MAVERICK CIRCLEStep Out and Be Bold

United Methodist WomenChurch of the Resurrection

WE ARE MORE THAN A CIRCLE!

WE ARE A CONNECTION!

Not only is UMW connected through the local church, districts, conferences (annual, jurisdictional and global), but through organizations worldwide that address the condition of women, children and youth, including:

• National Justice for our Neighbors• United Methodist Committee on

Relief• United Methodist Global AIDS

Fund• World Day of Prayer• United Federation of Methodist

and United Church Women

• Church Women United• Church World Service• The Commission on the Status of

Women (CSW)• Ecumenical Women• Justpeace Center for Mediation

and Conflict Transformation• National Council on Churches and

World Council of Churches

WORLDWIDE CONNECTION

THE PURPOSE

The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is:• To know God and to experience freedom as

whole persons through Jesus Christ.• To develop a creative supportive fellowship.• To expand concepts of mission through

participation in the global ministries of the church.

THE MISSION

Fostering spiritual growth, Developing leaders and

Advocating for justice

United Methodist Women is the largest denominational faith organization for women with

approximately 800,000 members

THE VISION

Turning faith, hope and love

into action on behalf of women, children and youth

around the world!

THE VISION, cont.

• Provide opportunities and resources to grow spiritually

• Organized for growth and flexible structures leading to effective witness and action

• Equip women and girls around the world to be leaders in communities, agencies, workplaces, governments and churches

• Work for justice through compassionate service and advocacy to change unfair policies and systems

• Provide educational experiences that lead to personal change in order to transform the world

PRINCIPLES & VALUES

Principles and values of UMW and The United Methodist Church include promoting:

• The empowerment of women, children & youth • Anti-racism and multiculturalism • Inclusion and equity• Fair labor practices • Economic and environmental stewardship and

sustainability

SCOPE OF THE WORK

The work of United Methodist women is MISSION.

ADVOCACY AND SERVICEThis has been the driving force since UMW began in 1869 when eight (8) women met to learn about women’s health and education needs in India. They raised funds and sent an educator and physician to work on behalf of women and children who were considered “chattel.”

ADVOCACY & SERVICE

“He has told you, O mortal, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness

and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

The United Methodist Book of Discipline specifically charges United Methodist Women to “support ministry with and advocate for the oppressed and disposed with special attention to the needs of women, children and youth.”

MISSION INITIATIVES

UMW’s entire program focuses on mission. The mission initiatives include:

• Providing opportunities to grow spiritually

• Equipping women and girls to be leaders

• Providing transformative educational experiences

• Organizing for growth and flexibility

• Working for justice through service and advocacy

MEMBERS GET INVOLVED

As a member of United Methodist Women, you can be a part of a growing, supportive community and contribute to its continual growth when you:

SUPPORT

ACT

PARTICIPATE

SUPPORT

• Develop spiritually by prayer and Bible study

• Support Financially with a Pledge to Mission and other donations

• Intellectually through education about mission and mission projects

ACT

• Get involved in both charity and justice issues

• Be intentional about the use of the world’s resources

• Strengthen the supportive community by joining UMWOnline

PARTICIPATE

• Learn about the changing needs in mission

• Live a life of praise and thanksgiving• Develop a relationship with missionaries• Partner with our institutions or projects

at home and around the world

WHAT MEMBERS DO

• Members engage in the work of UMW at every level of the organization around all the different topics and issues we care about.

