Baldwin Community United Methodist Congregation

Fundraising is a part of UMW activity.  The upcoming “Showers of Fashion” luncheon and fashion show scheduled for May 3, 2008, is a fun way to raise money and a time of fellowship and outreach to our community.  The “Ultimate Church Yard Sale” in September will be a great way to clean out your clutter and help raise the money that UMW gives to local, national and international projects.  A portion of our funds go to the District UMW and on to the Women’s Division of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church to fund projects in 50 states and over 100 countries.  UMW HAS GREAT CONNECTIONS. The family of God is amazing in its diversity.

Fundraising for the children and youth of our church including the Preschool is an important part of the UMW planning.  Money is given for camperships, youth mission trips, preschool scholarships and Vacation Bible School.  As our church community grows, UMW will respond to the needs and opportunities for service.  You can help us meet the challenge.  YOUR IDEAS ARE WELCOMED. Your hands in service to Christ are greatly needed.  

SOCIAL ACTION – UMW Coordinator for Social Action

To highlight a very important aspect of UMW, the following comes from Myra Mann, UMW Coordinator for Social Action. 

The UMW’s Coordinator for Social Action leads the local unit “in action for improvement of social, economic, environmental and political conditions that affect women and children throughout the world.”

As Christian women, putting our faith into action requires our study of local, state, national and international social issues and our commitment to action in service to the world.

Each year, the United Methodist Women’s Action Network, which operates as a division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Missions, sends out numerous “Action Alerts.” Recent alerts have included calls to action on safe drinking water and sanitation,  HIV/AIDS and health care, the Israeli-Palestinian Peace process, the Farm Bill, Iraqi Refugees, Darfur (Sudan) Peacekeeping, Debt Cancellation, child soldiers, et cetera.

With the upcoming elections in November, you might wish to ask for a copy of the United Methodist Women’s “A Questionnaire for Candidates Seeking Election.”  Each section references the appropriate topic in our United Methodist “The Book of Resolutions 2004,” which includes the “Social Principles of the United Methodist Church.” This book can be found in our church library. Please call me if you have questions or comments or wish to work on a specific issue. 

                                                                     Myra Mann (412)882-6252.

PLEASE NOTE: There are designated shelves in the Church Library for UMW books and related information, including two excellent magazines RESPONSE and NEW WORLD OUTLOOK, both of which are informative and inspiring.  Please feel free to borrow these materials to learn how active the UMW is worldwide.  The UMW Bulletin Board near Asbury Hall is another place to watch for UMW information.

What is the United Methodist Women (UMW)?

United Methodist Women is a national membership organization whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Members raise approximately $18 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world!

The Purpose of United Methodist Women

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.

UMW of Baldwin Community United Methodist Church

Goals:

·        To be the hands and feet for Christ’s mission with emphasis on women, children and youth.

·        To fulfill the Purpose of UMW.

o       Know God.

o       Experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ.

o       Develop creative, supportive fellowship.

o       Expand concepts of missions.

·        To be a part of the connectional system of the United Methodist Church.

Organization:

Membership: The UMW of BCUMC has approximately 75 members as of March 01, 2008.

CIRCLES: There are four subgroups “circles” that meet monthly. Each circle plans activities that fulfill the purpose of UMW and provide support to their members. 

·     Abigail Circle –Meets first Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Library. Sue Eyrolles, Chairperson.

·     Lydia Circle –Meets first Sunday after church in room 214 or at designated site. Laurie Meshanko and Kathy Haas, co-chairs.

·     Miriam Circle – Meets second Wednesday at designated home. Chair changes per circle’s plan.

·     Rebecca Circle – Meets first Monday at 12:30 p.m. in room 214. Kay Krause, Chairperson.

UMW Board:  There is an Executive Board that meets monthly to guide and direct the overall UMW program. A representative of each circle is part of this board.  All members are welcome to attend board meetings.

·        President: Elizabeth Bjerke

·        Vice President: Vacant

·        Treasurer: Betty Gregor

·        Secretary: Vacant until after May 2008.  Then Laurie Meshanko will assume duties.

·        Coordinator for Spiritual Growth : Margaret Mima

·        Coordinator for Social Action:  Myra Mann

·        Coordinator for Education and Interpretation: Peg Kester

·        Coordinator for Membership Nurture and Outreach: Linda Jopinko (on leave of absence).

GENERAL MEETINGS:  There are 7 general meetings/programs scheduled for 2008. The calendar of events is published in an annual UMW Yearbook.  The general meetings include a luncheon and speaker/program.

BCUMC UMW 2007 Programs:

·        March: Introduction to Ikebana – Gerry Tinder

·        March: Day of Prayer

·        May: Starting a Teen Circle – Diane Miller, Volunteer in Missions Coordinator

·        Spring Fling Fellowship Event. Speaker from Bethlehem Haven and Praise Band from Latrobe.

·        Israel/Palestine – Mission Ambassador, Mary Rishel

·        A Program of Christmas Music – Phil Aley

BCUMC PROGRAMS 2008:

·        January: Introduction to congregation of World Thank Offering.

·        February: Pledge Service and luncheon.

·        February: Showing of videos on Israel/Palestine.

·        April: Luncheon and Speaker from Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.

·        May: Luncheon and Speaker from Lydia’s Place and the Gwen Elliott Family Activity Center for children of prisoners at the Allegheny County Jail.

