Twin Cities Connection

Communications Coordinator: Carol Johanneck 

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Twin Cities Connection is published 3 times yearly and distributed free of charge. Editor: Carol Johanneck 3728 Quail Ave N Robbinsdale, MN 55422 email: stevecarolj@comcast.net For address correction and subscription requests, write to: Wailana Barker 605 36th Avenue Rochester, MN 55901 email: lanab@charter.net Contents:  President’s Message Retreat Survey Spiritual Growth Coordinator Message Mary Gates Honored Secretary of Program Resources Update Conference UMW Hands-On Mission Project Social Action update Lodging Facilities in Grand Rapids Mission Giving Benefits Women, Children & Youth MN Conference UMW Annual Meeting Information & Registration Twin Cities District UMW Annual Meeting Information & Registration 2010 Emma Norton Scholarship Recipients TC District 2011 Policies School of Christian Mission Mini-School TC District 2011 Officers Membership, Nurture, & Outreach Update TC District 2011 Standing Rules President’s Message Greetings UMW Sisters, I can’t believe we are almost at the end of summer. The time has flown by. The nights are crisper and the days are shorter and I’ve taken my last paddleboat ride for the summer because the boat rental at Lake Ann is closing for the season. I hope to enjoy many more beautiful days walking through my neighborhood and through the Arboretum because for me being in God’s creation is my meditation. There are so many beautiful things to appreciate if we just open our eyes. Many Twin Cities District United Methodist Women joined their sisters from the other four districts at School of Mission in July. It was a wonderful adventure including study, worship, prayer, great food, interesting tours (I especially enjoyed the pottery tour) and tornado warnings, downpours, and power outages. Three ladies from the new Emma Unit at Emma Norton Residence also attended. Erica, Verneita, and Akilah attended the weekend session. Erica had also attended Assembly and shared her experiences with the group. I made a framed weaving at the Discovery Center which has become my focus for quiet time. I hope to see many of you at the Annual Meeting on September 25 at Arlington Hills UMC in Maplewood. It is a beautiful facility and I am excited about the program and the opportunity to greet all of you again. It is the annual meeting and we will be approving Standing Rules and Policies for 2011 as well as approving a budget for 2011 and electing and installing new officers. I am blessed to be leading a district which such devoted and talented women and look forward to another year. If you can’t attend the Minnesota Annual UMW meeting in Grand Rapids on October 2, please remember to bring your “Hands-on” donations of gently used coats and jackets so they can be delivered by someone who is attending. Please be on the look out for letters from your district officers. When they arrive please fill them out in a timely fashion and turn them in. I have found that any given form usually takes less than five minutes to fill out and return but saves countless hours of tracking them down when they are not turned in by the deadlines. You should have received a form from Diane Jachymowski regarding retreats in your local unit. Please get it returned as soon as possible. Even if you didn’t have a retreat please return the form so we know you received it! You will also be receiving Mission Today Forms from Mary Longsdorf (E&I) and membership counting forms from Carolyn Doyle (MN &O) in the months to come. In Christ’s Love, Sandy Twin Cities Connection Fall 2010 edition Carol Johanneck, Editor
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New UMW Logo SPIRITUAL GROWTH COORDINATOR Submitted by Diane Jachymowski I was asked to prepare a devotion for the School of Mission this year. I chose the topic of hope, as it was included in our theme, “Faith, Hope, Love in Action.” The women of UMW are a great source of hope to many people, as we practice and support mission in the world. Here are some of my favorite quotations pertaining to hope:  “When the world says “give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” Anonymous “Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence.” Lin Yutang “Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible.” Anonymous “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” Christopher Reeve “To eat bread without hope is still slowly to starve to death.” Pearl Buck “A whole stack of memories can never equal one little hope” Charles Schulz “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 May you be filled with hope as you begin another season of work in mission! SECRETARY OF PROGRAM RESOURCES Phyllis Kieser THE TWIN CITIES DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETING is Saturday, September 25 at Arlington Hills UMC in Maplewood Come to browse and buy In the Program Resource Room: New 2011 Reading Books available---LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT is a new category of books that has been added along with reading materials for Education for Mission, Nurturing for Community, Social Action, and Spiritual Growth. Also available are: The 2011 Prayer Calendar, 2011 Program Book Finding Peace, the Mission studies: Joy to the World, and For the Love of God. A new version of the Holy Bible---United Methodist Women (NRSV) is available for your viewing and purchase. WRITE ON YOUR CALENDAR: 2010 UMW READING PROGRAM LIST DUE DECEMBER 15, 2010. The list can be e-mailed or sent to me, Phyllis Kieser, pjkieser@ties2.net More information on this later. Books for RECOMMENDED READING but not available through Mission Resource Education for Mission Social Action Broken Promises, Broken Dreams, Alice Rothchild Ending the US War in Afghanistan, David Wildman & Phyllis Bennis Stones into Schools, Greg Mortensen Seeing Gray in a World of Black & White, Adam Hamilton Listen to the Wind, Greg