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TRANSCRIPT
BRIDGES DISTRICT 2015
MISSION TEAM
All team members can be reached by going to
webpage address above and clicking on team
member’s name.
President
Orene Dunzweiler
Vice President
Mere T. Nabou
Secretary
Martha Parker
Treasurer
Jan Mathis
Secretary, Program Resources
Iva Turaga
Spiritual Growth
Phyllis Varney
Education & Interpretation
Martha Gould
Membership, Nurture &
Outreach
Carol Kremer
Communications
Robyn Jovalis
Nominations
Roberta Smith, Chair
Yasuko de la Torre
Arinel Greene
Andrea Hayes
Grace Johnson
Rosa Washington-Olson
Linda P. Wright
CA-NV Conference UMW
www.cnumw.org
National Organization UMW unitedmethodistwomen.org
President’s Ponderings
Summer is in full swing and I hope you have had some time to relax and dream. It will soon be time to gear up for Fall and all of that season's "back to" and "kick off" activi-ties. Maybe you can squeeze a little more down time out of August, but it won't be easy.
Last week, my church, First UMC in Sacramento, had our annual family camping trip. This year, we went to Salt Point State Park on the absolutely stunning coast where we could watch the ocean, walk on the beaches and enjoy the thick forest canopy as well. My husband and I no longer actually camp--we "half camp"--spend our days and evenings with the campers and our nights in a near-by motel. I'm much happier that way! As I enjoyed the panoramic ocean view from our room, I couldn't help but dwell on our focus scripture for this year--how God's plan for each of us is unique--we are each like a grain of sand, or maybe even one of the incredible rocks before the water wears them away, changing their shape. God sees things in us that we might not. We must be patient--He's not through with us, yet!
On September 26, at our Annual Celebration, Rev. Elizabeth Brick will conclude our year with her message, "Unique, But Not Perfect." Also at this gathering in Santa Rosa, we will honor the members we have lost this year, recognize the District Team leaders who are leaving, elect new Team members, approve our 2016 budget and recognize the Local Organizations (formerly called units) who have earned their Mission Today, 5 Star Giving, Reading Program and Charter for Racial Justice recognition. We will close with communion. It will be a busy day! Please plan to join us. The registration form is in this newsletter. Make cop-ies and pass them on!
May God's Blessings be with you in all you do.
Orene
SAVE THE DATES for Mission U: Weekend, August 7-9, UC Davis One Day, August 29 - Salinas First UMC
Connecting Bridges
Bridges District
California Nevada Conference
United Methodist Women
United
Methodist
Women
Faith, Hope, Love In Action
Orene Dunzweiler, PRESIDENT
August, 2015
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Mere T. Nabou is from the village of Naduri, in the Province of Macuata, one of the largest Provinces in Fiji. Attended middle school at Stella Maris Primary and St. Teresa's Primary School and completed her secondary education in Xavier College, western division in the mainland of Vitilevu. She continued her education at Fiji Insitute of Technology with a Diploma in Business Studies in the capital
city, Suva.
She worked as a civil Servant at various Government Department in the Accounts Department and worked her way up Senior Clerical Officer. She was very active in the Community, Church and Province serving in various hands on Committees. In sports she loved Netball as a player and umpiring games and got herself involved as Committee in district level Nasinu Netball Association as Treasur-er and also traveled with Lomaiviti Netball as Team Manager, Tour to Australia. Served with the Fiji Netball Umpiring Association as
Secretary and still holds I] Fiji Local Badge Umpire 2] Oceania Umpire Badge.
She left Fiji in 1997 and resides in the United States where she worked as a caregiver. First it was a struggle to see, touch and feel a new environment. Living and work settings took years to adapt to and to be of aware new life experiences on the other side of the globe. She took various classes in Health Education to familiarize herself with new working equipment that she had never seen or touched. Completed her Certified Nursing Assistant and her Certified Home Health Assistant both California State Licensed [2001] renewable every two years. She continues her outreach stretching out as far she can get involved in the Fijian Community, Church,
and Women & Children & You Nabou
Meet our new Vice-President: Mere T. Nabou,
Would like to have the 5–star giving completed by End of August. We need your input for the Certificates. The UMW Fall Celebration is Oct 17th, location is to be announced. Certificates are awarded at this func-tion. Come enjoy the day with your fellow sisters!
