response in this issue response is the official magazine of United Methodist Women. Its think goals are to educate for mission, to 3 | From the Editor interpret the Purpose of United Tara Barnes Methodist Women and to strength­ 4 | Message From the President: enthe organization. The Importance of United Methodist Women March 2017, Volume 49, No. 3 Shannon Priddy EDITOR: 5 | Responsively Yours: Tara Barnes Pray, Serve, Advocate, Give feature MANAGING EDITOR: Harriett Jane Olson 30 | Transforming Through Julia Chance 6 | How To Use This Issue Eduction Denise Nurse SPANISH EDITOR: Julia Chance Nilda Ferrari 6 | the r list KOREAN EDITOR: listen Yun Nam (Kate) Kang learn 36 | Leading Into the Next 150 Years SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: Michelle Bearden Paul Jeffrey 8 | Bright Hope for Tomorrow 42 | MAGAZINE DESIGNER: Barbara E. Campbell Tanya Krawciw 43 | Un Llamado a Ser Comunidad KOREAN PAGE DESIGNER: live Kevin S. Kang 13 | 140 Years of Mission in Georgia response (ISSN0034-5725) Sandra Stewart Kruger act Published monthly (bimonthly July-August) 44 | Day of Giving by United Methodist Women, 475 Riverside 16 | Continuing the Legacy Drive #1501, New York, NY 10115. ❏ Pe­ Beryl Goldberg r i o dicals postage paid at New York, N.Y., and pypray other mailing offices. The response magazine 18 | Moral Mondays subscription price in the United States and pos- Richard Lord 46 | To Find Eternity sessions (payable in advance): $24 a year. Sin­ gle copy: $2.75, call 1-800-305-9857. Special Emma Dickinson two-year rate: $45. All other countries: $30. give Audio subscriptions are $24 a year. POST- MASTER: Send address changes to response 22 | Building Peace Between Japan at [email protected] or to response, and Korea P.O. Box 395, Congers, NY 10920 rather than to Post Office. A request for change of address Paul Jeffrey must reach us at least 30 days before the date of issue with which it is to take effect. Duplicate copies cannot be sent to replace those unde­ liverable through failure to send advance no­ tice. With your new address, be sure to send us the old one, enclosing, if possible, your ad­ dress label from a recent copy. ❏ Names of sub­ scribers and all money should be sent to re­ sponse, P. O. Box 395, Congers, NY 10920. ❏ All Bible verses herein are from the New Re­ vised Standard Version unless otherwise noted. member support | Throughout every issue of response, this ❏ symbol indicates that you are reading about a program and/or All items for publication should be direct- ed to Tara Barnes, Editor, response, 475 person supported by United Methodist Women’s Mission Giving. Riverside Drive, Room 1501, New York, NY 10115. on the cover | Seohyun Choi from Korea, left, Risako Mimura from Japan, and Yeji E-mail: [email protected] Han from Korea pose together following their exploration of the Third Infiltration Tunnel in the Demilitarized Zone along the border between South Korea and North Korea. Their visit to the DMZ came during a peacemaking seminar for Japanese Copyright 2017 by United Methodist Women and Korean young women sponsored jointly by United Methodist Women, the Wesley Foundation in Japan, the Scranton Women's Leadership Center and the Methodist Theological University. Photo by Paul Jeffrey.

2 response | march 2017 think FROM THE EDITOR | This month United Methodist Women celebrates its 148th anniversary as a women’s mission organization. This is a milestone worth celebrating, both for the foresight of our foremothers and for the passion and faith of members today. Our anniversary is also a time to acknowledge the importance of women organized for mission for the next 150 years (and beyond). “Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham,” reads Luke 3:8, a passage reflected on at this year’s Leadership Development Days. We have many strong women as our ancestors, many reasons to be proud members of United Methodist Women, but we are still responsible for bearing fruit. The great work of our ancestors does not give us the right to table the ongoing needs of women, children and youth. Our constant is listening to God’s call—but adapting our answers to God’s call is our legacy and our future. Women are still not equally represented in communities, agencies, workplaces, governments or churches. Voices of the marginalized are still unheard and suppressed. Today’s prophets cannot go unheeded, and we must not give in to the comfort of today’s false idols. We are called by Christ to kin-dom building, and we’re not there yet. Celebrate United Methodist Women’s birthday this month by daring to imagine a different way and by listening to those who propose it. It will be uncomfortable. It will call you out into the wilderness. But you will not be alone. The world still needs women organized for mission. Tara Barnes | [email protected] think

Message From the President The Importance of United Methodist Women

ferent? I could do all of this because I was a United Methodist Women member. I took my faith with me. I was brought up seeing strong women lead the churches and committees. I learned at a young age that a woman’s voice was just as important as any other voice. We have news of wars and destruction at our fingertips and images of injustices from around g the world coming into our homes and news- feeds each time we open an app or turn on the

Kristina Kru news. It is more important now than ever to Left to right, Keya Strudwick, National President remember and share that United Methodist Shannon Priddy, Jacqueline Gunner and Bethany Amey Sutton prepare soil for planting at Scarritt Women have been fighting injustice since the Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee, during beginning. Look into your own history and the the Legacy Fund Campaign kickoff in August things you accomplished. Share United 2014. Methodist Women’s history and learn what we have done as leaders of change since 1869. I was recently asked if United Methodist It is our role as Christians to share the news This month, we Women is relevant today. My immediate an­ of Christ. It is our job as women to make sure honor our roots swer was, “Of course. Look at all the great things even the smallest, most marginalized is invit­ with our Day of we are doing to empower, educate, and trans­ ed into this fellowship. You know what Unit­ Giving and form women, youth, and children around the ed Methodist Women does—you are doing it. growing the world and at home.” But the question actual­ Share it in different ways, to different women. Legacy Fund. ly stopped me in my tracks. It was coming from Just as no two stories are the same, the way you Share our history local, active United Methodist Women mem­ know United Methodist Women is different and your story. bers and retired pastors. than I do. The common thread is United There are more choices today than ever be­ Methodist Women and the faith we share. fore for women to get involved in politics, so­ This month, we honor our roots with our cial issues and organizations for change. Many Day of Giving and growing the Legacy Fund. women’s organizations are celebrating similar Share our history and your story. When you see milestones in their founding dates. Colleges and something unsettling on the news or in your universities are educating on the status and role newsfeed, see what you can do in your com­ of women in the world. There are college ma­ munity, with your local United Methodist jors that teach how to organize community ac­ Women to raise funds or awareness. Eight tion. Short trips and working outside of the women started with a penny and a prayer in United States, in rural areas and with people 1869. Imagine what 800,000 women and a dol­ in need, are possible for anyone high school lar can do. You have a voice. Join a committee through retirement ages. at your church and use your voice to educate I have utilized many of these choices. I am members on the importance of United a member of a sorority I joined in college. I stud­ Methodist Women. r ied abroad and visited the native Bribri in Cos­ SHANNON PRIDDY ta Rica. I am a returned Peace Corps volunteer. President So, what makes United Methodist Women dif- United Methodist Women

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Responsively Yours Pray, Serve, Advocate, Give

“Turning faith, hope and love into action” hasn’t how government, business and church policies always been on United Methodist Women’s affect women, children and youth, and we speak website, but it is what we have always done. up. We call for access to health care and treat­ When we talk about our legacy we invoke a long ing immigrants and refugees with respect, with­ line of women, from 1869 to the present day, out regard to their national origin or religion. acting on our faith. Decades of mission study and work gives us a United Methodist Women pray. We pray for basis to speak about the need for effective pub­ the needs of the world as well as our own needs lic schools and the impact of globalization not and the needs of our communities. We know just based on the present moment but on deep that God invites us to pray, that God hears our knowledge and experience. It can be hard for prayers and that the Spirit even prays for us any one person, sometimes especially any one “with sighs too deep for words” when we can­ woman, to make her voice heard, so we work not verbalize our prayers. We pray with and for together, refining our message and strengthening United Methodist Women around the world our voice. and with Water Protectors at Standing Rock and And, of course, United Methodist Women with people of many faiths in vigils and serv­ members give. We give to mission through ices. For us, prayer is in no way a retreat. It is pledges, offerings and fundraising. We give items Methodist Women action, and it calls forth action. needed by our national mission institutions and serve. When we Methodist Women serve. When we see a others. And we give to the Legacy Fund. Just see a need that need that affects women, children and youth as our foremothers set up endowments to help affects women, we respond with the persons affected and with our organization respond to the needs they ex­ children and youth others who are already at work. If necessary, we pected to continue, we have set up the Lega­ we respond with create something new for needs that God per­ cy Fund to keep our organization strong so that the persons sistently lays on our hearts. We also serve by it can continue to meet the needs of women, affected and with inviting others into the work, prayer and children and youth. With the experience of al­ others who are membership. We are surrounded by evidence most 150 years we know that both needs and already at work. that people yearn to come together to make a opportunities will change, as will the ways we difference in the needs they see in the world. organize to respond. The Legacy Fund allows Regardless of whether marches or vigils or on- today’s giving to stand beside United Methodist line petitions or photo cascades speaking out Women members in the future as they pray, against human trafficking is how you choose serve, advocate and give in decades to come. to act, all of these activities are happening be­ Thank you, United Methodist Women, for cause people want to participate. What a continuing to turn faith hope and love into ac­ great time for United Methodist Women tion, now and in the future. What a legacy! r members to reach out to include others in our churches and communities as we work on ma­ HARRIETT JANE OLSON ternal and child health, income inequality, cli­ General Secretary United Methodist Women mate justice and ending the criminalization of [email protected] communities of color. United Methodist Women members advo­ cate. We do the research. We pay attention to

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How To Use This Issue by JULIA CHANCE the r list march

A calling is a term we use your United Methodist Education” on pages 30 to 34 3 percent to describe the strong urge Women group to be? is a must-read. It’s a lively ac­ Percentage points of in­ that people feel toward a Five years ago a group of count of her recent Mission crease—from 6 to 9 per- particular career, vocation clergy in North Carolina felt u experience in Arkansas cent—where the wife in or path in life. A calling to called to speak out against where she gives the scoop on married couples earned at heal and comfort is why their state’s reductions in the classes, plenaries and least $30,000 more than the some people become doctors. health care, education and worship services that com­ husband between 2000 and A calling to inform and in­ human services funding. prised the weekend and the 2015. struct compels others to be­ Thus the beginning of Moral United Methodist Women $39,621 come educators. A calling to Mondays, a sustained protest members that she met. We The median annual earnings paint, compose music, write that has grown to thousands, hope it inspires you to attend of women 15 or older who poetry or act stirs many to including United Methodist a Mission u in your area. To worked year-round, full time in pursue the arts. Having a call­ Women members. Richard learn more visit www.unit 2014. In comparison, the me­ ing allows one to move Lord’s “Moral Mondays” on edmethodistwomen.org/ dian annual earnings of men through the world focused pages 18 to 20 tells how the mission-u. were $50,383. and with purpose. movement has gained mo­ Last month’s issue featured As United Methodist mentum by appealing to photos of our 2016-2020 79 cents Women members, we are people’s sense of decency in­ officers Shannon Priddy, The amount that [white] fe­ called to spread the word of stead of their political lean­ Clara Ester, Cindy Saufferer, male year-round, full-time God by putting faith, hope ings. How do you address in­ Gail Douglas-Boykin and workers earned in 2014 for and love into action. We fo­ equities in your community? Estella Wallace. For this issue, every dollar their male coun­ cus on improving the lives of From 1910 to the end of we profile each one in “Lead­ terparts earned. women, children and youth World War II, Korea en­ ing Into the Next 150 Years” 35.8 percent worldwide and we purpose­ dured brutal treatment under on pages 36 to 41. Read it to Estimated percent of U.S. fully seek out impactful ways Japanese occupation. The learn more about their back­ firms that were owned by to do so. Consider response residue of those dark days grounds and experience as women in 2012. your guide to our many lingers still as bigotry, hate well as how they plan to use good works. and denial continue to strain their calling to these positions 43.0 percent Our March issue opens relations between the two na­ to serve United Methodist Percentage of female citizens with “Bright Hope for To­ tions. In “Building Peace Women. 18 and older who reported morrow” by Barbara Camp­ Between Japan and Korea,” March 1 is the beginning of voting in the 2014 election. bell on pages 8 to 11. In it she on pages 22 to 29, we learn Lent, a time we use to pre­ By comparison, 40.8 percent reminds us that the work of how United Methodist pare, reflect and repent. We of their male counterparts re­ United Methodist Women is Women is helping to bridge hope this Lenten season pro­ ported voting. part of a rich continuum that divide by bringing young vide you with whatever you 5.2 million and is as necessary now as it women from both cultures may need—strength, soli­ Number of stay-at-home was in 1869 when our fore- together to foster under­ tude, ritual, sacrifice, service, mothers nationwide in 2015, mothers Clementina Butler standing. Constructive com­ prayer—to bring you closer compared with 199,000 stay- and Lois Parker and friends munication is the first step to­ to God. r at-home fathers. felt called to help women and ward healing. children in India. What If you haven’t attended Source: U.S. Census, Facts for Fea­ Julia Chance is managing editor of tures, www.census.gov/newsroom/ would you like the legacy of Mission u, Denise Nurse’s ar­ response. facts-for-features. ticle “Transforming Through