• Members – Organize Events

• Members – Serve their Communities

• Members – Act for Justice

• Members – Get Involved

Members Organize Events

• Organize vigils and legislative events around justice issues• Host potlucks, bake sales, rummage sales and socials at

their churches to raise funds for mission work• Attend and organize Schools of Mission in their

conferences or panel discussions on important issues• Attend Assembly, the quadrennial celebration of women

in mission• Start Reading Program book clubs and circles for quilting

and knitting• Plan service and advocacy opportunities in their

communities

Members Serve Their Communities

• Local units, districts and conferences keep thirty percent of all raised funds for mission work to encourage support for local communities. With these funds, members . . . o Support local National Mission Institutions and

other local community centerso Volunteer at community centers and schoolso Serve as leaders on their school boards and

churches

Members Act for Justice

UMW members believe that charity is a gift, but social action helps change systems that keep people oppressed and dispossessed. To fulfill God’s call to bring heaven on earth, members• Sign up for Action Alerts through the Social Action

Network• Contact their representatives to vote for legislation

aiding women, children and youth• Serve their communities through partnership with

UMW community centers and institutions

ACTION ISSUES

• Economic Justice• Racial Justice• Public Education• Child Advocacy• Global Justice• . . . and more

• Human Trafficking• Domestic Violence• Women’s Rights• Immigration• Health Care• Environment

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Leadership Development Days 2013-2014

The Leadership Development Days (LDD) is a week-end filled with practical, hands-on experiences, moving worship services, workshops, networking and more for UMW members newly elected to leadership positions of the organization and anyone who wants to participate

April 24 - 27Pre-conference Events

Ubuntu Day of Service 8 am – 4 pm

READING PROGRAMThe Reading Program is a study opportunity that promotes action. Books are organized into the following five categories.

• Education for Mission• Leadership Development• Social Action• Nurturing for Community• Spiritual Growth

New Resources for Social Action

Resources for Racial Justice 2013 update of the Racial Justice Manual. Workshops, programs, action steps and more to prepare us to live the Charter for Racial Justice.

Hope and Hospitality This manual equips us to advocate for migrants' rights: Bible studies, programs, worship resources, policy, issues and social action steps.

umwmissionresources.org

RESOURCES

Response Magazine

Monthly Bible studies, stories of faith, and mission opportunities are just part of what you'll find in Response. This magazine will touch your heart, stir your soul, and challenge your mind.

RESOURCES

UMW NewsUnited Methodist Women News is a free 8-page newspaper highlighting recent events and issues happening within the organization and its members.

UMWonlineEnter Chat" and see who else is online and what they are talking about. Enter an existing Chat Room or start your own.

Action Alerts Action Alerts on key congressional legislation and public policies are sent to individuals participating in the Action Network.

UBUNTU JOURNEYS

Ubuntu is an African word and proverb meaning"I am human because you are human.“

Ubuntu Journeys are unique, short-term mission service opportunities for UMW to interact with the world through mission partners. Ubuntu Journeys are about women of faith coming together though shared mission to address social issues and discover new ways of working together, supporting one another, and growing spiritually. United Methodist Women Ubuntu participants will expand their understanding of issues that impact the world and their community through mutual learning with women from other cultures.

UBUNTU JOURNEYSEach Ubuntu Journey connects women to women for a faith and mission opportunity that will:

• Witness love and struggle; share challenges and opportunities.

• Enhance cultural awareness; exchange ideas and skills.• Learn where the UMW’s Mission Giving goes to

support more than 200 programs in 75 countries.• Understand daily life with Methodist and United

Methodist, grassroots and ecumenical sisters around the world.

AND MORE . . .

What we didn’t talk about . . . • Structure of the organization (within

Resurrection, district, conference, jurisdiction, national, global)

• Opportunities to become involved beyond• Funding the Mission and Mission Giving• Details about the Reading Program, Equipping

for Leadership, and other opportunities

STEP OUT AND BE BOLD

So what does all this information mean for us . . . UMW Mavericks who want to step out and be bold?We are the newest Resurrection UMW group and we have yet to find our “personality” within the Mission, Vision and Values of United Methodist Women!

STEP OUT AND BE BOLD

The great thing about this group is that we can determine how we care for one another, reach out to others, provide opportunities for learning and spiritual development, and how we “support, act and participate” within the connectional system. How exciting is that!