The 5-star giving categories are:
Pledge to Mission These funds are used for mission with a focus on women, children and youth through the national office, except for the administration and membership development funds kept at the district and conference lev-els.
Special Mission Recognition (SMR) An individual or group can recognize a faithful worker in mission by giving her or him a SMR pin.
Gift to Mission Gifts to Mission are typically made in honor of someone for a special occasion. Cards are available to pre-sent your gift.
Gift in Memory You can honor the memory of someone special by giving a Gift in Memory of her or him. Cards are avail-able to represent your gift. Your donation makes additional mission work possible in the United States and around the world.
World Thank Offering Throughout the year UMW members participate in a long-held tradition of giving a spontaneous gift of gratitude for God’s abundance and in celebration of the joys of life.
Jan
Jan Mathis, Treasurer
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Greetings to all who are in service to their UMW units. I look forward to our annual meeting this September and pray you will be inspired to bring your friends who maybe have never been to a district meeting. I am involved in a Conference UMW UMVIM project I would like to share with you below. Please contact me or Rosie Bachand for more information. Martha Parker - 415-794-7687 - [email protected]
Martha
MARTHA PARKER, SECRETARY
An Answer to a Mother’s Prayer
Mothers and their babies share many things. They share a special relationship that's like no other. They share physical features. They share immunities. They share a blood line. And in some cases, they share a dependence on alcohol and other drugs. A woman who's pregnant and using alcohol or other drugs may give birth to a child who shares the effects of those drugs. That child's life may begin, unlike others, with pain and chemical dependency. While doctors and nurses can bring the child out of the physical effects of alcohol and other drugs, more difficult, long lasting and far reaching consequences can follow. The infant could be separated from his or her mother by state laws written to protect the child and his or her future. However, the mother child bond could be preserved with the help of special programs designed specifically for this situation. Susannah's House is one of those special programs. Susannah's House can help At Susannah's House programs are available for the mother following initial treatment when she wants to maintain her sobriety. She will be partnered with people who can help her stay on the continuing path to abstinence from addictive substances, including nicotine. Susannah's House provides no cost services to Mothers Susannah's House provides no cost services for Children
Cokesbury UMC has provided recovery programs for the Knoxville Tennessee community since 2003. Out of this ministry Susan-nah's House was born. Rebekah Fetzer heard the call of young women who needed a place to recover and be with their young chil-dren. The Church responded and in 2013 created a safe house where treatment and community could make a difference. A group of 8 UMW women from across conference have joined together for an UMVIM experience under the leadership of Rosie Bachand (Stockton). Three are from Bridges District, Martha Parker, Iva Turaga and Luci Caucau . We want to en-courage you to support this mission of service with your prayers and offerings. Please consider taking a special offering to assist this group, who will spend 5 days working at Susannah's House doing light maintenance, gardening, Bible stories, Book Group, cooking and serving meals to members and of course sharing stories. While there we could also participate in "Recovery at Cokesbury" services where we can cook and serve food before services and attend various groups after the services. If you are interested to participate or support this project call or email Rosie Bachand at 209-639-5258 or [email protected].
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Dear Sisters in Christ,
As the Education and Interpretation Coordinator for the Bridges District, I want to tell you about the events planned for the coming year. I am attaching the form for anyone needing information about becoming a Mission Today group in this newsletter. It is a form made by the E&I coordinators from the 4 districts in the Cal-Nevada Conference. It gives guidelines for any UMW group for activities during the year. Each group can pick and choose activities that fit the interest of their members, and groups are recog-nized at the annual district meeting in the fall. I am attaching last year’s form for your information, but will send out the 2015 as
soon as I receive it.