Mortensen Spiritual Growth Nurturing for Community Praying in Color, Sybil MacBeth I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires, Cathy Gohlke Enjoy the Silence, Maggie & Duffy Robins Just Hospitality, Letty M. Russell SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE Linda Paulson As many of you know, the UMW School of Christian Mission recently occurred at St. John’s University in Collegeville during the month of July. This article will briefly review the three studies, and how they related to social justice and social action concerns. Some additional resources will also be provided along with some details about our current homelessness rates. The Love of God: The Epistles of John is an excellent bible study. It is a very accurate study about the three epistles of John in the New Testament, and may be very valuable to officially study with your own congregation and UMW members. Please note that the heart of the epistles is the well know phrase “God is love” (1 John 4: 8 & 16). It should also be mentioned that it is from these epistles that some people learn how important it is to practice what we preach and to place extensive value on the importance of taking social action on the various issues that are called to our
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attention within the church. In 1 John 5:14, the author of the epistles tries to insist that there must be confession, action, and boldness, in the Christian life, and that those who love God must show love for others. (See p. 88 of the book for a more details). Joy to the World! Mission in the Age of Global Christianity contains some valuable examples both current and historical about the strong role women have played in the missions of the church. It is interesting to note that in 2010 we are celebrating over 150 years worth of the ecumenical women’s mission movement of the United States, and the various and tremendous ways Methodist women have been involved in providing social action for others. I recommend paying attention to the third chapter to get a good historical description about what our role has been like, what a valuable influence and resource we have been, and how this relates to today’s perspectives, achievements, and goals. The Beauty and Courage of Sudan is a comprehensive mission study on the Sudan, the largest country in Africa. Information is provided about their history and clues about the roots of conflict and displacement, along with suggestions about how the church can assist creating a culture of peace in Sudan. The study also provides reminders about how cruel the human race can be whenever human rights disasters occur as exemplified in Darfur. Reminders are also provided in the study about how important it is for us as the church to officially recognize such circumstances, take ethical and social stands on the issues, take action against such injustice and oppression, while also sometimes remaining neutral in our humanitarian work. Reconciling Resources: It can be interesting and valuable to note that the last two mentioned studies from the School of Christian Mission make reference to the importance of reconciling our differences when addressing the issues, while achieving common peaceful goals, providing appropriate answers along with assistance, and solutions. Additional books about reconciliation can be acquired from Cokesbury at www.Cokesbury.com and include:  Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace, and Healing by Chris Rice and Emmanuel M. Katongole. Welcoming Justice: God’s Movement Toward Beloved Community by Charles Marsh & John Perkins. Reconciliation: The Ubuntu Theology of Desmond Tutu by Michael Battle. Social Action Books & Study Resources: It seems appropriate to also suggest other resources that provide ideas about pursuing social action and social justice issues, methods, and techniques. They can be useful to consult for concrete tools, examples, and ideas to try to achieve at or from your own church location. These books can also be reviewed at and purchased from the Cokesbury website and include: Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a Better World by Mae Elise Cannon. Mercy Rising: Simple Ways to Practice Justice and Compassion by Amber Robinson. Zealous Love: A Practical Guide to Social Justice by Diane and Michael Yankoski. To Do Justice: A Guide for Progressive Christians by Rebecca Todd Peters and Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. Loving our Neighbor: A Thoughtful Approach to Helping People in Poverty by Beth Lindsay Templeton Making Poverty Personal: Taking the Poor as Seriously as the Bible Does by Ash Barker. Personal Poverty Descriptions: One of the easiest ways to understand what life is like for the poorest of the American population including the “working poor,” how our country affects this, and helping to demystify misconceptions about poverty and homelessness is to read some personal descriptions. Recommended books include: The Betrayal of Work by Beth Shulman. Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski. Hands to Work by Lynnell Hancock. Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. Sojourner Resources: The Sojourner’s website provides access to their store at www.store.sojo.net to acquire studies about economic crisis, church & state, economic justice, environment, faith & culture, gender justice, human rights, immigration, poverty, and racism, war & peace. These interdenominational studies about faith, politics, and culture can be purchased and downloaded from the website, and can be good for group studies. The latest study I consulted was entitled “Faith & Finance: Christians and the Economic Crisis.” Homelessness Statistics in Minnesota: A statewide study was done last fall throughout the entire state to get extensive details about the homelessness rates within Minnesota. According to the report released in May, an estimated 13,100 people are currently homeless in Minnesota. It can be noted from the study that our homelessness rates have been quite stable since the year 2000, but have increased dramatically since the last study in 2006. A 25% increase has occurred since 2006, and is shear proof of the seriousness of the “Great Recession” and our increase in homelessness rates. It may as well be noted that the largest increase (57%) was among young adults (ages 18-21). Homeless youth (age 12-21) has increased by 46% since 2006. 