may 2016 the magazine of women in mission

A Good Foundation

Sexuality a gift Women delegates from God at General Conference 32 34 response | july/august 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: en the organization. All for One and One for All Yvette Kim Richards May 2016, Volume 48, No. 5 5 | Responsively Yours: EDITOR: Becoming Whole Persons Tara Barnes Through Jesus Christ INTERIM MANAGING EDITOR: Harriett Jane Olson features Mary Beth Coudal 6 | How To Use This Issue 28 | In the Image of God SPANISH EDITOR: Mary Beth Coudal Amanda Mountain Nilda Ferrari 6 | the r list 32 | You Are That Temple KOREAN EDITOR: Stephanie Greiner Yun Nam (Kate) Kang SENIOR CORRESPONDENT: learn 34 | U.S. Women Delegates Paul Jeffrey 8 | Bible Study: The Word of God ... to General Conference MAGAZINE DESIGNER: and Words About the Word Tanya Krawciw M. Garlinda Burton listen KOREAN PAGE DESIGNER: 38 | Racial Justice Mandates for Kevin S. Kang live General Conference response (ISSN0034-5725) 14 | Bright Lights: “Jesus Love Me” Janis Rosheuvel Published monthly (bimonthly July-August) by United Methodist Women, 475 Riverside Baby Shower in Kentucky 40 | Ending Mass Incarceration Drive #1501, New York, NY 10115. ❏ Pe­ Jennifer Armstrong Lissette Castillo and riodicals postage paid at New York, N.Y., and 16 | They Were Here: Janis Rosheuvel other mailing offices. The response magazine subscription price in the United States and pos­ Helping Tiny Lives Endure 42 | sessions (payable in advance): $24 a year. Sin­ Kathy Steele gle copy: $2.75, call 1-800-305-9857. Special two-year rate: $45. All other countries: $30. 18 | Finding Happiness in God 43 | 150 Años Audio subscriptions are $24 a year. POST­ Tupou Seini Kelemeni MASTER: Send address changes to response at [email protected] or to response, act P.O. Box 395, Congers, NY 10920 rather than give to Post Office. A request for change of address 44 | Celebrate All Who Mother must reach us at least 30 days before the date 20 | The Treasure of a Good of issue with which it is to take effect. Duplicate Foundation copies cannot be sent to replace those unde­ Paul Jeffrey pray liverable through failure to send advance no­ tice. With your new address, be sure to send 46 | Mary’s Song of Praise 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. ❏ All items for publication should be direct­ member support | Throughout every issue of response, this ed to Tara Barnes, Editor, response, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1501, New York, NY symbol indicates that you are reading about a program and/or 10115. person supported by United Methodist Women’s Mission Giving. E-mail: [email protected]

on the cover | A girl plays outside at Wesley Community Centers in Savannah, Geor- gia, a United Methodist Women-supported national mission institution. She is part of Copyright 2016 by United Methodist Women the center’s child care program. Photo by Paul Jeffrey.

2 response | may 2016 think FROM THE EDITOR | As you read this, delegates from around the world are arriving or have already arrived in Portland, Oregon, for the 2016 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. I will be there, reporting on the important conference and gathering stories for a special issue of response dedicated to the event. Other United Methodist Women colleagues will be there, as staff, visitors and voting delegates. Your prayers are needed and felt. General Conference is the top policymaking body of The United Methodist Church, which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for churchwide programs. Our Church, with United Methodist Women an important part of it, is a great force for justice and love when we allow the Holy Spirit to move us and not dig in our heels. At some point in our lives we’ve all likely ignored a nudge from the Spirit, or outright fought it, but we’ve confessed ourselves people of faith, followers of Jesus, and have thus promised to believe in God’s abundance and God’s trust. All are worthy in God’s eyes. We are capable of Beloved Community. I hope this issue reminds you of all we can accomplish when we put faith, hope and love into action— together. Tara Barnes | [email protected] think

Message From the President All for One and One for All

It is important to live by the words of Micah 6:8: “and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” We are the vessels of God’s work here on earth. As I prepare for this General Conference I am in my last weeks of my first semester at United Theological Seminary working toward my master’s degree in Christian ministries. I will see if I can put into practice some of the teachings I’ve already learned to discern if

Mike DuBose DuBose Mike we are really working on building God’s kin-dom Yvette Richards addresses the final gathering or on personal agendas. I pray that the Holy Spir­ of the 2013-2016 United Methodist Women Program Advisory Group at Scarrit Bennett it will stay high and surrounding all of us for the Center in Nashville, Tennessee, in March 2016. two weeks we are together (and then after). Mark on your calendars for Monday, May Anyone who wants to serve me must follow 16, at 3:53 (PDT) to watch the United me, because my servants must be where I am. Methodist Women 150th celebration report on And God will honor anyone who serves me. the floor of General Conference. I am burst­ I am bursting with —John 12:26 (NLT) ing with pride to honor the women who laid pride to honor the this awesome and amazing foundation for us women who laid Excitement is in the air as we begin the General to carry forth into the 21st century and beyond. this awesome Conference of The United Methodist Church this I hope you will also tune into the commis­ and amazing month. United Methodist Women is at Gener­ sioning of our deaconesses and home missioners foundation for us al Conference in Portland, Oregon. I am delighted that same Monday at 8 a.m. (PDT). We are tru­ to carry forth into to be a part of our delegation, participating in the ly blessed to be United Methodist Women the 21st century pre-conference with women Central Conference members witnessing God’s blessings firsthand. and beyond. delegates—it’s a pleasure and joy to be with pow­ I want to thank everyone who participated erful, God-loving women from around the in the making of finger labyrinths for Gener­ world. I will also be there as the first alternate for al Conference, from sharing the information, the magnificent Missouri Conference delegation. purchasing fabric or sewing, as we accomplished Packing for these two weeks has proven in­ our finger labyrinth goal back in March! We teresting. I will take one large suitcase for know they have been prayed over. Now say clothes, and I’ll need my carry-on for all of the some extra prayers for travel mercies along with General Conference literature! I will not forget the two weeks we will be in Portland. my warm wrap and comfortable shoes. I am ex­ Thank you, awesome and amazing United cited for all the extra walking points I will get Methodist Women members, as you turn on my Fitbit. faith, hope and love into action for women, chil­ More than 1,000 General Conference reso­ dren and youth around the world. Glory to God lutions and petitions are in for deliberation, and as we are prepared to Make It Happen! we have been reading, highlighting, tabbing in our efforts to ensure women, children and youth YVETTE KIM RICHARDS President are protected and supported. We will have dif­ United Methodist Women ficult decisions to make. [email protected]

4 response | may 2016 think

Responsively Yours Becoming Whole Persons Through Jesus Christ

Why would United Methodist Women un­ As we initially discussed the importance of dertake a study on the Bible and human sex­ this study, I remembered some of the conver­ uality at this time when there is so much con­ sations with our young women of Limitless. flict in the church and world about matters con­ They shared that they were in phases of their nected to sexuality? One response might be: lives when matters related to sexuality and re­ When would such a study be more important? lationships can be confusing and challenging Our study is not to create or extend controversy and that they would value trusted relationships but to help us to delve more deeply into the with God-following women with whom they ways our thoughts and feelings on sexuality are could talk. shaped and to help us look at what the Bible They are not the only ones experiencing con­ says and how we understand it. fusion and challenge as well as pain and joy. I Our study starts with the Bible and outlines know that United Methodist Women members the development of thought and doctrine re­ have stood for and with one another through a lated to sexuality in the church. We will also ask variety of issues connected to sexuality, and I pray ourselves what sexuality means to us. This will that this study will strengthen this ability. be challenging for many of us. Some of us don’t As a member of United Methodist Women We need the have experience addressing sexuality in church becoming a whole person through Jesus Christ, theological space at all, or if we do, we may have addressed only I hope this study helps me bring my whole self to reflect on God a particular issue or the behaviors of others. more fully into the practice of loving God. I our creator’s view As we undertake this study, we do so keep­ hope it prepares me to express God’s love as I of our sexuality, to ing our Purpose in mind. As members of Unit­ work on matters related to sexuality, and I ex­ think about what ed Methodist Women, we are becoming whole pect that our organization’s commitment to the this means for people through Jesus Christ. This means we wholeness of all persons, particularly women how we see bring our whole selves into the mix—our bod­ and girls, will continue to be grounded in our ourselves and ies, minds, souls, hearts. We need the theological theology and expressed through our mission and others and then to space to reflect on God our creator’s view of our advocacy. talk about how we sexuality, to think about what this means for That’s why United Methodist Women is act in the world. how we see ourselves and others and then to studying the Bible and human sexuality at this talk about how we act in the world. time. I hope that you will be a part of it, ex­ We choose this study because we have pecting a blessing in your own life and prepared much to learn from our sisters. All of us have to be a blessing to someone else. experiences, feelings and perspectives to offer, and all of us can learn from the perspectives, HARRIETT JANE OLSON feelings and experiences of others. We desper­ General Secretary United Methodist Women ately need to undertake this work in a theo­ [email protected] logical framework, reminded of God’s love, rather than the judgmental, exploitative and sen­ sational context created by media, politics and entertainment.

response | may 2016 5 think

How To Use This Issue by MARY BETH COUDAL

The other morning, one of which addresses dress codes, natural—even good for us— my 16-year-old twin daugh­ body shaming and victim in the right context.” ters walked into my bedroom blaming. You may remember As you talk about love as I was getting dressed. She an event from your own and intimacy, do not be se­ cringed when she saw my childhood or adolescence, duced by Hollywood movies half-dressed body and made an act done to you that was with scripts that say the only the list may a “blech” noise. not your fault, an act that left route to happiness is through “Hey, that’s not very nice,” you ashamed or disempow­ romantic love. Life holds 830 I said. “I have a great body.” ered. Perhaps the curse of the many joys, including vol­ Number of women around the I said that. But honestly, I “good girl syndrome” kept unteerism. Yes, get happy. world who die every day from don’t always believe it. I want you from speaking up or Tupou Seini Kelemeni writes preventable causes related to to speak the truth about my seeking healing. about her happiness journey pregnancy and childbirth. body, my God-given sexual­ This resonates for me, as I in “Finding Happiness in ity and my struggles to have was a girl who believed it was God.” She finds happiness in 99 percent womanly pride. The truth is, more important to go along her beloved grandchildren. I Percent of all maternal deaths as a 50-something-year-old, with boys’ desires than con­ suppose my children, even that occur in in developing I find all of these topics ex­ front their entitlement or my daughter who shudders countries. tremely difficult to discuss. find my own. There are times when she comes upon me 1 in 180 However, I learned at a recent I still refuse to seek help or call half-dressed, is part of my Probability that a 15-year-old parenting workshop on sex­ out injustice when I certain­ recipe for happiness too. woman will eventually die from uality that we have three op­ ly need to do so. I take heart Because I want to leave my a maternal cause in develop­ tions when discussing these and courage from the women daughters with a legacy of ing countries. body pride and frank sexual difficult issues: lie, say noth­ mentioned in Paul Jeffrey’s 44 percent ing or be honest. “The Treasure of a Good discussions, I will share this Reduction in maternal Fortunately for me and for Foundation” on pages 20 to issue of response with them. mortality worldwide between you, this issue of response 27. The idea of a circle of sup­ I invite you, too, to share this 1990 and 2015. encourages option number port, which includes allies, issue with a daughter or three: honesty. We can be resonated for me. We depend granddaughter or friend. I be­ Less than 70 per honest in our discussions on on one another. lieve we will all have much to 100,000 body pride. With this year’s After you get real and get talk about. Consider using Sustainable Development spiritual growth study, The inspired, it’s time to get ideas. the article by Stephanie Agenda target for maternal Bible and Human Sexuality, Use M. Garlinda Burton’s Bible Greiner, “You Are That Tem­ mortality ration by 2030. United Methodist Women study, “The Word of God,” ple,” on pages 32 to 33, to Source: World Health Organization, shines a light on, what are for to guide you and your Unit­ compose an affirmation to www.who.int. me, challenging and rele­ ed Methodist Women circle close your discussion. I choose vant topics, creating a safe into profound discussion and this: I make decisions about and healthy space for sharing workshop activities on topics my body and my sexuality our beliefs, values and unique of sexuality and intimacy. based on what I want—not personal stories. Take heart from Ms. Burton’s only on what someone else Let’s get real. Read Dea­ words and begin by “asserting wants. coness Amanda Mountain’s that sexuality is a part of personal story, “In the Image who we are as God’s creation Mary Beth Coudal is interim man­ of God,” on pages 28 to 31, and that sexual behavior is aging editor of response.

6 response | may 2016 learn A CONSCIOUSNESS OF JESUS | As this study is being written, we are encountering deep differences in society and within the church over issues related to divorce, gender, abortion and homosexuality. What are the responsibilities of those who enter into a marriage covenant? What about same-sex couples who love each other, including couples raising families? The Scriptures are a part of our differing interpretations. What do they really say? Looking again into the Bible, the way it was formed, and how it is to be understood in today’s world, is a demanding task, but it is one that we need to undertake if we would bear Christ in our own personhood. Many sisters and brothers who have been at the fringes of the church or outside of it altogether ask this of us. All of us need to read, pray and live the truth of the Bible as it reflects the love of God in Christ in our time. We need to understand what part of our understanding of sexuality has been defined by culture and what part reflects the vision of God for God’s people. Perhaps as we study, pray and act we will move toward a sexual ethic defined by a consciousness of Jesus Christ. My prayer is that God will speak to us in our personal lives and in the life of the church as we engage the Bible in this study and as we witness to a world that is desperate for the good news of the gospel. Ellen A. Brubaker The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God’s Good Gift United Methodist Women, 2016 learn

BIBLE STUDY The Word of God … and Words Sexuality is a gift from God, as the Bible helps us understand and celebrate.

by M. GARLINDA BURTON

This month’s Bible study is an adapt­ ed excerpt from the leader’s guide to The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God’s Good Gift by Ellen Brubaker, the 2016 United Methodist Women spir­ itual growth study. The leader’s guide and the book are both available at www. unitedmethodistwomen.org/store.

