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Spring 2015 Volume 59, Issue 1

West Michigan Conference

H I G H L I G H T S

Greetings to the West Michigan

Conference United Methodist Women

Congratulations and Many Thanks!!!!!!

In July of last year I made a challenge to the women of West Michigan to finish the campaign to raise money to complete the roof at the Grand Rapids Community House. Our major roof project has been paid for and completed. Hooray!!!!!! We still need to have the front entry overhang and the sections that cover the front sidewalk to be looked at. We will be getting estimates for this in the future.

During this next year I hope that as a Conference we can continue to sacrifice at least $5.00 or more per person to United Methodist Community House maintenance. If we can continue to set aside funds, we will be in better shape to be ready when we have a building need. As most of you know, most of the needs we will see will require a special effort on our part, but a continued special account for this purpose may allow us to proceed in a more expedient manner. To continue this campaign, please send your contribution to our UMW Conference Treasurer with the notation UMCH Maintenance Fund.

In 5 months we were able to make this a possibility. We have reached the goal of $33,000,00 + . This includes the beginning amount that has been raised over the past 2 years. At the last Board Meeting, I was able to report that this goal has been reached. This is our building. We are extremely proud of the things that happen here. The programs are incredibly important to the children, women and seniors we serve, but we need to be constantly aware of the needs that arise to the structure as we are to the programming.

Thank you again for your support of this mission. Thanks for all you do to make God's Kingdom a reality on earth.

Blessings to you.

Jenny Kroeze, President

West Michigan Conference UMW

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President: Jenny Kroeze (2013) 640 Seminole Dr., Fremont 49412 231-924-4814 jenk@ncats.net

Vice President: Phyllis Jackson (2012) 978 Amber View Dr. SW, Byron Center 49315 616-878-1284 PHYL4959@comcast.net

Secretary: Meredith Richter (2015) 1300 Highland Dr., Petoskey 49770

231-347-9717 mrich1300@yahoo.com

Treasurer: Julia Paradine-Rice (2014) 4114 Sanctuary Dr., Alma, 48801 989-576-0675 juliapr@charter.net

Mission Coordinators:

Spiritual Growth: Simmie Proctor (2014) 73486 8th Street, South Haven 49090 269-637-6053 simmiepr@hotmail.com

Education & Interpretation: Shirley Chappell (2013)

719 S. Griffin, Grand Haven 49417 616-846-4197 shirley2billchapel@att.net

Social Action: Randie Clawson (2015) 384 Lind Drive, Travers City 49696 231-929-7808 randieclawson@gmail.com

Membership Nurture/Outreach: Gerry Tibbits (2015)

106 Hartwell Terrace, Mason 48854 517-930-5304 sre2226@yahoo.com

Program Resources: Connie Swinger (2015) 255 Brown St. SW, Grand Rapids 49507

616-452-3532 connieswinger@att.net

Communications Coordinator: Dorie Litchfield (2014) 331 Prairie Drive, Climax, MI 49034 269-746-8728 creator.dorie@gmail.com

Appointed: Be Just Be Green Coordinator: Clarice McKenzie 396 Ford Street, Bitely 49309

231-745-3256 (Apr-Nov) 727-536-1888 (Nov-Mar) cjmckum@gmail.com

Committee on Nominations:

Chairperson: Linda Darrow (2014) 4-year term 633 N. State St., Alma 48801 989-763-8750 darrowlinda@gmail.com

Committee Members: Clara VanderLaan (2015) 2-year term 6702 Waterview Drive Grandville 49418 616-457-1554 cslaghvdl@hotmail.com

Beth Mitchell (2014) 4-year term 3813 Rockwood, Kalamazoo 49004 269-343-6806 bmitchell@lewisreedallen.com

Sue Franklin (2014) 2-year term 2392 Fern Ct., Farwell 48622-9789 989-339-0491 Lsfbflat@gmail.com

Suzanne Hewitt (2015) 4-year term 2250 Knapp St., Grand Rapids 49505 616-361-9565 suzmckhew@att.net

3 - year term (OPEN);

2 - year term (OPEN)

Historian -- (appointed) OPEN

District Presidents:

Albion: Donna Smith, 269-565-0958 smithd42f@gmail.com

Grand Rapids: Sue VanHoesen 231-755-3476 pvanhousen1@comcast.net

Grand Traverse: Julie Gasco, 231-549-2084 jgasco@hughes.net

Heartland: Waitha Gaye Leavitt , 231-640-0238 wally@journey.com

Kalamazoo: Cindy Thiele, 269-673-4514 cindahthele@gmail.com

Lansing: Joyce Plumhoff, 517-676-2715 tplumhoff1858@att.net

WEST MICHIGAN CONFERENCE

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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

community; and to

expand concepts of

mission through

participation in

global ministries of

the church.