20% of the homeless adults interviewed for the report were employed, and only 6% were averaging over 35+ employment hours per week. 48% of all homeless adults that were interviewed have been jobless more than a year. 21% of unemployed homeless identify “lack of employment opportunities” as their main reasons for not working (up from 8% in 2006). To see more results of the study in greater detail, please consult www.wilderresearch.org and check out their research reports to find the current “2009 Statewide Survey of Homelessness” report and/or a brief summary. As usual, “Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly with God." (Micah 6:8)
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MISSION GIVING BENEFITS WOMEN, CHILDREN, AND YOUTH Mary Longsdorf, Mission Education & Interpretation Mission Giving enables us to be faithful to Jesus' command to go into all the world - not simply to those parts of the world that capture our imagination at the moment. With that in mind, 75% of the offering at each of our meetings go to Mission Giving. Mission Giving Plus allows us to name a specific mission project as the recipient. Our mission speaker, Karen Ujareh, has been asked to designate a project through which she feels 25% of our offering will make a significant difference to women, children and youth. Every Unit - a Mission Today Unit This is not an unreasonable goal. Now is the time to look at how you are doing. There is still time to make some adjustments in your programming for these last few months. I am expecting every unit to submit a report for 2010 by the end of the year. If you are short a few items that is O.K. It gives me an idea where we might provide more support. If you don't have the checklist handy you can find it at www.myumw.com Here are a few ideas to get you started:  Get a friend or two to attend the district meeting on September 25th with you. Bring items for Emma Norton Services to the meeting. Invite your district officer/shepherd to a meeting, maybe share a program. Take advantage of program resources available to highlight a racial justice issue like immigration or human trafficking. Or one of the studies - For the Love of God: John's Letters, Joy to the World, or Sudan. Program DVD's are available from Char Frankenberry, at chardon1@hickorytech.net. Many of the Reading Program books are available at your local library. Are these ideas helping? I will be looking for you at Arlington Hills on the 25th. We can share more ideas there. 2010 EMMA NORTON SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Faye Christensen, Chair Emma Norton Distribution Fund Committee, MN Conference UMW Applause, Applause to the recipients of this year's Emma Norton Scholarships. Each of the recipients are have met the criteria for the program and are planning to attend seminary in the fall with the goal of obtaining a Master of Divinity degree. Each will receive a scholarship of about $420: Bonita Buckley has a BA in audiology and speech sciences from Michigan State University and a Master of Education in family education from the U of MN. Bonita plans to attend Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She lives in Eden Prairie and attends Good Samaritan UMC in Edina, MN. Diane Hatman has a BS in ministries from Northwestern College and attends Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Diane lives in Minnetonka and attends Messiah UMC in Plymouth, MN. Carissa Keith Lick is a recent graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN where she received a BA in religion, philosophy and music. Carissa has recently married and both she and her husband will be attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL in the fall. Currently, they live in Mankato and attend Wells UMC. Mikyoung Park has a Bachelor of Music degree from Seoul National University in Korea, a MM from Seoul, a MSM from Luther Seminary and a DMA from the U of MN. She is attending Luther Seminary, St. Paul. She lives in Lauderdale and attends Centennial UMC. Sara Swenson has a BA in English and Women's Studies from the U of MN, Duluth, and plans to attend Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO in the fall. Sara lives in Brainerd and attends Park UMC in Brainerd, where her father, Rory Swenson, is pastor. WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE EMMA NORTON SCHOLARSHIP MONEY? The scholarship money comes from Emma Norton herself. Concerned about the struggles of young 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 2010 national mission award.
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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 United Methodist Women. The Designated Fund Committee of the MN Conference United Methodist Women manages the distribution of the interest. CONGRATULATIONS to these five outstanding women in ministry. INTRODUCTION TO SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION – Mini School Centennial and Lake Harriet United Methodist Women/ Twin Cities District are planning an Introduction to School of Christian Mission, sometimes known as a Mini School, on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at Centennial UMC. The day is intended to introduce this year’s 3 United Methodist Women studies. Persons who would enjoy this event are those who were unable to attend this summer’s Conference School of Christian Mission, those who plan to teach one of the studies or folks who just like to be well informed. Men, youth, as well as all women, not