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Spring 2015 Volume 59, Issue 1
West Michigan Conference
H I G H L I G H T S
Greetings to the West Michigan
Conference United Methodist Women
Congratulations and Many Thanks!!!!!!
In July of last year I made a challenge to the women of West Michigan to finish the campaign to raise money to complete the roof at the Grand Rapids Community House. Our major roof project has been paid for and completed. Hooray!!!!!! We still need to have the front entry overhang and the sections that cover the front sidewalk to be looked at. We will be getting estimates for this in the future.
During this next year I hope that as a Conference we can continue to sacrifice at least $5.00 or more per person to United Methodist Community House maintenance. If we can continue to set aside funds, we will be in better shape to be ready when we have a building need. As most of you know, most of the needs we will see will require a special effort on our part, but a continued special account for this purpose may allow us to proceed in a more expedient manner. To continue this campaign, please send your contribution to our UMW Conference Treasurer with the notation UMCH Maintenance Fund.
In 5 months we were able to make this a possibility. We have reached the goal of $33,000,00 + . This includes the beginning amount that has been raised over the past 2 years. At the last Board Meeting, I was able to report that this goal has been reached. This is our building. We are extremely proud of the things that happen here. The programs are incredibly important to the children, women and seniors we serve, but we need to be constantly aware of the needs that arise to the structure as we are to the programming.
Thank you again for your support of this mission. Thanks for all you do to make God's Kingdom a reality on earth.
Blessings to you.
Jenny Kroeze, President
West Michigan Conference UMW
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President: Jenny Kroeze (2013) 640 Seminole Dr., Fremont 49412 231-924-4814 [email protected]
Vice President: Phyllis Jackson (2012) 978 Amber View Dr. SW, Byron Center 49315 616-878-1284 [email protected]
Secretary: Meredith Richter (2015) 1300 Highland Dr., Petoskey 49770
231-347-9717 [email protected]
Treasurer: Julia Paradine-Rice (2014) 4114 Sanctuary Dr., Alma, 48801 989-576-0675 [email protected]
Mission Coordinators:
Spiritual Growth: Simmie Proctor (2014) 73486 8th Street, South Haven 49090 269-637-6053 [email protected]
Education & Interpretation: Shirley Chappell (2013)
719 S. Griffin, Grand Haven 49417 616-846-4197 [email protected]
Social Action: Randie Clawson (2015) 384 Lind Drive, Travers City 49696 231-929-7808 [email protected]
Membership Nurture/Outreach: Gerry Tibbits (2015)
106 Hartwell Terrace, Mason 48854 517-930-5304 [email protected]
Program Resources: Connie Swinger (2015) 255 Brown St. SW, Grand Rapids 49507
616-452-3532 [email protected]
Communications Coordinator: Dorie Litchfield (2014) 331 Prairie Drive, Climax, MI 49034 269-746-8728 [email protected]
Appointed: Be Just Be Green Coordinator: Clarice McKenzie 396 Ford Street, Bitely 49309
231-745-3256 (Apr-Nov) 727-536-1888 (Nov-Mar) [email protected]
Committee on Nominations:
Chairperson: Linda Darrow (2014) 4-year term 633 N. State St., Alma 48801 989-763-8750 [email protected]
Committee Members: Clara VanderLaan (2015) 2-year term 6702 Waterview Drive Grandville 49418 616-457-1554 [email protected]
Beth Mitchell (2014) 4-year term 3813 Rockwood, Kalamazoo 49004 269-343-6806 [email protected]
Sue Franklin (2014) 2-year term 2392 Fern Ct., Farwell 48622-9789 989-339-0491 [email protected]
Suzanne Hewitt (2015) 4-year term 2250 Knapp St., Grand Rapids 49505 616-361-9565 [email protected]
3 - year term (OPEN);
2 - year term (OPEN)
Historian -- (appointed) OPEN
District Presidents:
Albion: Donna Smith, 269-565-0958 [email protected]
Grand Rapids: Sue VanHoesen 231-755-3476 [email protected]
Grand Traverse: Julie Gasco, 231-549-2084 [email protected]
Heartland: Waitha Gaye Leavitt , 231-640-0238 [email protected]
Kalamazoo: Cindy Thiele, 269-673-4514 [email protected]
Lansing: Joyce Plumhoff, 517-676-2715 [email protected]
WEST MICHIGAN CONFERENCE
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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
community; and to
expand concepts of
mission through
participation in
global ministries of
the church.