Preparation Read Brubaker Chapter 1, available to response readers at www.united methodistwomen.org/response. If you have the book, read Chapter 2 as well.

Salient statement “God created the process of sex, love, and birth. We may continue to discuss and discern in different ways. This is es­

sential to growth in the faith. We DuBose/UMNS Mike need not determine right and wrong in M. Garlinda Burton, left, and Laarni Serquina Bibay celebrate after being consecrated ways that separate believers from one as deaconesses in The United Methodist Church during United Methodist Women’s another. More significant is our oneness Assembly 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky. in the truth and love of the God who has created us and called us good” (The fully has already committed adultery in participants will post ideas and con­ Bible and Human Sexuality, Chapter 2). his heart” (Matthew 5:27–28, CEB). cepts at the end of the session. • Arrange chairs in groupings, if the Biblical teachings Preparation room is not already arranged with “Your two breasts are like two fawns, chairs around tables. • Copies of The United Methodist twins of a gazelle doe that graze among • Provide notecards, pens, colored pen­ Hymnal. the lilies. Before the day breeze blows, cils, scissors, photocopies of the puz­ • Photocopies of a puzzle, one each for and the shadows flee, I will be off to the zle, straight pins at each table. each participant. mountain of myrrh, to the hill of • Copy the “Real Life” story, and ask • Arrange cloth, cross, candles, and oth­ frankincense. You are utterly beautiful, a participant to present it at the as­ er items to create a permanent wor­ my dearest; there is not a single flaw in signed time. ship space. you” (Song of Songs 4:5-7, CEB). • Cue the video “Sex in the Bible,” • Tack a length of butcher paper or “You have heard that it was said, Don’t Part 5, from www.youtube.com/ taped-together newsprint on the wall commit adultery. But I say to you that watch?=j5__0e7T-8o. and title it “Idea Wall.” This is where every man who looks at a woman lust­ • Ask two participants to serve as readers.

8 response | may 2016 learn

About the Word

Centered by God’s teaching spirit Welcome participants and ask them to take their seats. Introduce yourself and ask participants to introduce them­ selves to everyone at their table. Introduce the topic in your own words, or use the following talking points, taken from United Methodist Women’s purpose for developing this mission study: Human sexuality is fundamental to life. As Christians we desire to live faithfully in this aspect of our lives. Holy scriptures are our guide, yet the scriptures have been interpret­ ed and used in ways that are contra­ dictory, confusing and harmful. This study will examine both Hebrew scrip­ tures and the New Testament for insights concerning human sexuality. Through this exploration participants will learn what the Bible does and does not say about sexuality in order to find guid­ ance for faithful living. We will also examine scriptures in the “Song of Solomon” by He Qi. Shared with permission. www.heqiart.com. cultural context of the times and in the “big picture” message concerning sex­ health and fertility issues, domestic vi­ dle on your altar.) The second reader uality today, and we’ll explore the mes­ olence, sexual ethics in ministerial re­ should announce and read Matthew sages and practices of the church lationship, homosexuality, marriage, 5:27-30. (As this passage is read, light through the ages regarding human rape as a tool of warfare and sex traf­ the second candle.) sexuality, including what the church is ficking as they impact overall sexuality. Pause, and then pray: Wondrous teaching today. This Bible study also Important: Some topics and exercis­ Creator of all good things, we come to seeks to understand what it means to be es may be painful or distressing to some you humbly asking for your wisdom. a person of sacred worth created in the participants. Anyone has the right to pass In your Word, we hear both celebration image of God. The mission study and on participation in a particular exercise. of our sexual selves and warning about leader’s guide helps groups discuss cur­ Pause for a moment, then invite the misuse of our sexuality. We read stories rent issues including the idolization and group into a time of worship. of our forefathers, whom you adored. demonization of sexuality and factors Ask the assigned readers to stand Some had many wives and many chil­ that contribute to such (advertising, traf­ where they are. The first one should an­ dren by those wives. But we see in Je­ ficking, power, shame, economics, etc.) nounce and read Song of Songs 4:1-5. sus’ earthly parents two people alone, and discuss such issues as reproductive (As the passage is read, light one can­ joined together as partners. Our history

response | may 2016 9 learn

includes those who would name all fleshly things as bad, while the Song of Songs clearly is a scriptural celebration of sexual delight between two people. We want to know more from you, O God, about how we can honor our sex­ ual selves and purify our souls, how we can stop sexual abuse and exploitation of the vulnerable, and how we can say to the church and the world that God has given us both a gift and a respon­ sibility in creating us as sexual. And so we invite you in, Great God and Light of our lives, as we work together to know you better and to follow you more faith­ fully. Help us to see as you would have us see. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Real life—reel life The following is a personal experience that has given me perspective as I ap­ proach the topic of human sexuality in my writings and talks. Read the fol­ lowing story aloud: About 10 years ago, I was invited to iStockphoto/AMR Image Image iStockphoto/AMR lead a workshop for the staff at a Healthy sexuality is key to a healthy relationship. The church can be a safe place to United Methodist–related agency about discuss sexuality as part of God’s creation. sexual ethics and the church’s policies on prevention of sexual misconduct and her if we could talk about what hap­ ularly in the context of our faith, so sexual harassment. I began my pres­ pened. She was extremely agitated much so that even talking about it gets entation, as I still do, by asserting that and angry, but she finally told me, “My our hackles up. sexuality is a part of who we are as God’s mother did not have sex. The way you The good news, though, is that the creation and that sexual behavior is nat­ said it was an insult to my mother.” church is beginning to talk more. We ural—even good for us—in the right I asked her if she could help me un­ don’t have all the answers. But we are context. derstand. She was furious, but she ex­ willing to ask the questions. One good I further said to the participants that plained. “My mother did not have sex. example is that in the last quadrenni­ each person had some stake in sexual She did her wifely duty and she made um the Connectional Table of The behavior, if only because their birth love with my father—her husband, by United Methodist Church sponsored a mother had had sexual contact in or­ the way. It was Godly and my birth was series of conversations among diverse der to conceive them. a blessing. It was not sex.” And with that members about their feelings, theolog­ At that point, one participant—a she walked away. That story stuck ical viewpoints and cultural perspectives woman of about 50—got up and with me, and it has informed my on the issue of homosexuality. stormed out. She did not come back to writing and speaking on issues of sex­ The members were not there to con­ training and headed straight to the hu­ uality, justice and faith. For many of us, vince one another about the “rightness” man resources office to complain. Lat­ sexuality is difficult to discuss, partic- or “wrongness” of one viewpoint or an­ er in the day I ran into her and asked other; they were there to engage one an­

10 response | may 2016 learn Sara Davis Davis Sara Nhashara Locke leads a plenary on body image during the 2012 United Methodist Women Limitless event for young women at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. other about biblical interpretation, history, experience and what they have contact? What constitutes “bad” sex? love and grace and what people in their been taught by the church. Without chal­ What did your parents tell you about congregations and contexts were saying lenging one another, ask them to call out sex? What might make one consider her and struggling with. These dialogues short phrases in their own group about or his sexual encounter “shameful”? were a humble step in a positive di­ what they’ve been taught to believe For each “positive” answer a person rection. They were confessional in na­ and do or don’t do regarding sex. gives about sexuality (sex was a gift, sex ture and allowed everyone a voice and To prompt them, ask: What were was something sacred, I was taught that assumed everyone at the table was an you taught about the “right” age for sex­ a sexual relationship was special, I ardent disciple of Jesus Christ with a ual activity? What did you believe as a learned to respect my body as a tem­ hunger to do God’s will and live out 20-year-old about who should initiate ple, etc.), direct that person to color one God’s light in the world. sexual intercourse? How were women piece on their puzzle. Explain that this Show the video clip, “Sex in the supposed to feel about sex? How were is not a judgment of right or wrong; Bible,” Part 5 (stop at 07:10). men supposed to feel about sex? If you rather, it may give some insight into ever heard a Sunday school teacher or how people may talk about sex or con­ The word and the Word preacher talk about sex, what were some nect to sexuality as a gift from God that Ask class members to get their puzzles of the things she or he said? What con­ we should celebrate. and colored pencils ready. Invite partic­ stitutes “good” or appropriate sexual Before starting the exercise, em­ ipants to think about their own sexual phasize that no one should reveal why

response | may 2016 11 learn

he or she chooses to color (or not col­ Old Testament that match or affirm Idea wall or) a piece of the puzzle. At the same your own views of “good” sex? What are Invite participants to write in their jour­ time, it may be helpful to recognize by they? Are there behaviors and norms nals or to engage in personal prayer. Ex­ sight that we all come from different practiced by God’s people in the Old plain the “Idea Wall,” telling them that perspectives, backgrounds, family teach­ Testament that run counter to your it is the place to write suggestions for ings and even Christian teachings about own views of “good” sexual behavior? what the denomination or United sexuality. Also, some of us have been What are they? What changes, if any, Methodist Women at the congrega­ harmed and shamed because of our feel­ do we see in the New Testament with tional, conference or churchwide lev­ ings, our roles, our sexual lives (or lack the teachings of Jesus? What informa­ el should be doing, saying, creating and of sexual lives), which affects how we see tion did Brubaker present that was new resourcing in reference to sexual issues, ourselves and how we believe God sees to you? What, if any, ideas for what the sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, etc. and judges our sexual selves. church or United Methodist Women Give examples: “Invite our local The goal of this exercise is to make could do to better address sexuality have Girls Inc. organization to talk to my cir­ visible some of those positive feelings, surfaced for you? cle about sexual issues facing teen girls histories, teachings and behaviors so that At about 10 minutes before the in my community.” “Create a church- when we’re talking we are sensitive to end of this activity, ask recorders to re­ wide curriculum on sexual abuse pre­ the fact that not every Christian per­ view what they will share with the larg­ vention in churches.” “Join United son sees, feels or considers sexuality the er group, to make sure they are repre­ Methodist Men in fasting each Friday same way. senting what their tablemates intend­ for victims of sexual/domestic vio­ As participants finish coloring and ed. Then invite recorders to report. lence.” “Plan a marriage enrichment re­ cutting out their puzzles, ask them to treat for our congregation, during place the pieces in the middle of their God speaks and we respond which sexual intimacy is the main table or circle. Direct the groups at each Review some of the key concepts in the topic.” Give participants a signal when table to take turns reading Chapter 4 readings, including: We start from three minutes are left to finish posting of Song of Songs. different places in our understanding their ideas and then call them back to Using the index cards, invite each and comfort with the topic of sexual­ their tables. person to offer something new, inter­ ity, depending on our upbringing, our esting or challenging she or he heard in own histories, any trauma or abuse Closing worship the reading. The recorder should write we’ve experienced and how the subject and reflection these down and set them to one side. has been engaged in our churches. The Call the group together saying, “We are Now, ask each table to discuss Bible contains both celebrations and God’s creation and we are created in Brubaker’s Chapter 1, particularly the condemnations of sexual behavior. God’s image. God’s own child was sent sections on “The Song of Songs” and There is also polygamy, sex outside of to save us. How much more do we need “Human Sexuality and the Develop­ marriage, rape and sexual abuse in the to know about how beloved we are, ment of Israel,” and Chapter 2, if avail­ Old Testament. Jesus talks about adul­ how special we are, how marvelously able, particularly “The Birth Narratives” tery and lust, briefly, but he also talks made we are?” Let’s sing together, and “The Life and Ministry of Jesus— about forgiveness being more power­ “How Can We Name a Love,” no. 111 The Misfits.” ful than “sin” and questions why the in The United Methodist Hymnal. Ask participants to discuss the fol­ adulterous woman was denounced lowing questions, guided by the table and the men she “sinned with” were not M. Garlinda Burton is a United Methodist dea­ leaders. The recorder should take notes (John 8:1-11). If we are part of God’s coness and director of the Nashville Freedom to share with the larger group: What is creation and we are sexual, then our sex­ School Partnership in Nashville, Tennessee. Her the purpose of sexuality, according to uality is part of who we are. We need consulting ministry is called MotherWit, at moth­ erwitburton.com. the Bible? Are there behaviors and to ask ourselves how we can celebrate norms practiced by God’s people in the it, practice it and enjoy it justly, hon­ orably and the way God intended.

