Griffin District Newsletter The Voice of the United Methodist Women
August, 2013
Volume 10, Issue 1
WOW!! It is so hard to believe that 2013 is almost over.
Behold, I am doing a new thing, now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Inside This Issue The President Speaks
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Treasurer’s Report
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“What’s In A Name”
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Local Units News 4-9 District Workshops & Services 2013 Calendar Events
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As August is upon us a new school year begins for our students and teachers. I remember how excited I used to get when back to school sales started and my Mom would take me and my sister school shopping. We Loved the day out getting new stuff. There were two places we always went looking for new clothes and great deals for Mom. J.C.Penny outlet, and Southlake Mall. Sometimes our Aunts who live in the Atlanta area would meet us and we would make a “Girls Day Out” of it. Those are memories that always make me smile. What memories are we making for the children of today? Are they traditions to last through the years or will they fall away in time? Our 2013 Theme “Doing a New Thing” can challenge us to make new traditions with our families and friends. Sunday afternoon dinners or Saturday night cookouts could be something to start to keep those who you love close. Whatever the tradition make it something to last through the years, teaching the love of Christ through the support and love of others. Tommy and I will be starting something new soon. Emory has hired me full time which means we will be selling our house and moving closer to Atlanta. This will definitely start some new traditions. We are looking forward to seeing where God plants us, and what the future holds. I thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers during the last 6 months we hold you very close to our hearts for all you have done for me and my family. I would not have made it through without my UMW sisters and their prayers. You can also “Do a New Thing” by serving on the Griffin District UMW Mission Team. We are in need of 6 people to serve on our team. Service is a joy, and we have such a wonderful group of ladies who make up our team. If you are interested or know someone who is please contact a member of the Executive Team for more information.
Thank you for all you do to make The Griffin District the Greatest District to represent.
Remember…. “By sharing our FAITH we encourage HOPE in others, and by doing for others we put our LOVE IN ACTION.” Love and Blessings
Teresa
Griffin District’s Newsletter
August, 2013
Treasurer’s Report
Ladies, time does fly by and here we are in late July; at the end of Third Quarter Remittances and Awards Reports going in. Since the April 2013 Newsletter, I have sent on the Second Quarter giving from our Griffin District. Again with your generous giving, our total Remittance was $13,110.76 with $7,718.10 of that in Unit Pledges. You continue to provide great support for our Designated areas to the sum of $2,006.83. The Second Quarter emphasis was the Wesley Community Centers which received $855.00 as part of the Designated Funds. For Third Quarter giving, our total Unit Remittance is $8,031.40 with $4,539.90 in Unit Pledges. Our Third Quarter emphasis was New Bethlehem Center with $1072.50. I am working on the Annual Reports for Conference and District Awards and appreciate your response to being Five Star and Five Star Plus Units. Put on your calendar the North GA Conference Annual Meeting for October 5th, the Griffin District
Annual Meeting on October 13 and the Griffin District Leadership Training on November 9th. I have talked with many of you in the last month. I appreciate your patience as you waited for Rainbow Women pins and the SMR pins. Do always feel free to call me at 770 957-6645 or email me at
[email protected]. It is always a pleasure to talk with you and work together “In His Service”.
Jean Bouts, Griffin District Treasurer
North GA Conference Annual Meeting: October 5, 2013 Griffin District Annual Meeting: October 13, 2012 Page -2-
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I have been working on my Mission u assignment – The Call: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly. This mission study addresses the two sacraments affirmed by the United Methodist Church: Baptism and Holy Communion. Each of these holy experiences calls us to deepen our spirituality and to cultivate our becoming the hands and feet of Jesus today. Through our baptism, we are called by name to a mission and each time someone is baptized in our churches, we are called to remember our own covenant: to reject the evil powers of this world and repent of our sin; to accept the freedom and power God gives us to resist the evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves; to confess one savior and strive to be his reflection in the world. And, at the end of the service, we are reminded of the grace given to us that calls us to remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church and to be His representatives in the world. Called by name – we all like to hear our names called, depending on the situation, I suppose. What’s in a name? Our identity. God called Jesus his Beloved One when Jesus was baptized. What is the name you were called at your baptism? Say that name aloud [no matter where you are when you read this]. Quietly listen . . . listen . . . Who does your name say you are? What does that mean to you? Then say aloud, “I am __________ [your name], God’s beloved.” Say it loud and say it often. Believe it. The following prayer was written by Rueben P. Job for his book Three Simple Questions, page 49: “Loving God, remind me often today where I find my identity. May I never forget that I am your beloved child, may I listen for and hear your faintest whisper, feel your slightest touch, respond quickly to your call, yield to your word of correction, rejoice in your companionship, and serve you faithfully all the days of my life. Thank you for hearing my prayers and accepting my life. I offer them to you as completely as I can. In the Name and Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Look for Mission u to be offered in our district in 2014. Blessings to you dear ladies of the Griffin District,
Mary Anne Brannon, Vice President
Griffin District’s Newsletter
August, 2013
(Ann Jones, Program Resource Secretary) Print copies of the UMW Handbook 2013-2016 are now available from the UMW Mission Resource Center. I plan to have copies for sale at our district annual meeting in October, but some have requested information for ordering in advance. You may order online at www.missionresources.org or by calling customer service at 1-800-3059857. The cost is $12.50 + tax/shipping/handling. Order by Item # M3157. Each unit will want to obtain a copy of this new handbook. It contains guidelines and policies for our organization and provides information about the work of United Methodist Women. It offers suggestions for organization and resources to help us assume responsibility as members.