6 response | march 2017 learn FRIENDLY COLUMNS | “Twenty-five years ago a journal edited and conducted by women was as rare as the Ara- bian bird. It was an affair consequently of great pith and moment when the newly organized Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in order to give immediate emphasis and enlargement to the enterprise, published the first number of the Heathen Woman’s Friend. It was a modest little sheet of eight pages that was sent out in June, 1869, and the thorny question that accompanied its issue, was ‘Who will pay the bills?’ Mr. Lewis Flanders gallantly stepped forward, agreeing to supply any deficit that might appear in the financial exhibit at the close of the first year. Happily a loyal response from the new society averted that possible debt, and the year ended with six thousand subscribers and a balance in the treasury. “The evolution from eight to thirty pages, from a subscription list of six to twenty-two thousand, from a children’s page to a separate paper for our little folk, the publication of the “Heiden-Frauen Freund” for our German constituency, and an illustrated paper in five different dialects for our native Christian sisters in India—all this is a matter of familiar history. … “During its journalistic life the paper has gathered into its friendly columns the best missionary thought of the century. To run through its list of contributors is to call to mind nearly all the leading women of philanthropic and missionary distinction in our generation. In holding true the words of Portius, in Addison’s famous play—‘’Tis not in mortals to command success, We’ll do more, Sempronius, we’ll deserve it!’ it has achieved both.” “Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Heathen Woman’s Friend” Heathen Woman’s Friend, Volume 26, no. 1 Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, July 1894 Wisconsin Historical Society Digitized by Google learn

BIBLE STUDY Bright Hope for Tomorrow United Methodist Women’s legacy informs our past, present and future. by BARBARA E. CAMPBELL “Go to all people”—the Great Com­ Clementina Butler and Lois Parker, mission—has inspired generations of serving in India as wives of Methodist Go to the people of all nations and Christians. In each of the Gospels missionaries, heard this call as they saw make them my disciples. Baptize them and the Book of Acts Jesus’ commission the life-settings of women and children. in the name of the Father, the Son, and is equally clear: Go preach, go baptize, They became the moving force in the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do go teach, go tell everyone, go every­ founding the Woman’s Foreign Mis­ everything I have told you. I will be where, and remember, “I am sending sionary Society of the Methodist Epis­ with you always, even until the end of you.” The call of the Great Commis­ copal Church in Boston in 1869. the world. sion is not limited to those profes­ Miss Isabella Thoburn, a teacher, and —Matthew 28:19-20 (CEV) sionally trained to preach or for mission Dr. Clara Swain were the society’s first service. It is for all Christians. missionaries who likewise responded to y re ff Je l au P Former leaders of United Methodist Women are presented during opening worship of the 2010 United Methodist Women's Assembly in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Jessica Downey shows her missing tooth to Esther Bourdon as Polly Koweluk looks on during a lunch for senior citizens at the XYZ Senior Center, part of the Nome Community Center, a United Methodist Women-supported national mission institution in Nome, Alaska. The girl is Koweluk's granddaughter and Bourdon's great niece. Jesus’ call. Preaching and baptizing would not be an option for women for another century, but teaching and healing were their forte, as both a tiny school and medical clinic opened in 1870. Bible pictures, a prayer at meal­ time, Bible stories at bedtime and printed Bible verses neatly folded into medicine packets were powerful procla­ mations. Isabella Thoburn College and Clara Swain Hospital are 21st cen­ tury expressions of their call. Women in the other churches of the United Methodist tradition also heard “the call” and founded homes and for­ eign missionary societies, sending mis­ sionaries to Sierra Leone in Africa, to y aul Jeffre P

China, to South America and eventu­ ally dozens of countries. “All nations” was frequently interpreted as “foreign countries,” but women at home worked as deaconesses and home missionaries addressing needs of immigrants, new­ ly freed slaves and persons in remote ge­ ographic areas.

Questions for reflection • How do members of United Methodist Women share the gospel today? n • Have you ever felt called to a task? ist Wome

How did you respond? d o • Pray for the outreach ministries of Is­ h Met abella Thoburn College and Clara d Swain Hospital. Offer a prayer of Unite The founders of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. Seated, left to right, thanksgiving for all who have an­ Mrs. Thomas A. Rich, Mrs. Edwin W. Parker, Mrs. William Butler, Mrs. Lewis Flanders. swered a call. Standing, left to right: Mrs. Thomas Kingsbury, Mrs. William B. Merril. Not present in the photo: Mrs. H.J. Stoddard and Mrs. O.T. Taylor.

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traveling alone, asserting leadership. In 1919 members of the Woman’s Their faith was sorely tested. Missionary Society of the Evangelical Going to a country you have never Church learned of “the impoverished seen or accepting a task not knowing people of the Southern Highlands has also been the story of decades of (Kentucky).” With no money they es­ United Methodist Women members tablished The Faith Fund in faith that who individually and organizationally “money would flow in” and God would picketed for women’s suffrage and show them where to establish a mission. prohibition, organized to outlaw lynch­ They prayed fervently for teachers,

n ing, supported the Equal Rights nurses and ministers. Today Red Bird Amendment, voted for the Charter of Mission offers a variety of ministries Racial Policies, confronted human among people of an isolated, econom­ trafficking, taught at Mission u, ac­ ically deprived area in Appalachia. e.com/UMWome b cepted the office of secretary, made an In the late 1930s, as Methodist ouTu Y oral report for the first time or chal­ Church union approached, women Retired Deaconess Barbara Campbell speaks about United Methodist Women’s lenged hateful and hurtful language. leaders of seven separate women’s legacy and importance of the Legacy groups from the three uniting church­ Fund at Brooks-Howell Home in Questions for reflection es struggled to create a single women’s Asheville, North Carolina. • Have you ever accepted a task “not organization, which became the knowing?” Woman’s Society of Christian Service Go out in faith • Did a particular Scripture or hymn and Wesleyan Service Guild. Internal Faith makes us sure of what we hope strengthen your faith? disagreements and external pressures for and gives us proof of what we can­ • Recall other issues or times when drove the women to prayer on nu­ not see. … Abraham had faith and United Methodist Women mem­ merous occasions. Their mantra be­ obeyed God. He was told to go to a bers have stepped out in faith. Give came, “We cannot go farther until we land that God had said would be his, thanks for all who have “gone out not go deeper.” and he left for a country he had never knowing.” Mrs. L.W. “Lizzy” Glide built, fur­ seen. nished and donated Mary Elizabeth Inn —Hebrews 11:1, 8 (CEV) Surrounded by witnesses to the Woman’s Missionary Council as a residence for young women in San Such a large cloud of witnesses is all Hebrews 11, sometimes called the Francisco. Brooks-Howell Home for re­ around us. So we must get rid of great faith chapter of God’s people, re­ tired deaconesses, home missioners everything that slows us down, espe­ counts the faith of many biblical he- and home missionaries is named for cially the sin that just won’t let us go. roes—Abel, Enoch, Noah and Abra­ Mabel K. Howell, Scarritt College And we must be determined to run the ham and Sara. The New King James teacher, and Laura Jean Brooks, the sec­ race that is ahead of us. We must keep Version translates verse 8 as: “He went ond national president of the Woman’s our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and out not knowing.” That is the story of Division of Christian Service. Harford makes our faith complete. our earliest women mission leaders, mis­ School for Girls School in Moyamba, —Hebrews 12:1-2a (CEV) sionaries and deaconesses. Those who Sierra Leone, honors Mrs. Lillian Keis­ were the organizers of local church so­ ter Harford for her 50 years as a vol­ Faith and hope sustained our fore- cieties went out beyond the comforts unteer, editor, staff member and even­ mothers. Thousands of women have of home. Others ventured into new tually national president of the Woman’s provided significant leadership through neighborhoods, learned new languages Missionary Association. Harriett H. our predecessor organizations. Their and encountered new customs. Single Brittain was the first Methodist Protes­ names are often lost to us even as their women challenged traditional roles tant woman missionary to Japan in accomplishments are known. by speaking and working in public, 1880. Cotilde Falcon Nanez, with her

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mother Elida G. Falcon, translated the Woman’s Society Program Book into Spanish for 26 consecutive years. Willa Player became president of Bennett College in Greensboro, North Caroli­ na, as the first African American female president of a fully accredited four-year college. And Dorothy Tilly, who later became a jurisdiction secretary of Christian social relations, worked 10 years to personally collect on-site in­ vestigations of lynchings to document details for organized opposition.

Prayers for reflection • Name the women who constitute your “cloud of witnesses.” Pray for rel Akin rel

each of them, their influence and con­ u tributions. La Old Testament class members with instructors Eleanor Moody-Shepherd and the late • Pray for those who have established Becky Louter, United Methodist Women executive for the Office of Deaconess and and maintained United Methodist Home Missioner, at Brooks-Howell Home October 2014. The class is part of core Women in all parts of our country. studies required of deaconess and home missioner candidates. • Pray for the people and places touched by United Methodist Woman today. The Legacy Fund is one part of our Pray for United Methodist Women • Pray that strong women will contin­ 150th anniversary celebration. as we remember the past and anticipate ue to respond to their call. The fund is a permanent endow­ the future. • Prayerfully read the hymn “I Sing a ment, investing current gifts that will Song of the Saints of God,” The Unit­ grow for use in coming decades to con­ Closing prayer ed Methodist Hymnal, no. 712. tinue support of ministries with “For all the saints who loved your name, women, children and youth. Each whose faith increased the Savior’s fame, The Legacy Fund member is invited to give $18.69 for who sang your songs and shared your As United Methodist Women ap­ each of the five years of the celebration word, accept our gratitude, good Lord. proaches its 150th anniversary in 2019 in addition to her pledge. March 23rd For all the saints who named your it is appropriate to remember our is our birthday! We “party” each year will, and showed the kingdom coming founders, the women whose pioneer­ with a Day of Giving when hundreds still through selfless protest, prayer ing efforts shaped who we are today. and hundreds of members are en­ and praise, accept the gratitude we raise” History records that they were women couraged to make an electronic con­ (from “For All the Saints,” The Faith of faith motivated by the gospel and car­ tribution to the Legacy Fund all on the We Sing, no. 2283). r ried forward by prayer. They gave same day. their substance and their service. United Methodist Women activities How will we be remembered? Is our personify faith, hope and love in action. Barbara E. Campbell is a retired deaconess re­ siding at Brooks-Howell Home in Asheville, North faith as strong as that of our fore- Today we are in ministry with untold Carolina. She was formerly a staff member of the mothers? What is our legacy for the millions of women around the world. Women’s Division. women of 2019, 2069 and beyond? The Legacy Fund is our promise to con­ tinue that ministry tomorrow!

response | march 2017 11 live TRIUMPH OF THE YEARS | “‘For the years must come, And the years must go, As swings time’s pendulum to and fro; But the Kingdom grows.’ When the 1883 great Western Branch was divided, like ‘All Gaul’ into ‘three parts,’ our part was the Topeka Branch. It was organized in the home of Mrs. T. B. Sweet in Topeka, November 22, 1884, Miss Rebecca Watson had already sailed for Japan as its first missionary. “An anniversary spirit pervaded the entire Annual Meeting in Beatrice, Neb., a feeling of devout gratitude to God who has led us all the way. One hour was devoted to recalling by decades, the trials and triumph of the years and doing honor to the heroic women who have borne the burdens and rallied the forces. “We rejoiced in the twenty-thousand members now in our auxiliaries, the forty-five missionaries now in active service and the seven hundred and thirty-five thousand dollars that have come to treasury in thirty years. “‘So did we gather strength and hope anew. For well we knew God’s patient love, perceiving Not what we’ve done, but what we’ve striven to do, And though the full, ripe ears be only few, He will accept our sheaves.’” Alma Fellows Piatt “Thirtieth Anniversary” Woman’s Missionary Friend, Volume 37, no. 1 Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, January 1905 Library of the University of Michigan Digitized by Google live