Information taken from:

United Methodist Women’s Website(or Google United Methodist Women)

Http:Gbgm-umc.org/umw

Kansas East Conference Websitewww.kecumw.org

(Downloads include the handbook and other information)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/umw

WHAT’S NEXT?

Putting Faith, Hope and Love

IntoAction

Wherever it leads!

WHAT’S HAPPENED SINCE?

MAVERICK CIRCLE

• Four members of the Mavericks are on the Board of United Methodist Women, including the President. (Three were new to UMW.)

• Eight people went to Assembly, all NEW to UMW

• Four members started the Difference Makers with St. James United Methodist Church

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Resurrection and St. James United Methodist Church partnership – acting on National Initiatives (with metro relationships & understanding)

• Sexual Trafficking – around Super Bowl

• Maternal Health (national event)

• Developmental Disabilities (future)

• Get Your Spirit On – Women’s Evening of Praise and Celebration

UMW – RESURRECTION

• New Board President, Vice President and Journey Leaders (shared leadership with great, experienced, wise board members)

• Board changes (National and Great Plains)

• New by-laws being written

• Dynamic and Strategic thinking – how can UMW be the best it can be at Resurrection and how can it best relate to all REZ women

UMW BOARD, cont.

• Events– Rummage Sale – successful ongoing event

– Lenten Luncheon

– Clergy/staff care through lunch and plans for other events in the future

– St. Paul School of Theology – how can we fulfill our mission (faith/hope/love in action) with them

– Strangers No More – interfaith dialogue with Jewish community

UNITED METHODISTWOMEN

PROGRAMS

UMW BOARD EVENTS

Wedding Participants

Officiant(s)

Parents of the Bride

Parents of the Groom

Maid/Matron of Honor

Best Man

Bridesmaids

Groomsmen

Reader(s)

Musicians

Twenty-First of June, 20XX

At Eleven O’clock

Location of the Event

Additional Text Readings

Hymns

Poems

Thanks and Dedication

The Ceremony Prelude

Processional

Opening Words

Readings

Declaration of Intent

Exchange of Vows

Exchange of Rings

Declaration of Marriage

Blessings

Recessional

Additional Text Type a quote

Or a poem

about marriage

here

STRANGERS NO MORE

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

6:30-8:30 pm

A Joint Program of

United Methodist Women The United Methodist

Church of the Resurrection and

Jewish Community Relations Bureau/ American Jewish Committee

This event is being held as a result of conversations between United Methodist Women President (UMW) Sharon Ritter and Social Action Chair Nancy Brown from The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection who were moved to action upon reading comments by Rabbi Mark Levin (Congregation Beth Torah) following the tragedies of April 13 at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Rabbi Levin wrote that “Jews are seen on a continuum between outsider and beloved friend. But few of our neighbors truly understand us or our religion, neither do they desire to. We are largely strangers to one another.” As a result Sharon and Nancy reached out to two Jewish friends, Judy Hellman and Marcia Rittmaster, to see if there would be interest to pursue an interfaith dialogue. Together we became aware, more now than ever, that although we have many similarities in our beliefs and goals for a better world, we also need to learn from each other and come together with the goal of making a difference in our community and creating a lasting civic peace. This is our initial attempt to lay a foundation of what we envision to be an opportunity to:

Construct paths to understanding Build bridges through developing relationships Develop new understandings of what it means to be citizens of a loving

community, created in the image of God Pursue the possibility of future events and ways to unite and work together

to make a difference in our lives and in our community,

We are glad you are joining us in this endeavor! The future journey is up to all of us!

Our thanks to Rev. Karen Lampe, Rabbi Rebecca Reice, the UMW Hospitality Team, UMW Board, facilitators, Jewish Community Relations Bureau/American Jewish Committee and The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. For more information, contact: Nancy Brown Judy Hellman nancybrowncor@aol.com jandlhellman@gmail.com Sharon Ritter Marcia Rittmaster shritter30@sbcglobal.net mrittmaster@gmail.com

WHY AND WHAT NEXT?