·        September: Luncheon and program on the Charter for Racial Justice.

·        October: Luncheon and program on Christian Views and Immigration.

·        November: Luncheon, Thanksgiving program and music by Phil Aley

·        November: World Thank Offering collected.

·        December: Luncheon hosted by the UMW Board. Program to be announced.

·        Other programs throughout the year as announced.

FUNDRAISING

2007 BCUMC UMW Fundraisers

·        June:  Ice cream Social

·        June: Bake Sale day of the Caste Village Fireworks

·        September:  Ultimate Church Yard Sale

·        Oct.-Dec.: Pecan Sale

·        December: Cookie Walk

·        Ongoing: dishcloths, knives, misc.

2008 BCUMC UMW Fundraisers

·        May: Shower of Fashions – Fashion Show and Luncheon.

·        June: Bake Sale day of the Caste Village Fireworks

·        September:  Ultimate Church Yard Sale

·        Oct.-Dec.: Pecan Sale

·        December: Cookie Walk

·        Ongoing: dishcloths, knives, misc.

PIECEMAKERS:  Sewing group that makes school kit bags and other items for missions. Plans for making quilt covers, clothing for children in hot climates, etc.  Meet in 214 or Parlor on the second Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Contact is Elizabeth Bjerke (412)488-1716.

BCUMC READING GROUP:  Using the UMW Reading Program guidelines, women read and discuss a variety of books throughout the year.  Currently, they meet in the Library on the 4^th Thursday of the month at 10 a.m.  Contact is Peg Kester (412)279-4006..

DISTRICT/CONFERENCE MEETINGS/PROGRAMS - 2007

·        Resurection Women – Conference Women’s Retreat at Olmstead Manor

·        Mission Study Day

·        Spring Day Apart

·        Cooperative School of Missions – July at Grove City College

·        Weekend work trip to Mechanicsburg, UMCOR Depot.

·        District Annual UMW Meeting

DISTRICT/CONFERENCE MEETINGS/PROGRAMS - 2008

·        Mission Study Day –

·        Spring Day Apart --

·        Cooperative School of Missions – July at Grove City College

·        District Annual UMW Meeting

 United Methodist Women in Mission

United Methodist Women is a nearly 1 million member-strong organization of women who seek to know God and to make life better for women, children, youth and marginalized neighbors in the ever-expanding global village of today's world.  United Methodist Women members meet in their local churches, during their lunch break at work, after classes on their college campuses and even online.  However they choose to gather, members create a supportive community that nurtures their spiritual growth journeys and provides opportunities for:

• Leadership development
• Study of issues impacting their neighborhoods, nation and world;
• Participation in informed advocacy and actions
• Financial support of institutions and projects empowering women, children and youth in the United States and around the world.

Response Magazine

• Want to see the world?
• Searching for meaning in life?
• Overwhelmed by folks who don't care?
• Concerned about neglected children?
• Committed to mission?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, Response is for you. Monthly Bible studies, stories of faith, and mission opportunities are just part of what you'll find in Response. This magazine will touch your heart, stir your soul, and challenge your mind.

Response: The Voice of Women in Mission. It's the magazine for every Christian who wants to be part of creating a more peaceful, just world where all people are truly children of God.

NOTE: COPIES OF RESPONSE MAGAZINE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE BCUMC LIBRARY.

We also get the magazine NEW WORLD OUTLOOK.

READING  PROGRAM: THE PURPOSE

The purpose of the Reading Program is to encourage United Methodist Women:

1. to expand understanding of and participation in God's mission;
2. to increase sensitivity to all human beings-their needs, interests, and concerns;
3. to encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today;
4. to grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life;
5. to enhance self-knowledge and to act from that knowledge;
6. to strengthen involvement in local and global Christian mission.

The Women's Division recommends a diverse range of books with the intention of broadening exposure to a variety of concepts. The Division does not intend that United Methodist Women accept each word or idea contained within each volume. Some books you may agree with. Some you may not. Either is all right. At the least you know the Women's Division cares and wants you to be a knowledgeable and caring Christian about the issues of the day.

COPIES OF THE READING PROGRAM CATALOG FOR 2008: Available from Peg Kester, Elizabeth Bjerke or in the BCUMC Library.

Where $ Goes – WOMEN’S DIVISION OF UM CHURCH

United Methodist Women's mission giving is at work in 103 mission institutions here in the United States and in nearly 300 programs and institutions in more than 58 countries around the world. It supports mission service opportunities, mission education programs, and nurture and develop programs for United Methodist Women members.

Giving

Giving makes mission possible. Mission giving supports institutions and programs empowering and improving the lives of women, youth and children in the United States and around the world. It provides food, shelter, education, employment, healthcare and human rights advocacy for many living on the margins of society. Mission giving supports United Methodist mission personnel and retired Deaconesses. United Methodist Women's mission giving also funds spiritual growth programs, leadership development events and mission education opportunities for United Methodist Women members.

Pledge to Mission

An individual member's Pledge to Mission is the amount a woman gives to her local unit to help fulfill the PURPOSE of United Methodist Women. The conference United Methodist Women pledges a specific amount to the Women's Division for mission with women, children and youth and retains a designated percent to be used for district and conference administration and membership development expenses.