See YOU at
MISSION u
July 16-18, 2015
at CMU
Financial Update
Just to give you an idea of what we
as United Methodist Women do, here is a chart that shows what our missions budget costs for each increment of time.
Blessings to all, Julia Paradine-Rice,
Conference Treasurer
United Methodist Women
2015 Mission Dollars
year $13,423,063.00
day $36,775.52
hour $1,532.31
minute $25.54
second $0.43
The above chart represents UMW Mission dollars spent.
Could you fund an additional minute of
4
Membership Nurture and Outreach
Friends,
As I closed the books on 2014, I wanted to thank all of you who have made great efforts to increase our membership in UMW and to support one another in love. We have a great organization with a proud history. Let others know about it.
Some groups have come to us wanting to close and said that it has been too hard to continue the church work that the women used to do, such as the funeral lunches and dinners. Nowhere in the UMW charter is there an obligation to do these things. This is where church growth happens and hospitality committees arise. If your group therefore must lower a pledge, then lower it. You may find the energy to come up with something else to raise funds (where you don't have to be on your feet so much). Or you may use your time to increase your efforts to teach mission and the issues surrounding women, children and youth to your church.
Do you know that a lot of churches do not know what the UMW does in the world?
Even some pastors don't know for sure. And all the time Pledges to Mission have dug wells, schooled children, built hospitals and on and on. One group laid issues of "Response" around for anyone to read.... people did read them and were very impressed. They noticed not only the fine journalism, but also, the breadth of UMW and all the work it accomplishes with the money we raise. As I said, we have a proud story to tell. Keep telling it. And as Karen May, our Albion District Membership Nurture & Outreach (MN&O) summarized, "Invite, Invite, Invite."
As I close my term as your Conference MN&O coordinator, I would like to report on this year's Membership Count. When forms came in from the Districts, we were able to account for over 4000 women. Not Bad. However, per the Church Conference Journal, the count was over 6000 women. I don't want to suggest we have "lost" any women. It just means we have to increase our efforts toward completeness and accuracy. I know you will welcome Gerry Tibbits, who takes over the position in 2015. You will enjoy her spirituality and enthusiasm.
Peace, Susan Emmons
Collecting Bras for Mission Peru 2015
Health Kits and Bras of all colors and sizes are needed for Mission Peru.
Send or deliver to Jodi Pratt in Grand Rapids 269-792-0481
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Collections for Mission Peru 2015
The Grand Rapids District
UMW , along with other UMW units, came together and collected over 300 bras. For a partner project (2012) with DB Peru and the Peruvian UMW Federation. Our supply of bras and healthcare items is gone and the Peru Mission 2015 is asking for donations.
In July 2015 the group will travel to the Junin area in southern Peru for medical and VBS work. We would welcome bra's of any size (teen especially), permanent markers of color, and nail clippers. One of the team members from Wisconsin has issued a "bra challenge" to see how many we can take with us! Jody Pratt can arrange a pick up point or send with a UMW member traveling in the direction of Grand Rapids. Together, we can make it work. Thanks again for making great things happen when United Methodist Women spring into action.
Co - Team Leaders Peru 2015 Jody Pratt [email protected] 269-792-0481 Lynette Jordan , Wisconsin
Individual Peru Volunteer in Mission Judy Bruun , Peru ( Wisconsin)
Peru UMW Federation President—Tania Rojas -
A Word from our Vice President
It has always been very important to me, to keep in contact with people who have touched my life in a special way. A few weeks ago, I became aware that one of my long time Camp and College friends had tragically lost her son. My heart was broken for her. I
prayed and asked God what I could do to reach out to my friend. Many of you know that I am a Quilter and my greatest joy is making something and sharing it with someone else. I had a quilt that I had made some time ago, for no particular reason and at the time, had no one in mind to give it to. It was a quilt of many beautiful colors. As I prayed for my friend, it suddenly came to me that I needed to give this quilt to her, to wrap her in caring love. My husband Andrew, blessed the quilt and I mailed it to my friend. In a couple days, the phone call came, and the tears flowed as my friend attempted to express her overwhelming joy of receiving the quilt.