‘Strangers No More’ Honoring sacred worth of all in confronting hate

by Nancy Brown and Sharon Ritter on August 25, 2014 Women and girls have sacred worth. This passionate belief inspired us to become Ambassadors for Healthy Families, Healthy Planet, a program of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society. This same mindset also inspired us to become involved in United Methodist Women, currently serving as President and Social Action Chair at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kan. We don’t limit the value we place on human life to just women and girls.

We don’t limit the value we place on human life to just women and girls, however. So when a tragedy occurred in our community on April 13, we joined Jewish leaders to convene a forum called “Strangers No More” at our congregation.

The tragedy involved an act of hate by a lone gunman who entered the Overland Park Jewish Community Center and started shooting, killing three persons. Two of the victims, a 14-year-old boy and his grandfather, were members of Church of the Resurrection. Another victim, a woman, was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

None of these victims was Jewish, but rather belonged to “us,” as many would say. But in reality, they belonged to us all, the Christian and Jewish Communities, and the family of God.

Strangers to one another

After the murders, Rabbi Mark Levin of Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park wrote a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, who was coming to speak about the tragedies. “Jews are seen on a continuum between outsider and beloved friend,” Levin wrote. “But few of our neighbors truly understand us or our religion, neither do they desire to. We are largely strangers to one another.” Few of our neighbors truly understand us or our religion, neither do they desire to.

These words spoke to our hearts. It was time for the two communities to come together to become better acquainted, share their stories, culture, traditions and history, and learn from one another. Out of this came the “Strangers No More” forum.

During the event, Rabbi Rebecca Reice of Congregation Beth Torah and the Rev. Karen Lampe, executive pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, addressed the interfaith audience, made up equally of Christians and Jews. They talked about the fundamental precepts and practices of their faiths and religions. They addressed a number of topics, including the role of prayer, holidays, concept of after-life and view of Christ within their communities.

Foremost, they discussed the similarities and the differences of their faiths without apology, but with great understanding and desire to hear and learn from one another.

Genuine interest

It was wonderful to witness the genuine interest in the dialogue among participants, seated in groups around small tables. Even after adjournment, most of the attendees stayed longer to continue their conversations and make plans to get together for more dialogue and to attend one another’s religious services.

The evaluations we received were overwhelmingly positive, requesting that future events be planned.

As Ambassadors of the Healthy Families, Healthy Planet project, we have experienced the dynamic and sometimes surprising intersections of the many things ambassadors do in serving God in their church and community. In all ministry areas we have taken to heart the question: “What would the Church look like if women and girls were seen as children of God with sacred worth?”

In the case of the shootings, we understood our response to include reaching out to those of the Jewish faith, many of whom feel as if they are strangers in their midst.

Expand basic idea

While we as Healthy Families, Healthy Planet Ambassadors focus on women and girls, we can expand this basic idea in so many ways, to those who are marginalized, poor, abused, downtrodden, viewed as “less-than,” chattel, property, etc.

We now have a wonderful opportunity with our new Jewish friends to discover ways and find commonalities on how to focus on our shared identity as children of God. Our next event will focus on prejudice and anti-Semitism. This is on the rise throughout the world, where demonstrators have marched in major cities chanting: "Death to the Jews," "Hitler was right," "Jews to the gas chambers," and "Reopen Auschwitz."

Just as in Overland Park, locations have been targeted simply because they are Jewish sites.

Sept. 25 marks the beginning of Yamim Noraim, or the High Holy Days, this year. We are using this occasion to call on our Christian brothers and sisters to pray for Jews throughout the world who are facing anti-Semitic hatred and violence.