See YOU at

MISSION u

July 16-18, 2015

at CMU

Financial Update

Just to give you an idea of what we

as United Methodist Women do, here is a chart that shows what our missions budget costs for each increment of time.

Blessings to all, Julia Paradine-Rice,

Conference Treasurer

United Methodist Women

2015 Mission Dollars

year $13,423,063.00

day $36,775.52

hour $1,532.31

minute $25.54

second $0.43

The above chart represents UMW Mission dollars spent.

Could you fund an additional minute of

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Membership Nurture and Outreach

Friends,

As I closed the books on 2014, I wanted to thank all of you who have made great efforts to increase our membership in UMW and to support one another in love. We have a great organization with a proud history. Let others know about it.

Some groups have come to us wanting to close and said that it has been too hard to continue the church work that the women used to do, such as the funeral lunches and dinners. Nowhere in the UMW charter is there an obligation to do these things. This is where church growth happens and hospitality committees arise. If your group therefore must lower a pledge, then lower it. You may find the energy to come up with something else to raise funds (where you don't have to be on your feet so much). Or you may use your time to increase your efforts to teach mission and the issues surrounding women, children and youth to your church.

Do you know that a lot of churches do not know what the UMW does in the world?

Even some pastors don't know for sure. And all the time Pledges to Mission have dug wells, schooled children, built hospitals and on and on. One group laid issues of "Response" around for anyone to read.... people did read them and were very impressed. They noticed not only the fine journalism, but also, the breadth of UMW and all the work it accomplishes with the money we raise. As I said, we have a proud story to tell. Keep telling it. And as Karen May, our Albion District Membership Nurture & Outreach (MN&O) summarized, "Invite, Invite, Invite."

As I close my term as your Conference MN&O coordinator, I would like to report on this year's Membership Count. When forms came in from the Districts, we were able to account for over 4000 women. Not Bad. However, per the Church Conference Journal, the count was over 6000 women. I don't want to suggest we have "lost" any women. It just means we have to increase our efforts toward completeness and accuracy. I know you will welcome Gerry Tibbits, who takes over the position in 2015. You will enjoy her spirituality and enthusiasm.

Peace, Susan Emmons

Collecting Bras for Mission Peru 2015

Health Kits and Bras of all colors and sizes are needed for Mission Peru.

Send or deliver to Jodi Pratt in Grand Rapids 269-792-0481

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Collections for Mission Peru 2015

The Grand Rapids District

UMW , along with other UMW units, came together and collected over 300 bras. For a partner project (2012) with DB Peru and the Peruvian UMW Federation. Our supply of bras and healthcare items is gone and the Peru Mission 2015 is asking for donations.

In July 2015 the group will travel to the Junin area in southern Peru for medical and VBS work. We would welcome bra's of any size (teen especially), permanent markers of color, and nail clippers. One of the team members from Wisconsin has issued a "bra challenge" to see how many we can take with us! Jody Pratt can arrange a pick up point or send with a UMW member traveling in the direction of Grand Rapids. Together, we can make it work. Thanks again for making great things happen when United Methodist Women spring into action.

Co - Team Leaders Peru 2015 Jody Pratt prattgji@hughes.net 269-792-0481 Lynette Jordan , Wisconsin

Individual Peru Volunteer in Mission Judy Bruun , Peru ( Wisconsin)

Peru UMW Federation President—Tania Rojas -

A Word from our Vice President

It has always been very important to me, to keep in contact with people who have touched my life in a special way. A few weeks ago, I became aware that one of my long time Camp and College friends had tragically lost her son. My heart was broken for her. I

prayed and asked God what I could do to reach out to my friend. Many of you know that I am a Quilter and my greatest joy is making something and sharing it with someone else. I had a quilt that I had made some time ago, for no particular reason and at the time, had no one in mind to give it to. It was a quilt of many beautiful colors. As I prayed for my friend, it suddenly came to me that I needed to give this quilt to her, to wrap her in caring love. My husband Andrew, blessed the quilt and I mailed it to my friend. In a couple days, the phone call came, and the tears flowed as my friend attempted to express her overwhelming joy of receiving the quilt.