Our Cal-Nevada UMW Conference has Mission u Events this summer. You can visit the website www.cnumw.org to get updates,
but here are dates on the current calendar:
Weekend Event: August 7-9th—UC Davis
One-Day Event: August 29th—Salinas First UMC
Registration and topic info will be available to read and download on that site, but I am including information here in the Bridges District newsletter, also. Please be aware that both our Bridges District and the Conference provides scholarships for Mission u,
especially for new and younger members in your UMW group. I am also attaching scholarship forms.
On a personal note, this is my last year as E and I Coordinator for Bridges District, and I have enjoyed working with you. I recently
visited the UMW group at Grace UMC in San Francisco and heard about their mission activities.
Blessings, ,
Martha
Email: [email protected]
MARTHA GOULD, MISSION COORDINATOR, Education & Interpretation
I hope you are enjoying your summer. I realize many of you do not meet during the summer months, but I need your assistance again. I will be sending you a letter or e-mail asking for a list of any of the women who may have died since last September. We will be honoring them at our Annual Fall Celebration on September 26, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa. They also will be honored at the CANV Annual Fall Meeting on October 17, 2015 at the Merced United Methodist Church. Bridges District will be working with small units to assist them in joining another unit as a Cluster. In this way you may keep your unit, but be under the umbrella of a larger unit. United Methodist Women are one of the most important and powerful organizations in the world and we need every
woman to carry on our Mission. I hope to see many of you at the September Meeting.
Carol
CAROL KREMER, MISSION COORDINATOR, MEMBERSHIP, NURTURE & OUTREACH
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Another beautiful California day. Though we're still in need of water and some areas are suffering with fire, here in Sacramento the weather is lovely and I'm picking tasty sungold tomatoes daily. The nominating committee had a worthwhile meeting after the delicious breakfast at Hale Hufanga Tongan UMC. We had several members volunteer to contact ladies to
ask them to serve as officers. We now have filled most positions for 2016:Orene Dunzweiler, president; Mere Nabou, Vice President; Martha Parker, Secretary; Jan Mathis, Treasurer; Diane Moody, Secretary of Program Resources; Robyn Jovalis, Communications Coordinator; Carol Kremer, Coordinator of Education & Interpretation; Iva Turaga, Coordinator for Spiritual Growth; Martha Gould, Coordinator for Membership, Nurture and Out-reach; Roberta Smith, Nominating Chair; and Rosa Washington Olson, Yasuko DeLaTorre, Linda Wright, and Grace Johnson as members of the committee. We're still searching for a Social Action Coordinator and for more people to join the nominating committee. Enjoy the warm days of August and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at MissionU in Davis.
Roberta [email protected]
DREAMING BIG DREAMS
Are you a dreamer? Scientists have proven that we all dream, but don’t always re-member the content of our dreams. When we do remember them, some seem so silly and foolish that we quickly dismiss them. Some dreams do seem like revela-tions, telling us things about ourselves that we may not be aware of. These things that we harbor far beneath the surface of our daily lives. Dreams provide a way for God to reach us, when our conscious defenses are down. We might say that they are an avenue for God to reach and speak to us directly. In Genesis we read about Jacob and his dream of angels descending and ascending a staircase to heaven. This dream gave Jacob the confidence he needed to continue on God’s path. Like-wise, many other people of the Bible dreamed dreams, that though nonsensical, became crucial later in their lives.
Of course there are also daydreams. These are the dreams that happen when we are fully awake and may involve creative problem solving. In planning for the future we must listen to God’s voice , and risk a little to bring God’s kingdom into our lives. What are your dreams for yourself, your family, your church, your community...... your UMW?
God is the ultimate dreamer. He dreamed a universe and it became reality. He dreamed a creation and it became so. He dreamed each of us and we were born. We were born in his image, so we must be dreamers too. Especially in this season, in UMW of transition to 2016, we must do what dreamers do. We will dream BIG dreams and ask for God’s help to further His kingdom here, for our families, for our churches and communities. And especially in UMW.