12 response | may 2016 live CALLED US GOOD | Christians affirm belief in the power of God through the Holy Spirit to enter into humanity in miraculous ways. Lives are changed through that power. The creation is honored through that power. Love defeats hatred and evil through that power. Mary was obedient to that power in her life as the mother of Jesus. Throughout history, women, including myself, have participated in the miraculous power of a love that creates new life through the conception and birth of children in the way that God created and called good. We can only wish that all children were created through acts of love. There is no shame in being a woman or man in the human bodies we are given as a gift. Jesus came among us to live as fully human, thus serving as the way God wants us all to live. … God created the process of sex, love and birth. We may continue to discuss and discern in different ways. This is essential to growth in the faith. We need not determine right and wrong in ways that separate believers from one another. Some Scriptures may continue to cause us to question. Perhaps the birth narratives remain in the realm of mystery, with the doctrine of the virgin birth being a way to claim God’s agency or to embody Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. More significant is our oneness in the truth and love of the God who has created us and called us good. Ellen A. Brubaker The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God’s Good Gift United Methodist Women, 2016 live

BRIGHTLIGHTS

“Jesus Loves Me” Baby Both organizations were very grateful December. The Bundles of Hope Di­ Shower in Kentucky to receive the baby items. One organi­ aper Bank was born! zation was down to their last box of baby God has really taken the reins, and by JENNIFER ARMSTRONG wipes—it was God’s perfect timing. we have loved being God’s hands and Recently, United Methodist Women at United Methodist Women, especial­ feet. Our first community-wide event Florence United Methodist Church in ly the Wesleyan Women Circle, of Flo­ raised over 117,000 diapers. Bundles of Florence, Kentucky, hosted a “Jesus rence United Methodist would like to Hope is now an Alabama nonprofit and Loves Me” baby shower. The shower was dedicate this article in loving memory of 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our latest de­ a dream of unit president Marcella Hen­ Audrey Clay, our response moment velopment includes a partnership with ry for the purpose of donating needed leader. Christian Service Mission, an organi­ baby items to Henderson Settlement, a zation dedicated to connecting re­ United Methodist Women national mis­ sources with needs. We have warehouse Jennifer Armstrong is a member of the Wesleyan sion institution, and CareNet Pregnan­ Women Circle of United Methodist Women at space now, and access to volunteers. We cy Services of Northern Kentucky. Florence United Methodist Church in Florence, are thrilled to walk side by side with this Kentucky. wonderful group of people to build a healthier community both physically and spiritually. We just can’t imagine where God will lead us next. We currently distribute around 10,000 diapers a month and have as­ sisted in disaster relief as well as supported Courtesy Jennifer Armstrong Armstrong Courtesy Jennifer Footprints Ministry, which serves fam­ ilies with babies in the neonatal inten­ sive care unit. Any family can experience United Methodist Women at Florence United Methodist Church in Florence, Kentucky, diaper need. It has many faces. host a baby shower for local mothers and children organizations. We have assisted-low income families and Baby gifts were collected for the New Bundles of Hope in Alabama foster families and Mother Assistance/Maternal Infant have developed a by LINDSAY GRAY Health Outreach Worker Program partnership with (MIHOW) at Henderson Settlement. In the fall of 2014, the Circle of Hope our children’s hos­ MIHOW works with expectant moth­ United Methodist Women at Mountain pital to help fam­ ers and families and their children. Chapel United Methodist Church in ilies in medical cri­ CareNet is an organization that as­ Birmingham, Alabama, planned on sis. The greatest gift we sists women and families with un­ throwing a baby shower for a single can share with these fami­ planned pregnancies by providing such mother financially struggling. One of the lies is the hope of Christ, and we think services as pregnancy testing, ultra­ members had a connection with the ex­ diapers are a wonderful tool to do so. sound imaging, referrals to medical clin­ ecutive director of a Washington, D.C., ics and parenting programs. diaper bank. The wheels started turn­ Lindsay Gray is a member of United Methodist As with any other baby shower, there ing, and we quickly discovered that Women at Mountain Chapel United Methodist were games, fellowship, punch, pastries Birmingham did not have anything like Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and vice presi­ and cake. Those unable to attend also do­ this and that it was an undermet need. dent of Bundles of Hope Diaper Bank, www.bundlesdiaperbank.org. nated items. So our United Methodist Women or­ ganized a diaper drive, and we had our first distribution at a local food bank that

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A Diaper Day in New Jersey services. Catholic Charities not only saw played the auto- that diapers and wipes were distributed by DEBORAH OGLESBY harp, piano and to their family care centers but to area organ and gave As Christians, we know that we are the food pantries, United Way Offices, music lessons voice, arms, legs of Jesus, who mandates child protection agencies, family suc­ for many years. to us in Matthew 25:36 to clothe the cess centers and resource centers for Widowed in naked, care for the sick and visit the women and children throughout the 1943, she ob­ prisoner. While we can do these things tri-county area. tained license to individually and make a difference, we To God be the glory for the vision practice as a prac­ know that partnering with someone else of these women and for their listening tical nurse and ac­ can make an impact. to God’s voice, for our being able to cepted a series of posi- Anna Hall Delaware Bay District United meet needs of the disenfranchised tions as a live-in caregiver x Methodist Women in New Jersey re­ women and children in our midst. for seniors. It was during that time cently partnered with Catholic Char­ period that her daughter, my mother, ities, Diocese of Camden, for a diaper Deborah Oglesby is vice president of Delaware became interested in the Hospice and baby wipe drive. We made an im­ Bay District United Methodist Women in southern movement and coordinated the all-vol­ pact! New Jersey. unteer Hospice organization in Rut­ More than half of babies between 4 land, Vermont. and 15 months of age have diaper rash As we continue to support mission at least once in a two-month period. A Honoring Foremothers in all over the world, let us not forget to common cause of diaper rash is mois­ New Hampshire honor thy mothers, who keep “the ture. Children’s diapers must be by DOROTHY YAMASHITA homefires burning,” and as United changed often. Methodist Women reach out in our Recognizing that caregivers are un­ It is usually difficult for me to select one own communities to ensure that every able to buy pampers with SNAP (food item from response magazine to share child has an opportunity to play, live stamps) and that many helping agen­ with the members of United Methodist and learn, and experience reciprocal love cies rarely have diapers available, Women at Lebanon United Methodist and respect. Happy Mother’s Day! Delaware Bay United Methodist Church in Lebanon, New Hampshire, Women worked to meet the chal­ but when I saw the picture of Anna Hall lenge. About 39 United Methodist in the March 2015 issue, it reminded Dorothy Yamashita is a member of United Methodist Women at Lebanon United Methodist Women groups from the Delaware Bay me of a picture of my own grandmother Church in Lebanon, New Hampshire. District came together and donated over who graduated from New England 2,000 diapers of all sizes as well as over Deaconess Training School in Boston 3,000 baby wipes for sensitive skin. in 1899. Her father had made his way Send articles and photos for Catholic Charities identified recip­ from Canada and could neither read nor Bright Lights to Tara Barnes, response editor, ients in Cumberland, Salem and write when he established himself as a United Methodist Women Gloucester Counties and distributed the tin peddler in White River Junction, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1501, diapers and wipes. This arrangement Vermont. The local school teacher, New York, NY 10115. immediately did two things: educated Eliza Downing, not only taught him to E-mail: tbarnes@ the population on the risk of diaper rash read and write but became his wife, and unitedmethodistwomen.org. and filled a void that was rarely ad­ Millie Mae, my grandmother, was one Phone: 212-870-3628. Include your name, local church, phone numbers dressed. This action also served to al­ of their four children. and/or e-mail address. Only prints leviate stress for new parents and babies. After she married Nathan Dodge, or high-resolution digital images can The drive also identified people who Millie Mae became a role model for the be used. had other needs and thus could receive children of Tunbridge, Vermont. She

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They Were Here: Helping Tiny Lives Endure United Methodist Women in Florida create memory boxes for grieving parents.

by KATHY STEELE fant’s brief stay in the world—to area sen with care. Margaret means “pearl,” hospitals free of charge. From there, the and Abigail is “the joy of the father.” Margaret Abigail Remo lived the boxes go to families who lose children Ms. Remo and her husband knew be­ briefest of moments after her birth on to miscarriage, stillbirth or death short­ fore delivery that they would not have June 24, 2011. But her two hours in the ly after birth. a good outcome for Margaret, who had arms of her family are building a last­ It is a heartbreak Margaret’s mother, an inoperable heart defect. ing legacy for other families who endure Nicole Remo, knows too well. She re­ “My first thought was I want some­ the pain of losing a child. ceived a memory box from the chaplain thing good to come out of our bad sit­ For four years, Margaret’s Memories of the hospital where Margaret was born. uation,” Ms. Remo said. “She’s not here has been a standing mission for the Cir­ The box contained a small blanket, a to make her own legacy, so I’m doing cle of Grace chapter of United knitted hat, seeds to start a garden and it for her.” Methodist Women at Riverside Park clay to create a footprint memorial. She turned to the United Methodist United Methodist Church in Jack­ The memory box gave comfort as Women at Riverside Park United sonville, Florida. The project has pro­ Ms. Remo dealt with her grief and Methodist Church, and Margaret’s vided more than 650 memory boxes— searched for some deeper meaning to Memories was born. or kits intended to take notice of an in­ her daughter’s life. Her name was cho­ “It was a good way to show God’s Clara Faye Photography Photography Clara Faye Nurses from St. Vincent’s Medical Center pose for a photo while volunteering at Riverside Park United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. They were there to help the church’s United Methodist Women assemble memory boxes for families who have lost an infant.

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love in the darkest of times,” Ms. Remo said. Twice a year, usually in fall and spring, volunteers gather for a Memo­ ry Box Night. More than 60 volunteers from the church and the public came to the most recent box-making night. Top, knit hats and They made 145 memory boxes. blankets are offered Clara Faye Photography Clara Faye to grieving families as Baptist Medical Center, St. Vincent’s pat of a Margaret’s Medical Center and Memorial Hospital Memories box. are among the Jacksonville hospitals Below, seeds help families who have lost who receive the memory boxes. an infant honor the Volunteers typically gather in the child’s life. church’s fellowship hall, surrounded by the materials that will fill the boxes. The evening opens with a prayer, short psalm or story and closes with another prayer. When the volunteers gathered the first time on All Saints Day in 2011, Ms. Remo says everyone thought it would be a one-time event. They made 27 memory boxes. Now the mission has a designated room for memory boxes.

“It takes a lot of space to store all the Photography Clara Faye stuff,” Ms. Remo said. Each box costs about $30 to make. could have them. So Margaret’s boxes But it was worse decades ago, she People donate funds as well as supplies. have extra cards as well as a card over­ says, and people had fewer opportu­ Local businesses also help out. And the laid with a poem. nities to openly grieve. church’s United Methodist Women sets Because of her personal experience, “They never had any closure. Their up display booths at craft fairs and oth­ Remo includes something that prob­ grief wasn’t a healthy way of grieving.” er community events throughout the ably wouldn’t otherwise come to mind: Even with the passage of time, Ms. year. lip balm. Remo says memory boxes can give Ms. Remo used her own experience “Obviously you cry a lot,” Ms. comfort. And there is comfort to her in to create a list of keepsakes for the box­ Remo said. “And for some reason knowing her daughter’s life had purpose. es from Margaret’s Memories. They when you cry, you get cracked lips.” “This has been a very healthy way to contain clay for footprints and hand- Ms. Remo’s son, who was 3 at the work through [grief] to help others.” prints, a small photo book with pre­ time of his sister’s death, has on occa­ Forinformation, visitwww.margarets made scrapbook pages, a journal and sion asked to see Margaret’s memory memories.org. pen, handmade blankets and bracelets, box. “It has been a benefit to him,” she a heart-shaped container for a cross fash­ said. Kathy Steele is a freelance writer based in Tam­ ioned from hair clippings and forget­ While most boxes go to parents with pa. This story originally appeared on www.flumc.org. me-not seeds for planting. recent losses, Ms. Remo says she gets re­ Reprinted with permission from the Florida Con­ The box Ms. Remo received in quests from families who lost children ference of The United Methodist Church. 2011 had only one footprint card, and years ago. Even today, miscarriages and she asked the chaplain for more cards stillbirths can be a hush-hush topic, Ms. so that Margaret’s grandparents also Remo said.

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Finding Happiness in God Happiness is one’s own to define and find, but finding God is a good place to start.

by TUPOU SEINI KELEMENI wonderfully happy feeling as I watch and others don’t. There are also those them grow. The times I spend with who just need a listening ear. But no You cannot be an expert on anyone’s them, however short or far apart, are matter their circumstances, we love happiness but your own. So, being the highlights etched in my memory bank them all the same. Jesus said you shall expert on my own happiness, I sat forever. They are God’s gifts, after all! love the Lord your God with all your down with pen and paper to write Another aspect of my life that gives heart, and with all your soul, and about what makes me happy. I found me great pleasure and happiness is vol­ with all your strength, and with all your myself pondering these questions: Is unteering in our church food bank. Our mind, and love your neighbor as your­ happiness the cure to all my problems? food bank is open Monday through Fri­ self (Mark 12:30-31). Can there be happiness amid chaos? Is day, except on holidays, and I am there My prayer life is another part of my there really anyone who is happy all the at least every Tuesday to serve clients at existence that makes me very happy. I’ve time? the window, help with bagging the gro­ been known to refer to my Thursday Each of us has our own answers to ceries or filing. What makes this job in­ evening prayer group as the best thing these questions, but are there any right teresting enough for me to keep going that has happened to me in a long time, or wrong answers? As we live our lives back? It is most definitely the people and I sincerely mean that to be very in our own chosen paths, certainly there whom I serve. We serve individuals and true. When we gather, share and talk about a Bible verse and then pray for one another and for our families, for our churches and our leaders, for our gov­ ernment and for all of creation, I can’t help but feel the happiness that only the Holy Spirit of God can give. This hap­ piness comes from the knowledge that God is in charge of our lives. God is in charge of all that has happened and will happen in the future. With that trust in the power of our God, I am proud and happy to stand up and speak to­ gether with the Apostle Paul when he wrote to the people of Thessalonica, Courtesy Tupou Kelemeni Courtesy Tupou “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, Tupou Kelemeni, United Methodist Women director from the California-Pacific Conference and outgoing board vice president, volunteers in her church’s food bank. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for are similarities as we look around at our families who have fallen on hard times you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). own families, our own communities and are in need of help. There are work­ It is possible for each and every one and our world. Many things cause us ing people and unemployed people, of us to find Happiness if God is to have a happy disposition. For my­ there are homeless people and “ordi­ present. self, one of those factors are my grand­ nary” people. There are young people children. All 12 of them give me great and old people. Some clients have ac­ Tupou Seini Kelemeni is outgoing vice president joy, whether they be 22 years of age or cess to showers and hygiene products, of United Methodist Women Board of Directors, 1 year old. They provide me with a 2013-2016, from the California-Pacific Conference.

