Snowflake Dance

The past few days have been the most beautiful of winter days here in Michigan. We have had a pretty grey winter so far, so when the snow began, everyone was excited. The Lake Effect snow just slowly dances from the clouds that gather their billows over Lake Michigan. The snow is light and fluffy and clings to everything it touches. The trees, houses, plants, lines and ponds are covered in a soft winter down. As I sat and watched the flakes descend, I marveled at the magic of winter and the snow that blesses this northern abyss. Each flake is uniquely crafted by the cold winds of Alberta and the waters of Lake Michigan. They dance from the heavens in splendor and delight, and then they cling to others as they float upon the land. One flake is in itself beautiful, but when the flakes come together and adorn the countryside, they become magnificent! We too, are gifts of God, descending from the heavenly bounty that God has designed. We show our grace to the world as we dance from the billows, excited over the wonder of being with others and living in community. It is in that bounty, that we can serve God, together. This new year, I am eager to hear of the ways you will share your gifts, and graces to the collective "together", enjoying the Snowflake Dance of God's season.

Peace....Peaceful.....Peacefulness.....what does it mean to be an instrument of peace.? How is God calling us to be an extension of God's Peace???? My first opportunities as a United Methodist Woman at Western Michigan University/Wesley Foundation....was as an activist for peace. Demonstrations for human rights, seminars on justice issues, Bible Studies on Peace, and living a life that exemplifies peace. Ahh the 70's.....it was easy to be about peace...everyone was 'doing' it ....and it was fashionable! How are we about Peace today????? Where is justice in our busy lives?

We as United Methodist Women have been called to LIVE peace.....are you? How are you answering God's call????

Buzzzzzz.....

The People of the United Methodist Church are continuing on a journey to rid Africa of Malaria. It began with ONE, NothingButNets, and now continues with Imagine No Malaria. This deadly disease is passed by the bite of a mosquito. Lack of medicine, health clinics, and insecticide, creates a death sentence for the disease's victims.....mostly children. UMCOR and it's partners, are in the midst of the effort to provide Bed Nets that are treated with an insecticide. Families sleep under the nets at night when the pest is most seen. Along with special educators, communications systems to villages, clinics and medical supplies, these nets are saving lives! A $10 net..... That is an easy lunch at a local deli or treating a co-worker to a latte with biscotti at Starbucks! A $10 net....is a trip to the theatre to see "Harry Potter" or a Pizza at Pizza Hut. So.....what do you think ??? How can we rally and make a HUGE difference???? We United Methodist Women, are partners in this campaign....where do we join in ...? Where do you join in????

View "A Killer in the Dark" or "When The Night Comes", documentaries available from UMCom. Go to imaginenomalaria.com for loads of resources....begin the journey that will change the world.

The Journey......

This summer, the new studies for the Schools of Christian Mission of the Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Women, will be introduced in settings around the world. This year, a geographic study (Haiti), social action study (Joy to the World) and spiritual growth study (The Journey) are offered. The spiritual growth study this year, The Journey, challenges us to look at forgiveness and reconciliation in a new way. The study, gently guides us in a spiritual experience that embraces us with understanding and comforts us with God's abundant grace. How has God graced you in forgiveness????? How have you graced others?????? What would the world be like if we all embraced reconciliation with intention and forgiveness????? There is always the first step in every journey......are you ready to begin?

Bake sales....Book Groups......Health Kits....School Mentors....Lenten Breakfasts.....Spiritual Growth Retreats....Women in Black....

United Methodist Women seem to be the "movers and the shakers" in the church. They do the work of God in every imaginable way. They model for the church, the dedication it takes to live out their understanding of commitment to active faith. I enjoy talking with local women about what they are doing in their churches and communities as they live out the PURPOSE. What are you doing???? How are you impacting your faith community.???? Where is God calling you to be in mission???? Let me know what you are doing and I will pass it on to Women's Division at our April board meeting. You are the extension of Jesus in a needing world.......thank you!