Phyllis
PHYLLIS VARNEY, SPIRITUAL GROWTH
ROBERTA SMITH, NOMINATIONS REPORT
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REMINDERS--DUE BY SEPTEMBER 1st
Mission Today to Martha Gould ([email protected])
Reading Program participants to Iva Turaga ([email protected])
Sisters who have died to Carol Kremer ([email protected])
Charter for Racial Justice activities to Linda Wright ([email protected])
5 Star Giving--contact Jan Mathis if you have questions ([email protected])
Also, as soon as you have your 2016 officers elected, send them to Martha Parker ([email protected])
GREEN PROPOSAL
At our July Conference Executive Committee meeting, a proposal was
passed that asks us to eliminate the use of individually bottled water for
any event we arrange. This applies to Conference, District and Local
UMW events. Bring refillable bottles and use pitchers of water and paper
or washable glassware.
CONFERENCE ANNUAL CELEBRATION
As we prepare to attend the 2015 Annual Celebration in Merced October 17, Bridges District is being asked to
think ahead to 2016, when the Celebration will be held somewhere in our District. We need a church big
enough to hold about 200 people on that Saturday, but also able to host the Officer's Training (D'LTE) on Fri-
day. Dinner on Friday evening for about 50 people would need to be arranged for or prepared, as well as
snacks Saturday morning (and coffee, of course) and lunch on Saturday. Close proximity to a hotel is also
desired. If your church and UMW would be willing to host this event, please contact Orene
Dunzweiler.([email protected])
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2015 CALIFORNIA/NEVADA CONFERENCE UMW
MISSION u REGISTRATIONS
SPECIAL NEWS!! ONLINE REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE THIS YEAR WITH OPTION FOR PAYPAL OR CHECK.
1. July 31-Aug. 1–Sparks UMC, Sparks Nev., 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks, Nev. 89431
Registration Deadline: July 15, 2015 Begins on Friday July 31 at 4pm
COST: $ 50, Includes dinner on Friday and lunch on Sat. Make your own Friday night accommodations.
Recommend Car Pool and hotels. Check Conference UMW website and Great Northern District for list.
2. August 7-9 Weekend: Univ. of Cal. Davis One Shields Avenue Davis, Ca. 95616
* Save $10 on Davis Early Registration if postmarked by June 3, 2015
**Note: Final Registration Deadline- July 1, 2015- No Exceptions Only for Davis
COST: Select one ( ___296.00_Single ) (___250.00 Double) Two nights stay plus meals.
No Housing Option $150- includes meals Dorms have air conditioning and Elevators.
Use Online Registration at : https://calnev-reg.brtapp.com/UMWMissionU
Friday Check in begins at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm. (Parking fee of 15.00 for Friday night not included)
Event ends Sunday after lunch.
Please bring Bible and any study materials needed.
Saturday Night Talent Show: Share your talent, song, skit, dance, etc.
3. Aug. 29, Salinas UMC, 404 Lincoln Ave, Salinas, Ca. 93901
Registration Deadline: Aug. 12, 2015- Begins Sat. 8:30 –coffee & registration
COST: $40 includes lunch.
Studies Offered: The Church & Disabilities; Created for Happiness in English and in Spanish.
______________________________________________________________________________
Study Choices: (Not all choices at each site)- Check 1st and 2nd choice on line
_____ Created for Happiness- Spiritual Growth Study- (At all events)
_____ Latin America- Geographical Study (Not at Salinas)
_____ The Church and People with Disabilities- Social Issue –(At all events)
_____ Korean Language Study (at Weekend Event only)
_____ Created for Happiness –Spanish study Event (Only at Salinas)
Order study books at Mission Resource Center in advance from www.umwmissionresources.org/ or
1-800-305-9857
Online Registration at: https://calnev-reg.brtapp.com/UMWMissionU
Mail Registration Information: Indicate which of the 3 dates you are registering for
and include check payment for amount noted. If you want a confirmation include an email address and or a self addressed
stamped envelope with registration. Mail registration to Rosie Kumar at 1108 Paddington Circle, Galt, Ca. 95632
Name: Address Phone
____________________________ __________________________________________ _______________________________
Email Church: Any physical or food issues
____________________________ _______________________ __________________________________________________
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Calling all women who want to travel and study!
The Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award is accepting applications now!