Let’s focus on this question: “What would the community look like if all people were seen as children of God with sacred worth?” Editor's note: Nancy Brown and Sharon Ritter are Ambassadors of the Healthy Families, Healthy Planet project. Funded by a grant from the United Nations Foundation and housed at the General Board of Church & Society,

DIFFERENCE MAKERS

METRO-PROGRAMS

HUMAN TRAFFICKING INTERCEPT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

January 11, 2014

9:30 am – Noon

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection – Downtown Campus

1522 McGee Street, Kansas City, MO

1522

PROGRAM AGENDA

9:30-10:00 am Get-Acquainted Gathering with Fellowship and Food

10:00-10:30 am Welcome – Nancy Brown, Board member, General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, and Member, United Methodist Women Insight and Information

Carolyn Celestine, President, United Methodist Women, St. James United Methodist Church

Michelle Lentell, President of Maverick Circle, United Methodist Women, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

Prayer – Rev. Cheryl Bell, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection 10:30-11:45 am Panel – Opening and Discussion moderated by Alice Ellison, Kansas City Metro Community Advocate Women

Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star Reporter and co-author of a five part series on Human Trafficking

Kristy Childs, Founder and Executive Director of Veronica’s Voice whose mission is to end commercial sexual exploitation

Jeff Lanza, an FBI Special Agent for over 20 years who investigated human trafficking among other crimes

Rachel Bachenberg, member, United Methodist Women’s National Human Trafficking Team

11:45 pm Next Steps and Wrap-up – Nancy Brown and Alice Ellison Noon Photo Opportunity highlighting I-70 Corridor Please write your questions on the index card which will be presented to the panelists. For more information, see other side. Thank you for your interest and attendance.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING “YOU MAY CHOSE TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY,

BUT YOU CAN NEVER AGAIN SAY ‘I DID NOT KNOW.’” . . . William Wilberforce

If you suspect human trafficking or want to learn more, call

The Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-915-0045, or

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center, 1-888-373-7888

For more ways to help, visit

United Methodist Women: www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/act Faith House of Acadiana: faithhouseacadiana.com

Metropolitan Center for Women and Children: www.mcwcgno.org Trafficking Hope: www.traffickinghope.org

The Haven: www.havenhelps.org Eden House: www.edenhousenola.org

Veronica’s Voice (local): www.veronicasvoice.org

PO Box 172472, Kansas City, MO 66117 Office: 816-483-7101 – Crisis Line: 816-728-0004

Safecenter@veronicasvoice.org

Exodus Cry (local): www.exoduscry.org 714 Main Street, Grandview, MO 64030

816-398-7490 info@exoduscry.com

Upcoming Events

January 13, 9:30 am-Noon: Human Trafficking – Next Steps, United Methodist Women’s Maverick Circle, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS 66224. Room 221 January 15, 2:00 pm: Webinar: Hope Through Healing: Addressing the Reproductive Health Needs of Human Trafficking Survivors, sponsored by the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society and The Healthy Families, Health Planet Project. Each year, millions of women and children are trafficked into sexual exploitation. While these survivors of human trafficking face significantly high risk of STI transmission and severe damage to their reproductive health, they often lack access to life-saving reproductive health services. As communities of faith, we are called to respond to the injustices of human trafficking and inadequate access to health care through mission and advocacy. We invite you to join us as we explore the intersections of reproductive health and human trafficking and learn how our communities can take action. Register at: www.umchealthyfamilies.org January 17, 7:00-9:30 pm: Film Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, at Church of the Resurrection, produced by Exodus Cry. A hard-hitting documentary that exposes the disturbing trends in modern sex slavery, you will be ushered into the nightmare of sex slavery that hundreds of thousands experience daily. You’ll see where slaves are sold (often in developed, affluent countries, where they work, and where they are confined. You’ll hear firsthand interviews with real victims and traffickers, along with expert analysis from international humanitarian leaders. From initial recruitment to victim liberation – and everything in between – the previously veiled underworld of sex slavery is uncovered in the groundbreaking, tell-all Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. For a free ticket, register: www.cor.org. (Search MLK in Missions.)