In a written note, she wrote these words. “Kavod is the Hebrew word to mean special glory given to God in Praise and Thanksgiving. And so I send you Kavod in return for the sweet glory of God you have given me in my time of grieving”. She says it is comforting around her shoulders, and in her prayers she wrapped her son in it tenderly.

May You All Have A Blessed Christmas,

Phyllis Jackson Vice Pres. WMC UMW

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2015 West Michigan Conference

MISSION u

Co-Sponsored by West Michigan Conference United Methodist Women and

Conference Board of Global Ministries Thursday - Saturday

JULY 16 - 18, 2015

Central Michigan University - Mt. Pleasant, MI Kulhavi Hall, 212 W. Broomfield, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858

(989) 774-4004 ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟

2015 Mission Studies:

Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life In God Study Leader: Rev. Devon Herrell Latin America Study Leaders: Rev. Joseph and Joanne Perez The Church and People With Disabilities Study Leader: Rev. Gordon Schleicher Children’s Study: Latin America Study Leaders: Glenys Nellist and Ronda Libbitt

✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ Mission u is for everyone ✟ Mission u is where persons of all ages come together to grow in understanding

of the mission of the church in the current world context through study, fellowship, worship and fun!

✟ Mission u is educational, fun and one of the best vacation bargains around!

Registration: Thursday, July 16th

8:30-10:00

Used Book Sale to benefit Community

House library.

Scholarships are available for first

time attendees, children, young

women (ages 18-35) & clergy.

Call Shirley Chappell

-(616)846-4197.

Study books can be purchased in advance

from the Mission Resource Center - 1-800-

305-9857.

Silent Auction to benefit Latin

American ministries. Bring only

NEW items, services and crafts.

There will be no live auction.

In-gathering: UMCOR birthing kits

CHILD CARE will be provided. Questions - contact the Registrar.

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Please use ONE FORM per person - children MUST have their own form.

Mission u Registration Form

July 16-18, 2015

REGISTRATION DEADLINE - JULY 6, 2015

Name:________________________________________________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address (please PRINT clearly):_________________________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________ Phone (_______)___________________________

City:__________________________________________________ State: ________ Zip Code:______________________

District:_______________________________ Local Church: ________________________________________________

Roommate Preference:________________________________________________________________________________

_Circle all that apply:

Female Male First time attendee Clergy

UMW Member Missionary Scholarship Recipient UMW Dist. Officer

UMW Conf. Officer Mission u Officer

Child (under 6) _____(age) Child (6-12) _____ (age) Youth (13-18) _____ (age)

✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟

Please select only one class from the following: (mark your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice)

_____________ Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God

_____________ The Church and People With Disabilities

_____________ Latin America

_____________ Children’s Study: Latin America (children ages 6-12)

_____________ Enriched Child Care (5 and under)

✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟

Registration Fees: (please check all that apply)

_____ 3 day School (all meals and lodging) - $250.00/adult _____ FREE/children ages 0-18

_____ Commuter (5 meals, no lodging) - $150.00/adult

_____ Commuter (no meals, no lodging) - $100.00/adult

_____ Wednesday night lodging/breakfast—$40.00/adult _____ FREE/children ages 0-18

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Mission u 2015

Planning continues for the 2015 Mission u to be held July 16-18, 2015 at Central Michigan University, again in the convenient and air conditioned Kulhavi Hall. I hope you are making plans now to attend. Registration forms and scholarship application forms will be out soon. There are a couple of favorite things that will be included that you can start thinking about now.

The popular fundraising Silent Auction will occur. Funds raised will support an appropriate mission. Hand crafted items are very popular, as are attractive kits and filled gift baskets.

