Fresh Connection

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February 2011

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August 2010  Volume 15 Number 3 

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February 2010 Volume 15 Number 1 

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Fall 2009 Volume 14 Number 1

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1MINNESOTA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Newsletter Editor972 118th Lane NEBlaine, MN 55434Volume 16 Number 3AUGUST 2011Find us on the web!go to www.minnesotaumc.org

These are new directions3 Get Involved3 Join a Group3 United Methodist Womenwww.minnesotaumc.org/get-involved/join-a-group/united-methodist-women/Twin Cities District websitewww.myumw.com

Invitation to 2011 Annual Gathering The women of Big Waters District cordially invite you to the 2011 Annual Gathering of the Minnesota Conference United Methodist Women to be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (and Friday evening for those who can come early)† The meeting will be held at the White Bear Lake United Methodist Church, 1851 Birch St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110, http://www.wblumc.org/ The church is handicap-accessible. †Bed and Breakfast accommodations will be available for those planning to attend the Friday evening event. (See registration form) Our theme for 2011 is: Faith-Hope-Love In Action and we are planning a day that will be interesting, educational and enjoyable. †The Hands On Mission project will be new socks and underwear for God’s Closet. †Cynthia Waldt will be our keynote speaker. Speaking on the topic: “Go Be Fishers of Women”Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you!

Hands-On Giving at the 2011 Annual Gathering God’s Closet - A Ministry of Clothing and Caring God’s Closet is a free clothing store for residents of East St. Paul. This ministry of Epworth United Methodist Church is supported and staffed by volunteers from Epworth and Woodbury / Peaceful Grove United Methodist churches. We can help by bringing donations from our units and our District Gatherings to White Bear Lake UMC. New socks and underwear for any child of God will be a welcome gift. Our hosts at White Bear Lake UMC will see that our gifts are placed in God’s Closet so that God’s children may be clothed. Remember - we come in all sizes and shapes so the gifts we bring should reflect the diversity of God’s children. Thanks for your generous gifts and the prayers they answer!

Volume 16 Number 3

INVITATION you Conference Saturday, Friday United Lake, is accommodations attend

Calendar

September 21, 2011 Voices for Victory (over adversity) noon to 1:30 p.m. Details at www.emmanorton.org

October 8, 2011 – UMW - Annual Gathering at White Bear Lake UMC (return any Lending Library books)

October 10, 2011 – Emma Norton Services’ Annual Dinner at Ramada Plaza, Minneapolis. See www.emmanorton.org

October 29-30 - DOTE (District Officer Training Event) at Koinonia Camp.

June 19-20, 2012 – The North Central Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting in Des Moines, Iowa.

July 17 – 22, 2012 – School of Missions Cindy Waldt White Bear Lake United Methodist Church at White Bear Lake UMC will see that our gifts are placed in God's Closet so that God's children may be clothed. Remember - we come in all sizes and shapes so the gifts we bring should reflect the diversity of God's children. Thanks for your Generous gifts and the prayers they answer!
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* “A Line in the Sand: The Role of Faith Communities in Preventing Bullying” will be presented by Rachel Warner, Director of Discipleship and Youth Ministries at Normandale Hylands UMC. Her passion lies in finding creative avenues for the empowerment of all members of our faith community, regardless of age, to be in ministry together in the service of Christ.*

“Living Greener” How green are you? We all want to help the environment. Are we doing all we can? Find some new avenues to explore and share what you have discovered. Led by Ginger Eddy, UMW member, Home Economist, avid gardener, concerned about our earth and the people who live on it. *

“From UBUNTU to Mononkoh” Let’s spend some time talking about mission with people in Rural Sierra Leone. After 4 trips to the village of Mononkoh, I have memories and joyful experiences to share with you. Let’s talk about how short term mission trips can model the concept of UBUNTU.*

“Dialogue With A Young Woman” Our keynote speaker, Cynthia Waldt, will expand on her topic in this enrichment session. Cynthia is a very active member at Epworth UMC in St. Paul, on the board for Walk to Emmaus, teaches CPR and first aid, and volunteers at Ten Thousand Villages. She is also a lawyer.*

“Following the Call: My Path to the Deaconess Connection” Leslie Hobson and Mary Gehrke, both Deaconesses from Minnesota, will be sharing their call stories, discernment, experiences, and their present appointments in the Conference.*

“Computers: Bane or Blessing?” Do you have a love/hate relationship with your computer? Conference UMW Technical Adviser Theresa Riecke and her assistants will help with your questions and offer some “hands-on” guidance. computer help*

“National Seminar Review” United Methodist Women members, Jeri Watkins and Glenice Booker-Butler, recently attended National Seminar in Birmingham, Alabama. This is an opportunity to find out what it is and how it should affect our lives.