For more information about local UMW Women, contact:

Carolyn Celestine 816-820-6015 Sharon Ritter 913-522-2318 President, United Methodist Women President, United Methodist Women St. James United Methodist Church The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

HUMANTRAFFICKING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 1, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT

Carolyn Celestine 816-820-6015 Sharon Ritter 913-522-2318 President, United Methodist Women President, United Methodist Women St. James United Methodist Church The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

WOMEN AND GIRLS OF SACRED WORTH – MAY 3, 2014

The public is invited to join United Methodist Women from the Kansas City Metro Area on May 3, 9:30 a.m.-Noon to learn more

about maternal health on a local and global scale. Every two minutes a woman or girl somewhere in the world dies from

complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Nearly all of these women live in places where poverty exists and healthcare is

inaccessible. Learn how we can work together to help create a world where this moral tragedy is dealt with through education,

empowerment and mobilization.

The May 3 program will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 5540 Wayne, Kansas City, MO. The Difference Makers,

United Methodist Women from St. James United Methodist Church and The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, are

hosting this event for persons of all faiths. Join us for coffee and a light breakfast during gathering time from 9:30-10:00 pm. The

featured speaker is Katey Zeh, Executive Director of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society Healthy Families,

Healthy Planet initiative. Katey was recently included among the top fourteen faith leaders to watch by the Faith & Progressive

Policy Initiative of the Center for American Progress (CAP). According to CAP, Katey is an “emerging thinker and organizer around

global maternal health and issues of reproductive justice in a faith-based context . . . using her theological training and policy

expertise to decry unfair policies that hurt women and to life up the stories of those affected.”

Included in the program is an informal panel discussion and dialogue, which will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by action steps and

sharing of resources that will focus on ways to change systems and remove barriers that prevent women from achieving healthy

pregnancies and birth. The prominent panelists include Dianne Cleaver, Executive Director, Urban Neighborhood initiative, Jeff

Baker, Director of Mission, Service and Justice Ministries, Missouri Annual Conference, United Methodist Church, and Michelle

Lentell, M.D., Obstetrician/Gynecologist, and United Methodist Women Maverick Circle Leader of the United Methodist Church of

the Resurrection. The panel facilitator will be Yvette Richards, National President, United Methodist Women.

Registration is not necessary but preferred. To register go to www.cor.org/women. For more information, contact Carolyn

Celestine, United Methodist Women President, St. James United Methodist Church, 816-820-6015, or Sharon Ritter, United

Methodist Women President, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, 913-522-2318.

* * * * *

WOMEN & GIRLS OF SACRED WORTH A program on maternal health and abundant life

presented by the Difference Makers*

May 3, 2014

9:30 am – Noon

St. James United Methodist Church 5540 Wayne Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110

PROGRAM AGENDA

9:30-10:00 am Get-Acquainted Gathering with Fellowship and Food

10:00-10:30 am Welcome – Yvette Richards, President, National Board of Directors, United Methodist Women Insight and Information

Carolyn Celestine, President, United Methodist Women, St. James United Methodist Church

Sharon Ritter, President of United Methodist Women, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection

Prayer – Rev. Kathy Williams, St. James United Methodist Church 10:30-11:45 am Opening

Michelle Lentell, M.D. , United Methodist Women Maverick Circle Leader, and member of the Difference Makers

Keynote Katey Zeh, Executive Director, Healthy Families, Healthy Planet

Panel Discussion Dianne Cleaver, Executive Director, Urban Neighborhood Initiative Jeff Baker, Director, Mission, Service and Justice Ministries, Missouri

Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Dr. Michelle Lentell and Katey Zeh

11:45 pm Next Steps and Wrap-up * The Difference Makers are United Methodist women of action from St. James United Methodist Church and The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection networking together for change. UMW turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.

Please write your questions on the index card which will be presented to the panelists. For more information, see other side. Thank you for your interest and attendance.

CELEBRATION EVENT

WHAT’S NEXT?

Putting Faith, Hope and Love

IntoAction

Wherever it leads!