just UMW, are encouraged to join us. The day begins at 9:00 AM with welcoming coffee. There will be one hour sessions for each study; 2 in the morning and 1 after a delicious lunch. We plan to finish by 2:30 PM. The geographic study this year is the second year of “The Beauty and Courage of Sudan”. The Mission Study is “Joy to the World: Mission in the Age of Global Christianity”. “For the Love of God: The Epistles of John” is the Spiritual Growth study. Study leadership is currently being sought. That information will be posted on the TC District UMW web site ( www.myumw.com) as soon as it is available. The registration fee of $20 includes lunch. Scholarship funds are available. REGISTRATION FORM FOR MINI-SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION: Please return this form and the registration fee of $20 by the Deadline--Monday October 26 Make checks payable to Centennial United Methodist Women and mail to: United Methodist Women Centennial United Methodist Church 1524 West County Road C-2 Roseville, MN 55113 -1635 Questions? Contact Marge Spannaus at gmargie61@earthlink.net or 952-831-1965 or Pauline Richards at Richardsgp@aol.com or 651-633-7437. Name______________________________________________ Phone_______________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________ I need a ride__________ E-mail_______________________________Special diet needs____________________ _____I would like to request scholarship assistance Amount enclosed______________ MEMBERSHIP, NUTURE, AND OUTREACH United Methodist Women, please try to attend our Minnesota Conference Annual Gathering at Grand Rapids United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 2, 2010. At this time our District Member of the Year, Jill Michael, will be honored along with other outstanding Members of the Year from other districts. If you are unable to attend the October 2 event and wish to congratulate Jill, you may bring your notes and cards to the Twin Cities District annual meeting at Arlington Hills United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Also a reminder that our annual unit membership count report will be sent to all the churches in our Twin Cities district. If you have questions, please call me at (763) 571-4589. Thanks very much. In God’s Love, Carolyn Doyle
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PLEASE TURN IN RETREAT SURVEY Each UMW unit in our district was sent a short survey regarding retreats. Please fill it out and send it in as soon as possible even if you miss the September 1 deadline. Your response will provide Women’s Division with information about Spiritual Retreats in Minnesota. We are very grateful for your time and effort in connection with this! In God’s Love, Diane Jachymowski, TC District Spiritual Growth Coordinator 1. Name of church_____________________________________________________________________________ 2. How many UMW retreats did you have from 2004-2008?____________________________ 3. How many were led by a UMW member?________________________________________ 4. How many were led by a lay person other than a UMW member?_____________________ 5. How many were led by female clergy?___________________________________________ Please send this completed form to our Conference Mission Coordinator for Spiritual Growth: Cindy Saufferer, 6981 NW 97th Ave., Morristown, MN 55052 MARY GATES HONORED TC District President Sandy Meyer had the great honor of presenting her mentor and friend, Mary Gates, the “Valiant Woman Award” at the Church Women United Annual Meeting on August 14, 2010. To qualify for the award a woman must have given service to Church Women United, her own church, and her community for an extended period of time. She does not have to be a leader but can be someone who leads in a quiet way through her example. She is an individual who lives the Gospel message in her every day life. Mary has held many positions in United Methodist Women, Girl Scouts, and at Simpson UMC. She works tirelessly for justice and to improve the lives of women, children, and youth. Mary was also the catalyst in forming the new unit at Emma Norton Residence. Congratulations Mary! CONFERENCE “HANDS ON” MISSION PROJECT Many people in the Grand Rapids area are in need of warm outerwear for the coming cold months. The area is especially in need of sizes extra-large and bigger. If you have gently used outerwear including coats, snow pants, parkas and more, please bring your donation to the Conference Annual Meeting on October 2 in Grand Rapids, MN. If you are unable to attend, please bring your donation to the Twin Cities Annual Meeting at Arlington Hills UMC in Maplewood on Saturday, September 25 and we’ll be sure it gets to Grand Rapids. Lodging facilities in Grand Rapids AmericInn Super 8 TimberLake Lodge 1812 S Pokegama Ave 1702 S Pokegama Ave 144 SE 17th St 218-326-8999 218-327-1108 218-326-2600 $85.50+tax – 2 queens or $69.21 with tax – 1 queen $129.00 + tax – 2 queens 1 King & sofa bed or 2 doubles Country Inn by Carlson Sawmill Inn 2601 S HWY 169 2301 S HWY 169 218-327-4960 218-326-8501 $98.00+tax – 2 doubles $89+ tax - 1 queen or or 1 king 2 doubles
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MINNESOTA CONFERENCE UMW ANNUAL MEETING ON OCTOBER 2, 2010 Minnesota Conference United Methodist Women ANNUAL GATHERING REGISTRATION Registration Deadline for Meeting– September 17, 2010 Date & Fees Location Saturday, October 2, 2010 Grand Rapids UMC Registration & Lunch - $15.00 1701 SE 5th St Grand Rapids, MN 218-327-2216 Save this portion for reference. Registration sheet required for each participant attending. Registration Deadline: Sept. 17, 2010 DISTRICT ___________________CHURCH_________________ ___ First-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 __NO Age of children _________ Please bring a sack lunch for each child ____ $15 individual registration fee enclosed ____Group registration payment enclosed (one check with a registration form for each person) ****************************************************************************** Make check payable to: MN Conference UMW Amount enclosed___________________ Check #_________ Send completed registration form(s) and payment, by September 17, to: June Schmitz 3301 S Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-999-5564 or jschmitz@paulbunyan.com TWIN CITIES DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2010 The Annual Meeting of the Twin Cities District UMW will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Arlington Hills UMC in Maplewood. Short Schedule 8:00 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. Opening Session Lunch Afternoon Enrichments Installation of Officers Closing & Refreshments