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT ANNUAL GATHERING

Emma Norton Services is collecting donated auction items (everything from handmade goods and treats to gift cards and art) for the 2011 Annual Dinner & Silent Auction on Monday, October 10 at the Ramada Plaza in Minneapolis. For more information, to donate or to attend the event, call Anna at (651) 251-2632 or email ataff@emmanorton.org.

READING PROGRAM PLANS FOR 2012Plan I – 5 books each year• One book from each category: EFM, LD, NFC, SA and SG• Selections from the 2008 – 2012 reading lists if not included in previous reports (including youth titles)• Regular Reading of Response MagazinePlan II – 10 books each year• Two books from each category: EFM, LD, NFC, SA and SG• Selections from the 2008 – 2012 reading lists if not included in previous reports (including youth titles)• Regular reading of Response and New World Outlook magazinesPlan III – 15 books each year• Two books from each category: EFM, LD,NFC,SA, and SG• Plus five additional books from any category• Selections from the 2008-2012 reading list if not included in previous reports (including youth and children’s titles)• Regular reading of Response and New World Outlook magazinesPlan IV – 20 books each year• Two books from each category: EFM, LD, NFC, SA, and SG• Plus ten additional books from any category• Selections from the 2008-2012 reading list if not included in previous reports (including youth and children’s titles)• Regular reading of Response and New World Outlook magazines.EFM = Education for Mission SA = Social Action LD = Leadership Development SG = Spiritual GrowthNFC = Nurturing for Community
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As I have pondered the content of this article over the last days, multiple ideas have crossed my mind. This will be the last of my “Reflections” as my term as President of the Minnesota Conference United Methodist Women comes to a close. What a wonderful opportunity I have had to share with you through printed word, through experience, faith growth, and prayer. I know United Methodist Women will continue to be an important part of my life as it has in the past. As some of you know, along with the tasks of this position, this past year has found me in a journey with uterine cancer. My treatments are complete and I have now been cancer free for three months. We praise God for this current state. I’m adjusting to what is now called “survivorship”. Among the changes is the return of some hair. While this might seem a trivial part of the whole process, it is a sign others see on the outside. To some who do not know the story, the very short hair is an interesting hair style choice. To those who have experienced the same side effect, it is quite obvious. To those who know about the journey, it is a kind of badge to judge wellness. Yes, it is more gray and more curly, a typical result of chemo treatments. I was thinking how this might apply to the Christian witness we give to those around us. Is there something about our presence or action that shows we are Christian? Do others think it is an interesting life style choice? Can others really see that our life is different?
No, the hair is not necessarily different. Wearing a cross around our neck does not necessarily tell the story. We must be intentional about giving our witness and being bold for God. There must be no uncertainty about what we believe and the reason we love others enough to make a difference in lives. I know United Methodist Women has taught me this lesson and I desire to pass the joy of the love of God and service to others that need and want to learn as well. This past May we had our Spiritual Retreat at Lake Koronis. It was a delight to have Harriet Jane Olson, United Methodist Women’s Deputy Executive Secretary, with us to explore who we are in our faith as we build Connections. Those of us who gathered at St. John’s University for School of Christian Mission in July learned much about forgiveness, reconciliation, and restorative justice through a class called “The Journey”, under the guidance
of Rev. Cindy Kennedy. The study “Joy to the World”, presented history and current efforts of our church and United Methodist Women to spread the Good News led by Rev. Linda Gesling of the Minnesota Annual Conference and Millie Frese of Iowa. Rev. David Morton of the West Michigan Conference and Lori McBride of Minnesota helped us learn about the country of Haiti and the joy of the people in the middle of current struggles. October 8th, we are all invited to the White Bear Lake United Methodist Church for the 2011 Annual Gathering. The Theme for the day is Faith-Hope-Love in Action. See the first page of this newsletter for more information. I look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for the privilege of serving in this position. You have heard before that it is a wonderful opportunity to learn and I have. I thank the team of leaders that I have had the delight to get to know and observe the gifts and talents each possesses as they taught me about faith in word and action. “And finally . . . sisters, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. “ 2 Corinthians 13: 11Reflections from Rennae The Purpose of United Methodist Women 

The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose Purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of
the church.