BRIGHTLIGHTS

140 Years of Mission signed to improve the life of the church in Georgia and the lives of women and children. What began as the Ladies Sewing So­ by SANDRA STEWART KRUGER ciety grew into an organization that gives women of all racial, ethnic, lan­ Parks In May 1879, the Decatur First guage and economic groups the op- y Kath Women’s Missionary Society (now portunity to realize their full potential United Methodist Women member known as United Methodist Women) and to participate in the life of church Blanche Blackwin holds a bag she made and society. for United Methodist Committee on Relief In August 2016, school kits. the Decatur First United Methodist Celebrating Leadership Women hosted a in Pennsylvania r e

g special dinner to by KATHY PARKS celebrate our 140th anniversary, the Blanche Blackwin, member of United legacy of those Methodist Women at Salem United andra Steward Kru andra Steward S women who came Methodist Church in Allentown, Penn­ Left to right, Kathy Cook, president of the Atlanta Decatur Oxford District, Sandy Stewart Kruger, president of Decatur before us and those sylvania, loves to sew. Not only does she First United Methodist Women, and Sue Raymond, president dedicated to the make beautiful garments for herself and of the North Georgia Conference United Methodist Women mission and Pur­ her family, she shares her talent with celebrate 140 years of women in mission at Decatur First pose of United United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia. children and youth. She also serves as Methodist Women Needlework Chair for the Northeast voted and unanimously approved a res­ today. Among our invited guests were District Ingathering. Blackwin sewed olution to fine each officer 50 cents for all women of our church, conference 20 colorful tapestry bags into the pat­ being absent from their meetings. The and district United Methodist Women tern for the United Methodist Com­ fine was “imposed for two reasons, first officers and representatives from one of mittee on Relief’s school kits. “Girls on because of their absence, & secondly in our local mission organizations, Break­ the Go,” an Eastern Pennsylvania order to enable us in making up the thru House, a long-term residential re­ United Methodist Women teen mission Amt. of $2.00, which our Society has covery program for women struggling group, met at Gretna Glen Camp promised to pay towards defraying the with drug and alcohol addiction. near Lebanon, Pennsylvania, in the expenses of delegates to the Ex Asso­ The keynote address was given by spring and filled Blackwin’s bags with ciation [General Executive Associa­ Carolyn Curry, author of Suffer and the necessary school supplies. tion of the Woman’s Foreign Mis­ Grow Strong and founder of the support The members of Salem United sionary Society] in Louisville, Ky. on group Women Alone Together. At the Methodist Women are very proud of May 16th,” from The Growing Edge, end of the evening, special donations Blackwin’s leadership and her desire to 1876-1984, a history of the United were given to Breakthru House and put faith, hope and love into action. We Methodist Women of Decatur First Women Alone Together. r are sure that the children who receive United Methodist Church in Decatur, her school bags will be excited to use Georgia. them. r Sandra Stewart Kruger is a member of United Since 1876, the United Methodist Methodist Women at First United Methodist Church Women of Decatur First has held in Decatur, Georgia. Kathy Parks is president of United Methodist many different titles and served in var­ Women at Salem United Methodist Church in Al­ ious capacities to support programs de- lentown, Pennsylvania.

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Warm Hearts, Warm Beds in Wisconsin by GAIL ROEDER For more than 35 years the members of the Claudia Circle of United Methodist Women at the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay,

r Wisconsin, have been providing quilts Or y for women and children in the Mil­ Kath

y waukee area. A longtime member of the church, Courtes Betty Stuckert, who had been instru­ Attendees of a voters’ rights forum held at Grace United Methodist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and hosted by the church’s United Methodist Women. mental in forming many circles for United Methodist Women predecessor Voting Rights helping choose city, state and nation­ the Women’s Society of Christian Serv­ in Wyoming al leaders. ice, recognized the interest of women We then discussed United Methodist who would enjoy quilting. She sought by KATHY ORR Women’s toolkit and helpful resources; the assistance of a church member who had taught quilting, and together they This past October the Christine Cir­ campaign and candidate information published by the Wyoming Tribune Ea­ organized the Claudia Circle. The cle of United Methodist Women at women met in homes for devotions and Grace United Methodist Church in gle; websites that help voters review the issues and candidates’ opinions, with fellowship and they learned the tech­ Cheyenne, Wyoming, held a “Voters niques of quilting. Rights for Women” informational side-by-side comparisons; how to reg­ ister to vote; and dates and times for lo­ Soon these women were doing small meeting using the Voters Rights Toolk­ projects for themselves and sewing it offered by United Methodist Women cal debates and meet and greets. During our question and answer pe­ squares to be sewn together for wall and highlighted in the September 2016 hangings in the church. issue of response magazine. riod, many participants voiced their concerns about women stating that For the church’s centennial celebra­ Grace’s United Methodist Women in­ tion in 2002, the circle was asked to de­ vited church and community women to their votes “won’t count anyway” or that they were confused about who to vote sign and sew a banner to honor the come and find out more about women’s event. The theme for the celebration rights and voting importance through for and planned on not voting. It was emphasized that voting is our right and was “Bound for Greater Things.” newspaper articles, posters, special in­ During this time the circle members vitations and announcements. The 15 our duty. A challenge was unani­ mously adopted by the participants: also began to see a service opportuni­ women in attendance included young ty in providing quilts for women and and old, members of Grace and mem­ Women need to spread the word that more women need to vote to ensure our children in need. Fabrics were donat­ bers of the Cheyenne community. ed, and the circle purchased batting. Mary Ludwig, professor of history at voices are heard. With the rest of the meeting, the group Some of the women washed and Laramie County Community Col­ ironed the fabrics and began to meet of­ lege, recapped the 72-year struggle watched the video One Woman, One Vote by PBS and enjoyed popcorn. r ten in one another’s homes or at the for women to gain the right to vote. She church. The fabric was cut into strips also spoke on how important it is that and sewn into twin-size quilts. At cir­ we exercise that right, support the Kathy Orr is a member of United Methodist cle meetings the quilts were tied to se­ 19th Amendment and cast our votes Women at Grace United Methodist Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming. cure the thickness of materials. Sewn in

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Bible study in her home weekly since “Our church is next to Del City 1972. High School, and it might be a won­ This church of about 1,000 mem­ derful idea to offer lunch once a week bers has many who know and serve the to the students,” she said. Lord—many of whom were inspired by After much discussion it was pre­ this Christian woman of deep faith and sented and voted on at a general meet­ leadership. r ing. We would serve lunch to the school one day a week on Mondays. Af­ ter much planning and preparation Gail Roeder is a member of United Methodist Women at the United Methodist Church of White­ “Lunch Bunch” was launched in Oc­

er fish Bay, Wisconsin. tober 1995. The church’s youth direc­ d

Roe tor would greet the students, and as the l Gai

y students ate he would make his rounds A Legacy of Lunch to all the tables talking to everyone. The ourtes C in Oklahama attendance began with around 25 stu- Betty Stuckert, longtime United dents but soon grew to 100. Methodist Women member and leader at by JACCI FRENO the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Now years later the United Metho- Bay, Wisconsin. Each year United Methodist Women dist Women circles are still taking offers three mission studies, covering turns serving our youth next door. We each quilt is a message that reads: topics of spiritual growth, a geograph- serve 9th grade students, and they are “Love and comfort to you from the ic study and social action. In 1995 accompanied by one or two teachers. Claudia Circle, United Methodist JoAnn Robinson traveled to Sunny The name has been changed to “Fresh Women, United Methodist Church of Lunch.” Each circle pre­ Whitefish Bay.” pares the food and pro­ The 23 women of the Claudia Cir­ vides cookies and a cle put faith, hope and love into action drink. There is no charge through their service. They’ve donat­ to the students, and the ed more than 400 quilts to women’s day has been changed to shelters in the Milwaukee area. The Thursday. The number quilts also go to United Methodist Chil­ in attendance varies dren’s Services of Wisconsin and to So­ from 75 to 100. ourtesy Jacci Freno Freno ourtesy Jacci journer Family Peace Center, named af­ C Our current youth ter fellow Methodist Sojourner Truth. Members of United Methodist Women at Sunny Lane minister, Harold Smith, United Methodist Church in Del City, Oklahoma, prepare The faithful, talented women of food for the group’s “Fresh Lunch” for local high school offers a prayer, devotion, the Claudia Circle have been led for 35 students. Bible trivia or life lesson years by Stuckert, who has been a mem­ each week. Our goal is ber of the church for more than 50 Lane United Methodist Church in Del to introduce the youth to the church, years. She continues at the age of 91 to City, Oklahoma, to teach one of the make them feel welcomed, inform organize meetings and keeps in touch three studies offered that year. That May them of activities and let them know our with members and shut-ins. she taught about making the world safe doors are a place of love and safety. r Through the years Stuckert has for children and youth in the 21st cen­ served on many church committees, tury. After a day of study United Jacci Freno is a member of United Methodist mentored confirmands, developed a Methodist Women member Fran Har­ Women at Sunny Lane United Methodist Church policy committee and planned and bert recommended we take a follow-up in Del City, Oklahoma. served hundreds of church dinners and action on the issue. women’s luncheons. She has also led a

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Continuing the Legacy United Methodist Women member Janet Powell puts faith, hope and love into action in Vermont. by BERYL GOLDBERG manded of me,” said Powell. Powell has The Grace United Methodist followed in her footsteps. She has Women’s unit that she leads has sever­ United Methodist Women is my pas­ been president of the unit for 10 years, al fundraisers and activities during the sion,” said Janet Powell, president of an officer in the district for 20 years. year that raise money for various caus­ United Methodist Women Unit at And now she has been president of the es. She emphasized that in recent years Grace United Methodist Church in Es­ Vermont District for five years as well. they have consistently met their Pledge sex Junction, Vermont. “The unit is like Powell is a lifelong member of to Mission goal of $2,000 per year. They a big family.” Grace United Methodist. She was also contribute to local community or­ When Powell was first nominated for brought to this same church by her ganizations through their programs. an office in the conference she was re­ mother when she was 5 years old—and “We are a very generous church,” she luctant to accept the position: “I didn’t that was 67 years ago. She has served said. The unit explains this in the fli­ er they hand out at their fundraisers. On one side are the events for the year. And on the other side it states the Purpose of United Methodist Women and also lists the various community organiza­ tions it supports.

A year of mission The year starts with A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offering in January. The group invites women from nearby churches to Grace to participate. In Feb­ ruary the women hold a rummage sale, the proceeds of which go to the church. Their motto for the rummage sales is

g “take what you need, pay what you can.” They donate whatever is not sold to a lo­ cal thrift store. At the indoor lawn sale eryl Goldber B in June items other than clothing are sold United Methodist Women member Janet Powell, right, laughs with volunteer Clare Doyle at the Ronald McDonald House, which is supported by her United Methodist and the proceeds from this also go to Women at Grace United Methodist Church in Essex Junction, Vermont. United Methodist Women Mission Giving. feel that I had that kind of experience, the church in various ways. For the past March and September bring the but Ione Keenan, a very special woman, 10 years or so, she and her husband book and bake sale, also a way to raise a second mother to me, said that I could have been arriving at the church at 7:30 funds for the worldwide work of Unit­ do it and it would be the best experience Sunday morning to prepare coffee for ed Methodist Women. Here there are of my life. She was right. It has been. members. She usually gets to the often repeat customers. Powell gave the “Ms. Keenan had held offices in the monthly meetings early since, as she example of one man who always comes local unit, the district and the confer­ said, “I have the keys and know the to her as soon as he walks in and asks ence so she knew what would be de­ ropes to set up for the meeting.” for the peanut butter cookies. Anoth­

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Janet Powell delivers aluminum tabs collected by her United Methodist Women unit to the local Ronald McDonald House to help the nonprofit provide affordable housing to families needing long-term hospital care. erg ldb Go l ery B er woman always goes directly to the McDonald House, which brings them lemon squares. Granny’s Attic is the to a scrap metal recycling center. The white elephant and crafts fair held in cash earned from these tabs is used to November. defray the lodging costs of families at Besides all of these sales, Powell de­ the house. scribed some of their other service and Powell says the group would like to advocacy undertakings. At their De­ involve younger women and is work­ g

cember meeting they fill Christmas er ing to attract new members. They’d like Care Baskets that are then given to ldb to reach out to the elderly and house­ Go homebound members and friends. l bound and find a way for younger Bery For the larger community, one thing Vegetable donation made to Ronald women to be able to include United the unit does is collect toiletries for McDonald House by the Grace United Methodist Women in their busy lives. COTS (Community on Temporary Methodist Women. Powell is an example of someone Shelter, an ecumenical community who did not realize what she was ca­ group). Powell explained that these are pattern, Powell sews the bags with the pable of until she was called. With the items that people can’t get with food help of a few other women. Then the help of her leadership, Grace United stamps. COTS collects the baskets church members join in on an assem­ Methodist Women unit is making a dif­ filled with the toiletries. The church it­ bly line to fill the bags with school sup­ ference to United Methodist Women, self and the unit also make financial plies, and the pastor brings the bags to to their church and to their community. contributions to COTS. The Grace the New England Annual Confer­ They are a big family in the most pos­ United Methodist Women also support ence. Last year they made 119, and the itive sense. r JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry), another goal for the coming year is 125. community program. The collection of aluminum tabs is Beryl Goldberg is a photojournalist in New York Another annual effort is the making yet another unit project. These are on City and frequent contributor to response . of school bags for the United Methodist cans of soda, soups and similar con­ Committee on Relief. They buy the tainers. The tabs are dropped in bins in cloth and supplies. Using the UMCOR the church. When there is a sufficient quantity they are brought to the Ronald