In a written note, she wrote these words. “Kavod is the Hebrew word to mean special glory given to God in Praise and Thanksgiving. And so I send you Kavod in return for the sweet glory of God you have given me in my time of grieving”. She says it is comforting around her shoulders, and in her prayers she wrapped her son in it tenderly.
May You All Have A Blessed Christmas,
Phyllis Jackson Vice Pres. WMC UMW
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2015 West Michigan Conference
MISSION u
Co-Sponsored by West Michigan Conference United Methodist Women and
Conference Board of Global Ministries Thursday - Saturday
JULY 16 - 18, 2015
Central Michigan University - Mt. Pleasant, MI Kulhavi Hall, 212 W. Broomfield, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 774-4004 ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟
2015 Mission Studies:
Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life In God Study Leader: Rev. Devon Herrell Latin America Study Leaders: Rev. Joseph and Joanne Perez The Church and People With Disabilities Study Leader: Rev. Gordon Schleicher Children’s Study: Latin America Study Leaders: Glenys Nellist and Ronda Libbitt
✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ Mission u is for everyone ✟ Mission u is where persons of all ages come together to grow in understanding
of the mission of the church in the current world context through study, fellowship, worship and fun!
✟ Mission u is educational, fun and one of the best vacation bargains around!
Registration: Thursday, July 16th
8:30-10:00
Used Book Sale to benefit Community
House library.
Scholarships are available for first
time attendees, children, young
women (ages 18-35) & clergy.
Call Shirley Chappell
-(616)846-4197.
Study books can be purchased in advance
from the Mission Resource Center - 1-800-
305-9857.
Silent Auction to benefit Latin
American ministries. Bring only
NEW items, services and crafts.
There will be no live auction.
In-gathering: UMCOR birthing kits
CHILD CARE will be provided. Questions - contact the Registrar.
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Please use ONE FORM per person - children MUST have their own form.
Mission u Registration Form
July 16-18, 2015
REGISTRATION DEADLINE - JULY 6, 2015
Name:________________________________________________________________________________________________
E-Mail Address (please PRINT clearly):_________________________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________ Phone (_______)___________________________
City:__________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip Code:______________________
District:_______________________________ Local Church: ________________________________________________
Roommate Preference:________________________________________________________________________________
_Circle all that apply:
Female Male First time attendee Clergy
UMW Member Missionary Scholarship Recipient UMW Dist. Officer
UMW Conf. Officer Mission u Officer
Child (under 6) _____(age) Child (6-12) _____ (age) Youth (13-18) _____ (age)
✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟
Please select only one class from the following: (mark your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice)
_____________ Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God
_____________ The Church and People With Disabilities
_____________ Latin America
_____________ Children’s Study: Latin America (children ages 6-12)
_____________ Enriched Child Care (5 and under)
✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟
Registration Fees: (please check all that apply)
_____ 3 day School (all meals and lodging) - $250.00/adult _____ FREE/children ages 0-18
_____ Commuter (5 meals, no lodging) - $150.00/adult
_____ Commuter (no meals, no lodging) - $100.00/adult
_____ Wednesday night lodging/breakfast—$40.00/adult _____ FREE/children ages 0-18
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Mission u 2015
Planning continues for the 2015 Mission u to be held July 16-18, 2015 at Central Michigan University, again in the convenient and air conditioned Kulhavi Hall. I hope you are making plans now to attend. Registration forms and scholarship application forms will be out soon. There are a couple of favorite things that will be included that you can start thinking about now.
The popular fundraising Silent Auction will occur. Funds raised will support an appropriate mission. Hand crafted items are very popular, as are attractive kits and filled gift baskets.
Secondly, the hands-on / in-gathering project will be UMCOR Birthing Kits. Most of the items are easily obtained and can be collected over time. You can bring the items or completed kits to Mission u 2015. UMCOR has provided important information regarding the need for birthing kits. Each year more than 600,000 women die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth in developing countries. Approximately, 9 million infant deaths occur each year. Tetanus and other infections are among the leading causes of newborn mortality. Infants with neonatal tetanus often have concomitant cord infection caused by unclean delivery or unclean cord care practices. Safe and clean delivery practices can save lives.