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EQUAL WORTH | Jesus spoke, told stories (parables), and demonstrated a new way of being a person of faith. As Jesus affirmed the equal worth of women, he was also sharing a vision of a God-filled man as one who could share compassion, tenderness and love of family. He was all of these and strong enough to give his life for what he came to proclaim. While he, as a faithful Jewish person, followed the essentials of his own faith, he also entered into relationships with those who were considered inferior. Outsiders disparaged or ignored by the righteous people were proclaimed as special to God. Women were treated as partners in faith—agents of their own journey in faith and recipients of healing and forgiveness and new life. He pointed the way to a vision of the kingdom or reign of God that included everyone. It is no wonder that after his death and resurrection, the birthing of the church began with a gathering during the Feast of Weeks that included the Holy Spirit, symbolized by divided tongues of fire resting on each of the gathered men and women as they began to speak in many languages. The living spirit of Christ would come down at Pentecost, and the church would be born. Ellen A. Brubaker The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God’s Good Gift United Methodist Women, 2016 give

The Treasure of a Good Foundation OPEN DOOR COMMUNITY HOUSE AND WESLEY COMMUNITY CENTERS ENCOURAGE FINANCIAL LITERACY IN GEORGIA. by PAUL JEFFREY

Life was good for Sonnet Pichardo. Un­ families in Columbus, then largely a first time in months they weren’t sleep­ til it wasn’t. After going to college, giv­ mill town. ing in a shelter or on someone’s floor. ing birth to five children, serving sev­ To be eligible for Circles, Ms. Pichar­ Ms. Pichardo signed up for Circles. eral years in the military, including two do had to first be living in her own After a four-month training period, tours in Iraq, she had to flee her mar­ house or apartment. With financial as­ Open Door partnered her with two “al­ riage. She filed for divorce, and soon she sistance from the state, she and her kids lies,” community members who and her kids were homeless, sleeping on finally moved into an apartment, the worked with her to put together re­ the floor of a cousin’s house in Texas. Ms. Pichardo had grown up in gen­ erational poverty and suddenly faced economic challenges she was ill- equipped to confront. She didn’t want to return to the housing projects she had known as a child. Yet working hard of­ ten isn’t enough, as millions of work­ ing poor in the United States have learned. Ms. Pichardo came back to Colum­ bus, Georgia, where she had served at a military base, and got a minimum wage job. She and her kids stayed in a shelter. One day someone from Open Door Community House, a United Methodist Women-supported nation­ al mission institution, came to talk about a new program called “Circles,” which offered a pathway toward fi­ nancial stability. Providing a spectrum of community support, Circles is de­ signed to help families marshal the re­ sources they need to move out of poverty. The program fit well in the community-wide ministry, which emerged from the work of two Methodist deaconesses in the 1920s in response to suffering among workers’

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sources to move toward financial sta­ Debt was a problem. In college, Ms. every opportunity to show her employer bility. The three are called a “Circle,” Pichardo had over-relied on a credit card she was capable of greater responsibil­ with the person trying to get out of until she had to dig herself out of debt. ity. When a truck driver quit, she poverty the “Circle leader.” With oth­ Later, while in the military, she went to mentioned that she had driven trucks er Circles, they met together every- a payday lender when her car needed in the military. Later she was promot­ Thursday evening at Open Door. repair. ed to assistant manager, and after two “Going through the Circles program “It seemed easy. I only had to pay years was earning $11.50 an hour. It still gave me the knowledge I needed to them 10 percent of what I owed. But wasn’t much compared to her family’s change things. I never learned about that was just the interest. I paid $50 every needs, but Ms. Pichardo made the most how to get a checking account, but I month on a $300 debt, but the $300 of everything. did in Circles. And the kids have a cur­ never went away. I couldn’t get them off “I was paying rent, car insurance, gas, riculum, too. They came with me to my back,” she said. “The payday lenders and child care. I finally got some help Circles meetings and went off to their preyed on people in the military.” with child care costs, and that allowed own class where they learned about the me, as I budgeted, to get my head above importance of saving. They learned Above water water rather than coming up and with me that dreaming is a good Although she was working at $7.35 an gulping. I wanted to reduce what I thing, but you’ve got to develop a budg­ hour in Columbus, Ms. Pichardo spent on gas. I thought of switching et for getting there,” she said. knew she needed more and jumped at schools so the kids could use the bus, Paul Jeffrey Jeffrey Paul

Cathy Henry, left, talks with Sonnet Pichardo, who successfully participated in Circles of Hope, a program to end poverty and build financial independence sponsored by the Open Door Community House in Columbus, Georgia. Ms. Henry was an “ally” for Ms. Pichardo.

Right, a girl plays in the child care program of Wesley Community Centers in Savannah, Georgia. Paul Jeffrey Jeffrey Paul

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but they had switched schools a lot, which made it hard to keep friends. I wasn’t going to do that to my kids. I clipped coupons like mad. I tweaked my car insurance a bit and got discounts for my kids’ good grades. I was bust­ ing my tail doing whatever I could.” Open Door’s adoption of the Circles program is part of the Arkansas-based program’s rapid expansion to more than 70 communities in 23 U.S. states and parts of Canada. “I’ve learned how to best use the money I have. If you’re not financial­ ly literate, you buy things that you might have the money for today but can’t afford them in the long run,” Ms. Pichardo said. She and her children now talk regularly about money and help hold one another accountable. Another Circle leader, LaSaundra Surrency, took her daughter along to the meeting every Thursday. But sometimes it was the other way around. “My daughter liked Circles, and had a Cir­ cles T-shirt she loved. There were times when I was tired and didn’t want to go, but she would pester me until we left for the meeting,” she said. Part of the Circles experience is called the “Big View,” an organized ap­ proach to community issues that con­ tribute to poverty. Ms. Pichardo and other Circles leaders decided they needed a cheaper source of quality food, so they formed Friends and Neighbors Network, a food cooperative that mix­ es fresh produce and other foods with classes on nutrition and how to cook on a budget. Ms. Pichardo says they’re now looking at how to address other community issues, including a dys­

Paul Jeffrey Jeffrey Paul functional public transportation system. Valencia Hollis works preparing food in a restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. Ms. Hollis participated in a course on financial literacy conducted by Wesley Community Centers.

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A foot in the door have the connections in the commu­ unteer in its shower program, which Circles is as much about social capital as nity. They don’t have a way to get their provides homeless families with an it is about money. Part of the allies’ job foot in the door to use the resources that opportunity to shower and eat a healthy is to help Circle leaders—most of whom exist. The program puts them in touch breakfast. But Open Door asked her to are women—make the connections with people who do have their foot in be an ally in Circles. they need to make to get ahead. the door,” said Cathy Henry, one of Ms. “I was apprehensive because it sound­ “Most of the people I’ve encountered Pichardo’s two allies. ed like a big commitment. And it was. in Circles don’t have the resources Ms. Henry, who was working as a And it’s uncomfortable in the beginning, that middle class people have. They quality control manager in the biotech because you don’t know what your don’t know where to go. They don’t industry, came to Open Door to vol­ role is. Then you realize you can make

Paul Jeffrey

Nikki White successfully participated in a course on financial literacy sponsored by Wesley Community Centers in Savannah, Georgia. Here she picks up her two-year-old son from the child care program at Wesley.

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things happen, and you can help some­ “Circles is about relationships. Most how much money he could spend on one else make things happen. You be­ of our families don’t know anyone who his European vacation every year. A come friends,” said Ms. Henry, who has is not living in poverty,” she said. light bulb went off for the woman who since quit her job and signed on as a full- “Once in a Circles meeting one of had questioned him. She had thought time coach for the Circles program. our allies, a university president, was budgeting was something you had to According to Meg Olive, who co­ talking about how he uses a spreadsheet do just because you were poor, not ordinates the Open Door Circles pro­ to budget for his family. One Circle something that all adults need to do.” gram, a common problem poor peo­ leader asked him why he budgeted if he Another Circle leader was invited to ple share is that they have no friends had so much money. He explained how, an ally’s house to swim in her pool. One who aren’t poor. among other things, he had to decide of the leader’s daughters was intrigued

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with the idea that there were two Columbus, Kim Jenkins, the organi­ a job and a vehicle but was burdened adults who lived in the home. zation’s executive director, says Circles by paying off debt she had incurred “For that six-year-old, whose im­ has provided them a new approach to with her former husband. So she bor­ mediate environment had no stable poverty. rowed money to pay the deposit and marriages, that concept was an eye­ “A few years ago we began to take a two months rent on a new apartment opener,” Ms. Olive said. harder look at what we were doing. In­ so she and her daughter could live on spired by the book Toxic Charity, we their own. She paid the loan back at Social capital took a new look at scripture and what $50 a month. Although Open Door has been work­ God was calling us to be in this com­ Ms. Jenkins said that local United ing for decades with poor families in munity. We began trying to focus Methodist Women groups have long more on long-term solutions to pover­ been supportive of Open Door. “Our ty rather than, ‘Here’s your sandwich, connection to United Methodist see you tomorrow.’ That led us to Cir­ Women is super special. They volun­ cles, which for some people can be a so­ teer. They provide financial support. lution over time to their poverty. But They pray for us. We know they have it is also helping us to change the tex­ our back,” she said. ture of what we’re about in our other Barbara Rouse, a member at Pierce ministries,” Ms. Jenkins said. Chapel United Methodist Church in “Circles is about knowledge and so­ Midland, Georgia, is one of several cial capital and the imbalances of pow­ United Methodist Women members er that need correcting,” she said. who serve as Circles allies in Columbus. With financial support from Unit­ Ms. Rouse, a retired teacher, said she ed Methodist Women’s A Call to learned firsthand about the importance Prayer and Self-Denial offering, Circles of connections when a Circle leader for provided participants a special course whom she was an ally shared her on credit, in which each Circle leader sixth-grade daughter’s report card. sat down with a credit counselor to un­ “Her math scores weren’t very good, derstand her or his credit report and and I said I knew of a special weeklong how to improve it. United Methodist math summer camp. I asked about it Women also funded a special loan pro­ and found out there were scholar­ gram, allowing Circle leaders, after six ships, so we got one for her daughter,” months in the program, to borrow up Ms. Rouse said. “When school started to $1,000 interest free. One borrowed up again she got an A in math. Her money to send her kids to summer mother said the camp gave her the con­ camp. Another got her teeth fixed so fidence she had needed.” she’d have an easier time getting a job. Ms. Rouse says working with Circles Ms. Olive says all but one of the loans has changed her own life. have been paid back. “I didn’t grow up with a lot, but my Ms. Surrency received one of the husband and I have worked hard and loans. She had left her abusive husband have a stable and comfortable home. and was living with her sister. She had Watching how these women struggle

Sonnet Pichardo helps her children Savannah, Ricky and Rhinaye get ready for school in the morning in their home in Columbus, Georgia. Paul Jeffrey Jeffrey Paul

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LaSaundra Surrency is a Circles of Hope participant at Open Door Community House in Columbus, Georgia. She works as a child care case manager for

the state. Jeffrey Paul

each month just to pay their power bill, poor women in Savannah, providing Center provided an initial deposit of or to keep food on the table for their adult education, child care, emergency $25 to each woman to open a savings children, has really impacted me. It has food assistance, a clothing closet, spir­ account at a local bank. The bank made me look at poverty and home­ itual counseling and educational camps waived the minimum balance re­ lessness in a new way,” she said. “I get for children during spring break and in quirement for one year. upset when people say the poor just the summer. “The amount you’re saving isn’t as need to go get a job. I understand now The Women’s Center also provides important as the principle of saving why that’s not always easy to do, or the crisis intervention, which often involves something every pay day,” said Ms. best option for someone. One woman helping women with rent or utility sup­ Flowers. got a job at Home Depot and her food port, stepping in to help avoid eviction Valencia Hollis took the course. stamps got cut off immediately. She was or having utilities shut off. But the prob­ She and her two small children moved struggling because she hadn’t received lem is more than just a lack of money. to Savannah four years ago. “The her first paycheck. She had no chance “Many women fall into a hole because Women’s Center helped me develop my to catch up before that support was tak­ they’re mismanaging money. By learn­ skills, put together a resume and look en away. Bam. This experience has re­ ing how to save and work with a budg­ for jobs,” she said. “I now send people ally made my heart go out to women et, women can avoid overspending on there when they need help.” and their struggles.” some things and then not having Ms. Hollis says the financial litera­ enough for others. We’ve made devel­ cy course got her started making a Financial literacy oping financial literacy an essential part budget and saving money. Women in the coastal city of Savannah, of our crisis intervention,” said Valeria “They don’t teach stuff like that in 250 miles east of Columbus, also re­ Flowers, the Women’s Center director. school. They told us to save but didn’t ceived help developing financial liter­ In a series of classes, women learned teach us how. In the class at Wesley, we acy because of a grant from A Call to the basics of financial management, in­ learned all the hows of cutting costs and Prayer and Self-Denial. cluding how to keep a budget. At the saving money,” she said. The Women’s Center of Wesley conclusion of the course, the Women’s “I now have about $300 in my sav­ Community Centers has long served ings account. I had more but I took out

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enough to cover the deposit on my new apartment. I never had any savings be­ fore. I’m proud of myself. And it’s a good example for my children. They have their little piggy banks.” The course was taught by Stephanie Johnson, a community development manager at SunTrust, an Atlanta-based bank. She says it provided a friendly space for clarifying what can be a con­ Elizabeth Reid fusing or fearful environment for some. also took a financial Being uncomfortable with banks can literacy course drive people to cash checks in liquor sponsored by Wesley Community stores, for example. Centers. Former “We want people in the class to ask military and police, all the questions they might feel un­ she lives off of a disability check due comfortable asking in a traditional to a bone disease bank setting,” she said. while she waits for

“We want to encourage people to be Jeffrey Paul her pension. educated consumers, to understand banks and feel comfortable dealing with plumbing broke and they needed to I was five she took me to the bank to them. There’s a lot of distrust among have it repaired. “We’ve learned how to open my first account,” she said. low- and moderate-income commu­ take funds from our budget each Ms. Reid took the course not to over­ nities about financial institutions. In the month for savings. And we have a meet­ come a fear of banks but because she class I try to break some of those stig­ ing every week as a family to talk about needed help with budgeting the limit­ mas and barriers,” said Ms. Johnson, a money, including what bills need to be ed income she receives. She lives on a member of New Covenant Church, a paid. We’re learning how to distinguish monthly disability check—she suffers United Methodist congregation in Sa­ between our wants and our needs.” from a bone disease—while waiting for vannah. “Older African-American women of­ a pension from her decades of service ten refused to put their money in a bank in the military and as a police officer. From paycheck to paycheck because someone was going to take it. She’d been successful, and after paying Participants came from a variety of eco­ There was fear that someone was go­ all her bills has been able to travel to vis­ nomic backgrounds. Some women ing to swindle them,” said Tammy it friends in nearby states. were homeless. Others, like Nikki Mixon, executive director of Wesley “The class helped me be more con­ White, needed to reinforce their eco­ Community Centers. “With the ex­ scious of how I make decisions about nomic stability. posure they got to banking in this money and encouraged me to keep be­ “My husband and I had just bought course, they could see how a banker ing frugal. I brought some other women our first home, and the class helped us could be their friend. You could have to the class with me, and we get together understand the need for having a a relationship, and know you could go to clip and trade coupons, then go shop­ long-term financial plan and to devel­ to them for guidance when you have ping together. We don’t have a lot of op an emergency plan. We live from a problem.” money, but we encourage one another paycheck to paycheck. The class helped Elizabeth Reid says her grandmother to use wisely what we do have.” us undo that dysfunctional way of kept her money in her mattress or buried in jars in the backyard. “But she thinking about money and the family.” Paul Jeffrey is a United Methodist missionary and Ms. White says their emergency knew times were changing, and when senior correspondent for response. He lives in fund came to the rescue when their Washington State and blogs at kairosphotos.com.

