We are taking a Road Trip to Indianapolis to tour and have lunch at Lucille Raines Residence

June 19th cost $5.00

If you are interested in going let your circle leaders know or email at umwvalpofumc@gmail.com

Lucille Raines Residence is a facility owned and operated by United Methodist Women of Indiana.  Many of the men and women, who are residents, are actively engaged in rebuilding their lives form 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.  

Jenna Dambek, Mary Dambek, Hye-In Lee, Chris Stewart ,Judy Kittridge, Toni Schroeder, Kathy Luther, Ruth Johnston

Hye-In visiting with Susanna Circle at our April meeting.

In July Hye-In will be trained to serve as a young adult missionary with the United Methodist Church.  She's part of one of largest Korean congregations in Seoul and is seeking to serve God through mission.    Hye-In will join other young adults from around the world in the Philippines for training and consecration prior to going out to serve.   She's not sure where she will be placed.  Next fall, an update will be posted.    

Hye-In worked for the Scranton Women's Training Center in Seoul.   The training center is a wonderful extension of the women's work in Korea through training young women all around Asia. 

  

2014 Mission u Dates - July 22-25 - BROCHURE/REGISTRATION FORM

     Two ways to register:  ONLINE at   www.inumc.org/missionu14  or by MAIL using this FORM  DEADLINE IS JULY 1
Location:  DePauw University in Greencastle
This year's studies are:

• Spiritual Growth: "How is it with your Soul" -- lead by Adolf Hansen
• Geographic: "The Roma of Europe" (2013 & 2014) -- lead by Ben Gates & Sue C. Johnson
• Social Issue: "The Church and People with Disabilities" (2014 & 2015) -- lead by Jean Brindel, Sandra Ruby,  Kelly Sellers & Nancy Washburn

ChiMiCa: (lead by Joan Schell)  This is an exciting opportunity for children age 3 through 5th grade (completed) to go to camp with mom or grandma and learn about mission. Children will enjoy crafts, games, and indoor and outdoor learning activities, while adults are in their studies. The 2014 Director is Joan Schell and ChiMiCa will be housed at Gobin Memorial UMC. The title of the children's study is Making a New Picture Together: Welcoming Persons with Disabilities Into Our Lives.
YoPeMiCa: (lead by Nancy Nichols)   Middle school and senior high youth will have the opportunity to participate in mission studies, share in meaningful worship, games, recreation and build friendships that will last forever.
Sampler Day is a one day event with a "sample" of all three studies and some of the worship experiences.  Register ONLINE at www.inumc.org/sampler14 or by using the registration form
Hands-on Mission Project:  This year's project will be to collect money for mortar for "Money is the Mortar." UMW in the Democratic Republic of The Congo has made 20,000 bricks to build a women's literacy center and now they need the mortar to put that building together. We are going to gather some green to send to them to purchase the mortar locally. This is in connection with a North Central Jurisdiction young adult mission trip organized with Friendly Project Missiology. Further, we'd like people to be creative in how they bring the "Money is the Mortar" project offering by presenting it in something that looks like a brick ... decorated shoe box? children's toy building block? diaper wipe container? We will create a pile of bricks at the worship center. This project is a separate mission opportunity from the offering that will be taken at 2014 Mission u, as that offering will be granted to a current study's national mission institution. 

Assembly 2014 in Louisville

UMW General Assembly 2014 Louisville, Kentucky

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the UMW General Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky. This was my first experience and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Numerous thoughts were running through my mind.

Upon, attending the first worship I was drawn into the very high energy, excitement, and friendliness of 6500 UMW sisters uniting together. We were motivated by outstanding music and exceptional speakers. The assembly of women consisted of sisters from all over the world, united together, all drawn toward one end, “to make it happen”. The women were from many cultures and diverse backgrounds, some dressed in their beautiful native fabrics. So inspiring!

In the workshops there was an exchange of ideas of how other church UMW units operate  and accomplish their goals. There was opportunity to learn about projects which the worldwide organization is involved. This gave me a view of the broader picture.

Another highlight was the presentation by Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton. Her speech was outstanding. A description  of  her early childhood experiences through present day .Holding strong to her Methodist upbringing.  She confidently shared  herself  with  7000 UMW sisters; each intently listening to her story.

