefully your units are off to a great start. Once more we are looking forward to a District Mission Study to be held on Saturday, March 5, 2005. The women of Central United Methodist Church, 1615 Copper Ave,. NE, Albuquerque, NM will be the host unit. The study topic is "Cuba" and our presenter will be Dr. Ben Smith. Dr. Smith presented this study at the School of Christian Mission in Sacramento last July. He has an interesting and interactive program planed.
Registration will be from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and our study will last until 3:00 p.m. Beverages and light snacks will be available. Lunch will be a "bring your own brown bag" affair. The Registration Form is included , in this edition of the MUSTARD SEED with further details. Please duplicate the form for those who wish to register or one person from your unit can list all the names and return the completed form by February 25th, to: Marilyn Jacobson, 7109 North Hills Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. It is very important to have a count to have ample handouts, and the room set up properly, to accommodate everyone comfortably.
Other studies are Prayer and Public Education, which lend themselves to being done in local units. Consider having an event and inviting other units to attend. If you don't want to plan an event, have the study over several months at your unit meeting. Just remember to qualify for the Mission Study Recognition, there must be at least 4 hours of study. I know we are a creative group of women so put your "thinking caps" on and come up with new, interesting ways to make mission work alive and personal, not just something we read about other people doing.
We have a new deadline date for sending in the Mission Study Recognition and Mission Today Reports. Both are now due at the same time (should make it easier to remember). They are due to me (Marilyn Jacobson) by June 15 and cover the period of June 1-June 1. I'll be mailing out both report forms to each unit in mid-April. Reports have not changed; just a new deadline. This allows units to complete their reporting before taking a "vacation" during the summer months.
If your unit hits upon a novel idea to spread the "mission word" or bring new members into our organization, please share them with any District Officer so all can benefit.
In His Service,
Marilyn Jacobson
(505) 856-3526 E-mail address
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In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
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UMW - Reading Program
I hope everyone is reading and participating in the UMW Reading Program. We had a successful book fair in September and I want to thank everyone who helped and made it such a success. The UMW service center has published updated handbooks for the 2005-2008 periods. There are four new handbooks and they include:
(1) Constitution and Bylaws #3962, (2) Focus on Local & District Units #2894, (3) Financial Handbook #3022 and (4) District Handbook #3726. The cost is $4.00 for the Constitution and Bylaws and $5.00 for all the others. There is a discount when you order 5 or more. They are also offered in a Program Calendar checkbook size that includes calendar years 2005-2008 #3008 for $10.00 each. These resources can be ordered from the Service Center by mail, toll-free at 1-800-305-9857, by e-mail to [email protected], by fax at 1-513-761-3722. If you have any questions or if I can help in any way, please let me know.
Peggy Arensdorf
(505) 237-8933
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GRACE & PEACE TO YOU IN
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
As we, in our individual units, begin another year of mission, study and spiritual growth, let us surround our members and pastors with the Love and Strength given to us by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The "THEME" for our programs this year: "OUR WORLD THROUGH PRAYER". Let us remember to strive to open all our meetings and activities with prayer and devotions. We have such a challenge with the never ending needs for our mission to the suffering, the poor, and the unloved in our world. Let us support one another each day with our private devotions for our members and our faith communities. Along with our new program books, we have a wonderful tool for remembering all our servants in mission all over the world. The prayer calendars are a wonderful resource for keeping them all in our hearts and prayers. Using them faithfully and sending cards to them is a wonderful source of strength for the many so far from home.
In March, we will again be having our annual Spiritual Retreat at ... Sacramento Assembly. The dates are March 11-13th. Planning for this Time to "Come Away" is well under way and all who can attend will be blessed with a wonderful time of renewal. Mrs. Mackie Norris, (wife of our former bishop) will be our director for the weekend. Watch for more details!
Our district meeting of UMW will be in Belen on April 16, 2005. At that time, we will remember those members who have passed away this past year. If you have lost a member or members in your unit, please send their names to me, Margrace Grotefend E-mail: [email protected] , or hardcopy to 1075 McNew Lane, Bosque Farms, NM 87068 by March 30th.
Also - start planning now for support and attendance for some of your members to attend the July School of Missions. It is always an inspiring venture in an awesome setting at Sacramento Assembly.
Let us always show our gratitude for the faith and strength we receive from the daily practice of prayer. SHALOM!
Margrace Grotefend
Spiritual Growth Coordinator
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$$$ Treasurer's Report $$$
Thank you to all of you who get your reports in promptly. I need to remind all Treasurers that your reports need to be in by March 5th, June 5th, and Sept. 5th. It is VERY IMPORTANT to get your 4th Quarter Report to me by Dec. 10th if it is to be counted for the current year. Unfortunately, we did not make our pledge to the New Mexico Conference this year. We were about $1000.00 short.
Remember the undesignated gifts (pledge to missions, SMR, mission cards, Gift in memory, and World Thank Offering,) are the gifts that count toward our pledge.
We had a good year for the mission Candle so we would like to do it again this year. There are new forms this year and I will be sending you a copy of these forms, for you to copy. You can also get the forms on-line at: gbgm-umc.org/umw/finance, print them, fill them out and send them to me at the following address.