Secondly, the hands-on / in-gathering project will be UMCOR Birthing Kits. Most of the items are easily obtained and can be collected over time. You can bring the items or completed kits to Mission u 2015. UMCOR has provided important information regarding the need for birthing kits. Each year more than 600,000 women die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth in developing countries. Approximately, 9 million infant deaths occur each year. Tetanus and other infections are among the leading causes of newborn mortality. Infants with neonatal tetanus often have concomitant cord infection caused by unclean delivery or unclean cord care practices. Safe and clean delivery practices can save lives.

Here is a list of the needed items: One hotel sized bar of soap to clean

the birth attendant's hands both before delivery and prior to cutting the umbilical cord, and to clean the mother after delivery..

One pair of clean latex gloves to reduce disease transmission.

One square yard of clear 4 mil. plastic sheeting to provide a clean surface to deliver the baby. This is available on rolls at local hardware stores such as Lowes

Three pieces of clean string, each 12 inches long to tie the umbilical cord.

One clean single use razor blade- essential for clean cutting of the umbilical cord. Carefully wrap in light cardboard or in a clean plastic pill bottle to avoid accidents.

Two flannelette receiving blankets, each 1 yard square - one to dry and stimulate the baby and one to swaddle the baby.

One gallon sized plastic bag to package the kit and to hold the placenta for safe disposal.

These kits are distributed only to

hospitals and clinics with programs in place to provide education on how to use them correctly.

Thanks and Peace,

Susan Emmons, Dean Mission u 2015

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Welcome Randie Clawson

God is working through United

Methodist Women on many social

issues. I will be serving as the West

Michigan Conference Social Action

Coordinator. I am looking forward to

being involved with you as we together

apply our faith, hope and love to social

actions.

As God’s daughters, we can be sure

that social action is our calling.

Ephesians 2:8-10 lets us know that our

salvation is a gift from God. Verse 10

goes on to tell us that we are “God’s

handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do

good works, which God prepared in

advance for us to do.” God has formed

our circumstances to give us passion to

accomplish the good works planned for

us. I want to get to know you and learn

of the passions God has placed in your

heart.

By way of a personal introduction, I

live in Traverse City. I retired from the

State of Michigan in 1997. I have no

family in Traverse City, my son and his

wife live in Howell. I am “working on my

wings” to be a snowbird.

I attend Christ UMC in Traverse

City.

Because my small church has no

UMW, I attend the UMW at Central

UMC. In December of 2012, I ended

my seven-year employment with

Women’s Resource Center to go on an

UMW Ubuntu Journey to Sierra Leone.

I also serve as an Individual Volunteer

in Missions with General Board of

Global Missions. I have spent ten

months in the Middle East since April

2013. When I return from Florida, I

plan to be involved with Justice for our

Neighbors in Traverse City.

It will be exciting to learn how God is

working in your circumstances. We can join

God with our passions as we accomplish the

plans God has prepared for the West

Michigan Conference UMW units!

My email address is

randie.clawson@gmail.com.

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Education and Interpretation

Our Church had two very special

visitors recently. They were Mbwizu

Ndjungu and Nkemba Ndjungu. They are

both from the Democratic Republic of the

Congo but have been missionaries for six

years in Cameroon. Cameroon was

colonized by the French 12 years ago and

consists of 10 provinces. There are 8

French and 2 English. There are

Methodists in 3 provinces with a total of

1247 people attending worship. There are

12 French speaking congregations and 11

English with 22 Pastors serving this area.

Only 7 are ordained but 6 more will be

ordained soon.

I have always loved the clothing that

the African women wear and wondered

why they dress alike at times. Mbwizu told

us that these are their uniforms. When

they are in uniform everyone knows they

are Methodist and doing God’s work.

Mbwizu feels that malaria is much

worse in their area than Ebola. She said

you can die from malaria in only four days

and is very thankful for the nets for

malaria campaign.

Their ministries consist of worship

services in local buildings and in prisons

and eye clinics. Mbwizu collects old eye

glasses for her clinic. It rains almost every

day and the people cook with wood inside

their houses. This

makes for a very smoky

house and the smoke

affects their eyes. 48%

of the people live

under the poverty

limit. The businesses

of the country are

cocoa, bananas, coffee and rubber, but all

of these companies are owned by the

French. The majority (60%) of people farm

just for their own survival. 40% are

Christian, 20% Muslim and 40% pagan.

The government recognizes and supports

the Baptist, Presbyterians, and Lutherans.