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Karen Johnson Ujereh, who is serving as Mission Interpreter in Residence (MIIR) with the North Central Jurisdiction, will be the afternoon speaker at the Twin Cities District Meeting. As a MIIR, Karen is assigned to interpret the mission of the United Methodist Church, particularly as it relates to support of mission personnel through the Advance for Christ and His Church. Before her stateside assignment, Karen served in Dakar, Senegal, supervising projects of the church there: prison work, the Women’s Skills Center, the Agriculture Program, and the Micro-Credit Program – all of them aimed at helping people, primarily women and children, become more independent. A native of New Orleans, Karen served in a variety of roles with the church in Zimbabwe, Zaire and Nigeria prior to being assigned to Senegal. Her home church is Bethany UMC in New Orleans. Karen’s husband, Sebastine, a native of Nigeria, also served as a UM missionary. Karen will speak about her African experiences, as well as her assignment here in the United States. REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR THE TC DISTRICT MEETING The Fall Business Meting of the Twin Cities District United Methodist Women will be held at Arlington Hills UMC in Maplewood on Saturday, September 25, 2010. The day’s program will open at 9 a.m. with coffee and Emma’s Tea. The worship service and business meeting will be held in the morning, with a speaker from the General Board of Global Ministries following lunch. Deadline for registration is Monday, September 20. You may register in one of three ways: 1. Call Laurie Mickelson at 651-777-6416 2. Mail the information to Laurie Mickelson 1969 Kingston Road Maplewood, MN 55109 3. Email the church: Cindy@arlingtonhillsumc.org We need the following information: Your name Your church If you plan to bring children - we need their names and ages. Also you should bring a bag lunch for each child. Snacks will be provided. THIS MUST BE REQUESTED IN ADVANCE IN ORDER TO HAVE CHILD CARE PROVIDED. The cost for the day is $8.00, payable when you arrive Directions to Arlington Hills UMC from Minneapolis, take Hwy 36 east to Edgerton Road, go south (right) to Cty Rd B, then east (left) about .3/10 mile to church (on the left). POLICIES OF THE TWIN CITIES DISTRICT JANUARY 1-DECEMBER 31, 2011 To be presented at the September 25, 2010 annual meeting for approval by membership The policy page is closely associated with the Standing Rules that are in harmony with the Constitution and Bylaws of the W omen's Division and defines specific items, such as monetary amounts and customary practices. The Policy page can be changed by the District Executive Committee without going through the procedure of changing the Standing Rules. References to Articles and Section numbers relate to the Standing Rules. Article 2- Meetings: Section 4 All elected and appointed officers must attend required meetings unless excused by Twin Cities District President. Required meetings include three District events, three planning meetings for the District events, School of Christian Mission, DOTE, and Conference Annual Meeting Article 3- Funds: Section 4 A. Basic Pin B. A gift to Mission of $30.00 shall be given to those officers completing a second two-year term.
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C. Basic Pin D. Upon the death of a District Officer, while in office, a $50.00 Gift in Memory shall be given to the W omen's Division. E. Basic Pin F. A Gift to Mission of $10.00 for those who serve for a year at a time. Section 6 The expense of speakers who are Women's Division Directors and Jurisdictional, Conference and District Officers shall be paid at the rate of 40 cents per mile. Section 7 Speakers for the District meeting shall be allowed expenses and given an honorarium not to exceed $100.00 for a presentation. . Article 4- Expenses: Section 3: Mileage will be paid to elected and appointed officers up to the Conference UMW established rate of 40 cents per mile. Note: The IRS rate for volunteerism is 14 cents per mile, so any amount over 14 cents per mile is considered “income” by the IRS. You may submit mileage for any amount up to 40 cents per mile. Section 4B. Meals will be provided at the IRS standard per Diem. Section 4 D. The Conference UMW has funds to assist elected and appointed District officers to attend Assembly and Jurisdictional events these payments are made after the event so individuals will need to make their own arrangements and submit for reimbursement. The amount of money provided by the Conference will not cover all expenses. The amount from Conference will be divided equally among those who register and make a request by the deadline. The Conference established rate for housing is four per room. Anyone with allowable expenses is asked to turn in expense vouchers even if you are not asking for reimbursement. It is important that we know the true cost of operating the Twin Cities District and this will assist in that. At any time that you have allowable expenses you are welcome to donate a complete or partial amount of the allowable expenses and submit expense vouchers so it is recorded accurately. The Sampler Subscription will be ordered for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Mission Coordinators, and Chair of the Nominating Committee Article 6- School of Christian Mission 1. Conference established rate is double room, no air conditioning. 