Here is a list of the needed items: One hotel sized bar of soap to clean
the birth attendant's hands both before delivery and prior to cutting the umbilical cord, and to clean the mother after delivery..
One pair of clean latex gloves to reduce disease transmission.
One square yard of clear 4 mil. plastic sheeting to provide a clean surface to deliver the baby. This is available on rolls at local hardware stores such as Lowes
Three pieces of clean string, each 12 inches long to tie the umbilical cord.
One clean single use razor blade- essential for clean cutting of the umbilical cord. Carefully wrap in light cardboard or in a clean plastic pill bottle to avoid accidents.
Two flannelette receiving blankets, each 1 yard square - one to dry and stimulate the baby and one to swaddle the baby.
One gallon sized plastic bag to package the kit and to hold the placenta for safe disposal.
These kits are distributed only to
hospitals and clinics with programs in place to provide education on how to use them correctly.
Thanks and Peace,
Susan Emmons, Dean Mission u 2015
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Welcome Randie Clawson
God is working through United
Methodist Women on many social
issues. I will be serving as the West
Michigan Conference Social Action
Coordinator. I am looking forward to
being involved with you as we together
apply our faith, hope and love to social
actions.
As God’s daughters, we can be sure
that social action is our calling.
Ephesians 2:8-10 lets us know that our
salvation is a gift from God. Verse 10
goes on to tell us that we are “God’s
handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in
advance for us to do.” God has formed
our circumstances to give us passion to
accomplish the good works planned for
us. I want to get to know you and learn
of the passions God has placed in your
heart.
By way of a personal introduction, I
live in Traverse City. I retired from the
State of Michigan in 1997. I have no
family in Traverse City, my son and his
wife live in Howell. I am “working on my
wings” to be a snowbird.
I attend Christ UMC in Traverse
City.
Because my small church has no
UMW, I attend the UMW at Central
UMC. In December of 2012, I ended
my seven-year employment with
Women’s Resource Center to go on an
UMW Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone.
I also serve as an Individual Volunteer
in Missions with General Board of
Global Missions. I have spent ten
months in the Middle East since April
2013. When I return from Florida, I
plan to be involved with Justice for our
Neighbors in Traverse City.
It will be exciting to learn how God is
working in your circumstances. We can join
God with our passions as we accomplish the
plans God has prepared for the West
Michigan Conference UMW units!
My email address is
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Education and Interpretation
Our Church had two very special
visitors recently. They were Mbwizu
Ndjungu and Nkemba Ndjungu. They are
both from the Democratic Republic of the
Congo but have been missionaries for six
years in Cameroon. Cameroon was
colonized by the French 12 years ago and
consists of 10 provinces. There are 8
French and 2 English. There are
Methodists in 3 provinces with a total of
1247 people attending worship. There are
12 French speaking congregations and 11
English with 22 Pastors serving this area.
Only 7 are ordained but 6 more will be
ordained soon.
I have always loved the clothing that
the African women wear and wondered
why they dress alike at times. Mbwizu told
us that these are their uniforms. When
they are in uniform everyone knows they
are Methodist and doing God’s work.
Mbwizu feels that malaria is much
worse in their area than Ebola. She said
you can die from malaria in only four days
and is very thankful for the nets for
malaria campaign.
Their ministries consist of worship
services in local buildings and in prisons
and eye clinics. Mbwizu collects old eye
glasses for her clinic. It rains almost every
day and the people cook with wood inside
their houses. This
makes for a very smoky
house and the smoke
affects their eyes. 48%
of the people live
under the poverty
limit. The businesses
of the country are
cocoa, bananas, coffee and rubber, but all
of these companies are owned by the
French. The majority (60%) of people farm
just for their own survival. 40% are
Christian, 20% Muslim and 40% pagan.
The government recognizes and supports
the Baptist, Presbyterians, and Lutherans.
The Methodist are not recognized because
they have no buildings or Churches. As soon
as the Methodist build a Church, the
government will recognize them and support
them. If you would like more information or
would like to donate to this mission, contact
your mission team or the West Michigan
Board of Global Missions.
