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?????