response | may 2016 27 In the Image of God Women are taught at a young age to be ashamed of their God-given bodies. It’s time the church worked to change this. by AMANDA MOUNTAIN if she or he only did X, Y or Z. No vic­ malized, condoned and excused. The tims, even for a second, should blame burden is put on victims not to get It was not until I met a girl in high themselves or be blamed for the evil raped, not on rapists not to rape. We school who told me about being raped done to them. live in a rape culture. Let’s go back to that I realized what happened to me was my story. wrong. As my friend told me about the The burden’s on girls I was 9 when I was abused by my most traumatic experience in her life, Rape culture is a society in which rape neighbors, but it was not until my sen­ I thought, “That sounds a lot like what is pervasive and sexual violence nor- ior year of high school that I told any­ happened to me. I didn’t even know it one or even thought that maybe what was wrong.” happened to me was wrong. That’s I always thought what happened to roughly a decade before I realized that my 9-year-old body at the hands of my unwanted sexual contact was not some­ teenage neighbors was just “boys being thing I should just expect as the norm boys.” Now, of course, many years of in life as a woman. therapy and prayer later, I know that One day in 6th grade I was sent what happened was not something I home from school for wearing a pair of brought on myself, that it was not my shorts that were considered too short. fault, that it was not just a part of grow­ It was the Monday after my mom and ing up, and that it was not OK. I had gone shopping for some spring But where did I get the message that clothes. I really loved wearing new a boy using my body to fulfill his own clothes, and we had found this adorable pleasure or curiosity was a “normal” ex­ pair of denim shorts with a pink plaid perience all girls went through? I was pattern on the cuffs at the knee. My embarrassed to tell anyone because I was mom and I even measured them in the embarrassed that such a “normal” ex­ dressing room at the mall to make sure perience made me feel so ashamed, they fell below my fingertips when my dirty, defective and anything but nor­ arms were placed at my sides (the mal. school’s rule for determining “proper” I have worked hard to get to a place shorts length). I was called to the where I am OK writing about this with­ front of the room—in front of the out fear of judgment. I have been in whole class—and asked to lower my countless therapy sessions and support arms to my sides. My teacher ruled the groups, battled my body through dis­ shorts in violation of the school dress ordered eating habits wanting it to dis­ code and I was sent, face red with em­ appear. I’ve prayed, I’ve talked to pas­ barrassment, to the front office to call tors, I’ve gone to seminary. What I my mom. Policing young girls’ clothing teaches know now is that no victim should be them that their God-given bodies are When I got to the vice principal’s of­ told the assault wouldn’t have happened something to be ashamed of. fice I was told that the dress code was

28 response | may 2016 in place to prevent others (namely the boys were sent home for distracting me I was deemed responsible for the boys) from being distracted when they with their legs. Apparently, my 11-year­ thoughts of another; girls lead boys into were trying to learn. If I wanted to stay old legs made it impossible for 11-year­ sin, we were taught, and no one taught at school that day my mom must bring old boys to learn anything. the boys about their responsibility for me something “more appropriate” to I was so self-conscious after being their own sexual expression. wear. I immediately wanted to disap­ punished for the dress code “violation.” My 11-year-old self was mortified, but pear. When my mom arrived, I just had The thought of sitting in a classroom my 37-year-old self is angry at the in­ her take me home. I was too mortified full of boys who I now believed would justice of the deeper issues at play, issues to go back to class. be staring at my legs, at my body, cov­ of sexism, body shaming and victim- ered or not, made my skin crawl. I blaming that still permeate our society. Shifting blame to couldn’t not have a body. What was I In a May 2015 opinion column in responsibility supposed to do? I sent myself into a self- Time magazine, Laura Bates, co-founder Looking back, the only time I re­ imposed exile that day, trying to do the of the Everyday Sexism Project, posed member any boy being considered in next day’s homework without having the question of how school dress codes violation of the dress code was for a T- been present in class to learn how to do shame girls and perpetuate rape culture. shirt adorned with a beer slogan. No it. My education was disrupted because “Some of our most powerful and last- AP Photo/Mustafa Quraishi Quraishi AP Photo/Mustafa A woman holds a placard at the Delhi “Slut Walk” in New Delhi, India, in July 2011. The event condemned the notion that a woman’s appearance can explain or excuse rape and sexual harassment. In India, public sexual taunting or even groping of women, locally known as “Eve teasing,” is common.

response | may 2016 29 30 a rapevictimbeingasked, “What tracting andthatitisherfault. learns thathermere existenceisdis­ as happenedrecently inKentucky, she thatrevealsing ashirt hercollarbone, showing toomuchknee,or forwear­ is publiclyembarrassedandshamedfor they are enforced.” When ayoung girl dress codesandthewayinwhich around theworldbysexistschool sage beingsenttothousandsofstudents seem harsh,“itistheoverriding mes­ is inevitable,”Ms.Bates states. bodies are dangerous andharassment learned atschool—namelythatgirls’ ing ideasabouttheworldaroundusare walks aimtoraiseawareness forwomen’s issuesincludingthefactthatnowomanaskstoberapedbecauseofherstyledress. A participantholdsupasignduringtheSlutWalk demonstrationinPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania,August2011.Organizersofthe How manytimeshaveyouheard of She goesontosaythatwhilethismay response | may 2016 something theyshould prevent violenceagainsttheirbodiesbut only somethingwomencandoto drinking?” It impliesthatthere isnot were youwearing?”or“Were you mally andinformally, basedonatti­ “the wayinwhich asocietyoperatesfor­ Public Policy, culture isdefined as R. Fletcher, publishedby theForum on Culture Aroundthe World” byPamela define culture. In “Dismantling Rape exposinghercollarbone?First,shirt let’s with achildnotbeingabletowear a So whatdoesrapeculture have todo Rape culture prevalence. culture andproves itsexistenceand definitionofrape what informsthevery do. This is do. This the mediaandpopularculture,” asde­ women isnormalized andexcused in and inwhichsexualviolence against environment inwhichrapeisprevalent experienced. That israpeculture: “an to inviteand/orcausetheviolenceshe raped, we are askingherwhat shedid she waswearing thenightshewas normal. cepting thatdress codeasacceptableand invite unwantedattention,we are ac­ shoulders inclasswilldistractothersand wear tanktopsbecauseexposingher when dress codestellayounggirltonot and normal.”In Americanculture, its memberssanctionasacceptable tudes, beliefs,customsandritualsthat When weaskayoungwomanwhat

AP Photo/Joseph Kaczmarek fined by Marshall University’s Women’s Center. By telling a young girl to lim­ it the amount of skin she shows, we are indirectly (or, arguably, directly) telling her that she is a distraction and is ask­ ing for something bad to happen to her. Rape culture means that women and girls limit their behaviors in order to prevent harm against their bodies. It is a young girl living for a decade with as­ sault, thinking it is her fault, that it is a “normal” part of life. It keeps women in a subordinate position to men by limiting what women can do and how they can act. It keeps women from liv­ ing into the full image of what God cre­ ated them to be. Why are women afraid, and is this fear warranted? Statistics point to an alarming yes. According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network Sulkowicz/Wikimedia Emma Emma Sulkowicz stands in front of the rules of engagement for her Columbia University (RAINN), 1 out of every 6 American senior thesis, Mattress Performance (Carry That Weight) (2014–2015), a performance women has been a victim of an at­ art piece in which she carried a dorm mattress wherever she went on campus for as tempted or completed rape in her long as her alleged rapist, a fellow student, remained on campus. She carried the mattress until the end of the spring 2015 semester as well as to her graduation in May lifetime, and of all rape victims, 9 out 2015. of 10 were female in 2003. This is not just an issue in American culture. The icent falls prey to a man who drugs her, In the image of God United Nations entity for Gender Eq­ cuts off her wings and leaves her to wake This is not just a cultural or societal is­ uity and the Empowerment of Women up confused and alone in the physical sue. This is a deeply theological issue as (UNIFEM) report “Not a Minute and emotional pain of losing the one well. Logically, if we say and believe as More: Ending Violence Against thing that gave her the power to soar. Christians that all are all truly created Women,” states, “One in three women How many times do our cultural in the image of God, then violence around the world will be raped, beat­ messages cut off the metaphorical against any part of that creation is vi­ en, coerced into sex, or otherwise wings of young girls? We disempower olence against the image of God. The abused in her lifetime.” young women and girls by our cul­ violence against my body, the violence When I was a child, I wish someone turally accepted messages that their bod­ that clipped my wings for a decade, was had taught me that there was a name ies are something to be ashamed of, that violence against the image of God. And, for what happened to me, that the mes­ their bodies encourage violence. Rape more than 20 years later, my wings are sages telling me my body was a temple culture is teaching our young girls not still growing back. How many more of temptation for boys and I’d better be to fall asleep or else their wings will be girls? How many more wings? What are careful how much of it I show was ac­ clipped—it’s teaching them how not to we going to do? tually not the way my body should be be raped instead of teaching others not looked at or treated. to rape in the first place. Amanda Mountain, MDiv, is a deaconess living In the film Maleficent, telling the sto­ in Chicago, Illinois, and former strategic partnerships ry of how the evil fairy in Sleeping manager and communications trainer for mission­ Beauty came to be so full of hate, Malef- aries for the General Board of Global Ministries.

response | may 2016 31 You Are That Temple Healthy sexuality is knowing Stephanie Greiner Greiner Stephanie our value and self-worth as God’s holy creation. Stephanie Greiner by STEPHANIE GREINER temple is exhausted—chasing after I am my own worst enemy. I spent two children, working full time and try­ my 20s in multiple long-term rela­ Do you not know that you are God’s ing to have a personal life. I can hear tionships because I simply was not go­ temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in many of my seasoned United Methodist ing to graduate college without a hus­ you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, Women friends telling me: just wait un­ band. When that didn’t happen, I be­ God will destroy that person. For til you hit 50 or 60 and you won’t care came more determined to not finish my God’s temple is holy, and you are that anymore what people think! But I’ve master’s degree without a husband. I temple. come to realize it’s not what people had two degrees but still couldn’t be —1 Corinthians 3:16-17 think that has caused me to question proud of myself because I did not have my value; it’s my life experience, my self- a husband. If I had no significant oth­ In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul tells us talk, my toxic relationships of the past er to value me, how could I value we are sacred to God, our bodies are sa­ that have started to crack my temple. myself? cred to God. Yet many of us struggle with this concept when it comes to the value we place on ourselves and specif­ ically on our bodies. Most women will agree that at some point in our lives, we have all hated some aspect of our physical bodies. Advertising thrives on our insecurities, with depictions of the perfect (airbrushed) woman and claims that their product will produce that “perfection.” We might hate the way our eyes look, the tone of our skin, the shape of our hips, or some other facet of our appearance. But Paul tells us, “God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” This does not mean that we shouldn’t strive to improve ourselves, both physically and mentally—it means that God loves us as we are, all shapes and sizes, and we should love ourselves as God loves us.

Care for the temple So my body’s a temple. Well, I think my temple needs a little less cheesecake and iStockphoto/Highwaystarz-Photography iStockphoto/Highwaystarz-Photography a little more water. Maybe a little more We are often our own worst critics when it comes to body and self-image, forgetting sleep and a little more skin care. This that we—including our bodies—are sacred to God.

32 response | may 2016 In attempts to seem more appealing United Methodist Women spiritual a relationship and experiencing do­ to a potential partner, I would transform growth study, I realized that one of the mestic violence, whether physical, into a person that even my closest strongest themes is the value we place emotional or financial, you are in a con­ friends didn’t recognize. I would be on ourselves in regard to our sexuality. stant environment of losing. You believe whomever the person I was dating Sexuality has so many different mean­ that you are not good enough, and you wanted me to be. It’s no surprise, ings, in society and in the Bible, and we start to allow that to filter into other ar­ then, that I ended up in multiple all have our own interpretations of what eas of your life. failed relationships that left me feeling sexuality is or is not, but the concept After my divorce it took a lot of time worthless. I would allow a partner to of self-worth and sex is one that really before I could really feel good about speak to me in ways I would never ex­ connected with me while reading this who I was again. Everything I had done pect someone who loved me to speak book. for six years was never right, or good, to me. I made excuses for physical vi­ “As we form a sexual ethic, we must in my spouse’s eyes. I started down the olence, so much so that when I found understand our bodies as a gift from the same path I had previously traveled: bas­ a man who was willing to marry me I God who created us and called us ing my self-worth on what a man excused all of this behavior. My value good,” Ms. Brubaker states. Our bod­ thought about me, needing a man to was in being someone’s wife, not in be­ ies, all shapes, sizes and colors, are good tell me I’m beautiful and worth loving. ing someone. because they are a gift from God. Thankfully, I noticed that I had fallen When we can begin to understand that back into this pattern and I decided that Supportive community our physical, sexual, body is a gift from was it! I am a sacred temple! I have val­ My story is not much different than God and not dependent on another ue, and if I didn’t start finding it for my­ many others. So many women believe person’s perspective we begin to hon­ self no other person would ever be able they aren’t worthy of love or respect. or ourselves as the sacred temples God to fill that need for me. When we reject ourselves we reject God made us to be. We begin to set bound­ It’s been a long road. Four years and and the value God has for us. We are aries, set standards and set out to be I’m just now starting to really feel com­ temples and we are sacred—but being comfortable in our own skin, and this fortable with and accepting of myself. I’m broken and beaten down, it’s very begins to change how we see everything, starting to see my value past what is on hard to remember this. including sex. the outside, and now I make decisions Sometimes we project our own Sex! We hear about it, we see it and about my body and my sexuality based shortcomings onto other women, or are we even talk about it, but what value on what I want too—not only on what one another’s harshest—and most un­ do we place on it? Sin, lust, discrimi­ someone else wants. I feel healthier and fair—critics. We put other women nation, abuse are all words that many stronger. I enjoy knowing that I am a sa­ down instead of lifting them up. The of us have come to connect with the cred temple, all of me, and I make room whispers, name-calling, competition word sex. We forget that sex is ultimately for those in my life who value me for me and judgment chip away at our indi­ God’s good gift and that sex is also love, and who I want to be. I will no longer vidual and collective value. It’s often intimacy and trust. Sex, like anything settle for less than I deserve—and I know hard not to pit ourselves against one an­ else, can have two sides, good and evil, now that I deserve to be loved and re­ other in a world that preaches scarci­ but part of ensuring that we have a spected. I know God’s love for me, and ty and individualism. But we are peo­ healthy sexuality is knowing our value now I can love myself. ple of faith, we are United Methodist and appreciating ourselves. Women, and we believe in God’s abun­ Author and professor Kristin Neff has Stephanie Greiner is president of United dance and a table with a seat for all. written about self-compassion, specif­ Methodist Women at Wesley United Methodist ically researching how failure leads us Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, and communi­ Sex and self-worth to be highly self-critical and how mis­ cations coordinator for the Mid-State District of the As I started studying The Bible and Hu­ takes can make us so insecure and anx­ Missouri Conference United Methodist Women. She works full time as an e-learning curriculum design man Sexuality: Claiming God’s Good ious that we give up early when faced specialist for the Missouri Department of Correc­ Gift by Ellen A. Brubaker, the 2016 with future challenges. When you’re in tions in Jefferson City.