As spring approaches let‘s be generous
with our gifts to missions, food pantries, the
Imagine No Malaria Campaign and those
who can use a helping hand.
Let there be Peace on Earth And Let it Begin with Me.
Peace and Love
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Spiritual Growth
On October 20, 2014 I had back surgery. I was prepared for everything to go well and I had many praying for me. I was given a prayer shawl that I told my daughter to wear throughout my surgery.
I was not ready for what happened after the surgery. Things did not go well for me after surgery. I had lots of problems that I was not ready for. I spent six days in the hospital. I was only supposed to be there three to four days. Even though I went through a rough time. I did not let it get the best of me. I knew that sometimes things do not always go as planned.
I knew that I was being prayed for each day. I was so out of it, I could not pray for myself. I am so thankful for my family and friends that took good care of me. I loved the cards that I received just when I needed a lift.
I’d like to share this devotion that I got from "Hugs" Daily Inspirations word of comfort God Can Handle It
The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
Life can be difficult and discouraging at times. During our darkest moments, God offers strength and courage if we turn our hearts and our prayers to Him.
As children of God, we have every reason to live courageously. After all, God loves us and and has promised to be with us. But sometimes, because we are imperfect human beings who possess imperfect faith, we fall prey to fear and doubt. Next time your courage is stretched to the limit, remember that your heavenly Father is as near as your next breath. He is your shield and your strength: He is your protector and your deliverer. Call upon Him in your hour of need, and be comforted. Whatever your trouble, God can handle it and He will.
Have a blessed Spring and be well and safe. Simmie Proctor
Spiritual Growth Coordinator
Social Action
As i sit here and write this, this will be my last article as your Social Action Coordinator.
I would like to remind all of you to remember to take action. Some of the social issues that are closest to my heart are Human Trafficking. Racial Justice, and Domestic Violence. There are others that you might have a heart for. When I took on the position I was told by one very wise women to find what you are passionate about and take action. I would challenge each one of you to find your passion and take action.
I would like to thank all of you who I have met over the past 3 years. To the Conference Team Members who I have served with, you all have found a place in my heart.
I encourage each of you to go out and find your passion.
Blessings, Joyce Mitchell
Social Action Coordinator
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Mailing Address Line 1
Mailing Address Line 2
Mailing Address Line 3
Mailing Address Line 4
Mailing Address Line 5
YOUR LOGO HERE
2015 Calendar of Events West Michigan Conference UMW
April 11 Keep Making Peace University UMC, East Lansing
April 10 - 11 Grand Traverse Spring Retreat Lake Louise
April 25 Kalamazoo District Spiritual Growth Retreat South Haven
May 1 - 2 Spiritual Growth Retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center DeWitt
May 1 - 2 Heartland Spiritual Growth Retreat Wesley Woods
June 24 Kalamazoo District Mission Day Niles Wesley UMC
July 16—18 Mission u Kulhavi Hall at CMU
August 11 Grand Traverse Mission Day Kewadin
September 12 - 19 Annual DISTRICT Celebrations (see district newsletters)
October 19 - 20 Mission School of the North Gaylord UMC
October 16 Conference Mission Team Coldwater UMC
October 17 43rd Conference Annual Celebration Coldwater UMC
West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church
www.westmichiganconference.org. (Ministries-UMW)
United Methodist Women
Climax United Methodist Church 133 East Maple, PO Box 125., Climax, Michigan 49034
Nonprofit Organization
US Postage Paid
HIGHLIGHTS -- the official Newsletter for West Michigan
Conference United Methodist Women; Is published quarterly: Dec., Mar., June, Sept.
Submissions requested by the 5th of each previous month to: Editor: Dorie Litchfield, [email protected] OR 331 Prairie Dr., Climax, MI 49034
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Congratulations and Many Thanks
2015 Mission Team; Mission Minute,
PURPOSE
Membership Nurture and Outreach, A Word
from our Vice President, Mission Peru 2015
Mission u, Mission u application
Mission u, Welcome Randie Clawson
Education and Interpretation, Social Action,
Spiritual Growth