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Moral Mondays North Carolina’s Moral Mondays movement continues to grow as United Methodist Women members help amplify the voices of the unheard. by RICHARD LORD tions. By February 28, 2014, 80,000 have been waiting for it. We’re not talk­ people protested in Raleigh, the state ing about policy or politics—we’re Moral Mondays, the North Carolina capital. This was the largest civil rights talking about what is right and what is protest movement, has grown explo­ protest in the South since the Selma­ wrong. The people are tired of the nar­ sively. Organized by a group of 16 cler­ to-Montgomery marches in 1965. Then row-mindedness of the leaders. Our lan­ gy in April 2012, it began with a few it spread throughout the state. In guage allows people to drop partisan hundred protestors who demonstrated Asheville, a city of 87,000 residents in politics. We talk about morality. We weekly against the state’s significant re­ the Blue Ridge Mountains, 10,000 pro­ help the people to see our common duction in education, health and hu­ testors gathered in 2013. That is one out humanity.” man services. of every nine residents. “We’ve got to scream,” explained The weekly protests continue. And “The time is right. The country is United Methodist Women member they grow bigger. More and more ready,” observed the Rev. William Mary Jones. “This is not the world God people gather. In 2013, a total of Barber II, president of the North Car­ intended. And we will hold on. Even 9,000 people came to the demonstra­ olina chapter of NAACP. “The people if it seems we haven’t accomplished much yet.” Jones, a member of New Creation United Methodist Church, joined Unit­ ed Methodist Women in 1989. United Methodist Women’s interest in social is­ sues and mission attracted her. She strongly supports Interfaith Hospitali­ ty Network, which mobilizes congre­ gations to provide overnight accom­ modations, meals and transportation to homeless families. Retired from Duke Medical Center Library, she regularly at­ tends Moral Monday demonstrations. The state’s budget cuts have been far- reaching. In 2009 the state opted out of the expanded Medicaid program of the Affordable Care Act, which would have provided health care coverage to 500,000 North Carolinians. Unemployment and low wages di­ minish any economic safety net for the d Lor

d working and middle class. But maxi­ mum weekly unemployment benefits Richar The Rev. William Barber II, president of the North Carolina NAACP, s peaks with a have been cut by 35 percent, from $535 supporter during a Moral Mondays demonstration in April 2015. weekly to $350 weekly. The maximum

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United Methodist Women members LaNella Smith, left, and Mary Jones participate in a Moral Mondays d rally in Raleigh, Lor d North Carolina, in

Richar April 2015. number of weeks of assistance has A diverse movement cioeconomic backgrounds, races, faiths. been reduced to between 12 and 20, Civil disobedience is an integral part of Their causes include immigrant rights, down from 26. As a result, 170,000 the demonstrations. For Moral Mon­ LGBT rights, workers rights, women’s North Carolinians were barred from days, leaders from various faiths enter rights, children’s rights, criminal justice federal emergency extended benefits, the state legislative building and are ar­ reform and environmental justice. And which require a minimum of 26 weeks rested when they block the entrance to they make their desires known to their of state support. the general assembly chambers. legislators. Even for the employed, inequities ex­ Since the inception of Moral Mon­ However, North Carolina has adopt­ ist. North Carolina is one of two states days, 1,100 have been arrested. Nine ed the most restrictive voter registration that prohibit public employees from hundred sixty of the cases have been laws since Jim Crow. The new laws ad­ collective bargaining. The cuts have also thrown out in court. According to Bar­ versely affect vulnerable communities. damaged education. In 2012, a North ber, 40 percent of the public support­ Among the most restrictive changes are Carolina schoolteacher earned about ed Moral Mondays when it began. To­ required voter ID cards and reduction $9,500 less than the average public day, the support level is 60 percent. It of early voting. The voter IDs are free, school teacher in the United States. is building a diverse movement. but the process for obtaining them is North Carolina schools have lost Many of the participants become in­ time-consuming, and many working around 7,000 teachers’ assistants since volved because of a particular issue that people don’t have such spare time. 2008. Even services for children with is important to them. With time, they Twenty-eight percent of American disabilities are being chopped. In total, become educated concerning other workers live below the poverty line. North Carolina ranks 45th in the issues and their resolve grows. It is the Many work more than one job. They do country for education expenditures. young, the old. People from all so­ not have the time to get an ID.

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week when school is in session from his job in a school cafeteria. “I get angry,” Littlejohn said. “I get angry because I want to be where I was—to have a nice apartment, a ve­ hicle, two nickels in my pocket. Some people help you when you’re down. Others kick you. This government is definitely a kicker.” LaNella Smith, president of the North Carolina Conference United Philip Littlejohn Methodist Women, has regularly at­ stands near his tended Moral Mondays since its in­ home in ception. Smith, a member of New Cre­ Winston-Salem, North Carolina. ation United Methodist Church in Littlejohn works a Durham, has been active in social and variety of political activities since she was a stu­ part-time jobs but still must rely on dent at University of North Carolina food and health at Chapel Hill. In 1978, she was support from among the students who prevented Green Street d United Methodist David Duke, Louisiana state legislator Lor Church in d and former Grand Wizard of the Ku ichar

Winston-Salem. R Klux Klan, from speaking at her college. The students clapped so loud and in­ Seventy percent of black voters used United Methodist Church in Winston- cessantly that he realized the futility and early voting in 2008 and 2012, many Salem, when the church began pro­ left the podium. of whom work schedules that makes viding food and medical care in 2006, “When I joined United Methodist voting during regular Election Day 20 people arrived weekly for assistance. Women 30 years ago,” Smith said, “I hours difficult. Moral Mondays has re­ Currently over 100 come every week. quickly realized that its focus is women sponded by making voter registration “We’ve been able to fill the gap left and children and the issues that affect one of its primary priorities. by the government,” Bass said. “But them. Issues like minimum wage, the that has to end. It is getting to be too elimination of earned income credit and Filling the gap much.” Medicaid. For many years our activi­ The government’s actions have had Phillip Littlejohn survived eco­ ties were limited to writing letters to leg­ many negative effects. Since 2014, nomically as a truck driver for 36 islators. school budgets have been slashed. It years. In 2012, he lost his job and has “But no one in the legislature hears seems easier to obtain a gun than com­ been unable to find another. Working the pained cries of the less fortunate,” prehensive reproductive care. Meager un­ a variety of part-time jobs, he barely sur­ she continued. “That is why we keep employment benefits do not provide the vives. He relies on the support of screaming.” r safety net they are intended to provide. Green Street. His unemployment ben­ The practical problems that these cuts efits were cut after 12 weeks, and he Richard Lord is a photojournalist based in New have caused is daunting. doesn’t earn enough to contribute to­ York City and Ivy, Virginia, and frequent contributor According to the Rev. Willard W. ward health care. He gets his health care to response . Bass Jr., assistant pastor at Green Street from a free clinic. He makes $190 per

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HOW THESE CHILDREN LEARNED | “High up among the mists of a little mountain village, where the fishes come out at dusk to play in the bright water of the lake, and where the children come out at all hours to play in the pure, sweet air of the shore, we began at the outset of our vacation to plan for the Sunday-school. “We walked out on Friday to see if, along the one long village street, we could find a suitable place for our school, and, noticing a promising house near our stopping-place, inquired if we could rent it for an hour, twice a week, and teach the children. “Oh yes, we could have it with pleasure. And what would be the price for rent? Oh, nothing at all! … “We began at the head of the street, stopping at every house where there were children and inviting them to come to the teacher’s house at three. It took an hour to do it in that heavy downpour, and when we arrived at the schoolmaster’s house, we found, to our surprise and joy, a room full of children; in fact, the whole school was there, forty in number! “We began teaching the Ten Commandment song, and as the tune is a Japanese one, the children were not long in learning how to sing it and sing it well. … It is too long a story, but the school lasted six weeks, and how these children learned! They soon had no occasion to say—‘the God we don’t know about’—they could tell all about the wondrous birth: they knew the story perfectly of His journey to Jerusalem: they understood what was His temptation and why He resisted: and so on, through enough of the chief facts of His life upon earth to give the whole story.” Emma Dickinson “The Dearest Little Sunday-School in Japan” Woman’s Missionary Friend, Volume 37, no. 1 Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, January 1905 Library of the University of Michigan Digitized by Google give

Building Peace Between Japan and Korea UNITED METHODIST WOMEN BRINGS YOUNG WOMEN TOGETHER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE PAST AND WORK FOR A DIFFERENT FUTURE. by PAUL JEFFREY I struggled with my feelings toward the Such historic tensions have a wide­ Japanese,” she said. “As I grew older and spread effect on interpersonal relation­ As a child, Eunsoo Kang heard all the finally met some Japanese, I found them ships. So when Kang told her parents last reasons why Koreans should not trust to be good people with open minds. year that she was going to participate in the Japanese. But as a teenager, pop mu­ Now I just want to be their friends, de­ a United Methodist Women-sponsored sic began to suggest an alternative re­ spite our history.” peacebuilding seminar with young ality. When the Korean pop star BoA That history is long and troubled, women from Japan, they panicked. released her song “Merry-Chri” in 2004 with Koreans usually coming out the “They were concerned about me be­ (the title is short for Merry Christmas), losers. Certainly in the 20th century, ing with the Japanese, and they kept she sang two versions, one in Korean with Japan’s occupation of Korea from asking me if I was OK. When I left for and one in Japanese. That a celebrat­ 1910 to the end of World War II, Ko­ the seminar, they told me they would ed K-pop diva would cross over into the reans have reasons to resent Japanese pray for me every day,” she said. Japanese market seemed to shrink the brutality. Kang not only survived her en­ world a bit for her Korean fans like A major symbol of that mistreatment counter with her Japanese counterparts, Kang. The song’s lyrics, which were of is a group of several dozen aging Ko­ she found new common cause in the course about love, might also have bro­ rean women who were forced into sex­ struggle against sexual abuse and human ken down some walls that history had ual servitude by Japan before and dur­ trafficking. built between the two countries: “Be­ ing World War II. Dubbed “comfort “I’ve decided I have to do something cause we’re under the same sky and feel­ women,” more than 200,000 women for the comfort women and women in ing the same moment, we’re becoming from several Asian countries were similar situations in other countries. I more like each other ... Now that forced to become sexual slaves to want to be a missionary and work with painful wound is healing. Because Japanese soldiers. The vast majority of women who are survivors of sexual vi­ you’re by my side I’m free.” the women were Korean. Of the 238 olence,” she said. Japan and Korea are not far apart ge­ Korean women who came forward in ographically, but Kang, who’s now recent years to identify themselves as “Don’t marry a Korean!” 25, says it was a struggle to accept her former comfort women, only 44 re­ The peacebuilding seminar has taken Asian neighbors. main alive, and their average age is 89. place for several years but has always in­ “My parents’ generation doesn’t like They continue to demand an official cluded participants from the United the Japanese, and I learned in school apology and reparations from the States. According to the Rev. Hikari that our history with Japan was bad, so Japanese government. Kokai Chang, a United Methodist

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Eunsoo Kang, left, the Rev. Hea Sun Kim and Irene Kwon, all from South Korea, pose following their exploration of the Third Infiltration Tunnel in the Demilitarized Zone along the border between South Korea and North Korea. Their visit to the DMZ came during a peacemaking seminar for Japanese and Korean young women sponsored jointly by United Methodist Women, the Wesley Foundation in Japan, the Scranton Women's Leadership Center, and the Methodist Theological University. Kim is director y

re of the Scranton Women's ff Je

l Leadership Center au

P in Seoul. y re ff Je l au P Ami Uematsu, right, and Yue Takada, both from Japan, read messages posted on the outside wall of the War and Women's Human Rights Museum in Seoul, South Korea. They visited the museum with other participants in an August 2016 peacemaking seminar for Japanese and Korean young women co-sponsored by United Methodist Women.

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Women regional missionary based in there is so much prejudice and mis­ Japan, in 2016 sponsors decided to in­ understanding. All my friends said, clude just Japanese and Korean women ‘Don’t marry a Korean!’ But I wanted as a way to target the specific history the to know more about Koreans, so before two countries share. I accepted his proposal I went to Ko­ “These two countries are so close, yet rea to study the language and culture. we don’t know each other well enough,” And I came to realize that we are very said Chang, who was born in Japan and similar. Although the language is dif­ admits that ignorance and enmity ferent, the mannerism and culture are have long combined to discourage similar. We are almost cousins,” said breaking down the walls of division. Chang, who went on to marry her Ko­ “Growing up in Japan, I didn’t rean husband. “And I felt God calling know anything about Korea, much less me to foster at a larger level what we had what happened to the comfort women. come to embody in our own family.” As a student we did not learn about the When Chang, who directs the Wes­ Japanese army invading Korea. We were ley Foundation in Japan, began lead­ taught simply that World War II hap­ ing the seminars six years ago, she en­ pened and we needed to move on,” she countered considerable resistance from said. Japanese participants. “Then I met the man who became “When the Japanese came to Korea my husband. He is Korean. I wasn’t sure for the seminars and began to hear oth­ the marriage would work, because ers’ stories, there was strong resistance

Above, ribbons with messages of peace and reunification hung on the Freedom Bridge at Imjingak, a park located on the banks of the Imjin River in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas. Right, led by the Rev. Hikari Kokai Chang, center, a United Methodist Women regional missionary, young women walk through the y

campus center of Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, which grew out re ff Je

of a school for women founded in 1886 by Mary Scranton, a Methodist missionary l au

from the United States. P

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talking the same way some do in the United States, that we had to make Japan great again. They said we had done it once, so we could do it again,” she said. “We have to teach our young people to listen to many views, not just what they’re told by one strong leader.”