Wanted: All Conference Lending Library books returned to Char Frankenberry, 517 3rd Ave SE, Waseca MN 56093 by October 8th.
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APPLAUSE, APPLAUSE to the recipients of this year’s Emma Norton Scholarships.   Each of the following recipients have met the criteria and will be awarded a scholarship of about $488:

Bonnie Buckley, Eden Prairie, MN. Bonnie has a BA in Speech from MI State Univ. in East Lansing & a M. Ed in Family Education from the U of MN, Mpls. She is currently attending Candler Seminary at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and is working toward a M.Div. degree. Her home church is Good Samaritan UMC.

Jen Johnson, Minneapolis, MN. Jen has a BS in recreation from Iowa State Univ., Ames, Iowa & is currently enrolled on a part-time basis at United Theological Seminary, New Brighton. Jen is working toward a M.Div. from United Theological Seminary. Jen’s home church is Lake Harriet UMC.

Erica Jo Koser, Mankato, MN. Erica received a BA in Nursing from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, & is currently attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul, working toward a Master›s Degree  in Children, Youth and Family Ministries. Erica›s church home is Centenary UMC.

Carissa Lick, Evanston, Illinois. Carissa has a BA in Religion from Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN & is currently attending Garrett Seminary in Chicago, working toward a M.Div. degree. Carissa’s home church is Wells UMC.

Dianna Merriman, Ramsey, MN. Dianna has a BFA in Music from the U of AZ, Tucson & is currently attending Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN where she is working toward a M. Div.. Her home church is Elk River UMC.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE EMMA NORTON SCHOLARSHIP MONEY? The scholarship money comes originally from Emma Norton herself. Concerned about the struggles of women to obtain an education  in the early 1900s, Emma Norton gave $25,000 in stocks and bonds to the Women’s Home Missionary Society. Her stipulation with this generous gift in 1912 was that the money was to remain intact and that each year half of the interest would be used for scholarships
for women going into full-time Christian vocations. The other half of the interest would be used for a national mission. Emma Norton Services is the recipient of the 2011 national mission
award.The stock account has grown since 1912 and hundreds of scholarships have been awarded over the years. The fund is managed by the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries. The designated fund committee of the MN Conference United Methodist Women manages
the distribution of the interest, including the national mission and the scholarships.CONGRATULATIONS to these five outstanding women in ministry.Faye Christensen, Chair, Emma Norton Distribution Fund Committee, MN Conference UMW EMMA NORTON SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

School Uniforms ForSierra Leone, AfricaPick up Sewing Kits andReturn Completed Uniforms to:Annette Brandner1417 148th Ave. NWAndover, MN 55304763-413-1979akbrandner@comcast.netOperation Classroom Ministries ships to Africa each fall and spring
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Slate of 2012 Officers for Minnesota Conference UMW

PresidentGloria Wesloh - 1st term 1st year

Vice PresidentJan Dehmlow - 1st term 2nd year

SecretaryGail Miller - 1st term 1st year

TreasurerJoyce Nedbalek - 2nd term 2nd year

Chair Committee on NominationsGinger Eddy – 2nd term 1st yearMission

CoordinatorsSpiritual GrowthCindy Saufferer - 2nd term 2nd year

Membership Nurture and OutreachSandra Meyer - 1st term 1st year

Social ActionElizabeth Everett - 1st term 1st year

Education and InterpretationSharon Weller - 1st term 2nd year

Secretary of Program ResourcesCharlotte Frankenberry - 2nd term 2nd yr.

Communication CoordinatorSue Bosshardt - 2nd term 2nd year

Committee on Nominations Class of 2012Theresa Riecke - 2nd term 2nd yearJanelle Vaubel - 2nd term 2nd year Class of 2013Josephine (Jo) Bredesen - 2nd term 1st yr.Ginger Eddy - 2nd term 1st year Class of 2014Jan Iverson - 1st term 2nd yearJoy Johnson - 1st term 2nd year Class of 2015Annette Brandner 1st term 1st yearJomyla Choate - 1st term 1st year

Candidates for Director of UMWRobin McBrideCindy SauffererAlternate, Theresa Riecke

Committee on the Charter for Racial Justice PoliciesWesley Griffin - 3rd yearAmy Humphrey - 1st year