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Meet our newest addition to the United Methodist Women Team……. The Granddaughter of Freddie Johnson, District Nominating Committee Member, Rylee Rose, was born June 21, 2013 at 11:19 pm, Pacific Coast Time in San Diego, California, she weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz and 20 inches long.
Rylee Rose currently resides in her nursery duly named "The Rose Garden".
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Wesley Chapel United Methodist Women Wesley’s United Methodist Women sponsored their Annual Spring Tea and Fashion Show using the theme …. “On The Battlefield, Doing A New Thing” on April 20, 2013 in the Thomas Fellowship Hall. Several women were honored for their outstanding and dedicated leadership in service to the Church, the Community and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those receiving recognition and a plaque of appreciation were Dr. Wylene Adwater, Mrs. Jackie Banks, Ms. Jennifer Johnson, Minister Vickey Wansley and Mrs. Ruby Brown. Several of our members attended the Spiritual Growth Experience at Simpsonwood and the ‘Doing a New Thing” district event at Monticello United Methodist Church. We are active servants wherever and whenever we’re called upon to serve. The women of Wesley were treated to a royal Mother’s Day breakfast prepared by our United Methodist Men and flowers were presented to the oldest mother in attendance which was Mrs. Ruby Brown and the youngest mother in attendance which was Mrs. Laura Thomas. The meal and service was fit for a queen, however, the UMW prepared Father’s Day breakfast for the men and they received the same treatment…. A meal fit for a King! The fellowship and food for both occasions were enjoyed by all. During the 3rd weekend of July we celebrated WOMEN as we observed our annual Women’s Day. Our 2013 theme was birthed from our attendance at the Simpsonwood Spiritual Growth Experience - “Fan Into Flame The Gift of God Within You”. Thank you Bishop Fisher for the inspiration! Our spiritual flame fanners were Dr. Juanchella Grooms Francis, Rev. Urseilla Todd Williams and Rev. Telley Lynette Gadson. For those of you that wasn’t there, you missed blessings upon blessings! We were honored that Ms. Tryphenia Speed, our Conference UMW Vice President, was in service with us during our Sunday celebration. Minister Vickey Wansley and Mrs. Barbara J. Broughton were both presented with plaques of appreciation and dedication. Minister Vickey Wansley was named Woman of The Year for her faithfulness in word and service and Mrs. Broughton for her leadership in directing and putting together a 75 voice Women’s Day Choir. Flowers were presented to Mrs. Denise Neal, spouse of our pastor, Reverend William Bert Neal, III in honor of her first Women Day Celebration at Wesley.
What an awesome and spiritual time we had praising and serving our God!
Jennifer Johnson, UMW President Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. William Bert Neal, III, Pastor
Ladies, let’s WELCOME our LIMITLESS TASKFORCE Representatives to the Team…
Ms. Deborah Pinkney and Ms. Danielle Turnipseed
Griffin District’s Newsletter
August, 2013
At a recent Griffin District Executive Team Meeting, Sandy Doty, our Spiritual Growth Coordinator shared the following devotionals with us that I found very interesting and rewarding. Here they are for you to enjoy, as well!
TO DO LIST By Jeffrey Japinga Daily Guideposts, March 12, 2013
I came into work feeling, well, just not right. Not achy, like a cold; or tired because I hadn’t gotten enough sleep the night before; or low on energy because I hadn’t been eating well. Just kind of… “Blah,” I told one co-worker that morning. “No other symptoms?” she replied. “None,” I said. When Deb cocked her head sideways and furrowed her brow, I knew something was up. “No other symptoms? Then you’re the only one who hasn’t notice what a grump you’ve been the last 2 days.” “Well, Dr. Deb.” I said – grumpily, I should note, “and what horrible disease might be causing this grumpiness?” “Hurry sickness. You get it every time you try to do too much and think it’s still not enough. When’s the last time you simply spent a half hour with God?” Every year I get a flu shot, so I don’t get the flu. I take vitamins daily, so I can ward off colds. I try to eat right and exercise. But all of those things will not keep me healthy if I don’t take my daily prescription for hurry sickness— at least twenty uninterrupted minutes of prayer and silence. God-time. Every day. Feeling blah? Overwhelmed” Drained by a to-do list that keeps getting longer? I’ve learned to check myself for hurry sickness. I’m not always very good at preventing it, but at least I’ve learned the cure. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:24 Fill me, God, with the health that comes only from you.