response | may 2016 33 2016 GENERAL CONFERENCE U.S. Women Delegates to General Conference Kathleen Barry/UMNS Sara Ann Swenson, a delegate from Minnesota, expresses herself as “standing for the love and grace in the preamble to the Social Principles” during her time at the microphone during the May 1 plenary at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Florida.

Indiana NORTH CENTRAL Northern Illinois Doris Clark, Indianapolis, Ind. Irma Clark, Chicago, Ill. JURISDICTION Beth Cook, Columbia, Ind. Elisa Gatz, Sterling, Ill. Dakotas Allison Curts, Yorktown, Ind. Alka Lyall, Aurora, Ill. Jodi Cataldo, Lehr, S.D. Amy Land, Huntington, Ind. Tracy Malone, Chicago, Ill. Rebecca Trefz, Mitchell, S.D. Lisa Schubert Nowling, Muncie, Ind. Kimberly Reisman, Lafayette, Ind. West Michigan Detroit Leanne Zimmerman, Lexington, Beverly Nichea Ver Veer Guy, Grand Joy Barrett, Chelsea, Mich. Kentucky Rapids, Mich. Diane Brown, Ann Arbor, Mich. Laurie Haller, Birmingham, Mich. Iowa Melanie Carey, Ypsilanti, Mich. West Ohio Jacqueline Euper, Morrice, Mich. Diane Eberhart, Urbandale, Iowa Rebecca Heeren, Toledo, Iowa Amy Aspey, Worthington, Ohio East Ohio Norma Morrison, Muscatine, Iowa Karen Cook, Columbus, Ohio Martha Banks, Fairlawn, Ohio Darcy Rubenking, Corning, Iowa Joy Perry, Worthington, Ohio Holly Grant, Poland, Ohio Lilian Seagren, Mount Pleasant, Iowa Katherine Rohrs, Marysville, Ohio Delaine McGhee, Ashland, Ohio Katie Ziskovsky Dawson, Des Moines, Deanna Stickley-Miner, Worthington, Kay Panovec, Nashville, Tennessee Iowa Ohio Jessica Vargo, North Canton, Ohio Minnesota Wisconsin Illinois Great Rivers Faye Christensen, Brainerd, Minn. Gail Burgess, Bristol, Wis. Sara Isbell, Chatham, Ill. Leslie Hobson, Brainerd, Minn. Barbara Dick, Sun Prairie, Wis. Rhonda Joy, Whitaker, Neoga, Ill. Sara Swenson, Apple Valley, Minn. Lisa King, Sun Prairie, Wis. Bunny Wolfe, Chatham, Ill. Judith Zabel, Minneapolis, Minn. Amanda Stein, Madison, Wis. Kimberly Woods, Braceville, Ill. Judith Vasby, Deerfield Wis.

34 response | may 2016 Rebekah Sweet, Gouverneur, N.Y. Central Texas NORTHEASTERN Marthalyn Sweet, Gouverneur, N.Y. Darlene Alfred, Salado, Texas JURISDICTION Carmen F.S. Vianese, Nunda, N.Y. Kim Simpson, Arlington, Texas Brenda Wier, Gordon, Texas Baltimore-Washington West Virginia Joan E. Carter-Rimbach, Columbia, Md. Mary Finegan, Buckhannon, W.Va. Great Plains Terry Rae Chattin, Fulton, Md. Sharletta Green, New Martinsville, Cheryl Bell, Leawood, Kan. Laura B. Easto, Reistertown, Md. W.Va. Dixie Brewster, Milton, Kan. Sandra Ferguson, Westminister, Md. Judith Kenaston, Beckley, W.Va. Courtney Fowler, Manhattan, Kan. Jennifer Ihlo, Alexandria Erin Sears, Princeton, W.Va. Shayla Jordan, Wichita, Kan. Melissa Lauber, Hanover, Md. Amy Lippoldt, Basehor, Kan. Western Pennsylvania Edith Williams, Rockville, Md. Lisa Maupin, Lincoln, Neb. Nancy Denardo, McKeesport, Pa. Eastern Pennsylvania Alyce Dunn, Johnstown, Pa. Missouri Judith Ehninger, Macungie, Pa. Sharon Gregory, Pittsburgh, Pa. Margie Briggs, Clinton, Mo. Krystl Johnson, Woolrich Township, Diane Miller, Kennerdell, Pa. Lynn Dyke, Springfield, Mo. N.J. Vicki Stahlman, Brookville, Pa. Karen Hayden, Columbia, Mo. Clarita Krall, Philadelphia, Pa. Amy Wagner, Cranberry Township, Pa. Shannon Meister, Edina, Mo. Lydia Muñoz, DrexelHill, Pa. Jill Wondel, Sikeston, Mo. Dawn Taylor-Storm, West Chester, Pa. Lenora Thompson, Philadelphia, Pa. SOUTH CENTRAL North Texas JURISDICTION Kelly Carpenter, Plano, Texas Greater New Jersey Mary Davis, Rowlett, Texas Bethany Lin Amey, Clayton, N.J. Arkansas Jill Jackson-Sears, Dallas, Texas Evelynn Caterson, Absecon, N.J. Karon Mann, Little Rock, Ark. Linda Parks, Wichita Falls, Texas Judy Colorado, Warren, N.J. Rebekah Miles, Ft. Worth, Texas Jisun Kwak, Elmer, N.J. Karen Millar, Searcy, Ark. Eunice Vega-Perez, Hackettstown, N.J. Deidre Roberts, Little Rock, Ark. Rosa Williams, Teaneck, N.J. Varlyna Wright, Pennington, N.J. New England LaTrelle Easterling, Milton, Ga. Bonnie Marden, Chelmsford, Mass. Lorene Wilbur, Tinmouth, Vt. New York Dorothee Benz, New York, N.Y. Carolyn Engelhardt, Hamden, Conn. Dórlimar Lebrón Malavé, Riverhead, N.Y. Denise Smartt Sears, New York, N.Y. Penninsula Delaware Megan Shitama, Centerville, Md. Susquehanna Lisa Bender, Harrisburg, Pa. Margaret Horton, Mechanicsburg, Pa. Beth Jones, Williamsport, Pa. Anna Layman Knox, Hawley, Pa. Layne Miller, York, Pa. Upper New York Riley O’Flynn, Lima, N.Y. Kathleen Barry/UMNS Colleen Preuninger, Fayetteville, N.Y. Delegate Cynthia Johnson, a deaconess and United Methodist Women member from Blenda Smith, Binghamton, N.Y. the former Rio Grande Conference, participates in opening prayer April 30 at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference.

response | may 2016 35 Oklahoma Jean Hawxhurst, Simpsonville, Ky. Virginia Linda Harker, Norman, Okla. Linda King, Louisville, Ky. Darlene Amon, Suffolk, Va. Cara Nicklas, Oklahoma City, Okla. Shirley Cauffman, Arlington, Va. Louisiana Jessica Seay, Ardmore, Okla. Elizabeth Christian, Staunton, Va. Carolyn Dove, Many, La. Janey Wilson, Ada, Okla. Tammy Estep, Virginia Beach, Va. Bernadine Johnson, Baton Rouge, La. Virginia Greer, Decatur, Ga. Oklahoma Indian Missionary Sarah Kreutziger, Metairie, La. Jane Denise Honeycutt, New York, N.Y. Josephine Deere, Norman, Okla. Juliet Spencer, Monroe, La. Alison Malloy, Reston, Va. Rio Texas Memphis Meredith McNabb, Glen Allen, Va. Teresa Keese, Brady, Texas Elyse Bell, Paris, Tenn. Ileana Rosario, Hartfield, Va. Carol Loeb, Corpus Christi, Texas Martha Stokes, Glen Allen, Va. Laura Merrill, Harlingen, Texas Mississippi Joyce Winston, Hampton, Va. Teresa Welborn, Austin, Texas Mattie Gipson, Greenwood, Miss. Mary Harrington, Houston, Miss. Western North Carolina Texas Opal LaSalle, Ocean Springs, Miss. Jennifer Burton, Thomasville, N.C. Janice Gilbert, League City, Texas Lauren Sledge, Strakville, Miss. Amy Coles, Charlotte, N.C. Laceye Warner, Abbott, Texas Jennifer Davis, Gastonia, N.C. North Alabama Melba Wilson, Port Arthur, Texas M. Lynne Gilbert, Greensboro, N.C. Mary Henley, Helena, Ala. Sandy Hieronymus, Mint Hill, N.C. Carol Toney, Madison, Ala. Kimberly Ingram, Charlotte, N.C. SOUTHEASTERN North Carolina Amy Johnson, Tobaccoville, N.C. JURISDICTION Patricia Archer, Wilmington, N.C. Tonya Lanier, Lexington, N.C. Christine Dodson, Garner, N.C. In-Yong Lee, Charlotte, N.C. Alabama-West Florida Elizabeth Hood, Wilmington, N.C. Shannon Sherfey, Taylorsville, N.C. Clara Ester, Mobile, Ala. Mary Hunt, Lumberton, N.C. Ashley Stanley, Fletcher, N.C. Dawn Wiggins Hare, Monroeville, Ala. Emily Innes, Wake Forest, N.C. Patricia Luna, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. LaNella Smith, Durham, N.C. Beverly Maddox, Robertsdale, Ala. Lisa Yebuah, Raleigh, N.C. WESTERN JURISDICTION Robin Wilson, Mobile, Ala. North Georgia Alaska Missionary Florida Jane Brooks, Ellijay, Ga. JoAnne Hayden, Anchorage, Alaska Sharon Austin, Lakeland, Fla. Margaret Finley, Toccoa, Ga. Joyce Bright, Orlando, Fla. California-Nevada Rachel Fullerton, Dunwoody, Ga. Janet Earls, Lakeland, Fla. Emily Allen, Mountain View, Calif. Sharma Lewis, Atlanta, Ga. Carlene Fogle-Miller, Fernandina Odette Lockwood-Stewart, Berkeley, Tonya Murphy, Atlanta, Ga. Beach, Fla. Calif. Patricia Rogers, Atlanta, Ga. Dionne Hammond, Melbourne, Fla. Karen Oliveto, South San Francisco, Sue Haupert-Johnson, Ocala, Fla. Red Bird Missionary Calif. Jacqueline Leveron, Fort Pierce, Fla. Charlotte Davis, Beattyville, Ky. California-Pacific Molly McEntire, Lakeland, Fla. Patricia Farris, Santa Monica, Calif. Rachael Sumner, Titusville, Fla. South Carolina Robin Dease, Hartsville, S.C. Mele Maka, Moorpark, Calif. Cynthia Weems, Coral Gables, Fla. Leanne Nakanishi, Los Angeles, Calif. Alice Williams, Orlando, Fla. Narcie Jeter, Gainesville, Fla. Tiffany Knowlin, Columbia, S.C. Sandra Olewine, Pasadena, Calif. Holston Susan Leonard-Ray, Clemson, S.C. Rosa Rios, Baldwin Park, Calif. Emily Ballard, Morristown, Tenn. Martha Thompson, Lexington, S.C. Oregon-Idaho Kimberly Goddard, Kingsport, Tenn. Barbara Ware, Simpsonville, S.C. Janice Nelson, Salem, Ore. Rebecca Hall, Chattanooga, Tenn. Donna Pritchard, Portland, Ore. Sandra Johnson, Abingdon, Va. South Georgia Carol Wilson, Maryville, Tenn. Allison Lindsey, Douglas, Ga. Pacific Northwest Karen Wright, Alcoa, Tenn. Marianne Wright, Valdosta, Ga. Mary Huycke, Yakima, Wash. Tennessee Marie Kuch-Stanovsky, Des Moines, Kentucky Wash. Jan Brown-Thompson, Louisville, Ky. Harriet Bryan, Nashville, Tenn. Brenda Glover, Madisonville, Ky. Cornelia Clark, Franklin, Tenn. Rocky Mountain Holly Neal, Crossville, Tenn. Megan Armstrong, Erie, Colo. Reasa Currier, Boulder, Colo.