Debbie Nicholson
Albuq. District Treasurer
3111 Montclaire NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
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Social Action Coordinator
Albuquerque District
Albuquerque District Units are urged to make contact with a public school to continue the efforts encouraged by the previous Conference Social Action Coordinator, current Conference President Jane Perry. The connection and action will complement "Public Education" one of the studies for United Methodist Women.
Each of us has an important stake in the future of public education on behalf of our children, grandchildren, the future of our country, and the use of our tax dollars.
The connection with the school should be at the discretion of the local unit. Perhaps you might have a program by a school leader describing their needs, collecting needed school supplies, collecting books for the school library, volunteering to read to children, an after school activity in a support capacity, or other helpful actions appropriate to your community.
Please let the District Social Action Coordinator, Dorothy Rose, know of your plans for a future or a present project.
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P-R-A-Y for those who suffer,
that they may be healed both mentally and physically.
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Goals for the Year 2005 approved for presentation to the Annual Meeting ...
1) Continue to work toward membership growth in District units.
2) Involve local units in district and conference projects.
3) Implement Officer Training.
4) Increase attendance at District and Conference activities/meetings.
5) Try to activate inactive units and establish units in churches without units.
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NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee needs to be "active" throughout the year---that is, being aware of all the members in your unit and taking note of those that might fill a position for next year. We all can be challenged to grow in our faith as well as what we do in our favorite organizations. It's okay to try something new, to see if God is leading you in new directions. If he is at our side at all times, we will do well.
The Committee is divided into classes with no member serving more than one four-year term. Each member is elected for a four-year term, except when classes are established for the first time. Members of a new class are elected annually to replace the class that is rotating off. The big responsibility of the Nominating Committee is to be informed of the duties of all of the offices. Every unit should attract women from a variety of experiences and back- grounds, with diverse interests, skills and expertise. The diversity of our membership helps a unit to grow into one that truly lives out the PURPOSE.
Please contact me if you have questions or if there is any way I can be of help to your unit.
Alice Fenton (505) 325-8469 [email protected] <><><><><><><><><><><>
Historian/Webmistress Report
Thank you to all who sent pictures from District Events this year. As always, please include names, dates, name of event and/or location with your pictures and items for the UMW Scrapbook.
Since we had such a challenging time getting the Mustard Seed as
E-mail, due to download limitations, we decided to try making it available on a web page as well. We can send the address as a link in your E-mail whenever there are changes. Helen Jo tried to get some input from the National Webmaster on the legality of posting E-mail addresses, etc., but we didn't get much response from them.
I have set up a basic page on Yahoo's geocities site for a test market to see if it works for our group. I selected that site because I have a personal site with them and didn't have to relearn the rules for posting and because if the site is generic enough and we are willing to view a few ads, then we can post there for free. (I selected the filter for ads that only post "religious" ads.)
The Web address is … www.geocities.com/albuquerqueumw (Use no capital letters.)
Barbara Trautlein, W.M.
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Hello Vice Presidents …
How are your programs going? I hope you have branched out and found some good ones and some that make you think. One thing I forgot to tell you is that I can do a program for you on the way the Women's Division picks the Reading Program books. I am one of the many who preview the books. I might not have thought of this, but Christ U.M.W. asked me to do a program. If that is something that would interest your unit please call me at 296-7308 or cell 604-3953. The theme for District Meeting is U.M.W. Child Advocates. I hope you are plan-ing to attend. Keep April 16th open. See you there!
Kay Martinez, Vice-President
Albuquerque District
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Through 135 Years of Faith, Focus and Inspiration, this very dedicated Christian organization has offered the individual female …
1- An opportunity to become a much stronger Christian Citizen through Faith reinforcement.
2- Help and understanding in creating a more meaningful Christian Life.
3- Quality promotion of Christian thought and Prayer through direct participation.
4- Presentation and Practice of the Christian attitude of Discipleship.
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord; serve Him with Gladness
5- An opportunity to speak and be heard via a "direct voice."
6- Help in accomplishing hands-on Mission Work of your choice, at home or abroad.
7- A direction of self-worth and self-appreciation in promoting Christian Standards.
8- The Creation and Maintenance of Christian Fellowship.
9- Disciplines and Practices of the highest caliber.
10- A significant understanding of how God works to better mankind through UMW dedication.
Please come with us on a Christian Journey of Hope, Inspiration, Mission and Education. In so doing, your spirit will be lifted, your voice heard, and your Christian posture elevated. (ICW / The United Methodist Reporter, Dec.24, 2004)
Irone C. Wall (505) 296-4131
Albuquerque District Communications Coordinator &
UMW Mustard Seed Editor
In all things acknowledge Him.
Happy Hint of the Day …
Please add to your wall calendar all dates, as soon as you receive them. This will help your family know what to expect and to understand why you are "smiling" when you return from each UMW event. Thank You.
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The hard copy of the Mustard Seed will not be in this form, but the text will be the same. Thank you. Call me with questions if you need to.