Hate, violence, intolerance.....what has happened to compassion? The Women's Division Directors at their last board meeting grappled with that issue. The result was an invitation to women to "Speak Out for Compassion and Against Hate"(document available www.umw.org or www.gbgm-umw.org) United Methodist Women have a long history of being catalysts of compassion at times when hate permeated our societies. ....lynchings in 1930's , Japanese-Americans internment during WWII, US bombing of Afghanistan in 2003, immigrants rights....... The call is to invite local women to discern how God can use them to bring civility back to their communities. How are you being models of compassion in your communities? How do you utilize the Charter for Racial Justice as a tool for compassion-building? Are you being a model of Jesus Christ as his example for responding to the needs of others? Let me know what is going on in your churches and how God is using YOU!

Human Trafficking

The Women's Division has been actively involved in working on ways to tackle human trafficking. It effects all communities, all countries, and governments....especially ours.

Two policy initiatives sponsored by State representative D. Spade (D) were sent to the governor Dec. 16 after being passed in the final hours of the 95th Legislature here in Michigan. This initiative includes a 5-bill package that makes Michigan's human trafficking laws some of the toughest in the nation. According to statistics compiled by the United States Department of State, an estimated 600,00 to 800,00 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders each year and the trade is growing. Of those victims, 70% are female, and 50% are children. An estimated 200,000 American children are at risk for trafficking into the sex industry.

The United Methodist Church calls for the abolition of sex trafficking (2008 Book of Resolutions).

What is this monster?????How does it effect our communities?????? How does it effect you?????

Lost in the "Bustle"

Every morning on my way to work, I pass a busy, urban intersection where commuters are impatiently waiting for the lights to change in their favor, so they can be on their way. Horns honk in frustration, brakes screech for brave pedestrians, and radios blast the days impending weather.

If you are in a hurry, which most people are, you do not even focus on much beyond the traffic or the noise. But, every morning, on her knees in cold or hot weather, rain, snow or sun, is an elderly women shouting her faith proclamations to anyone who will listen. Most pass her by, and give her not even a polite nod. Today, I notice, she is singing Christmas songs.....and beside her stands a small school child with her backpack in her hands, joining in. She does not seem to be bothered by the traffic chaos, or the snow falling, but intent on singing "Joy to the World". She does not seem to be bothered by the women's shabby clothing or trembling voice.....she is enjoying herself in this precious moment. How many times do we rush by the times in our lives that God calls us to enjoy? How many times do we not take the time to stop and sing "Joy to the World" to whoever will listen?

I think I may give it a try...... Happy Holidays!

What is a Bully?

Yesterday, my 16 year old daughter talked to me about how prevalent bullying is at her school.

What truly amazes me is how sophisticated bullying has become. It has left the playground, and has infiltrated, facebook, text messages, and twitter. Every detail of hate has been broadcast at the quickness of a finger pushing a send button. How do we even begin to deal with this....? What words can be spoken to heal the hurt....? How do we as United Methodist Women begin to change the paradigm of bullying....?

In the last century, women worked very hard to "get the VOTE". Once the right was given to them, they have made a profound influence on the voting agenda of this country and the world.

Having the right to vote and actually doing it are two different things! Tomorrow, this country will take part in mid term elections. They will be casting their vote and expressing their voice to which direction they believe the country should go. They will be expressing their voice on who should represent them. They will be expressing their opportunity to make a difference. Tomorrow I encourage you to VOTE, not just because it is your right....but because your voice makes a difference. Honor the past by being the present....VOTE

Harvest.....

We have begun another hectic fall....school starting...church schedules change...meetings kick in!

How is it that our lives have become so busy? Out of control? Lost focus? Our personal spiritual growth takes the nurturing that times gives. Taking the time for meditation, Bible Study, Yoga, or a simple walk around the block helps us to focus on our own growth. When you are on an airplane and the Flight Attendant begins the instructions on what to do if the oxygen mask drops...they say to put your own mask on first, before helping the person next to you. In order for us to be viable, healthy extensions of faith....we need to make sure our "oxygen mask" is on first before we help those next to us. What helps you in your spiritual disciplines to become stronger for others?

Looking to the Future....

Here we are ending another year. So many things have happened....so many possiblities to come. With a new year around the corner....what are some of your visions for the future?
What can United Methodist Women be doing to impact the new year? Where is God calling you to be???