36 response | may 2016 listen WITNESS | In recent years our Latin American brothers and sisters have emerged in the context of decades of poverty and oppres sion to offer what we call liberation theology. This has meant a new look at the witness of Jesus, interpretation of Scripture and a call for justice for the poor and marginalized in the church and the world. Phillip Berryman says of liberation theology, “In fact, liberation theology is an interpretation of Christian faith out of the experience of the poor. It is an attempt to read the Bible and key Christian doctrines with the eyes of the poor.” Berryman goes on to cite women in the liberation movement (Beatriz Couch, Julia Esquivel, Elsa Tamez), who remind us that women are twice exploited if they are of ethnic or cultural minorities. Sexual exploitation is a facet in the oppression of poor women. To some traditional church leaders, these theologies seem subversive to generations of the understanding of church and Bible. What we need to understand is that traditional biblical teachings also arise from interpretation, most often by male clerics who were products of their time in history and cultural setting. These contemporary biblical scholars challenge us with new ways to reflect on Scripture and the witness of the Christian faith. Ellen A. Brubaker The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God’s Good Gift United Methodist Women, 2016 listen

Racial Justice Mandates for General Conference A racial justice lens can help us hold our church accountable for racial justice as we follow the lead of those most impacted by racial injustice.

by JANIS ROSHEUVEL Charter for Racial Justice remains The fy and examine the implications that United Methodist Church’s formida­ race has on issues coming before the as­ As United Methodists from around the ble statement of commitment to real­ sembled body. Using a racial justice lens world convene at General Conference izing a racially just church, communi­ helps us highlight potentially unseen 2016 in Portland, Oregon, there must ty and world. And its charge is as de­ racial realities. We must expose racism be a significant focus on how the de­ manding as ever. Because we believe, as in order to end it. As Race Forward as­ cisions of the delegates will impact the the charter states, that “racism robs all serts in its guide on the subject, using human beings of their wholeness and a racial justice lens includes “challeng­ is used as a justification for social, eco­ ing racism and advocating for equitable nomic and political exploitation,” we alternatives. It reveals problems of will, as the Church, “work for the de­ racial injustice and points toward eq­ velopment and implementation of na­ uitable solutions. It is not enough to be tional and international policies to reactive; a racial justice frame needs to protect the civil, political, economic, so­ be proactive.” If you are a delegate, at­ cial and cultural rights of all people.” tendee or know someone who is going While the charter’s call is clear, an on­ to General Conference, use or ask going challenge remains how to fully them to use the following questions to implement it. In a world where the engage in the proceedings with a racial United States has twice elected an justice lens firmly in place:

Mike DuBose/UMNS DuBose/UMNS Mike African American president but where How is race or racism being named Monalisa Tui’tahi addresses the pre- more African Americans are living in or ignored in this decision or discussion? General Conference news briefing at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida in poverty than ever before, more people What power do I have or can I build January 2012. Ms. Tui’tahi represents have been deported than under any oth­ with others to ensure that race is con­ Pacific Islanders National Plan. er presidential administration, 2.3 mil­ sidered in this discussion? lion people are in jail and prison and Is racism being addressed on a symp­ Church’s racial justice work. Each issue wars rage around the globe, the com­ tomatic level (in one instance of racism) taken up for discussion and voting at plexities of systemic racism can make or at a systemic level (dealing with how General Conference will have racial jus­ living out the charter a vexing task. racism is perpetuated through institu­ tice implications. Grappling with these How must those at General Con­ tions and across society)? racial justice realities is a clear mandate ference contend with the rigorous call How is this discussion or decision for those making decisions about the of the charter? making race explicit but not exclusive, future of the Church. such as addressing race’s intersection The racial justice mandate for Gen­ Mandate 1: Use a racial with other key factors such as class, gen­ eral Conference comes directly from the justice lens der, dis/ability, age, geography, sexual­ Charter for Racial Justice in an Inter­ One aim for those attending and in ity, etc? dependent Global Community. The leadership at General Conference will be to use a racial justice lens to identi­

38 response | may 2016 listen

Mandate 2: Hold the church to account on racial justice issues We are the Church, and we must hold ourselves to account. One of the main tasks for delegates and people par­ ticipating at General Conference will be to act on a host of resolutions. Ad­ vocating for the passage of resolutions that promote equity is a key way to keep the Church accountable. United Methodist Women will present 20 resolutions to General Conference, some new and some for revision and readoption. While all of United Arthur McClanahan Arthur McClanahan Methodist Women’s resolutions have Four young leaders hold a lit candle symbolizing the power within them to do amazing racial justice components, the follow­ things during the third National Consultation on Hispanic/Latino Ministry at Duke ing directly address how the Church can Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, in March 2015. act to continue undoing the systemic nature of racism in local, national and Mandate 3: Follow the lead for racial justice. Research and talk with global ways: Resolution 1025: Envi­ of those mostly deeply representatives of The United Methodist ronmental Racism, 3371: A Charter for impacted by racial injustice Church’s ethnic and language ministry Racial Justice Policies in an Interde­ Our work for racial justice must be fo­ plans, which include: Asian American pendent Global, 3422: Resisting Hate, cused on being accountable to those Language Ministry, Korean Ministry Fear, and Scapegoating: Transforming most deeply impacted by racial injus­ Plan, National Plan for Hispanic/Lati­ the Context of Hate in the U.S., and tice. This means white people and in­ no Ministry, Native American Com­ the new resolution Stop Criminalizing stitutions, like the church, that remain prehensive Plan, Pacific Islander Na­ Communities of Color in the United in large part white-led must learn to ex­ tional Plan and Strengthening the States. All United Methodist Women ercise accountability to people of col­ Black Church for the 21st Century. legislation to General Conference can or. Melanie Morrison, in her article “Be­ Also seek leadership and direction be found at www.unitedmethodist­ yond Good Intentions: Cultivating from Black Methodists for Church Re­ women.org/gc2016. an Antiracist White Identity” in the newal, the Committee on Native Be an ardent advocate for the passage February 2016 issue of response af­ American Ministries and the General and/or readoption of these and other firms that “as we seek to make privilege Commission on Religion and Race. justice-driven resolutions and changes. visible and interrupt racism, it is es­ While these mandates are in no way Read these resolutions fully and discuss sential that we are accountable to peo­ exhaustive of the work to be a racial jus­ their content with others and encour­ ple of color. Otherwise we may do more tice advocate at General Conference age others to read them as well. Hav­ harm than good. If we charge ahead, ea­ 2016, they provide guideposts for you ing a fuller understanding of the reso­ ger to impose our solutions and inter­ to genuinely begin to be accountable lutions that reflect our Church’s racial ventions, we replicate old, oppressive to and share power with people of col­ justice values will help us develop patterns of white mission to, not with.” or in the Church and world. policies that move us closer to a more At General Conference it is crucial racially just institution. that any work being done to undo sys­ Janis Rosheuvel is United Methodist Women ex­ temic racism follow the lead of people ecutive for racial justice. of color who are engaged in the fight

response | may 2016 39 listen

Ending Mass Incarceration The ongoing call to faith communities to end unjust practices leading to mass incarceration is one we must answer.

by LISSETTE CASTILLO and carceration must end. Many of us already drug offenses, tearing families asunder JANIS ROSHEUVEL know the numbers: 2.3 million human in the process. beings locked down, nearly 9 million un­ The crisis of incarceration this nation der some form of correctional control, A nation in chains now faces demands people of faith act including parole, probation or awaiting Iva Carruthers, general secretary of the with swift and fierce moral authority to their day in court, and almost 500,000 Chicago-based Samuel DeWitt Proctor transform, not just reform, an irrepara­ people passing through civil immigra­ Conference and a leading voice in the bly broken system. It demands that all tion detention annually. Growing num­ faith community calling for an end to of us—clergy, seminarians, teachers bers of us—particularly if we are poor, mass incarceration, says that we are in and people in pews, mosques and tem­ female, black, brown, immigrant and/or effect “a nation in chains.” If Ms. Car­ ples—provoke a revolution of values that have mental health conditions—are ruthers is right—and she is—people of strikes at the heart of mass incarceration. facing incarceration or have loved ones faith are being called to reject the dan­ Without exception, we believers are re­ who are. We know that the United States gerous mythologies about why so many quired to realize a just world. This is our incarcerates more people per capita mainly poor black and brown people are call, and we are falling short when it than any other nation on earth, ap­ incarcerated in the first place. Despite comes to how we treat those in jails, pris­ proximately 700 persons per every public perceptions, poor people of col­ ons and detention centers. 100,000. And we know that the racial­ or are not more likely to use or sell drugs Thanks to powerful community or­ ly biased “War on Drugs” has in the past than their white counterparts. So what ganizing and mobilization, many more 40 years incarcerated hundreds of mil­ explains the disproportionate ways we people are cognizant of why mass in­ lions of people for largely nonviolent are locked up? Tara Barnes Barnes Tara United Methodist Women members participate in a public accountability meeting at Hartzell Memorial/St. James United Methodist Church in Chicago, Illinois, sponsored by the Community Renewal Society, designed to get invited local politicians to commit to the faith-based organization’s restorative justice campaign and police accountability platform.

40 response | may 2016 listen

To begin with, we are seeing the dev­ that profit from the criminalization and ject to many of the old forms of dis­ astating results of the “tough on crime” mass incarceration of black and brown crimination in job applications, rental rhetoric of the past four decades. Pub­ people, Corrections Corporation of agreements, loan applications, school lic policies like “stop-and-frisk” and America (CCA) and GEO Group, applications. … Those labeled felons are “broken windows” promote over- are reaping record profits at the expense even denied the right to vote.” And for policing of minor offenses, which is the of these chronically dehumanized and immigrants, the reality of interacting gateway to incarceration. Even as we marginalized communities. In 2014 with the criminal justice system often wrote this piece, the nation watched alone, these two corporations made means entering a treacherous path to­ and is still watching the unfolding of nearly $470 million in revenue. ward criminal incarceration, immi­ yet another case in which a young black gration detention, eventual deportation person, Sandra Bland of Chicago, Listen, educate, act and a permanent bar to rejoining fam­ ends up arrested, assaulted and dead in The historic and pervasive criminal­ ily in the United States. a jail cell after being stopped by a po­ ization of communities of color in the Faith communities have been doing liceman in Texas for changing lanes United States is a key building block of good work to resist mass incarceration: without signaling while driving home the current system of mass incarcera­ sponsoring conferences, reading, writ­ from a job interview. “Zero tolerance” tion. As author and scholar Michelle ing, visiting those in prison and more. policing, the mass detention and de­ Alexander deftly lays out in her semi­ Still more is required of us. We must lis­ portation of millions of immigrants and nal work The New Jim Crow: Mass In­ ten to those most impacted by the cur­ a congressional bed quota mandate that carceration in the Age of Colorblindness, rent crisis—people in jails, prisons, im­ requires immigrant detention centers mass incarceration is largely about migrant detention centers and their to hold 34,000 people in the system continuing to ensure the nation has a families. We must hear their stories each night have all created a pipeline permanent, subservient and disen­ without judgment or false moralizing. that forces targeted communities into franchised underclass whose very bod­ And we must listen to the solutions they a system not about rehabilitation, rec­ ies and movement are caged and con­ have developed to resist and upend onciliation and restitution but about the trolled. As Ms. Alexander has said, these oppressive systems. They must social control of black and brown “Once you are labeled a felon you’re lead us. We must also continue to ed­ bodies. Indeed, the same companies trapped for the rest of your life and sub- ucate our communities and leaders about the current realities of the system. But it is not enough to raise con­ sciousness: we must also use our moral voice to regularly interrupt the ongo­ ing harm that unjust socioeconomic and political systems cause. And we must act/resist in ways that undermine business as usual. Street protests? Pol­ icy reform? Antiracism workshops? Mobilizing alongside impacted com­ munities? Transformation will not happen unless our actions engage these and many more forms of resistance. This is our call.

iStockphoto/mediaphotos iStockphoto/mediaphotos Lissette Castillo is coalition organizer for Chica­ The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world at 716 per 100,000. go New Sanctuary Coalition. Janis Rosheuvel is The United States represents about 4.4 percent of the world's population, yet it houses racial justice executive for the national office of Unit­ around 22 percent of the world’s prisoners. ed Methodist Women.

response | may 2016 41 소식듣기

대량 투옥 종식시키기 ­

대량 투옥을 초래하는 부당한 관행을 종식시키기 위해 신앙공동체에게 지속적으로 이어지는 요청에 우리는 응답해야만 한다. 사진: Mike DuBose/UMNS 리세트 카스티요, 제니스 로슈벌 연합감리교회 여선교회 회원들이 2014년 켄터키 루이빌에서 열린 연합감리교회 여선교회 어셈블리에서 웨스트 루이빌의 경제 및 인종 정의를 위한 집회를 벌이고 있다.