I hope that our own UMW at FUMC can become educated, aware, and more involved in these projects on the worldwide stage.  Then truly, “Make It Happen”.

Hope Niemeyer

UMW and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Partner

United Methodist Women and UMCOR announced a joint initiative on maternal health, called Abundant Health, during the April 26^th Assembly evening plenary worship.

300,000 women died this last year from childbirth and 19,000 children die every day from preventable illnesses, such as diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, malnutrition and lack of fresh water. How could that be possible, you ask?  They lack access to a proper health facility or to health workers or even because they have no say in their own reproductive health. Shannon Trilli, Director of Global Health, UMCOR, said the initiative will contribute to women’s health globally by raising awareness of the challenges and by strengthening maternal health programs that have a track record of success. The UMW/UMCOR partnership aims to help save the lives of women and their children.

John 10:10  - I came that they may have life abundantly.

Not only did we take in workshops, wonderful music at the plenary, and volunteering to help with registration and ushering. We were able to take in some site seeing and local favorite dishes.

Deb Wuebbling, Kathi Thompson, Hope Niemeyer, Della Bozarth, Karen Fritz, Bonnie Albert

Della at registration

Bonnie, Karen, Hope, Debbie, Della

Kathi, Deb,Bonnie at dinner with our pints of tea.

Hot Brown from the Browns Hotel one of the staples in Louisville

We all took different workshops ask us which ones we participated in.  Over 75 workshops were offered.

 


Please Pray for the 234 Nigerian girls Kidnapped April 14 by Boko Haram
Here is a link to an article:
www.umcmission.org/Learn-About-Us/News-and-Stories/2014/May/0501leadersaskforprayers

Craft Weekend

May 16 -17

Friday Evening 5-9

Saturday  8:30 - 3

Mission U

July 22 - 25

DePauw University 

The studies this year are:

"How is it with your Soul"

The Roma of Europe

The Church and People with Disabilities

here is a link for more information

www.inumc.org/pages/detail/1410

Assembly 2014

These were the signs hanging on the downtown light poles, welcoming us to the 2014 Assembly.  

Here is a link to the site were you can view some of the wonderful worship services and Fellow United Methodist Hillary Clinton's keynote speech.

www.unitedmethodistwomen.org

More about Bonnie, Debbie, Della, Hope, Karen and Kathi's

adventures at Assembly in upcoming posts.

April 30th Deadline for UMW Scholarship 

The UMW Continuing Education Scholarship fund is available to women who are members of Valpo FUMC, 21 years of age or older and returning to school to further their education.  Applications forms are available at the church office and should be completed and returned by April 30 to the UMW mailbox next to the Welcome Desk, addressed to UMW Scholarship Committee.

April 30th 6:00 p.m.

UMW Business Meeting

Mother Daughter Tea

May 4th 1:30 - 3:30

Fellowship Hall

Tea and finger foods

Great Lake Sound Chorus

Photo Booth and Hat making

Crafting Weekend

May 16th & 17th

What Our United Methodist Women are Up To:

Lenten Breakfast

Rev. Katurah Johnson

Breakfast in Fellowship Hall

Glenda Ketterman

Last Thursday our UMW hosted the Maundy Thursday Breakfast.  Della Bozarth opened our breakfast with prayer.  After breakfast, Glenda Ketterman share her experience on the mission trip to the Midwest Distribution Center in March.  Our speaker Rev. Katurah Johnson shared about the Steward House in Gary a former settlement house, which is now the location for a Urban Farm and Community Garden. She share about all the work that has been put into this property and what is still needed to make this project a success.

We are planning on putting together a group from VFUMC to help on the work days which are the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.  You can find out more information on this at www.facebook.com/stewarthouseurbanfarm 

Craft Weekend

This Friday and Saturday April 25th 5 - 9 p.m.  

                                         April 26th 8:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Bring your project, and a snack to share, on Saturday we will be sending out for lunch or bring your own.  This is a great time for fellowship and to get some of those unfinished projects completed or start something new. 

UMW Scholarship Applications

Applications are being accepted until April 30th.  The UMW Continuing Education Scholarship fund is available to women who are members of Valpo FUMC, 21 years of age or older and returning to school to further their education.  Application forms are available at the church office and should be completed and returned by April 30 to UMW mailbox net to the Welcome Desk, addressed to "UMW Scholarship Committee."