Applicant must be a lay woman between the ages of 21-35. The one-time grant is awarded to a woman who wants to travel in order to explore and informally study one of our 4 priority issues:
Climate Justice Maternal and Child Health Racial and Gender Justice Economic Justice
The proposed projects must take place in a region other than the applicants’ own. A written report as well as presentation at a nation-al UMW meeting will determine awardees. In addition, applicants should demonstrate concern for and a connection to her community and recognition of global responsibilities. Originally from Arkansas, Theressa Hoover joined the Woman’s Division of Christian Service as a field worker in 1948. In 1968 she was elected chief executive of the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. She was the first African-American woman to hold that position or any comparable post in the denomination. She served as head of the division for 22 years! When she retired in 1990, the award was created by UMW to continue Ms. Hoover’s passionate work for women and children. The emphasis on travel and field work is in recognition of Theressa Hoover’s strong belief in this way of learning, and it honors her legacy of global citizenship. Applications are due on or before Monday, November 2, 2015. Applicants can download forms from [email protected] or request form/information from UMW, National Office: Scholarships and Grants c/o Marie Roc, 475 Riverside Dr., Room 1504, New York, NY 10115, USA.
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Bridges District United Methodist Women
4th Annual Celebration
Saturday September 26th, 2015 From:9: 15am - 2: 30pm
FUMC ,1551 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405. Phone: [707]545-3863]
2015 Focus Scripture: Psalms 139: 17-18
"How precious to me are your tHougHts, o god! How great is tHe sum of tHem! “i try to count tHem”, tHey are more tHan tHe grains of sand on tHe eartH”,
"UNIQUE, BUT NOT PERFECT"
SPEAKER: REV. ELIZABETH BRICK Registration, Browsing Resources Table, Refreshment, Fellowship ....... 9.15am - 9.45am
Program, Meeting & Lunch ................................................. 10.00am - 2.30pm
Registration Fee: $15.00[Includes morning goodies, lunch & beverages]
Late Fee: $17.00 after deadline, or at the door.
Deadline: September 19th, 2015
Make a check or money order payable to Bridges District UMW
Mail Registration Form & Fee: Martha Parker, 36 Catalpa Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
Phone: [415] 383- 2362 Check #_______ Amount: $________
Registration Form [Please print information in plain block letters]
Name: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- e mail -----------------------------------------------
Address: ---------------------------------------------------- City/Zip Code: --------------------- Phone: ----------------------
Home Church: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dietary Restrictions: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Child Care is available: If you bring children, how many?------- Age[s] ---------
Please bring a sack lunch and write the child's name on the bag.
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Five Channels of Mission Giving
Through their generosity United Methodist Women members help empower and im-
prove the lives of women, youth and children in the United States and around the
world.
About 70 percent of Mission Giving funds from members go to programs and projects
supporting women, children and youth. Around 20-30 percent stays with the local, dis-
trict, and conference organizations of United Methodist Women for local mission. Only
9 percent covers administrative costs.
Pledge to Mission
An individual member's Pledge to Mission is the amount a woman gives to her local
unit to help fulfill the Purpose of United Methodist Women.
The conference United Methodist Women pledges a specific amount to United Method-
ist Women's national office for mission with women, children and youth and retains a
designated percent to be used for district and conference administration and member-
ship development expenses.
World Thank Offering
Spontaneous additional gifts can be given out of gratitude for God's abundance and in
celebration of the joys of life.
The World Thank Offering is an opportunity for individuals to respond to God's abun-
dance and grace with spontaneous gifts of gratitude. The funds collected are used in
the total program of mission carried on through United Methodist Women's national
office in the United States and around the world.
Special Mission Recognition Pins and Certificates
These pins offer a meaningful way to honor members who have dedicated so much
time and effort to service. Gift amounts range from $40 to $2,000.
Gift to Mission
Make a gift in honor of someone and send a card to the honoree. The following cards
are available: Congratulations, Thank You, A Baby, In the Service of Christ, A Special
Day, Thinking of You, Happy Birthday and assorted Christmas cards.
Gift in Memory
Give a gift in memory of a member, a friend or anyone, in any amount of $5 or more.
Gift in Memory cards, available free, may be sent to the family of the deceased.