NAME SEVEN GAME By Daniel Schantz Daily Guideposts, March 11, 2013
There is a little game my wife and I play whenever we have had a dark and futile day. As we are getting ready for bed, I will say, “Okay, name seven good things about this day for which you can thank God.” “What?” she balks. “Are you serious? There’s not a single redeeming quality to this day.” “Well,” I remind her, “you had a nice breakfast out on the deck, and I know how much you enjoy a good breakfast.” “But that’s a small thing…” “And our daughter Natalie called. You enjoyed that.” “Oh yes, I almost forgot that. And we didn’t get any bills today. That’s a plus.” Soon Sharon is up to seventeen things and then she turns on me. “Okay, Smarty, you name seven good things about your day.” “Oops, I was afraid you would get around to me. Sorry, there was utterly nothing about this day worth remembering. Zip. Zero.” “Well, you got that sticky garage door fixed. I’m amazed at how you can fix almost anything.” “That? I was just having fun. I love to fix things. My motto is ‘If it ain’t broke, break it, so I can fix it.” I rub my knees and add, “The only good thing about this day is that my knees didn’t hurt all day.” Soon I am up to twenty-five good things, and the next thing we know we are laughing, and the world seems a brighter place. The Name Seven game has never failed us. Even on the darkest nights, the candle shine of gratitude is all the night-light we need to sleep blissfully. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. Psalm 119:164 Sometimes, Lord, the darkness is in me and not in life itself. Help me to notice the good things in life and not just the bad things. Page -6-
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Happenings Around the Griffin District Special thanks and appreciation are extended to the United Methodist Women of Monticello First United Methodist Church for hosting our annual 20-30-40 Something Event – “Doing Something New”
“Doing Something New” was held on June 8, 2013 Coordinated by our Membership, Nurture, Outreach Coordinator, Mrs. Paula Vinings. Workshops included Flower Arrangements, Painting, Line Dancing and a Self Defense Class A great big thank you to our instructors and attendees
Special Guest Speaker Cathy Lee Phillips (pictured are Cathy Lee Phillips, Paula Vinings, Sandy Doty and Teresa Wynn
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Griffin District’s Newsletter
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August, 2013
“Doing A New Thing” (June 8, 2013)
SEJ Task Force – Atlanta GA – May, 2013 (pictured with members of the SEJ Task Force are Griffin District’s COM Members, Freddie Johnson and Joan Wynn)
Thomaston First United Methodist Church
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A Christmas Celebration Called A Secret Prayer Cup And Installation Service for New Officers On the evening of December 10th, the United Methodist Women of Thomaston First held their annual Christmas Banquet and Installation of New Officers. We were honored to have our District President, Teresa Wynn, to be our guest for these events. She presided over the installation using for her theme her collection of angels letting each represent the role of one of the new officers. This service was quite meaningful and we appreciated the time she spent in preparation and in being willing to come for our installation. The new officers for 20-13-2014 are: President: Acting Vice President: Secretary Treasurer: Spiritual Growth Co-Coordinators: Social Action Coordinator: Education & Interpretation Coordinator: Membership Nurture & Outreach Coordinator: Communications Coordinator: Secretary for Program Resources: Chairperson, Committee on Nominations: Historian: Faith Circle Leader: Grace Circle Leaders: Love and Hope Circle Leaders:
Faye Garrett Sandy Doty Clarice Brodie Sharon Johnston Marcelle Tyrone & Charlotte Hancock June Worsham Helen Smith Mary Tate Dianne Jimerson Katie Smith Glenda Stevens Dianne Jimerson June Worsham Sandy Doty & Wanda Renfroe Hilda Logan & Donna Davis
Following the delicious meal, the secret prayer partners from last Christmas were revealed, and the paper bags containing the cups for the new year were distributed with instructions that no one was to look into the bag until after the meeting had ended. We are looking forward to next year when our new secret prayer partners will once again be revealed. (Submitted by Dianne Jimerson, Communications Coordinator) Page -9-
Griffin District’s Newsletter
August, 2013
Griffin District UMW Dates to Remember 2013
Just a reminder, the next edition of the Griffin District Newsletter will be published on December 1, 2013 Articles are due on or before November 20, 2013 Thank you for your cooperation!
Mailing/Contact Information
Linda Brown
Griffin District Communication Coordinator 443 Parkside Way McDonough, Georgia 30253 Email address:
[email protected] January 5, 2013 February 2, 2013 March 2, 2013 March 17, 2013 April, 2013 April 13, 2013 May 3-4, 2013 June 1, 2013 June 8, 2013 June 11-13, 2013 July 18-20, 2013 August 17, 2013 October 5, 2013 October 13, 2013 November 9, 2013 December 7, 2013
Executive Team (Griffin District Office) Mission Study (Jonesboro First) Social Action Event (Trinity-Atlanta) Lenten Day Apart (Christ UMC –Forsyth) Mission Work Experience (District) Executive Team (Riverdale First) Spiritual Growth Experience (Simpsonwood Conference Center) Wesley’s Speedway Walk for Others 20-30-40 Something (Monticello UMC) NGC Annual Conference (Athens) Cooperative Mission Experience (Simpsonwood Conference Center) Executive Team (McDonough First) Conference Annual Meeting (Douglasville) Annual Meeting (Griffin First) Leadership Training (Jones Memorial) Executive Team Celebration (Hampton UMC)
**Please note REGISTRATION FORMS for upcoming events will be emailed**
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