Mother Daughter Tea

May 4th

1:30 - 3:30

Tickets $5.00

for sale between services

S.O.S

This is coming from 

We are in need of girl's clothing, from 

new born to teen.  We are also need women's 

shoes.

What are United Methodist Women Up To?? 

 I had an Elsie Rapley sighting yesterday.   She's in a rehab in Fisher's and doing much better.  She is struggling with the strength to walk but she's determined.   I had a meeting in Indy yesterday and got a call about the time I was to get on 465 (north side) from her daughter Cheryl.   She told me where she was so I pulled off, set the GPS and she was just 20 minutes away.   It was a great visit and she sends her love to all.  She loves to hear shop stories.   I suspect she will be back with Cheryl through the holidays and I think I heard them say she would be dismissed from there around Friday.    Give her a call or text her.   Cheryl says she texts too. 

 

Blessings,   Bonnie

 Our friend Margie has a heartbreaking story.   For those who remember Myriam is the woman she went to stay with during her eye surgery.   I can't begin to tell you the unfortunate things that happen to her and have all through her life.   I know you will lift her up in prayer today and hopefully now and then.   Myriam is an amazing woman with strength and faith that are just tested more often that most.


http://valpofumcomissions.blogspot.com
 

What have the ladies UMW been up to??

Bonnie O'Brien, Darlene Myers, Barb Coulter, Hope Niemeyer, Andrea Lakatos,
Kay Morris, Barb Ranger, Della Bozath, Rosalie West, Joy Ellen Saxton, Karen Fritz, Barbara Smith

As a special feature, The Christian Women's Club invited the UMW Resale Shop to model clothing at its April 3rd luncheon held at the Old Town Banquet Center.  The 12 models, who are current Shop volunteers and/or UMW board members, selected clothing and accessories for the plentiful spring inventory currently available.  Shop co-founder Bonnie O'Brien, gave a brief history how The Shop began 23 years ago and Shop Manger Kathi Thompson, acted as emcee giving descriptions of each model's outfit.

Book Discussion 

Our discussion last week on the book about the Women of the Settlement House Movement was  well attended.  If you want to learn more about the strong women of the United Methodist Women, check out this book from the UMW book shelf.  We can only imagine what there lives were like and the strength and courage the showed.

 We had visitors from Christ UMC in Gary, Rev. Katurah Johnson and Karen Bryant.

Christ UMC own the property that the Stewart House sat on and is now a Urban Farm and Community Garden.  To hear more about this attend the Maundy Thursday Breakfast where Rev. Katurah Johnson will be speaking more about it. 

• https://www.facebook.com/stewarthouseurbanfarm

Our next book discussion with be in August, so you will have plenty of time to read  An Invisible Thread  by Laura Schroff

Maundy Thursday Breakfast

April, 17th at 9:30

Fellowship Hall

Speaker:  Rev. Katurah Johnson

Craft Weekend

April 25 & 26

Friday night 5 to 9

Saturday 8:30 to 3

Bring a snack to share, we will be ordering out lunch on Sat. or bring your own.  We had all different projects being worked on so come join us for fellowship and craft time.

Mother Daughter Tea

May 4th  1:30 - 3:30

Tickets are $5 and being sold between services

The Great Lakes Chorus will be preforming along with hat making, photo booth, delicious finger food and tea.

This is the rest of the article about Settlement House Movement

The Deaconess Tradition

   The Wesley and Bethlehem houses were focused on outreach to women and children.  They had kindergartens, playgrounds, and daycare programs, as well as classes in sewing, cooking, and hygiene, and adult education classes in language and culture.  Some of the centers were highly multicultural, reflecting their immigrant neighborhoods.  All worked wit a variety of socioeconomic groups and led the way in early efforts to integrate their communities.  Margaret Murray Washington- the third wife of Booker T. Washington- established a settlement house outside Tuskegee Institute.  In doing so, she created one of the first and only places in Alabama where poor white women and African-American women could gather together for education skill development, and community building.  