2. A large group book and one additional study is allowed for those not receiving the Sampler subscription.. Twin Cities District Committees for 2011 1. Administrative Committee is made up of President (Chairperson), Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and one other depending on the emergency for which an Administrative committee meeting is being called. 2. Executive Committee is made up of President (Chairperson), Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chair of Nominations, 4 Mission Coordinators, Secretary of Program Resources, Communication Coordinator, Appointed Officers to Walker, Methodist Hospital, Historian, Emma Norton, and Church Women United. 3. Program Committee is made up of: Vice President (Chairperson), President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chair of Committee on Nominations, 4 Mission Coordinators, Secretary of Program Resources, and the Communications Coordinator. 4. Finance Committee is made up of: Treasurer (Chairperson), President, Vice President, Secretary, 4 Mission Coordinators, Secretary of Program Resources, and the Communications Coordinator. 5. Standing Rules Committee is made up of President, Secretary, Treasurer and a minimum of two additional members of the Executive Committee. The President shall appoint a chair from those in attendance. Transferring of files and equipment 1. Transferring of files from the outgoing to the incoming officers shall take place at the November transition meeting. 2. If anyone is unable to attend the November meeting it is their responsibility to meet the incoming officer prior to the meeting. 3. All records should be kept five years. Anything over that date can be transferred to the Minnesota Conference Archives. 4. The following officers need to keep specific records. ◦ President – district gifts, gavel, communion cup, pottery candle. ◦ Vice President – Program books, tabulation of evaluations of meetings. ◦ Secretary – Minutes of all meetings. ◦ Treasurer-all financial records. ◦ Chair of Nominations -ongoing record of tenure. ◦ Membership, Nurture and Outreach Mission Coordinator United Methodist Women Unit Membership Reports for each unit, Membership Count forms for the district visits, and District Member of the Year Records. ◦ Education and Interpretation Mission Coordinator -Mission Today forms. ◦ Secretary of Program Resources – Reading program records. ◦ Communication Coordinator -Twin Cities Connection.
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TC District Officers 2011 President Sandra Meyer (2nd yr.- 2nd term) 8724 Valley View Place Chanhassen, MN 55317-8421 c: 952-270-1157 myumw@hotmail.com Nominating Committee Member 2011 Clarice Lien 7505 Aldrich Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423 612-866-3719 lemndrps@msn.com Education & Interpretation Mary Longsdorf (2nd yr – 2nd term) 2800 Robinwood Way Woodbury, MN 55125 651-735-1246 mlongsdorf@comcast.net Vice President Sylvia Farrells (1st yr-1st term) 5208 West 111 Street Bloomington, MN 55437 952-888-8771 angelseyf@gmail.com Nominating Committee Member 2011 Carol Nemitz 17401 Barrington Court Minnetonka, MN 55345 952-934-8577 e-c-nemitz@comcast.net Sec’y of Program Resources Phyllis Kieser (2nd yr – 2nd term) 1883 Bohland Avenue St. Paul, MN 55116-1905 651-699-2549 pjkieser@ties2.net Secretary Carol Gregorson (1st yr (2nd term) 1770 Hartford Avenue St. Paul, MN 55116 651-690-4580 gregorsonc@msn.com Nominating Committee Member 2012 Evelyn Skurich 6221 Carol Drive NE Fridley, MN 55432 763-571-3507 elskurich@comcast.net Communications Coordinator Sharon Ruhnke (1st yr – 1st term) 360 Ely Street NE Fridley, MN 55432 763-783-3986 umcdistrict@usfamily.net Treasurer Glenice Booker-Butler (2nd yr – 1st term) 872 Sherburne Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104 651-227-7850 bookerbut@msn.com Nominating Committee Member 2012 Joan Elton 1355 Phalen Blvd. #301 St. Paul, MN 55106 651-738-3361 dgelton@juno.com Walker Health Center Rep. Maxene Schwanke 2929 Chicago Avenue South Unit1213 Minneapolis, MN 55407 612-871-1516 wallysgirl2@juno.com Nominations Chair Evie Skurich (1st yr – 1st term) 6221 Carol Drive NE Fridley, MN 55432 763-571-3507 elskurich2007@comcast.net Nominating Committee Member 2013 Pat Brown 3120 Mississippi Street New Brighton, MN 55112 651-633-8973 mpbrown01@msn.com Historian Marilyn Dunshee 2250 Victoria Street North Apt.210 Roseville, MN 55113-4454 651-489-1809 mdunshee@usfamily.net Spiritual Growth Jean Waldt 1st yr – 1st term) 1992 Hyacinth Avenue East St. Paul, 55119 651-776-3571 jeanwaldt@yahoo.com Nominating Committee Member 2013 Sue Vang 1711 California Avenue East St. Paul, MN 55106 651-442-2021 suevang0001@gmail.com Emma Norton Representative DeAnna Wichman 4019 45th Street East 612-501-1759 Minneapolis, MN 55406 deannawichman@yahoo.com Social Action Linda Paulson (2nd yr – 1st term) 1142 79 Avenue NE Spring Lake Park, MN 55432 763-780-8224 paulson1142@msn.com Nominating Committee Member 2014 Wesley Griffin 9672 Bluegill Bay Woodbury, MN 55125 1-269-274-4944 finegrif@yahoo.com Church Women United Representative Ruth Schevenius 570 Pleasant View Road Chanhassen, MN 55317 952-474-2617 jscheve@usfamily.net Membership Nurture & Outreach Carolyn Doyle (1st yr – 2nd term) 921 Overton Drive NE Fridley, MN 55432 763-571-4589 Nominating Committee Member 2014 Lois Finseth 417 East 98th Street Apt. 204 Bloomington, MN 55420 952-881-3375 lois@finseth.com These names will be presented at the Twin Cities District Annual Meeting on September 25, 2010. Please review the list and come prepared to participate in the election of officers. For more information about the Annual Meeting, please see the article on pages 7-8..