Climate Change...I do not mean Winter is here!

The state of our environment is of great concern to me. The Women of West Michigan have a long history of working to protect this precious state we have been entrusted with. Water Rights, Bottled Water issues, urban transit, safe farming, wind energy and more! In December, the Women's Division will be a part of a faith delegation going to Copenhagen, and the Summit on Global Warming. The effects of Global Warming impact women and children around the world....
farming and water access in Central Africa, sea surges in the Pacific Islands, and air pollution issues in our urban areas. What are your thoughts???? What can the Women's Division delegation express on your behalf???

Bishop Ough, President of the General Board of Global Ministries, and Inelda Gonzalez, President of the Women's Division made a statement at the beginning of September, encouraging United Methodists to petition the United Nations and the United States Government to protect the Christians in Pakistan (Gojra City), as they have been the victims of recent attacks. These attacks have left hundreds homeless by arson and have left seven dead. Christian Leaders have been charged as lawbreakers for protesting the violence, and this has been closely linked to false accusations of blasphemy or desecration fo the Qur'an. Violence continues to threaten our religious leaders.....what are your thoughts?

Critical to justice in America, is adequate Health Care for it's people. The United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, are concerned for the women, children and youth who do not have adequate or any health care coverage. President Obama is trying to get the ball rolling towards a more equitable Health Care System in the United States. Dialogue is essential to understanding all that is before us on this issue....What are your concerns??? How do you feel about the Health of our Nation?

Ecological Justice

Acid rain..oil spills...industrial waste....deforestation...extinction of many plant and animal species...ozone depletion...excessive energy consumption...massive starvation....

God calls us to see that justice is done on earth..
"God created the heavens and stretched them out; God fashioned the earth and all that lives there;..God gave life and breath to all it's people. And now the Lord God says to all servants...I, the Lord, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will bring light to the nations." Isaiah 42:5,6

United Methodist Women's Green Team is the catalyst helping us the engage in the justice that needs to be done concerning our environment. With the Copenhagen Summit on Global Warming coming up in December.....the nations of the world will be coming to the table to do justice.....How are you engaging in the issue of ecological justice and bringing "light to the nations"???? What can we join you in doing????

ReThink Church and United Methodist Women

Having just finished the West Michigan Annual Conference, I am moved by the new way we are looking at the "CHURCH". United Methodist Women have seen this vision for over 135 years as they have extending the arm of faith to the people in their communities, to people on the other side of the world and to themselves. How are you extending your faith through action????How do United Methodist Women understand their role in the Church.....and beyond???? When we open the door to take the church to the world....where do you see us going?????

United Methodist Women.....a Sisterhood of Faith

I would like to know what United Methodist Women are doing to nurture and support one another. Supportive Community is a large part of who we are as sisters in faith. Units have build strong systems of faith by engaging women to explore their compassionate side. What are you doing to embrace our Sisterhood of Faith????

I have just returned from an incredible weekend at the Ecumenical Advocacy Days Seminar in Washington D.C. We looked at the effects of Global Warming on our World and prepared for a day on Capital Hill with our legislators, engaging in constructive dialogue on solutions to the effects of Global Warming on the world's poor.
Women and Children are hit the hardest when the effects of Global Warming attach their communities.....
Drought in West Africa, causes women to travel farther for the daily water supply, often contaminated by wildlife.
Sea Surges and flooding bring with it displacement and disease associated with stagnant water bore illnesses. Women are the ones who have to manage the family in this transition.
Quality of life, income, disease, economics.........women and children are suffering and it will only get worse.
What are your thoughts?

On the Board of Church and Society's Faith in Action website, an article was shared on the need for the re-introduction of the International Violence Against Women Act. The Board endorsed a letter to Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) urging the re-introduction.
Violence against women is a"global health crisis, human rights violation, and moral outrage that contributes to instability and insecurity throughout the world".

Our local unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has begun a "Women in Black-Tuesdays" beginning with the turn of the calendar year, and their members will wear black every Tuesday in 2009, to bring awareness to violence against women. Articles are sent out on the church web each Tuesday highlighting areas around the world to be in solidarity with, and resources to access to gain new information.
What are you doing to change attitudes about violence against women?????