Girl’s statue bothers Japanese embassy As human rights advocates pressured for some kind of resolution before the last of the comfort women die, in late 2015 the Japanese and South Korean governments announced a diplomatic resolution. Abe offered remorse for “immeasurable and painful experiences” but did not acknowledge the extent of

y official Japanese military involvement in the forced prostitution program, nor did aul Jeffre P he detail the specific atrocities committed Yue Takada from Japan holds hands with the statue of a teenage girl who symbolizes by the Japanese military. And while the “comfort women” in the War and Women's Human Rights Museum in Seoul, South Korea. Created in 2011 for the 1000th weekly vigil demanding action from the agreement committed Japan to pay Japanese embassy in Seoul, the statue, known as Pyeonghwabi, has a bird perched $8.9 million to a foundation to support on its shoulder, signifying peace and freedom. the surviving victims, it was termed a do­ nation rather than any sort of official from some people. They refused to be­ they will react to that. Our job is just compensation. The surviving comfort lieve it, said it never happened, because to present them with the experiences of women were outraged, and many Ko­ Japanese people don’t do such bad real people.” reans accused their own government of things. One woman resisted and want­ Chang says Koreans and Japanese once again giving in to Japan. ed to go back to Japan right away,” were drawn closer by pop culture over Japanese officials also insisted that the Chang said. the turn of the century, but as conser­ agreement required Koreans to re­ Today’s youth may have greater ac­ vative politicians took over—current move a statue of a comfort woman that cess to information because of the In­ Prime Minister Shinzo Abe first took had been installed across the street from ternet, she said, but their views “are office in 2006—the country took a turn the Japanese embassy in Seoul. Yet the nonetheless still distorted because in­ toward xenophobia. Some Japanese bronze teenage girl, seated on a chair side Japan we only hear the Japanese politicians even claimed the comfort with a small bird on her shoulder, has side of the story. So some of them think women were willing prostitutes who remained there, day and night, bearing that the comfort women willingly co­ grew rich from their services. Such fact- silent witness to the horror that many operated, that they were so poor that free rhetoric conveniently allowed the women experienced in wartime. When they willingly agreed to sexual ex­ Japanese to shake off any sense of na­ a similar statue was installed late last year ploitation without being forced by tional shame or guilt. in front of the Japanese Consulate in the Japanese. Some people actually be­ “We began to see hate speech against Busan, Japan responded in January by lieve that. So our seminar is one op­ the Koreans and Chinese living in recalling two diplomats in protest. portunity to open their minds and their Japan. More and more people began In Japan, the government said the eyes to real history. It’s on them how 2015 agreement closed the books on a

26 response | march 2017 give y re ff Je l au P In the Seodaemun Prison in Seoul, South Korea, a woman views photos from the prison records of some of the 5,000 independence activists who lost their lives in the struggle for the liberation of Korea from Japanese control. difficult chapter of history. Chang, how­ Japan, but because their grandparents Japan is part of a globalized world, not ever, was outraged by the announcement. or great-grandparents were brought by a specially set-aside place. We are part “It was just a small item in the news­ force to Japan to work as slave labor­ of one big human family,” she said. paper. We were told that the two gov­ ers, they have not been granted Japan­ ernments had agreed and there was no ese citizenship. More than M.A.S.H longer any need to talk about it. They This treatment of Koreans inside The Rev. Hea Sun Kim, who directs the said that the money was not compen­ Japan is another motivating factor for United Methodist Women-sponsored sation for any wrongdoing but rather the peacebuilding workshop, according Scranton Women’s Leadership Center just a way to help those women. There to Chang. She says Japanese participants in Seoul, agrees that many Japanese have was no official apology. It was obvious return home each year to make pre­ a blind spot when it comes to their at­ that the governments did not listen to sentations in their schools and join ad­ titude toward Koreans. any of the comfort women or their ad­ vocacy efforts about comfort women “They like to talk about how they are vocates. It was a diplomatic solution coordinated by the country’s YWCA. the victims of the nuclear attacks by the that solved nothing,” she said. But she also hopes they return more United States, attacks that killed hun­ Chang says that within Japan’s open to the non-Japanese living in their dreds of thousands of people, but they churches there has been minimal at­ midst. have told me that what they did to Ko­ tention to the issue, except among the “Today there are many foreigners liv­ rea and other Asian countries doesn’t ap­ congregations of Koreans living in ing in Japan. How can we open their pear in their textbooks,” she said. Japan. These are the third and fourth hearts and minds to these people? Koreans have their own problems generations of Koreans to be born in with history, Kim says.

response | march 2017 27 give y aul Jeffre P Participants in the August 2016 peacemaking seminar pose by a bust of Mary Scranton on the campus of Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea.

“Some Koreans know as much of ing effects of the war and how we’re fac­ Churches in Korea are energetical­ their own country’s history as people in ing even more dangerous times with the ly sending missionaries to other coun­ the United States know from having U.S. military buildup in the region and tries in the region, but Kim says that watched the television show M.A.S.H,” the expansion of the Chinese military whether the young women leave home she said. “People in the Korean gov­ presence. As China and Japan, a U.S. to be Christian missionaries or tech en­ ernment are still arguing about what ally, argue about whose island is whose, trepreneurs, “They need to be educat­ should be put into the history text­ there is greater potential for military ed about the blessings of diversity and books, and some people are simply ig­ conflict, and Korea as always will be how we can create peace together.” norant. There are many Koreans who stuck in the middle,” she said. say that the north never attacked the Against this background, Kim said “My heart wasn’t big south, that it was the United States who the seminar focused on equipping enough” drew them into the war.” women to understand the complexities The 2016 seminar, held at Seoul’s Until they traveled there with the of building peace in a tense region. “For Methodist Theological University, peacebuilding seminar, several of the young women to be peacemakers in brought eight young women from young Korean participants had never Asia, they need to understand that it’s Japan and eight from South Korea visited the Demilitarized Zone that sep­ not just a matter of politics. Peace is re­ along with several staff members from arates the two Koreas. lated to the behavior of multinational the Wesley Foundation in Tokyo and “Too many young people today corporations and has significant eco­ the Scranton Center in Seoul. Over five don’t know about the war, they don’t nomic and environmental aspects,” she days, they read Scriptures together, know about the armistice and the said. looked at the two countries’ long his­ DMZ, nor do they understand the last­ tory with each other, visited the DMZ,

28 response | march 2017 give

toured a Seoul museum dedicated to go away, the wound will still be there, much about our own history. I don’t comfort women, participated in an but the victims will feel more dignity. think Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has every-Wednesday demonstration in When the government approved the studied history much. Otherwise he front of the Japanese embassy to de­ money last year but refused to apolo­ would see what needs to be done to mand an apology for that govern­ gize, that was our top leaders speaking. build reconciliation with our neighbors ment’s policies, toured a former prison If the younger generation had a right in Korea.” where independence activists were tor­ to speak about this, we would decide In the absence of her government’s tured and visited Ewha Womans Uni­ differently.” response, Takada says it’s up to her to versity, a school founded by a Methodist Another Japanese participant, Yue make change. woman missionary in the 19th centu­ Takada, wants to work in her country’s “God calls us to practice love toward ry that has grown into the country’s diplomatic service after university, and one another, especially where there is largest university for women. she said her experience at the seminar animosity. God calls us to hear one an­ Just as Kang, the Korean participant whose parents were worried about her hanging out with Japanese, some of the Japanese participants in the seminar faced their own fears in the gathering. “When I came to Korea I tried to hide the fact that I am Japanese. Even at the Wednesday demonstration, I didn’t speak in Japanese because I didn’t want people to stare at me and wonder why a Japanese person was there. I tried to speak only Korean or English, but not Japanese, because I was scared,” said Fuyuka Kiyonaga, a 21­ year-old university student from Tokyo. Kiyonaga says she discovered that Koreans can distinguish between or­ dinary Japanese and their government. “When I was younger, I thought all Ko­ reans hated all Japanese, but then when I went to the museum about y comfort women where things were so aul Jeffre shocking that I felt like my heart P wasn’t big enough to take it all in. And Peacemaking seminar participants SolBin Sung from South Korea and Tomoe Suzuki I realized that they don’t hate the from Japan nap together on a bus in South Korea. Japanese people but instead hate those people who started the war and who in Korea, especially the disgust she says other’s stories, especially the painful herded the women around like animals she felt at the museum about comfort ones, and then work to restore life where during the war. They hated our mili­ women, makes her more determined there is death, and trust where there is tary,” she said. than ever to look for ways to end war. lack of understanding. That’s my call Kiyonaga doesn’t understand why her “Wars turn people into brutes, and as a peacemaker,” she said. government can’t apologize for the women get treated like animals,” she military’s wartime crimes. said. “But our government is too Paul Jeffrey is a United Methodist missionary and “That’s totally messed up,” she said. proud to admit any of that, to admit senior correspondent for response. He blogs at “Even if they apologize, the hurt won’t that Japan did bad things to our ene­ kairosphotos.com. mies. And our politicians don’t know

response | march 2017 29 Transforming Through Education PARTICIPANTS OF ALL AGES AT THE ARKANSAS CONFERENCE MISSION U n

LEARN ABOUT FAITH, JUSTICE uin G

AND THEMSELVES. Karen by DENISE NURSE first time at University of the Ozarks af­ tems of marginalization—and how ter a scheduling conflict with Hendrix our faith and beliefs may perpetuate After spending nine hours delayed at the College, where the Arkansas Mission u them. airport, I managed to make the last con­ had been held for 50 years. Both reg­ The first plenary focused on the Bible necting flight of the day on my way to istration and the resource room were and human sexuality, the topic of the the University of the Ozarks in open in the morning to give attendees 2016 spiritual growth study. Yes, a Clarksville, Arkansas, for the Arkansas time to browse and relax. Youth assisted roomful of Christians talked openly Conference Mission u in July 2016. Af­ with luggage and transportation around about sexuality. ter missing multiple connecting flights, campus. A first-time attendees’ orien­ The plenary opened with a gather­ I held little hope of meeting my luggage tation was held that afternoon followed ing song and meditation on mindful­ at my final destination. But customer by opening worship and the first ple­ ness. Several Scriptures were noted service had held it for me, and I ran to­ nary. Dinner and classes followed. for us to consider, including Genesis 1­ ward it as if it were a lost child. Hal­ 3, 12 and 20, Judges 19: 22-30, Luke lelujah! Transformative education for 1:26-38 and stories of women from the Finally, after a day full of back-and­ all ages Gospels and of women heroines forth communication and a long wait, Conference Mission u events include throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. United Methodist Women member worship, plenaries together as a large In small groups we discussed the “Wes­ Goldie Haynes was there in Little group, classes for adults, children and leyan quadrilateral” of Scripture, tra­ Rock to pick me up. Though we had youth on the year’s mission study top­ dition, reason and experience: What did never met, she met me in the parking ics. They also include meals together and we hear in these Scriptures? If we as the lot, full of energy, and embraced me time for fellowship. Mission u provides church respect women’s gender, sexu­ with hugs and kisses. It felt as though the opportunity to learn about God and ality and lives, what should be the role we’d known each other for years. She justice and for intergenerational com­ of men? What does this mean for how was my ride from the Little Rock air­ munity-building. we organize ourselves as the body of port to Clarksville. We arrived on cam­ The opening worship included Christ? The plenary continued by ask­ pus safely in the late night hours, singing, introductions and information. ing all to prayerfully consider what The where dean and assistant dean Rosemary Participants were informed that com­ United Methodist Church’s Social Kirby and Celia Wadsworth had stayed passionate listeners would be available Principles say about the nurturing up to welcome me. throughout the event, for the topics to community, found in the The Book of The next morning, cup of coffee in be covered required deep digging into Discipline of The United Methodist hand, I joined the conference team to faith and beliefs and learning about sys­ Church 2012, ¶161.II. We continued help with setup—it was the conference’s with another small group discussion, the

30 response | march 2017 Arthur Cor Jessica Butlerleads herclassof1-3gradersatthe Arkansas Karen Guinn J Karen Guinn u ly 2016. p ulis, left,andDakotaDarter p artici p ate inachildren’s stud C onference MissionuattheUniversityof y onclimate j ustice attheArkansasConference Missi O zarks. res p ons e | m arch 2 o n u 0 17 in 31 with unnecessary things?” Everyone re­ sponded “Very easy!” Baltz then showed a video titled The Story of Stuff Later in the day all youth classes at­ tended a youth worship service based on climate justice. There was singing, prayer and some question-and-answer time. A couple questions were about what places and people are suffering be­

n cause we have not taken care of the earth in

Gu and what contributes to air pollution.