School of Missions

PROPOSED CHANGES TO STANDING RULES to come before Annual Conference Meeting 2011Page 21 Article 3 FUNDS Section 5 change to read:The Dean and Assistant Dean of the School of Christian Mission shall receive pearl special mission recognition
upon completion of a two year term in office. A gift to mission
shall be given upon completion of a second two year term in office.Page 22 Article 3 FUNDS Section 5 sub section D. change to read:A Sapphire Special Mission Recognition shall be given to the Registrar of the School of Christian Mission upon completion of a full term in office. A gift to mission shall be given upon completion of a second two year term in office.Page 23 Article 3 FUNDS Section 10 change to read:The following Conference officers
shall attend United Methodist Women Assembly and Jurisdiction: Conference Program Committee, Conference Historian, the Assistant Dean of School of Christian Mission and the District Presidents.Page 23 Article 3 FUNDS Section 11 change to read:An Assembly Fund shall be established
by the Conference with monies
being held in the Conference Treasury.School of Missions’ sharing groupSchool of Missions:

Kim Harris and Annette Brandner help Elizabeth Everitt make her festive
hat.
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Joy to the WorldGod’s Transforming Mission DVD 20 min Presents some of the major mission challenges Christians will confront in the 21st century, including mission among the world’s poor, ministry to children and youth, the impact of globalization and reconciliation
among nations and peoples.
Mission Forward DVD 15 min Learn what it means to give “Joy to the World” as special guest speakers share their stories at Assembly 2010’s Mission Forward Symposium.When the Night Comes DVD 60 min a film connecting the world’s rich and poor in life changing ways in the fight to stop malaria.The Shadows of Virtue DVD 35 min. This is an introspective look at the actions God’s love compels us to take in response to the crisis of global povertyHaitiReligion’s Response to the Haiti Earthquake DVD 30 min. A CBS Film with a Short Feature on UMCOR’s Haiti Response with an interview with Melissa Crutchfield, one of the disaster-response coordinators.
Haiti DVD 25 min. Women’s Division. Included in this DVD are history, US relationship with Haiti, and Haitian life.Haiti Slide Show DVD Women’s Division 13 min shown 2 times. Comes with a small script.The JourneyAmish Grace DVD 88 min. The story of the shooting that occurred in the Amish schoolhouse and how they showed forgiveness to the man and his family.Forgiveness DVD Various lengths PBS Special Helen Whitney’s Forgiveness explores the act of forgiveness
through a wide range of stories, from adultery and personal betrayal to the post-genocidal reconciliation
of nations.Same Difference DVD 3 min Women’s Division People from different
faiths talking about their feelings
and experiences immediately following 9 – 11Right Relationship DVD 15 min Women’s Division Harriet Jane Olsen is in dialogue with the Islamic, Jewish and Christian communities about what they have experience since 9-11.To implement the Charter for Racial Justice section of the Mission Today Unit requirements the following videos and DVDs may be watched and discussed.“Truth and Wholeness: Replacing White Privilege with God’s Promise” DVD 16 min UM Commission on Religion & Race and UM Commission on Christian Unity & Interreligious Concerns. Its purpose is to provide understanding and insights to white persons who live with an advantage that is truly invisible to them.“The Charter for Racial Justice” VHS 15 min Outlines the history and meaning of the Charter“Theressa Hoover United Methodist Women Through the Test of Time” VHS 22 min. An inspiring look at the woman God empowered
for a special time and purpose. Among many other achievements, she stood up for the separate autonomy
of the UMW within the UMC, and the Charter for Racial Justice.“Theressa Hoover: A Woman with a Purpose” VHS 11 min. Theressa, on of the first black women to work for the WD is interviewed. She shares her story and encourages
confidence and boldness in all women.More resources for the studies can be found at new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/resources/articlesA full video list can be found at www.minnesotaumc.org/get-involved/join-a-group/united-methodist-
women/Please e-mail orders, frankenberryc@
gmail.com (507-833-7489 leave a message) and list the request, the date you plan to use it, the name and address to mail it to, your phone number and your church. Requests are mailed so that you receive them a week before it’s needed and a return address label is included. Thank you.Audio Visual List2011-2012 “Make All Things New” Mission StudiesNews from Mission Resource Center: A Back to School Special: a great gift from your church to a student going to college. The School Special includes the Women’s Bible (regularly $23), Prayer Calendar ($11), an issue of Response Magazine ($2.75) and a bookmark all for only $15.00. Order at www.missionresourcecenter.org
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Minnesota Conference United Methodist Women

ANNUAL GATHERING REGISTRATION

Registration Deadline for both Meeting and Housing -

September 21,2011Registration sheet reqnired for each participant attending.