미국이 현재 직면하고 있는 투옥 문제는 회복할 수 불구하고, 가난한 유색인들은 백인들보다 약물 임대계약, 융자신청, 입학원서 등을 제출할 때 없이 고장난 시스템을 개선하는 것만이 아니라 완 을 사용하거나 판매할 확률이 높지 않다. 그렇다 진부한 형태의 차별 대상이 된다... 중죄인이라 전히 바꾸기 위해 민첩하고 강한 도덕적 권위를 갖 면 이렇게 편중된 방식으로 감금되는 이유는 무 는 낙인이 찍힌 사람들에게는 투표권도 주어지 고 행동할 것을 신앙인들에게 요구하고 있다. 이는 엇일까? 지 않는다.” 그리고 이민자들은 범죄자 투옥, 이 우리 모두에게 대량 투옥의 핵심을 강타하는 가치 첫 째, 우리는 지난 40년 간 “범죄에 대해 강 민자 수용소, 추방 및 미국에 있는 가족들과 다시 의 변혁을 요구한다. 예외 없이, 우리 신앙인들은 경한” 미사여구의 치명적인 결과를 보고 있다. 만날 수 없게 하는 씁구 입국금지를 향한 위험한 정의로운 세상을 실현해야 한다. 그것이 우리의 소 “불심검문” 및 “깨진 유리창” 이론과 (깨진 유리 길에 들어서면서 사법제도를 접하는 실제 상황 명이다. 하지만 우리는 구치소, 교도소, 수용소에 창 하나를 방치해 두면 그 지점을 중심으로 범죄 을 맞게 된다. 있는 사람들의 처우에 관해서는 관심과 활동이 미 가 확산되기 시작하는 이론) 같은 공공 정책들 신앙공동체들은 대량 투옥을 저지하기 위해 흡하다. 은 투옥에 이르게 하는, 경범죄에 대한 과도한 열심히 사역하고 있다: 컨퍼런스를 주최하고, 다 씁향력 있는 공동체 조직과 동원 덕분에 더 경찰력을 조장한다. 수백만에 이르는 이민자들 양한 관들을 읽고, 쓰며, 투옥된 사람들을 방문 많은 사람들이 왜 대량 투옥을 반드시 종식시켜 의 대량 투옥과 국외 추방 및 이민국 수용소에 매 하는 등. 하지만 우리는 더 많은 노력을 기울여야 야 하는지 깨닫고 있다. 이미 많은 사람들은 그 일 34,000명을 수용하라는 의회의 명령인 “무관 한다. 우리는 현재의 위기상황으로 인해 가장 큰 숫자를 알고 있다: 230만명이 투옥되어 있고, 가 용” 정책은 표적이 된 공동체에게 재활, 조정, 배 씁향을 받은 사람들—구치소, 교도소, 이민자 수 석방, 보호관찰, 법정출두를 기다리고 있는 사람 상을 해주는 시스템이 아닌 흑인 및 갈색 피부를 용소에 있는 사람들과 그 가족들에게 귀를 기울 들을 포함해 거의 900만명이 교정시설에 있으 가진 사람들의 사회통제를 위한 시스템이 되게 여야 한다. 우리는 그들의 이야기를 심판하거나 며, 매년 거의 50만명이 민간 이민자 수용소를 하는 길을 만들어냈다. 실제로, 흑인 및 갈색 피 적절하지 않은 훈계를 하지 않고 들어야 한다. 그 거쳐가고 있다. 점점 더 많은 사람들이—특히 가 부를 가진 사람들에 대한 범죄자 취급과 대량 투 리고 우리는 이런 억압적인 제도를 저지하고 근 난하고, 여자이고, 흑인이고, 갈색 피부를 가졌 옥으로 이익을 취하는 Corrections Corporation 본적인 씁향을 미칠 수 있도록 그들이 고안한 해 고, 이민자이고/이거나 정신건강 문제가 있는 사 of America(CCA) 및 GEO Group은 만성적으 결책을 들어야 한다. 그들이 우리를 인도해야 한 람들이—투옥될 위기에 처해 있다. 미국에서 투 로 인간성이 말살되고 소외된 공동체를 발판 삼 다. 우리는 또한 공동체와 리더들에게 제도의 현 옥되어 있는 사람들의 숫자는 10만명 당 700명 아 기록적인 이익을 챙기고 있다. 2014년, 한 해 실에 대해 지속적으로 교육해야 한다. 하지만 의 으로, 인구 1인당 투옥자 수가 세계 어떤 나라보 에만 이 두 기업들은 거의 4억 7천만 달러의 수 식을 높이는 것만으로는 부족하다. 우리는 불공 다도 많다는 것을 우리는 알고 있다. 그리고 인종 익을 올렸다. 평한 사회 경제 및 정치 제도로 인해 지속되는 해

적 편견을 가진 “마약과의 전쟁”은 지난 40년 동 악을 도덕적인 목소리로 중단시켜야 한다. 그리 안 대부분의 비폭력적 약물사범 수백만명을 투 귀를 기울이고, 교육하고, 행동하자 고 우리는 기반을 약화시키는 방법으로 행동/저 옥시키면서 가족들과 갈라놓았다. 미국에서 유색인종에 대해 역사적으로 만연 지해야 한다. 거리 시위? 정책 개혁? 차별 반대 한 범죄자 취급은 대량 투옥에 대한 현 시스템 워크샵? 씁향을 받은 공동체 결집시키기? 우리 사슬에 묶여 있는 나라 의 핵심 요소이다. 저자이자 학자인 Michelle 가 이러한 그리고 더 많은 형태의 저지에 행동으 시카고에 있는 Samuel DeWitt Proctor Alexander가 그녀의 저서 The New Jim 로 참여하지 않는 이상 변화는 일어나지 않을 것 Conference의 사무총장인 Iva Carruthers는 우 Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of 이다. 이것이 우리의 소명이다. r 리는 사실상 “사슬에 묶인 나라” 라고 말했다. 만 Colorblindness에서 질책했듯이, 대량 투옥 Lissette Castillo는 Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition 약 Carruthers가 맞다면, 신앙인들은 주로 가난 은 몸과 행동이 통제되고 갇히는 씁구적인 비 의 연대조직자이며, Janis Rosheuvel은 연합감리교 한 흑인 및 갈색 피부를 가진 수많은 사람들이 투 굴한 하층 계급을 유지하도록 하는 것이다. 회 여선교회 본부의 인종정의 담당 총무이다. Ms. Castillo는 2015년 시카고대학교에서 열린 연합감리 옥되게 만드는 위험하고 근거 없는 믿음들을 거 Alexander가 말했듯이, “중죄인이라는 꼬리표 교회 여선교회 내셔널 세미나에서 Ms. Rosheuvel이 부하라는 부르심을 받고 있다. 대중의 인식에도 가 붙으면 평생 발목을 잡이게 되며, 취업원서, 진행을 맡은 타운홀 미팅의 토론자씀다.

42 response | may 2016 escuchen

150 Años A través de los años, nuestros ministe­ rios con las mujeres, la niñez y la ju­ ventud han alimentado a personas hambrientas, sanado a personas enfer­ mas, educado a millones, cambiado leyes y políticas, y ha transformado vidas. ¡Qué gran legado hemos heredado! Durante casi 150 años, la membresía de Mujeres Metodistas Unidas ha puesto la fe, la esperanza y el amor en acción. Y ahora le corresponde a cada Nuestro proceso de aprendizaje nos es que cada año aumenten su con­ una de nosotras asegurar que nosotras ayuda a ver la realidad de una manera tribución anual para la misión. Esto per­ haremos lo mismo en los próximos cien­ diferente y nuestro deseo de servir hace mitirá continuar el trabajo actual a ni­ to cincuenta años. que estemos inclinadas a “actuar”, pero vel local, distrital, conferencial y nacional De hecho, les estamos dejando a lo que aprendemos nos ayuda también Lo segundo es que nos gustaría que nuestras hijas y nietas un legado con a escuchar y evaluar. consideren contribuir una cantidad adi­ tantos desafíos que puede parecer abru­ El Fondo del Legado proporcionará cional al Fondo del Legado. Quisiéramos mador. También nos gustaría dejarles una fuente estable de apoyo para que que usted reflexione y contribuya can­ un legado diferente... uno que les per­ Mujeres Metodistas Unidas otorgue tidades que honren el legado de Mu­ mita hacer frente a estos desafíos y pro­ subvenciones, becas, coordinación del jeres Metodistas Unidas. Tal vez eso sea ducir cambios concretos. Así, mientras personal misional y apoyo financiero para quince dólares o ciento cincuenta que en el siglo 21 se celebran los 150 la adquisición de cambios tecnológicos dólares o incluso mil quinientos dólares. años de trabajo misionero realizado, tales como sistemas de operación para Si usted está lista para hacer este com­ también tenemos que prepararnos para datos, comunicación y mucho más. promiso hoy, le damos las gracias. Si no, los siguientes 150 años. Y para lograr Garantizar una fuente regular de dediquen un tiempo en oración para esto, hemos establecido la creación apoyo para cubrir estos gastos esenciales decidir qué nivel de contribución es ade­ del Fondo del Legado. liberará a las futuras generaciones a pre­ cuado y envíe por correo la tarjeta de El Fondo del Legado es una cantidad supuestar las Donaciones Misionales de compromiso y su contribución. Y le de dinero permanente asignada para el manera que estén directamente conec­ damos las gracias por ser parte del lega­ futuro, con una entrada de dinero dedi­ tadas a las necesidades de las mujeres, do de ayer, de hoy y de los próximos cada al fortalecimiento de Mujeres la niñez y la juventud. Esto permitirá 150 años. Metodistas Unidas. que nuestras sucesoras puedan pro- El programa total de Mujeres Me­ mover las Donaciones Misionales de Adaptado de la presentación electrónica prepara­ todistas Unidas es la misión. El servi­ una manera totalmente diferente. da con motivo del 150 aniversario de Mujeres cio, la abogacía y las oportunidades de ¿Y cómo vamos a financiar los próxi­ Metodistas Unidas. aprendizaje transformador equipa a la mos 150 años y más allá? Estamos pi­ membresía a convertirse en agentes de diendo que cada miembro de Mujeres cambio y promueve el empodermiento Metodistas Unidas se comprometa en de las mujeres que es esencial para di­ dos cosas. Las estamos desafiando a re­ rigirnos a las causas profundas de tan­ flexionar y considerar la pregunta tas situaciones que dañan a las mujeres, “¿cuál será mi legado?“. la niñez y la juventud. Lo primero que nos gustaría pedirles

response | may 2016 43 Read The following books are from the United Methodist Women 2016 Reading Program.

WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED Methodists Debate Race, Gender and Homosexuality act Jane Ellen Nickell As Protestant denominations fracture CELEBRATE ALL WHO MOTHER | On Sunday, May 8, we over whether to ordain gay men and celebrate Mother’s Day, a day to honor our mothers and all women, this work looks at The United who mother. We as United Methodist Women members Methodist Church’s conversations to stand on the strong foundation our foremothers in mission see what can be learned from earlier laid for us, knowing our unique call as Christian women to periods of change. In light of Method- put faith, hope and love into action for women, children and ism’s historic contests over the leader- youth down the street and around the world. This month, ship of African Americans and women and using the context of the Methodist United Methodist Women will be at the General Conference General Conference, this book ana- of The United Methodist Church ensuring our denomination lyzes transcripts of debates in key prioritizes healthy, whole, supported, safe mothers and years of these struggles, letting the ar- women whose lives, bodies and well-being are valued. guments speak for themselves. Read- Read more about the legislation we bring to General ing Program category: Social Action Conference and our presence there at (RP1616/$25). www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/gc2016. THINGS YOUR MOTHER NEVER How will you celebrate Mother’s Day? Let us know! Share TOLD YOU stories and photos of your Mother’s Day celebrations at A Woman’s Guide to Sexuality www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/mystory or by e-mailing Kim Gaines Eckert [email protected]. May all women feel Conversations about sex and sexuality blessed and trusted this Mother’s Day. matter because they are really about our identity as people created in the image of God. So why aren’t Christians talking? In this frank exploration of what it means to be a sexual being created by God, the book explores myths from popular culture and dis- torted religious teaching. Allow this book to be your companion into a jour- ney to deeper self-understanding as you explore things you may have never discussed with anyone. Reading Pro- gram category: Spiritual Growth (RP1621/$15). Tim Barnes Barnes Tim response editor Tara Barnes and her son, Henry, 3, enjoy Mother’s Day in Central Park in New York City in May 2015. Pray for General Conference This month, from May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon, United Methodists from around Subscribe to response Today the world will gather for our quadrennial General Conference, the top policymaking Now is the time to subscribe to body of The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Women will be at General response or renew your subscription. Conference, pre- The price of a senting resolutions one-year sub-

to set the Church scription is $24; a may 2016 the magazine of women in mission on a path to en- two-year sub- A Good sure women, chil- scription is $45. Foundation dren and youth Audio subscrip- around the world tions are can live thriving available for $24

Sexuality a gift Women delegates from God at General Conference 32 34 lives. Pray for response july/august a year. To sub- | General Confer- scribe, go to ence and the www.unitedmethodistwomen.org Mike DuBose/UMNS DuBose/UMNS Mike Deaconess Becky Louter prays over seats at the 2012 United presence of the or call 877–881–2385. Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Florida. Holy Spirit there.

Mission maps online Member Resources Online The United Methodist Women Mission Giving maps featured in the February Program ideas, logos and 2016 issue of response can also be found online, at www.unitedmethodist templates, photos, videos, women.org/maps/ worship services, member mission-maps. (These in- resources and more can all be clude the four found at www.unitedmethodist national mission institu- women.org. Click on “For Mem­ tions mistakenly left out bers and Leaders” and find what of the print issue.) Down- you need! load the maps for display or share them with others to show the impact you make around the United Methodist Women world. Mission Resources United Methodist Women Mission Resources distributes United Reading Program books on sale Methodist Women materials and Did you know Reading Program books featured from 2011-2016 can count to- resources. ward fulfilling your 2016 Reading Program plan? Many of the books included on To order: the 2011-2015 lists are on sale at United Methodist Women Mission Resources, Call: 1–800–305–9857 many at a deep discount. Stock up or purchase gifts at www.unitedmethodist- Fax: 1–770–280–0061 women.org/store today! (fax is not toll-free) e-store: Attend Mission u www.umwmissionresources.org Mission u is an opportunity to study current issues impacting society based on re- cent United Methodist Women mission study topics. Hosted throughout the coun- Mail to: try by United Methodist annual conferences, these summertime events offer United Methodist Women classes on spiritual growth, a geographic study and an issue study. The 2016 mis- Mission Resources sion studies are Latin America: People and Faith, The Bible and Human Sexuality P.O. Box 742349 and Climate Justice. These events are open to any who would like to attend. Find Atlanta, GA 30374-2349 out where your closest Mission u event will be held and find registration informa- tion at www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-u.

response | may 2016 45 pray

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. Mary’s Song of Praise Luke 1:46-55

Syrian refugee Farhan Othman holds her 9-month-old son Mohammed in Messstetten, Germany, as she awaits asylum. Paul Jeffrey Jeffrey Paul Introducing: response digital! Your favorite magazine has a digital companion! Now you can also read response on your e-reader, tablet, phone or computer.

Take response with you wherever you go! To learn more and subscribe visit www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/response. Digital subscription free with print subscription, or get digital-only subscription for 15 percent off the print price. Sarah Park, Korean language coordinator for the Virginia Conference United Methodist Women, connects with other language coordinators during United Methodist Women’s Voices event at Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee, in February 2016.

Kristina Krug connected