Karen Karen The group was asked to come up with Mission u study leader Gretchen Hicks poses with her husband Breit Hicks on a break 10 Creation Care Commandments. A during the Arkansas Conference Mission u. few were: Thou shalt have good city planning. Thou shalt not shop in abun­ work of United Methodist Women, through a scholarship via Arkansas dance. Thou shalt recycle. Thou shalt meditation in song and closing prayer. Methodist Foundation.” ride a bike when possible as opposed to That evening I joined the children’s Back on campus I joined the younger cars. Companies shalt recycle consumer class (grades 4-6) taught by Pat Hoerth children’s class (grades 1-3) taught by goods. Thou shalt reduce energy con­ and Jennifer Fox. Hoerth is a deaconess Jessica Butler. This was a small class that sumption. Thou shalt not litter. and author of the children’s mission consisted of five children who were all As a mission project, the children and study God’s Extravagant Garden: A very engaging. These youngsters were youth participated in preparing food, Children’s Study on Climate Justice. In­ simply awesome! Listening to their sto­ beverages, canned goods and snacks that structors, children, adult chaperones ries and questions amazed me. It was would later be delivered to the Arkansas and I put on our bug spray and hit the a full and enlightening day. Rice Depot. They opened hundreds of park across from the university. The fo­ The next day after breakfast and boxes of dried food, fruit, juices, crack­ cus of this outing was to let the children opening worship I visited the junior ers, snacks, etc. They separated the items become one with nature, to hear the high youth class taught by Amanda into piles and bagged them. The bags voices of God’s creatures. Some of the Baltz. There were about 10 students in will go in backpacks for students in children took turns beating drums the class, who were in the midst of do­ need. The Arkansas Rice Depot has while we sang songs, walked and sat by ing an activity when I walked in. joined with the Arkansas Foodbank in the creek, prayed, meditated, listened Group topics were: Less is more and the common goal of fighting hunger. to the sounds of nature and swatted more is more. They were looking A total of 419 bags were completed. mosquitoes. It was a great experience through magazines and cutting out ar­ One 6-year-old said to another of the that the children seemed to love. ticles that related to both of the topics. same age, “This could not be done I spoke with participant Reagan Then they glued their ads to poster without teamwork!” Martin, 25, and asked him how long boards. Each group shared the rea­ he’s been coming to Mission u. soning for their display. How much of A space to grow and learn “Eleven years as a youth and 7 years our clothing, etc., ends up in landfills? Maxine Allen has been attending Mis­ as co-director of children and youth ac­ What leads to true happiness? sion u for 30 years. She is the new as­ tivities,” he said. “My grandparents Fred Baltz read a parable from Luke 12:13­ sistant dean for 2017. and Doni Martin were the first ones to 21 and asked the students, “How does “I started attending with my moth­ bring me to Mission u when I was 8 it speak to your life?” One response was, er and grandmother,” Allen said. “My years old. I attend with support of my “Give everything to God. Material mother was a district officer, and I was local church in Corning, Arkansas, and things do not matter.” Students were also also a recipient of a United Methodist asked, “How easy is it to fill up your life

32 response | march 2017 n in u Karen G Karen 2016 Mission u dean Rosemary Kirby, left, orange shirt, and Denise Nurse, pink shirt, glasses, celebrate with some of the Mission u youth who helped assemble food bags for the Arkansas Rice Depot.

Women scholarship to attend college. I used to help my mother haul things around for the Arkansas Conference Cooperative School of Mission.” When asked how Mission u has im­ pacted her life, she said, “Mission u has been a great part of my mission for­ mation and helped me develop a social justice ethos. Before I attended semi­ nary, I was exposed to ideas about how to live out the Wesley social justice con­ cepts of the world.” The Arkansas Mission u offered six classes on the book The Bible and Hu­ man Sexuality, four on Climate Justice, one on Latin America, and three chil­ dren’s classes and two youth classes on the topic of climate justice. I attended the spiritual growth class taught by Arkansas native the Rev. Carissa Rodgers, senior pastor of Qua- paw Quarter United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Rodgers was a first-time study leader who did an excellent job bringing her knowledge to the topic. Emotions ran high when a participant shared that she once had a teenage boy

living with her for years and didn’t know n in that he was gay. He finally came out to Gu

her one day, and she just embraced him Karen and told him that she loved him. Dakota Darter explores nature as part of a Mission u class on climate justice.

response | march 2017 33 project. I later spoke with some class members and was delighted to hear that they thought it was a great learning ex­ perience, with good class dialogue and interaction. The fourth morning began with bag­ pipes being played by the son of one of the attendees. I revisited two spiritual growth classes to see how they were pro­ gressing. Both were doing well. That morning, Pam Estes, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas, had her class “rocking” as they discussed human sex­ uality with humor. One could hear the laughter through the door before en­

inn tering. The Rev. M. Nathan Mattox’s u spiritual growth class was having a more

Karen G Karen serious discussion. Mattox grew up in 2016 Arkansas Mission u dean Rosemary Kirby, left, and assistant dean Celia the Arkansas Conference but since Wadsworth. 2006 has been serving churches as a Sharing this was obviously still very Christ? We discussed trash and its im­ member of the Oklahoma Conference. emotional for her, and she stated such. pact on people and the ecosystem, Leah Page, 15, has been attending Another dynamic spiritual growth where our most recent purchases were Mission u since she was 3 years old. class was taught by Danita Waller-Paige produced and what elements were ex­ “It’s helped me realize that people who is currently serving as pastor of the tracted for it, and what happens during have different opinions from me, and White Memorial United Methodist major disasters to those with accessibil­ that’s OK,” she said. “Being able to dis­ Church in Little Rock. Waller-Paige is ity challenges, among other topics. We cuss it in an open and loving environ­ also a native of Arkansas, and this was talked about how the 13 Steps to Sus­ ment instead of arguing in a hostile en­ also her first time teaching an adult tainability help us keep these things in vironment is better. These differences class—and boy did she teach it! When mind. Evening worship was a touching not only shape Mission u but they I walked into the room it was already service of light, forming a community shape who I am today.” on fire! Her knowledge, thought-pro­ at the altar, with the Scripture focus In essence, the Arkansas Conference voking work and passion for the top­ Psalm 27:1-5. Mission u was very well attended and or­ ic brought about strong conversations After the plenary I briefly attended the ganized and an excellent event! Total at­ regarding homosexuality, married and climate justice class taught by John tendance was 197, including 26 youth unmarried clergy in The United Hill, who serves as the assistant gener­ and 24 children. Sitting in on some of Methodist Church, women and sexu­ al secretary for advocacy and organizing the classes and interacting with the ality, the Book of Discipline and much at the General Board of Church and So­ adults, children and youth brought more. This class was a space for some ciety of The United Methodist Church great joy to my heart.to see their inter­ real, mature and deep dialogue. in Washington, D.C. Hill currently ests and passion in the studies. May God The second night’s plenary on climate serves on the boards of Creation Justice bless the work of Mission u. justice included a mediation from the Ministries and the National Farm Work­ children’s study and further small group ers Ministry. He is a native of Florida. Denise Nurse is program associate for transfor­ discussions. Whose backs are against the The class was in full swing when I ar­ mative education for United Methodist Women. wall? What is the role of the body of rived and was working on a group

34 response | march 2017 listen THE OVERCOMING | “What is our part—the part of the young women of Methodism? How may we strengthen the hands of our country in this great hour and for this great task? In no other way more definitely, vitally, and permanently than in supporting the task committed to the Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church—the task (in addition to all its other varied ministries) of bringing Christian education and practical training to the most capable, earnest, and aspiring boys and girls, young women and young men, among the neglected and isolated groups in our city slums, mining districts, foreign quarters, southern mountains, western plains, ports of entry and our island possessions. … “The world’s task today is the overcoming of ignorance, superstition, prejudice, distrust, poverty, sickness, suffering, and it is to the banishings of these very things in our land that the Woman’s Home Missionary Society devotes its splendid services.” “Another Year Begins” Woman’s Home Missions, Volume 39, no. 1 Woman’s Home Missionary Society, January 1922 Wisconsin Historical Society Digitized by Google listen

Leading Into the Next 150 Years The 2016-2020 officers for the United Methodist Women Board of Directors lead in faith, hope and love in action. by MICHELLE BEARDEN

President Shannon Priddy Shannon Priddy’s life journey so far has taken her on multiple paths. Among them: a Peace Corps volunteer in Ar­ menia, a flight attendant for Delta Air­ lines, a fundraiser for the Keep Indi­ anapolis Beautiful nonprofit and an ac­ tive church member. Now she’s taken on a role of a lifetime. In August, Priddy became the pres­ ident of the 25-member board of the United Methodist Women. At 42, she is one of the youngest members to serve in this role—a fact that will send a strong message as United Methodist Women seeks to draw new generations to its ranks. “This isn’t just your mother’s or grandmother’s group. It is for all women, of all ages, who want to put their pas­ sion to work, from social justice to ad­ vocating for others,” said Priddy, a member of the North United Methodist Church in the Indiana Conference. “That’s something we need to be shout­ ing from the rooftops. We need to be vo­ cal about who and what we are, local­ ly, nationally and globally.” Priddy, a Michigan native, has done s plenty of that her entire life. After get­ g ting a double degree in sociology and anthropology from Truman State Uni­ versity in Kirksville, Missouri, she

worked for a few years before follow­ riscilla Dickson/Gittin P ing a dream of becoming a flight at­ United Methodist Women national officers, left to right, Gayle Douglas-Boykin, Cindy tendant. The job allowed her to indulge Saufferer, Estella Wallace, Shannon Priddy and Clara Ester.

36 response | march 2017 listen

mentoring students and providing supplies. When she was asked if she was will­ ing to be nominated for the United Methodist Women’s directorship, Prid­ dy needed some time to reflect about it. “I said to God, ‘Is this what you want for me? Will I have time for my career? What if someone comes along who wants to share his life with me?’ After some prayers, I got my answer,” she

g says. “I realized this isn’t just about me ru K ,and I’m not alone in this challenge. ristina

K “It’s about teamwork, making con­ Shannon Priddy, then language coordinator for the Indiana Conference, chats with nections and building our relationship fellow language coordinator Aguila Miriam from the Central Texas Conference during with one another and Christ. No one the 2016 Voices event in Nashville, Tennessee. works alone.” In 2019, on her watch, United her love of travel and adventuresome ma Alpha Foundation, giving her an Methodist Women will mark its 150th spirit. opportunity to help fundraise for her year. That’s certainly a milestone that That chapter was followed by a stint college sorority. In 2014, she accepted should be celebrated, she says, but it’s at Harvard University, where she con­ a position in development with Keep the next 150 years she intends to pro­ tinued her anthropology studies. But Indianapolis Beautiful Inc. as the in­ mote in her position. She will start by along the way she learned she had an ap­ dividual giving and annual fund man­ targeting younger women to get in­ titude for business and shifted her focus. ager. Among its duties: Creating “pock­ volved through conferences and men­ Before she completed her master’s de­ et parks” and planting trees around the torships by longtime members. gree, Priddy had yet another dream in city. “Each and every one of us has a sto­ the works. She wanted to empower and Though her career—and her expe­ ry. Let’s use our stories to inspire oth­ teach women in struggling countries to rience as a first-time homeowner— ers,” Priddy said. “We offer countless become more economically inde­ keeps her busy, Priddy has never wa­ opportunities at every level of our or­ pendent. What better place than in the vered on her church and United ganization. Do not hide your light un­ Peace Corps? In 2009, two years after Methodist Women commitments, der a bushel. Make it shine and make she began the application process, she serving as secretary for her local and the a difference.” was invited to go to the Kaplan language coordinator at the conference Women’s Resource Center in Armenia. level. She also is the chairperson of her Vice President Clara Ester Priddy spent 27 months with the cen­ local church’s board. Clara Ester, the newly elected vice ter, which is dedicated to educating She’s a big believer in being “inten­ president of the United Methodist women and girls on improving their tional.” When Priddy moved to Indi­ Women board of directors, can reel off lives. anapolis, she did a Google search to find countless reasons why she has devoted “A phenomenal life experience,” she the church that best suited her own so­ her life to service. said. “What you put in, you get back cial justice goals. She found that in There’s the memory of two Meth­ tenfold.” North United Methodist, located in an odist deaconesses who ran the Bethle­ When Priddy returned to the Unit­ economically challenged area. The hem Center in Memphis, Tennessee, ed States, she had clarity about her fu­ congregation, among other outreach ef­ where her mother worked as a house­ ture. She wanted to work in nonprof­ forts, runs a local farmer’s market and keeper and cook. They were white; the its. Her first gig was with the Alpha Sig­ helps with a local elementary school, Esters were black and beneficiaries of