Registration Deadline: September 21,2011

DISTRlCT______________________CHURCH__________________________ __1st-time Attendee

NAME_________________________________________PHONE_______________________E-MAIL___________________________________________________________ADDRESS______________________________________________________________Street City Zip Age Bracket: _15-25_26-35_36-45_46-60_Over 60 Indicate any special needs, including dietary _______________________________________________________

I need child care: __Yes__NoAge ofchildren_______

Please bring a sack lunch for each child___

$15.00 individual registration fee enclosed___

Group registration payment enclosed (one check with a registration form for each person)(You will stay overnight with a local family In their home.)

HOUSING REGISTRATION

Registration Sheet required for each person.

Registration deadline is September 21, 2011.

YOURNAME____________________________ Roommate, ifany____________________________Allergies, medical conditions, etc. _________________________$10.00 Housing Registration Fee enclosed___Group housing registration payment enclosed (one check with a housing registration form for each person)You will be called onlyifhousing places are filled: NO CONFIRMATIONS. You provide your own Friday dinner.Make check payable to: MN Conference UMWAmount enclosed Check # ___

Send completed registration form(s) and payment to:Marilyn Olson1953 Oak Knoll DriveWhite Bear Lake, MN 55110651-426-3483Date &Fees Location Short Schedule Saturday, October 8, 2011White Bear LakeUMC 8:OOam Registration Registration &Lunch -$15.00 1851 Birch St9:00am Opening Friday, October7, 2011White Bear LakeSession Bed &Brealifast -$10.00MN 55110Lunch Afternoon Emichments Installation ofOfficers Closing &Refreshments
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Waging Peace with PRAYER and ACTIONThroughout this year, United Methodist Women are looking at the journey of engaging in reconciliation.
  Until International “Day of Peace” on Sept. 21, you are invited to participate in PRAYERS AND ACTIONS FOR PEACE as an expression of reconciliation. We can say prayers for peace. But what do we do about them? How do we take the sincere concerns we have for peace in our world today and take steps to make it a reality? How do we find ways to make positive, long-lasting change? And where do we start?You can start by writing a prayer for peace – by yourself, in your circle, local UMW, Bible study group – and post online (www.unitedmethodistwomen.
org) so that it can be shared wherever you have connections. Then do something. Organize a public witness, a prayer vigil in a public place or a short march in your community which encourages people working together to end violence
or racism. Rather than being a “voice for the voiceless,” seek opportunities to invite/insist that the “voiceless” speak for themselves. There is nothing more powerful than a person’s own story. Encourage your church to be a place of accompaniment and welcome where the public can gather around issues of concern. Further suggestions for action are also available on the website. No action or prayer is too small. Each one pushes us closer to the deep, genuine love which is necessary for the work of reconciliation and peace.

Nonprofit OrganizationUS POSTAGEPAIDDetroit Lakes, MN 56501Permit No. 14Newsletter Editor972 118th Lane NEBlaine, MN 55434

The Fresh Connection is published three times yearly by the Minnesota Conference United Methodist Women and is distributed free of charge to all Minnesota UMW officers and others who request a subscription.

Editor: Sue Bosshardt972 118th Lane NE, Blaine, MN 55434e-mail sgbphb@Q.com For change of address or subscriptions, contact:Wailana Barker605 36th Avenue,Rochester MN 55901e-mail: lanab@charter.net

Printed by:Forum Communications Printing, Detroit Lakes, MN Minnesota

Represented at Federation MeetingWe are proud to have had Mary Gates’ representation at the August International Gathering of the Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women in South Africa. With funding from Edna Holler memorial and other budget line items, she was presented
a scholarship of $1,400 to defray the cost to attend this event that happens on a five-year cycle. We celebrate her interest
to attend and eagerly await a report at our Annual Gathering when she returns.

North Central Jurisdiction goals for the Quadrennial Meeting include: being open to all members of United Methodist Women; electing directors
to the Women’s Division (nominated by each Conference); electing the Jurisdiction Leadership Team and the Jurisdiction Committee on Nominations; educating for mission; providing skill building and most importantly: celebrating our PURPOSE!Fill my Cup LordNorth Central Jurisdiction Quadrennial Meeting
June 19 - 20, 2012 Drake University, Des Moines, IowaFor More Information: www.gbgm-umc.org/ncjumw/