If not now…when? 

If not me…who?
   

National Seminar of United Methodist Women / August 3, 2003

 

 

United Methodist Women: Part of History

 

At the opening plenary, Joyce D. Sohl, deputy general secretary of the Women’s Division, informed National Seminar participants that they are part of history.

·        National Seminars were inherited from the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.  They were five-week summer seminars that helped shape history.

·        The 1947 National Seminar, “Status and Responsibility of Women in the World today” called on General Conference to extend full clergy rights to women.

·        The same seminar urged the Division to lead in race relations.

·        Three National Seminars have dealt with the subject of empowerment of women.

·        The 1971 Seminar in Nebraska elicited intensive study, discussion and negotiation.  This led to one new inclusive organization and the direction of the Women’s Division.

Resources for more study on United Methodist Women’s history in social justice:

·        Legacy for the Future by Thelma Stevens

·        In the Middle of Tomorrow by Barbara Campbell

·        http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/history/

 

Even the Stones Cry Out: The Cry for Social Justice

Opening worship of the National Seminar began with participants carrying palm fronds, singing “Enter into Jerusalem,” and the scripture Luke 19:28-40.  Then, they introduced the sins from which Jesus sets us free.  The worship will be available for you on the National Seminar web site.

Suggestions to Take Home the Worship: 

·        Procession is a good way to include many people in a worship program and dramatize the events of Jesus’ life and those around him. 

·        Palm leaves can be re-created with poster-boards and wooden slats.

·        Concrete blocks with words printed on them become the “stones crying out.”

·        The altar can be different sized boxes and draped cloths.

·        The kit for cement blocks with words can be purchased through Magnetic Poetry, Inc., PO Box 14862, Minneapolis, MN 55414.  www.magneticpoetry.com

 

Announcements

Sign up for the Talent Show today at the registration table in the Library.

Get Your Hands Dirty in “Defense of Creation”

 

Organic garden coordinator Julie Berbiglia came to Scarritt Bennett’s garden as a volunteer in 1995. “The garden is a teaching garden that is a mission and a program for numerous audiences, including inner city children,” she said. She extends her invitation to you to visit the garden anytime.

“There are cherry tomatoes which you are welcome to sample,” Ms. Berbiglia said. “We don’t spray with anything so you can just pop them in your mouth.”

There are 14 beds of growing space--10 ft. by 10 ft.-- exemplifying how to compost and garden in small areas. There is a wildlife garden that serves as a habitat for cardinals, mockingbirds, chickadees, brown thrashers, red-tail hawks, squirrels and opossums. A biblical garden is home to manna, related to coriander, and grows lilies, peppermint and castor beans.  “There’s a medicinal herb garden with Echinacea and a rosemary bush,” she said. “It is said to grow best where women are in charge.”

 

Sunday Theme:  Seeing Realities

Today we explore facts, stories, and experiences behind justice issues. Brenda Brown, Women’s Division vice president, sees the theme as pertinent to our Purpose. “United Methodist Women opens our hearts, eyes, and ears to new adventures, giving us the ability to see the challenges of social justice and take risks to address those realities.” 

 

Create Your Own Social Action Displays

How can you replicate those social action exhibits for your own meetings?  Here are the supplies you need and places to get information.

Supplies you need to replicate the exhibit: tablecloth, photos and articles from the UN web site; the Response history CD-Rom for articles about the Church Center for the United Nations; and scrapbooks.