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TWIN CTIES DISTRICT UNITED METHODIST WOMEN - 2011 STANDING RULES Proposed Saturday June 29, 2010 to be presented at the September 25, 2010 annual meeting for approval by membership Committee Sandy Meyer, Lois Finseth, Glenice B. Butler, Carol Gregorson, Evelyn Skurich and Char Swanson. The following Standing Rules shall govern the action of the Twin Cities District United Methodist Women (UMW)as long as they are in harmony with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Women’s Division. ARTICLE 1 ELECTIONS Section 1. Elections shall be by acclamation unless more than one name for an office is presented, in which case a written ballot shall be required. Section 2. The Committee on Nominations shall present the slate of nominees to the Executive Committee, and the Communications Coordinator shall present them to local units of the Twin Cities District UMW through appropriate media; at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting. Officers shall be elected at the Annual Meeting for a two-year term to take office January 1 of the following year, alternating as follows: In even -numbered years; In odd-numbered years; Vice President President Treasurer Secretary Mission Coordinators- Mission Coordinators: Spiritual Growth Membership Nurture and Outreach Education and Interpretation Social Action Secretary of Program Resources Communications Coordinator Chairperson of the Nominating Committee Section 3. For an officer to fill an unexpired term of office, if the time to be served be one year or longer, the period to be served shall be considered the first term, with the privilege of re-election for one additional term in the same office. If the time to be served is less than one year, it shall not constitute a first term. Section 4. All officers shall be eligible for re-election for one two-year term in the same office. Section 5. All Conference officers whose home district is the Twin Cities District, and attend executive team meetings or district events shall have expenses paid by the Twin Cities District. ARTICLE 2 - MEETINGS Section 1. The date of the Annual Meeting of the Twin Cities District United Methodist Women shall be determined by the Executive Committee. The voting body of the Annual Meeting shall consist of all members of the Twin Cities District UMW who are present. Section 2. The Executive Committee shall meet three times a year. Two of these meetings shall be held as determined by the Executive Committee (or in case of emergency by the Administrative Committee) additional meetings can be held. Section 3. Upon approval of the District Executive Committee, District Officers may call together corresponding Local Unit Officers at District expense. Section 4. All Elected and Appointed District Officers MUST attend REQUIRED MEETINGS AS DEFINED IN POICIES Conference Annual Meetings unless excused by Twin Cities District President. Section 5. Time allotted to agencies, organizations or groups, for presentation at District events, must be cleared through the Executive/Administrative Committee, at least thirty (30) days prior to the District event. ARTICLE 3- FUNDS Section 1. The District unit shall make an annual mission pledge to the Minnesota Conference UMW. Section 2. All United Methodist Women monies MUST be handled by duly elected treasurers. Section 3. At the beginning of each quarter the Conference treasurer shall send each district one-fourth of the amount of its Administration and Membership Development (AM&D) Fund’s budget, which shall have been approved earlier by the Conference Executive Committee to be disbursed by the Twin Cities District Treasurer for District expenses. Section 4. Twin Cities AM & D fund shall make the following provisions within the District; SEE POLICIES FOR AMOUNTS A. Upon completion of a two-year term in office each elected District Officer shall be given a Special Mission Recognition (pin) and certificate.