The Methodist are not recognized because

they have no buildings or Churches. As soon

as the Methodist build a Church, the

government will recognize them and support

them. If you would like more information or

would like to donate to this mission, contact

your mission team or the West Michigan

Board of Global Missions.

As spring approaches let‘s be generous

with our gifts to missions, food pantries, the

Imagine No Malaria Campaign and those

who can use a helping hand.

Let there be Peace on Earth And Let it Begin with Me.

Peace and Love

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Spiritual Growth

On October 20, 2014 I had back surgery. I was prepared for everything to go well and I had many praying for me. I was given a prayer shawl that I told my daughter to wear throughout my surgery.

I was not ready for what happened after the surgery. Things did not go well for me after surgery. I had lots of problems that I was not ready for. I spent six days in the hospital. I was only supposed to be there three to four days. Even though I went through a rough time. I did not let it get the best of me. I knew that sometimes things do not always go as planned.

I knew that I was being prayed for each day. I was so out of it, I could not pray for myself. I am so thankful for my family and friends that took good care of me. I loved the cards that I received just when I needed a lift.

I’d like to share this devotion that I got from "Hugs" Daily Inspirations word of comfort God Can Handle It

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Life can be difficult and discouraging at times. During our darkest moments, God offers strength and courage if we turn our hearts and our prayers to Him.

As children of God, we have every reason to live courageously. After all, God loves us and and has promised to be with us. But sometimes, because we are imperfect human beings who possess imperfect faith, we fall prey to fear and doubt. Next time your courage is stretched to the limit, remember that your heavenly Father is as near as your next breath. He is your shield and your strength: He is your protector and your deliverer. Call upon Him in your hour of need, and be comforted. Whatever your trouble, God can handle it and He will.

Have a blessed Spring and be well and safe. Simmie Proctor

Spiritual Growth Coordinator

Social Action

As i sit here and write this, this will be my last article as your Social Action Coordinator.

I would like to remind all of you to remember to take action. Some of the social issues that are closest to my heart are Human Trafficking. Racial Justice, and Domestic Violence. There are others that you might have a heart for. When I took on the position I was told by one very wise women to find what you are passionate about and take action. I would challenge each one of you to find your passion and take action.

I would like to thank all of you who I have met over the past 3 years. To the Conference Team Members who I have served with, you all have found a place in my heart.

I encourage each of you to go out and find your passion.

Blessings, Joyce Mitchell

Social Action Coordinator

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Mailing Address Line 1

Mailing Address Line 2

Mailing Address Line 3

Mailing Address Line 4

Mailing Address Line 5

YOUR LOGO HERE

2015 Calendar of Events West Michigan Conference UMW

April 11 Keep Making Peace University UMC, East Lansing

April 10 - 11 Grand Traverse Spring Retreat Lake Louise

April 25 Kalamazoo District Spiritual Growth Retreat South Haven

May 1 - 2 Spiritual Growth Retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center DeWitt

May 1 - 2 Heartland Spiritual Growth Retreat Wesley Woods

June 24 Kalamazoo District Mission Day Niles Wesley UMC

July 16—18 Mission u Kulhavi Hall at CMU

August 11 Grand Traverse Mission Day Kewadin

September 12 - 19 Annual DISTRICT Celebrations (see district newsletters)

October 19 - 20 Mission School of the North Gaylord UMC

October 16 Conference Mission Team Coldwater UMC

October 17 43rd Conference Annual Celebration Coldwater UMC

West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church

www.westmichiganconference.org. (Ministries-UMW)

United Methodist Women

Climax United Methodist Church 133 East Maple, PO Box 125., Climax, Michigan 49034

Nonprofit Organization

US Postage Paid

HIGHLIGHTS -- the official Newsletter for West Michigan

Conference United Methodist Women; Is published quarterly: Dec., Mar., June, Sept.

Submissions requested by the 5th of each previous month to: Editor: Dorie Litchfield, creator.dorie@gmail.com OR 331 Prairie Dr., Climax, MI 49034

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Congratulations and Many Thanks

2015 Mission Team; Mission Minute,

PURPOSE

Membership Nurture and Outreach, A Word

from our Vice President, Mission Peru 2015

Mission u, Mission u application

Mission u, Welcome Randie Clawson

Education and Interpretation, Social Action,

Spiritual Growth