March Edition of Response

United Methodist Women: The Leading Edge

March 1998

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"Wings to Fly" by Ann S. Needham with Dana E. Jones

When Ann Needham rose to speak at United Methodism's top legislative body, Ann Needham herself was surprised. She'd been a shy teenager and even reticent to speak in her youth group meetings. But United Methodist Women helped changed that. This article looks at ways United Methodist Women have helped women become leaders; grow spiritually; and become mission educators. It also explores new leadership development programs for 1998 and on-going training.

"Visiting Local Units" by Linda S. Rhodes

Hemenway United Methodist Women answered a resounding yes when their district officers asked if they could visit. They knew the value of such visits for their own education and growth. This article examines the Women's Division's new visitation program, which responds to a need for women across all levels of the organization to connect. Not only do the visitations focus on communication, but on mission education. Ms. Rhodes explores the models, the opportunities, and the positive response from this program.

"Leading the Church" by Cynthia B. Astle

Organization
Self-confidence
Theological Interpretation
Knowledge of current events
Courage to respond when God calls

These are skills three women in leadership across The United Methodist Church say they gained and developed through United Methodist Women. This article explores their stories, their insight, and their interesting paths of leadership.

"Elected to Lead" by Susie Wallace

U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) credits her work in politics as a natural extension to her involvement with United Methodist Women and The United Methodist Church. This article not only looks at Ms. Stabenow's leadership development begun by UMW, but at other female political figures who have followed similar paths and started with UMW.

"Susan Birney: Advocating for Homeless Children" by Boyce A. Bowdon

How many United Methodist Women does it take to rally support for children who need help? One. Just one. This amazing story shows how Susan Birney realized that homeless children were not attending schools in Oklahoma City; the issues they faced; the school she created and for which she found support; and the many, many children she helped.

"Susan Mercer: Life Can Be Good" by Boyce Bowdon

Susan Mercer went from an abusive home life to homelessness with her children. Yet with God's strength, her own drive, and the help of caring people, she moved from desperation to helping those who are in the same situation as she once was. This article tells the story of Susan Mercer, who now manages Jesus House Annex, a shelter in Oklahoma City, what brought her there and what has kept her there.

"Believing in Better Tomorrows" by Brenda Wilkinson

Acclaimed author and retired professor Margaret Walker Alexander cites her struggle as an African-American woman as the heart of her writing. This article explores the life, the leadership, and the inspiration of this seasoned and well-known United Methodist Woman. It looks at her stories of truth, her faith, and her belief that each person is sacred.

"Mission in the Mountains" by Kelly C. Martini

This article looks at a mission institution in the Appalachia mountains of Western Pennsylvania, started in honor of a young woman, and maintained by United Methodist Women. It explores the stories of persons ranging from childhood to elderly who have benefited from the Ruth M. Smith Center; the ways it meets the community's needs; and the history of the center.

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