   By the 1920's, there was a move to take the settlement house model to the rural areas, especially to the Southern Appalachian region.  More that 200 mountain missions and settlement schools were started there by various denominations and groups (including  the Daughters of the American Revolution and Pi Beta Phi).  Two United Methodist institutions that remain from this movement- both located in southeastern Kentucky -

are Henderson Settlement, started by the Northern Methodists in 1925, and Red Bird Mission, started in 1921 by the Evangelical Church, a United Methodist predecessor denomination.

   The deaconesses (and, later, church and community workers) were instrumental in the success of both rural and urban social settlement missions.  Deaconesses emerged as a formal movement in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1888 and in the Southern church in 1902.  They served in the settlement houses and missions and actively engaged in out-reach to the neighborhoods around them.   The deaconesses received extensive, cutting-edge training at four national training schools, which were consolidated into what became known as Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville.  Scarritt began in 1901 and developed some of thew first sociology and social work courses in the South.  The college also formed early partnerships with Fisk University and Vanderbilt.  Today's Scarritt-Bennett Center continues to play a valuable part in the history of the settlement movement.

   The legacy of the settlement house movement remains active today across United Methodism- both in the important urban ministry work of the Wesley houses and Bethlehem centers and in the rural work of places like Henderson Settlement and Red Bird Mission Settlement houses are still being used as a model for ministry and outreach, especially by groups interested in alternative ways of developing community in urban areas.  They also continue to connect us with the history of United Methodist mission.  

Michael Feely is the director of Mission Advancement at Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky

This article can be found in the March/April issue of New World Outlook  magazine

Join our Book Discussion

Tuesday, evening  April, 8th

6:00 p.m.

Lifting Up hope, Living Out Justice

by Alice G. Knotts

We will be have a soup supper and discussion.

United Methodist Women will be hosting our Maundy Thursday breakfast.  We will be have breakfast followed by our Speaker Katurah Johnson speaking on the Stewart Settlement House , which is now a community garden.

Thursday, April 17th at 9:30 in Fellowship Hall

Mother Daughter Tea

May 4th

1:30 - 3:30

Fellowship Hall

$5 per person

All women of the church and friends are invited to attend this fun event.

tickets are being sold between service 

Ubuntu?

An Internet search for the word Ubuntu comes up with an interesting array of results: it is a community driven computer operating system, a website for sexual abuse survivors, a cloud server, a netbook, and a program hosted by the United Methodist Women.

The question is, “What do all these things have in common?”

One might say that it is the notion of sharing and making connections be it to through software, information, or empathy. The origin of the word is South African (Zulu) and means humanness or humanity toward others.

One of the ways in which the United Methodist Women is demonstrating faith, hope, and love in action is through Ubuntu Journeys. They provide an opportunity to create human connections by serving on short-term mission trips to different parts of the world. Ubuntu missions are about creating communities - Imagine having sisters all over the world that can share in your spiritual journey! These are not one-way relationships: They are based on mutual interdependence. You pray for, support, and learn from one another.

Interested? There are opportunities to take part in the 2015 Ubuntu Journeys. The UMW is looking for a few good women to be team leaders and members.  Journeys include Cambodia, Cameroon, and Costa Rica.  Check out details for these 2015 Ubuntu Journeys.  

  

Okay, so you are thinking - “This is not for me, I can’t go on a mission trip.”

Wait! There is more to the Ubuntu than mission trips. You can practice Ubuntu right where you are. In fact, you may already be practicing it when you reach out to others and create community by giving hope to the hopeless or restoring human dignity to those who are being or have been dehumanized.

In one the courses I teach, we say that a team becomes cohesive when it creates a superordinate identity that transcends individual differences. For me, this superordinate identity is that of being human and realizing that we have a common destiny.

It reminds me of the lyrics of the Andy Williams song I listened to as a child

Walk hand in hand with me, this is our destiny
No greater love could be, walk hand in hand
Walk with me

                                              

Ubuntu!

For more information about how you can be Ubuntu, practice Ubuntu, develop a program for your group or circle, or participate in exciting Ubuntu Journeys visit

http://prod.umwomen.org:88/what-we-do/service-and-advocacy/ubuntu-mission-trips

Submitted by: Anne Christo-Baker

Mission Cooorinator for Education & Interpretation