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B. A Gift to Mission and certificate shall be given to those officers completing a second two-year term. C. Upon completion of a four-year term on the Committee on Nominations a Special Mission Recognition and certificate shall be given. D. Upon the death of a District Officer while in office a Gift in Memory shall be given to the Women’s Division. E. A Special Mission Recognition shall be given to an appointed District Officer, upon the completion of a four -year term. F. Those people who are not part of the District team and are appointed for a year at a time need to be recognized. A Gift to Mission for each year served in a non-elected position shall be given to those who are appointed to positions on special committees. Section 5. In order to protect appropriation, no appeal for funds shall be made to Local Units, Districts or Conference by an organization or individual, which had not been authorized by the Conference Executive Committee or Administrative Committee. Section 6. There are no salaries for the Women’s Division, Jurisdiction, Conference and District Officers. Their times and talents are voluntary just as those of the Local Officers in the Local Unit. Since this is the case, the expense of any of these officers as speakers to the Local or District Unit shall be paid by the inviting unit. The speaker will be paid at the Conference UMW established mileage rate. Section 7. Speakers for the District Meeting shall be allowed expenses and given an honorarium. ARTICLE 4- EXPENSES OF OFFICERS Section 1. Each elected and appointed District Officer shall present her expense account using the official voucher. For reimbursement all expenses must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the event, or reimbursement will be forfeited. Approved expenses are mileage, meals, housing, postage, promotional materials, study books and other pertinent expenses. Each officer will be allowed one large group study book and one other study book 2. Elected and appointed District Officers’ expenses when attending a required District meeting (see Twin Cities District Policy for Required Meeting) will be paid providing the officer attends the meeting in its entirety or is excused by the Twin Cities District President. Reservations for lodging and meals for which the District pays will not be made for any person who does not return the reservation form by the designated deadline and, except for sudden illness or death in the immediate family, persons who cancel after the final figures are given to the host group, or who do not honor reservations they have made, will be expected to pay for their own reservations. Section 3. The District shall pay transportation to required meetings for members elected and appointed officers of the District Mission Team to Conference and District Meetings at the Conference UMW established mileage rate. Section 4. The following expenses will be allowed for elected and appointed District Officers attending meetings required by the Conference or District. A. any registration or admission fees. B. transportation will be allowed while en route C. $20.00 per day is suggested as reasonable top limit for meals. B. Meals at the established conference UMW rate, which is the standard IRS rate. .D. C. Dependent care will be provided at the established conference UMW rate, if volunteer service is unavailable. E. D. Lodging will be provided at the Conference UMW established rate. ARTICLE 5 - COMMITTEES Section 1. The Executive Committee of the District shall be composed of the President, who serves as Chairperson; Vice President; Secretary; Treasurer; Chairperson of the Committee on Nominations; the four Mission Coordinators; the Communications Coordinator; and the Secretary of Program Resources. The Executive Committee shall also include members of the Jurisdiction Leadership Team and Directors of the Women’s Division on the General Board of Global Ministries residing within the District, and such persons specifically related to the work as the committee may determine. Members of the Jurisdiction Committee on Nominations residing within the District may serve as members without vote on the District Executive Committee. Resource people involved with current issues may be appointed to the Executive Committee for one-year terms. The need for continuing theses emphases shall be reviewed annually with a four-year limit of service. This service shall not be counted toward tenure as elected officers. The immediate past president shall remain as an executive committee advisory member with vote for one year. Expenses will be paid to executive committee meetings, Conference Annual Meeting and one session of School of Christian Mission (SCM) for a period of one year following the completion of her term of office.
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Members of Conference, Women’s Division, Jurisdiction, SCM Dean and Assistant Dean residing in the District may serve as members without vote on the Executive Committee. The Bishop and resource people with current issues may be on the committee. Section 2. The Committee on Nominations of the District shall have rotating a membership of eight (8) divided into four classes. The Chairperson of the Nominating Committee shall be elected by the District and at the time of election have 2 or 3 years remaining on the nominating committee, serving as Chairperson for two years only. The nominating committee shall strive to have diverse representation in matters of employment, age, race and ethnic background. Section 3. There shall be a Standing Rules Committee consisting of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and two others chosen from the Executive Committee. Its duty shall be to bring before the Executive Committee and the Annual Meetings proposals for revision of the District Standing Rules. The President shall appoint its Chairperson. Suggestions for revision or amendments to the District Standing Rules shall be sent in writing to the Chairperson of this Committee 30 days prior to the District Annual Meeting. Section 4. There shall be a District Publicity Committee composed of the Communications Coordinator as Chairperson, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and one Mission Coordinator appointed by the President. The exact months of Publication of the TWIN CITIES CONNECTION shall be determined by the Executive Committee and the number of issues shall not exceed four. Section 5. The Finance Committee of the District shall be composed of the Treasurer who serves as Chairperson, President, Vice President, Secretary, the four Mission Coordinators, Secretary of Program Resources and Communications Coordinator. ARTICLE 6- SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION All elected and appointed District Officers are required to attend one session of the SCM each year they are in office with their way being paid from District Funds at the conference designated rate. District President is required to attend the full Conference School of Christian Mission with her way being paid by Conference funds. ARTICLE 7- CORRESPONDENCE Section 1. The District President shall be sent a copy of all District mailings and District Executive Committee minutes. Section 2. Membership Lists - The United Methodist Women do not furnish lists of their elected leaders or members to individuals or agencies outside the organization unless authorized by the Executive Committee. Twin Cities District Annual Meeting Saturday, September 25, 2010 Arlington Hills UMC, Maplewood Come join in worship, learning and fellowship! Deadline to register is September 20 – see the article on page 7-8.
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MN Conference UM Women 972 118th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55434 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED • Calendar of Events Twin Cities District UMW 2010 Twin Cities District UMW Calendar September 25 TC Annual Meeting at Arlington Hills UMC in Maplewood October 1 Conference Executive Team Meeting in Grand Rapids October 2 Conference Annual Gathering in Grand Rapids October 29-30 District Officer Training Event (D.O.T.E.) November 13 TC Executive Team “Transition Meeting” and Retreat Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN Permit No. 4106