response | march 2017 37 listen

Tensions, already on edge, got worse as the National Guard arrived. “I was never the same person after that. King was our hope and our future. But I came to realize that I would have to live my life addressing injustice in the same nonviolent way he preached,” Es­ ter says. “Not just for black folks, but Clara Ester snuggles with for all—immigrants, gays, the poor, fellow director children.” Magdala She has kept that pledge. She spent Edmond’s daughter during 36 years with Mobile’s Dumas Wesley the 2016-2020 Community Center, rising to the post s United Methodist of executive director. The center, one of Women organizational United Methodist Women’s 93 na­ meeting in tional mission institutions, serves at-risk Houston, Texas, families and seniors in an impoverished riscilla Dickson/Gitting in August 2016. P area with education, recreation, housing for single mothers, after-school programs, a ministry that introduced young Es­ back and expect it to just happen.” food assistance and other outreach efforts. ter to art, pottery, etiquette, music, dra­ On April 4, Ester left Clayborn Ester also kept that promise in her ma and dance. Temple and headed to the Lorraine personal life. She fretted about the “They were kind and committed in Motel in Memphis to attend a fish fry. growing number of African-American an era before the Civil Rights Move­ Just as she arrived in the parking lot, she children who lived in foster homes, un­ ment was underway,” recalls Ester, caught a glimpse of the Rev. Martin able to find a forever family. In 1982, 68, a member of Toulminville-Warren Luther King Jr. on the balcony. she adopted a 4-year-old as a single Street United Methodist Church in As he turned away to go back inside mom. He lived with her for 14 years, Mobile, Alabama. “The races didn’t mix the room to get a coat, she heard a blast until moving to a group home because back then, but they didn’t care. They that sounded like a truck backfiring. It of several medical conditions. saw Christ in everyone.” was a gunshot. Ester looked up in hor­ Retired since 2006 and with linger­ And then there’s the memory that ror, watching as he was thrown into the ing health issues from a 1985 car acci­ changed everything in an instant. In air and back down again. She and a dent, Ester continues to honor that 1968, the country was changing, and friend took off running up the stairs, commitment made after her hero was 19-year-old Ester was part of it. As a stu­ reaching him in seconds. assassinated before her eyes. Besides her dent organizer, she would finish her col­ “His eyes were open and he was work with United Methodist Women, lege studies then hurry down to Clay­ breathing heavy. There was a pool of she also is a United Methodist dea­ born Temple in Memphis, Tennessee, blood by the side of his head and neck,” coness, a lay order dedicated to service so she could participate in marches, Ester recalled. “Because he had just been ministries, a board member at the picket lines and sit-ins. involved in a pleasant conversation, he Dumas Wesley Community Center “I was on both sides of it. The prayer actually had a relaxed, comfortable ex­ and traveling speaker at churches. She meetings and the activist meetings,” she pression on his face. I will never forget also sings in her church’s mass choir. says. “I remember my pastor, James that.” The message she intends to convey Morris Lawson, telling me ‘You know King died at the hospital that night. in her national role: Think local. She what you’re doing and God knows what Ester and her fellow activists, like the views United Methodist Women as an you’re doing.’ So I knew if there was to rest of the city, were put on a lockdown. established launching point to drive be justice, I had to work for it, not sit awareness.

38 response | march 2017 listen

Cindy Saufferer on her farm in

Courtesy Cindy Saufferer Saufferer Cindy Courtesy Minnesota.

“Grassroots are where it all begins,” a member of the Minnesota Confer­ One of her favorite causes is working she says. “It should be our key priori­ ence. “So here we go. I always welcome for social justice and eliminating in­ ty. Be involved in your community, in a new challenge.” stitutional racism for Native Americans. your church. If we can nip problems She credits her mother-in-law for Saufferer got involved in this campaign and issues in the bud, maybe then they planting the first seed of her involve­ when the General Conference estab­ won’t escalate out of control. We have ment in United Methodist Women. lished “An Act of Repentance Toward the power to make changes that seem Though Saufferer was born into the Healing Relationships with Indige­ impossible.” church, she never went regularly until nous People” in 2012. she and her husband moved to Wase­ Saufferer, who also served a term on Secretary Cindy Saufferer ca, Minnesota. They started going to the board of the United Methodist Cindy Saufferer isn’t afraid about tak­ Blooming Grove United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, has ing on new challenges. When her hus­ Church, the small church her husband a few areas of interest she would like to band wanted to move back to rural attended as a child and now where her pursue in her new role. They include: Minnesota to help run the family’s dairy grandchildren are eighth-generation mass incarceration, global programs and farm, the former X-ray technician members. maternal and child health. supported that decision. Not only did When they first moved there, her What strengths will she bring to the she take on the rigors of farm life, a role mother-in-law called and mentioned a board? Saufferer says she’s open, willing that includes riding a tractor and milk­ United Methodist Women meeting to listen and veers away from jumping ing Holsteins, she also raised four that night. Saufferer should join her, she to conclusions or passing judgment. She children. She will bring that same said. always prefers to hear voices on the oth­ work ethic to her new role as national “Yes, ma’am,” Saufferer replied. er side and to hear opposing views. secretary for the United Methodist Looking back at that fateful moment, She is confident about the United Women’s new board of directors. Saufferer says with a laugh: “Of course Methodist Women’s future and its “It’s not something I ever would have I’m not going to turn her down.” ability to attract the next generation of imagined. But somebody recognized And that’s a good thing. She found members to carry on its mission. something in me and felt I would be a home in United Methodist Women. “I like the direction United good for this,” says Saufferer, 57, and Methodist Women is going. Younger

response | march 2017 39 listen

With multiple degrees—special educa­ Others may be daunted by the re­ tion, elementary education, working sponsibilities of the job. For all the Mis­ with at-risk youth and curriculum de­ sion Giving generated by United velopment—her career spanned from Methodist Women, Wallace and com­ teaching kindergarteners to high school­ mittee will oversee how the board ap­ ers. Her main focus, she says, was a chal­ proves giving for mission, including na­ lenge not for the faint of heart: Middle tional mission institutions, interna­ school humanities. tional mission projects and scholarships. “I loved it,” she says of her career. The committee also oversees the in­ “You are in the trenches in influencing vestments and use of the Legacy Fund young lives.” and other endowments given by our Like all working parents, Wallace had foremothers. to learn how to balance her profession “We’ve been around 150 years. We’ve and a busy family life. She and her hus­ proven that we’re efficient, good with the band of 44 years, now a retired fire­ dollar and we have staying power,” fighter, raised two children who have Wallace says. “Yes, our assets and our followed in their parents’ footsteps. Her budget may seem staggering, but I’m al­ son is a firefighter; her daughter is a ways humbled by what good stewards Estella Wallace, United Methodist school principal. of money we’ve been historically. There Women national finance committee chair. Church has always been a priority for are so many organizations today vying Wallace. She likes to say she was liter­ for your dollar, so we have to continue people like advocacy and justice, and ally born into the denomination, as she to show that we are a responsible, viable that’s what we’re all about,” she says. made her entrance into the world at the group that will make a meaningful im­ “And having Shannon at the helm will Methodist hospital in Dallas, Texas. As pact with your donation.” help boost energy and new ideas. a longtime member of Ellensberg First Wallace believes the organizational These are exciting times for us.” United Methodist Church in Ellens­ skills she honed as an educator, moth­ berg, Washington, she is a past direc­ er and community and church volun­ Finance Chair Estella Wallace tor of Ellensberg Community Cloth­ teer will serve her well in her four-year Estella “Stell” Wallace, the new chair of ing Center Ministries, a former board term. She’s a big believer in teamwork the United Methodist Women finance member of Tacoma Community and the strength that comes when peo­ committee, has a little secret to share. House (a United Methodist Women ple work together for a unified mission. “Every month when I reconcile my national institution) and a volunteer for “I’m a lifelong learner and lifelong checkbook, I do a little happy dance,” Cold Weather Shelter, a multichurch teacher. That didn’t stop with retire­ says Wallace, 65, of the Pacific North­ local program that provides sleeping ment,” she says. “So many people say west Conference. quarters to the homeless when tem­ they wish they could do something, but Now she’s got a daunting challenge peratures dip too low. it stops there. You have to take that next ahead of her: Oversee the organization’s Her work with United Methodist step and be intentional about it. I’m $17 million budget. She says she’s got Women took off after her kids graduat­ lucky to have found an organization two secret weapons in her corner: “A ed from high school, including a stint where I can have a voice and I can make good head on my shoulders and a with the jurisdiction leadership team and a difference.” daughter-in-law who is a CPA,” Wal­ serving as a member of the committee lace says with a laugh. nominations. Now she steps to a big role Governance Chair Gail Don’t underestimate Wallace, either. in her new position with United Douglas-Boykin The retired educator brings a wealth of Methodist Women’s finance committee, Gail Douglas-Boykin believes in em­ experience to United Methodist Women, covering the organization’s budget, prop­ bracing every day. That attitude could starting with 40 years as a teacher. erty and endowment administration. be attributed to her 21 years as a po­

40 response | march 2017 listen

lice officer with the New York City Po­ lice Department, when she was in the trenches working with at-risk youth. It became even more apparent to her on Sept. 11, 2001. Boykin was sta­ tioned at One Police Plaza, just a quarter mile away from where the Twin Towers fell and ground zero for first responders. The terrorist attack and its aftermath—which claimed thou­ sands of innocent lives, along with hun­ dreds of her fellow officers and fire­ fighters—was a crucial turning point. “I always had an appreciation for life. S But on that day, which started out so Bose/UMN beautiful, I saw how quickly and dras­ u

tically things can change in a few mo­ D Mike ments,” recalls Boykin, of the Long Is­ Gayle Douglas-Boykin, left, new governance committee chair, poses with former land West District, New York Confer­ governance chair Judith Pierre-Okerson during a dinner celebrating the 2012-2016 program advisory group. ence. “So ever since, I live each day as if it could be my last.” She’s bringing that same enthusiasm ago. She had attended a United Meth­ years, she was a church administrator; to her role as a member of the United odist service that was run entirely by now she’s the coordinator of ministe­ Methodist Women national board of youth and was so impressed that she de­ rial services for the New York Confer­ directors for a second four-year term. cided this denomination suited her more. ence Board of Ordained Ministry. This time around, she will chair the “As a police officer, I worked in the At her home church, she’s a certified governance committee, which reviews community affairs division with youth. lay servant, an assistant Sunday school the bylaws, fills vacancies and propos­ I gravitated toward them, and they grav­ superintendent and a youth ministry es policy changes. itated toward me. Seeing their partic­ advisor and mentor. For United “It’s in my nature,” Boykin says. “I ipation and passion for their faith Methodist Women, she’s served as a so­ like order. I like rules. Without rules, made me want to be part of this cial action coordinator and as a youth there would be chaos. I like to make church,” she says. And she intends to studies teacher for Mission u. Currently, sure that all steps are taken properly, all use her position at the national level to she’s the treasurer for her local unit. the paperwork is in order and nothing advocate for children and youth, say­ “I never grew up with my sister. The falls through the cracks.” ing that is her “true purpose” in life. United Methodist Women are the sis­ She likens bylaws to roadmaps. Boykin is a member of the Van­ ters I never had,” she says. “We have a They give guidelines on what members derveer Park United Methodist Church shared sense of purpose that helps should be doing and what should in Brooklyn, where she lives with her with both spiritual growth and making happen as a result. While there is husband. Their grown daughter, a re­ this world a better place. I call it the sis­ some flexibility, Boykin says bylaws pro­ cent graduate of New York University, terhood of grace.” r vide a solid foundation to keep a just completed her master’s degree in wide-reaching and mission-oriented or­ school counseling. Michelle Bearden is former religion reporter for ganization like United Methodist Boykin’s enthusiasm for Methodism The Tampa Tribune and WFLA-TV and is now a free­ Women running smoothly. lance writer specializing in faith and values. She’s is evident in her actions. When she re­ a two-time winner of the national Supple Religion Boykin, raised a Roman Catholic, be­ turned to the work force, she chose The Writer of the Year award from the Religion Newswrit­ came a “Methodist by choice” 24 years United Methodist Church. For 10 ers Association.

response | march 2017 41 소식듣기

담대함의 힘 연합감리교회 여선교회 2018년 어셈블리 주제가 발표되었습니다!

연합감리교회 여선교회

“담대함의 힘”은 2018년 5월 18-20일 , 오하이 청소년 및 가정의 삶을 변화시키고 있습니다. 트너들이 함께 모여 여성과 어린이 , 청소년들의 오 콜럼버스에서 열릴 연합감리교회 여선교회 연합감리교회 여선교회는 우리 교단과 이 세상 요구와 필요에 대해 배우고, 예배를 드리는 것 의 19번째 어셈블리(Assembl y)의 주제가 될 에서 변화를 위한 특별한 운동을 해왔으며 , 현 을 비롯해 다양한 행사들로 진행될 것입니다. 것입니다. 이번 어셈블리는 연합감리교회 여선 재도 하고 있고, 앞으로도 해나갈 것입니다. 조직하고 섬기는 방법을 아는 여성들로써 150 교회의 150주년 및 1942년에 처음으로 어셈블 연합감리교회 여선교회 대표인 헤리엇 제 년의 역사를 공표할 것이며, 하나님의 자녀들을 리를 개최했던 곳으로 돌아 온 것을 공식적으로 인 올슨(Harriett Jane Olson)은 다음과 같이 위한 정의의 사역을 하면서 서로 그리고 교회 기념하는 행사가 될 것입니다. 다양한 활동들로 말했습니다. “우리의 운동은 여성들의 담대한 리더들 및 모든 파트너들과의 더욱 강한 연대를 가득한 주말 내내, 참가자들은 섬기라는 하나님 행동으로 시작되었습니다. 도움을 필요로 하는 형성함으로써, 믿음 속에서 성장하라는 도전을 의 부르심에 “예”라고 답하기 위해 담대하게 안 사람들을 보고 그들의 필요를 충족시켜주기 위 기꺼이 받아들일 것입니다. 전과 안녕에 대한 위험을 무릅썼던 마리아의 여 해, 예수 그리스도의 제자인 그들의 힘을 선언 정을 이야기하게 될 것입니다. 그리고 그들은 했습니다. 그들은 1869년에 여성과 어린이들 어셈블리 21세기의 연합감리교회 여선교회 회원으로써, 을 섬기라고 여성 리더들을—교육자인 이사벨 2018년 어셈블리 참가를 위한 조기 등록은 마리아와 마찬가지로 , 여성과 어린이 , 청소년들 라 토번(Isabella Thoburn), 의사인 클라라 스 2017년 11월 30일 까지 이며, 그 비용은 $29 5 과 함께 하는 선교에 대한 자신들의 헌신을 공 웨인(Dr. Clara Swain)—인도에 보냈습니다. 이 입니다. 일반 등록비는 $330입니다. 등록비는 약할 것입니다. 러한 담대함은 리더들이 인종정의를 위해 용감 참가자들을 위한 2번의 건강한 점심 식사를 포 여성들이 하나가 되면, 담대하고 용감한 행 하게 맞설 때도 계속되었습니다. 그 예로, 1942 함해, 우리의 경비를 충당하게 됩니다. 어셈블리 동들을 합니다. 1869년, 여의사와 여교사를 인 년의 첫 번째 어셈블리 장소를 콜럼버스로 바꿨 에서는 종교적인 행사로 음악과 공연이 있는 예 도에 보내기 위해 여덟 명의 여성들이 모여, 국 는데, 이는 호텔과 공공시설에서 아프리카계 미 배 및 회의, 그리고 양질의 웍샵 및 중요한 리더 외여선교회(Woman’s Foreign Missionary 국인 여성들이 환대 받을 수 있는 곳이기 때문 들과의 흥미진진한 타운홀 미팅, 적은 참가비로 Society)를 조직했습니다. 150년 후, 그 모임은 이었습니다.” 교육적인 몰입 체험을 할 수 있는 체험관 및 활 믿음을 기반으로 한 세계에서 가장 큰 여성 선 2018년 어셈블리는 연합감리교회 여선교 동 기회들을 제공할 것입니다. 교기관이 되었고, 세계 곳곳에서 여성, 어린이, 회 회원들을 위한 포럼 및 새로운 친구들과 파 어셈블리는 공동체 구축, 행동을 위한 훈련 및 미래를 위한 운동의 비전화를 통해 놀라운 개 인적 신앙 여정을 제공할 것입니다. 도전적이고 대담한 모험들이 우리를 기다리고 있습니다!

연계 하기 행사에 대해 정기적으로 업데이트를 해줄 어셈 블리 웹사이트는 www.UMWAssembly.org 이 며, 어셈블리 참가를 위한 등록은 2017년 9월 1일에 시작됩니다. 여성과 어린이 , 청소년을 위 해 믿음, 소망, 사랑을 실천하는 우리의 150년 유산을 기념할 콜럼버스에서 여러분을 만나길 소망합니다! r

42 response | march 2017 escuchenescuchen

Un Llamado a Ser Comunidad

¿Qué nos dice la Biblia acer­ el número de participantes ca de la comunidad y de que le ayudarán a desarrollar vivir en relación con Dios? el programa. Prepárese para ¿Cómo nos prepara para presentar cada programa en vivir en comunidad en el un momento y un lugar con­ contexto actual y para ex­ veniente, teniendo en cuen­ tender la comunidad a otros? ta las necesidades de su grupo. ¿Cómo puede una comu­ Los estudios bíblicos y de nidad establecer una so­ reflexión incluyen lecturas ciedad justa y qué recursos de la Biblia y preguntas que tiene la comunidad para le ayudarán a aumentar su enfrentar las preocupaciones comprensión del pasaje y sociales, económicas, ra- del tema del programa. ciales, medioambientales y En cada programa dedi­ de género? ¿Qué pasa cuan­ que unos minutos a pre­ do la comunidad deja de sentar un relato de nuestro funcionar? trabajo misional. Las histo­ El Libro de Programa rias de la revista response o para 2016-2017 Un Lla- del sitio web de Mujeres mado a Ser Comunidad * Metodistas Unidas dan ejem­ presenta doce programas plos de la forma en que mensuales que exploran las Mujeres Metodistas Unidas enseñanzas y las personas en y su membresía están com­ las comunidades del An- prometidas en la misión. tiguo y del Nuevo Testa­ Un Momento Conmove­ mento. El amor de Dios es dor es una sección nueva nuestro modelo; la encarnación de tereses de su grupo. Descubra las si­ que le permitirá experimentar una Cristo nos recuerda que debemos guientes características del Libro de Pro­ conexión sensorial con el programa y cruzar los límites para que otros estén grama de este año. llevar el aprendizaje a un nivel más en comunión con nosotras. Los pro­ Cada programa tiene un título de re­ profundo y significativo. gramas nos desafían a formar comu­ ferencia rápida para ayudarla a plani­ Por Encima y Más Allá es su enlace, nidades y llevar una vida de fe. Este lla­ ficar la promoción del programa para si su intención es comprometerse en el mado a ser comunidad invita a las Mu­ ese mes. El objetivo del programa les da servicio y la defensa por encima y más jeres Metodistas Unidas a posicionarse a las participantes un bosquejo gene­ allá de la duración del programa. en la intersección de la cultura y la fe ral de lo que pueden esperar del pro­ Que estos programas la animen a cre­ y nos desafía a apoyarnos unas a otras grama. Puede utilizar este objetivo para cer en comunidad y la desafíen a dar la para realizar buenas obras. promover el programa entre las mujeres bienvenida a quienes todavía no son Este recurso aporta elementos de la iglesia que no asisten regularmente parte de nuestra comunidad. r nuevos, incluyendo estudios bíblicos, a las reuniones e invitar a otras amigas. relatos del trabajo de Mujeres Metodis­ Para la preparación de cada programa, *El Libro de Programa para 2016-2017, tas Unidas y un llamado a la acción, con se presenta una lista de materiales que Un Llamado a Ser Comunidad sugerencias que le permitirán adaptar necesitará reunir y de tareas que deberá (#M3295, $10.00) se puede solicitar a cada programa a las necesidades e in­ realizar previas al programa, incluyendo 1-800-305-9857.

response | march 2017 43 Read The following books are from the United Methodist Women 2017 Reading Program.

LAUNCH YOUR ENCORE Finding Adventure and Purpose act Later in Life Hans Finzel and Rick Hicks DAY OF GIVING | On March 23, 1869, eight women Launch Your Encore explores ways to gathered at Tremont Methodist Episcopal Church in Boston, continue making an impact later in life. Massachusetts, and organized the Woman’s Foreign With real-life examples of people who Missionary Society, what would become United Methodist have made the transition from their Women. Those women raised money to send a doctor, main careers to mentoring, volunteer­ Clara Swain, and a teacher, Isabella Thoburn, to India as ing, ministry or even second careers, Finzel and Hicks show you how to missionaries to serve the women of that nation. enter this stage of life poised for per­ Celebrate the dedication and foresight of our foremothers sonal satisfaction and ready to make in mission with a special gift to the United Methodist significant contributions to society. Women Legacy Fund on March 23: A Day of Giving. Reading Program category: Nurturing The Legacy Fund is a forward-looking permanent for Community (RP1710/$15). endowment to provide a firm foundation for generations of IF EVE ONLY KNEW United Methodist Women to come. The Legacy Fund will Freeing Yourself from Biblical provide for administration of United Methodist Women’s Womanhood and Becoming All grants, scholarships, mission personnel, membership God Means for You to Be nurture, leadership development and technology and Kendra Weddle Irons and Melanie communications updates, freeing future generations to raise Springer Mock and budget their Mission Giving dollars in ways that enable If Eve Only Knew analyzes some of the them to connect even more directly with women, children most potent messages in evangelical and youth. popular culture about a woman’s role On March 23, host a special fundraiser or celebration to in marriage, child-bearing, homemak­ honor the day of our founding and the work you do all year. ing and vocation, arguing that God— Consider commemorating the year United Methodist and God’s revelation through Scripture, Women foremothers first organized for mission with gifts in tradition and experience—creates all of increments of 1869—$18.69, $186.90, $1,869, etc. Or you us to celebrate our abilities rather than confine ourselves to ill-defined gender may want to honor United Methodist Women’s years of roles. Reading Program category: Spir­ service with gifts in increments of 150—$15, $150, $1,500. itual Growth (Kindle $13.99) Members are also invited to name The Legacy Fund in their will or as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or pension. Any amount is welcome! Give to the Legacy Fund: • Online at www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/legacyfund. • By phone: 800-278-7771 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, M-F). • By check to Office of the Treasurer, United Methodist Women: 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115. • Text Legacy150 to 41444 on your mobile device. International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8. Originally called In­ ternational Working Women’s Day in support of the International Ladies Garment Worker’s Union in New York in February 1909, the observance is today celebrated in countries around the world to honor the often-overlooked contributions of women and to work for women’s full inclusion and well-being. The international­ womensday.com 2017 theme is Be Bold for Change, a call to be a leader within our own spheres of influence to help forge a better working world—a more inclu­ sive, gender equal world. Celebrate the contributions of the women of your church this month and uplift United Methodist Women’s work in the #BeBoldforChange social media campaign. Subscribe to response Today Now is the time to subscribe to

response or march 2017 the maga zine of women in mission renew your Building Peace subscription. The price of a one- year subscription is $24; a two-

Transformational Meet your education at 2016-2020 Mission u national officers year subscription 30 36 is $45. Audio subscriptions are available for $24 a year. To subscribe, Dorobek Dorobek

y go to www.unitedmethodistwomen.org

Case or call 877–881–2385. United Methodist Women delegates to the 57th U.N. Commission on the Status of Women speak out against violence against women at an International Women’s Day march in New York City in March 2013.

Member Resource Lent reflections Online Lent begins this year on March 1. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and for every Program ideas, logos and tem­ Sunday through Easter, visit the United Methodist Women website for Lent reflec­ plates, photos, videos, worship tions. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday reflections will be offered as well to help services, member resources and you prepare for the resurrection of Christ and to be Resurrection people. more can all be found at www.unitedmethodistwomen.org. Click on “For Members and United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Leaders” and find what you The sixty-first session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women need! will take place in New York City March 13-24, 2017. This year’s theme is women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of work. CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. United Methodist Women is an active participant in this annual global gathering, especially through its Church Center for the United Nations. Visit www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/csw for news and ways to participate.

response | march 2017 45 pray

The hand of Christ, inviting, Beckons me, I turn from earthly things, To come to Thee, The hand the heavenly manna Breaks for me, I turn from earth’s poor gifts, To take of Thee. Thy hand, oh Christ, heaven-pointing, Teacheth me. I turn from earth’s poor love, To learn of Thee. Thy lifted hand, my Saviour, Raiseth me. I take, from earth’s cold cheer, Thy sympathy. Thy powerful hand, dear Christ, Now guideth me. I turn from earth’s blind way To walk with Thee. Thy praying hands, oh Saviour, Plead for me. I turn from selfish cares To wait on Thee. Thy pierced hand, blest Jesus, Bled for me. I turn from earth to heaven, From sin, to Thee. Thy risen hand, loved Saviour, Reigns for me. I turn from time, to find— Eternity. Emma Dickinson Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society missionary Yokohama, Japan Woman’s Missionary Friend, Volume 35, no. 2 Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, February 1903 Library of the University of Michigan Digitized by Google