President’s Message: Partnering in Faith

By Marion Hansen, President MN UWFaith

         Beginning a new chapter can be exciting, scary and is very much a spiritual journey. As I was exploring the depth and breathe of United Women if Faith through a new lens, I would like to share with you some of my journey so far. 

         Minnesota Conference United Women in Faith members represent the National organization at the “grass roots” level for our State. The partnership we have with them has a legacy of over 150 years. United Women in Faith is a faith-based membership organization of laywomen within The United Methodist Church.

         Our partnership with the United Methodist Church is outlined with our Book of Discipline where “every local church, District, Conference and Jurisdiction is to have an organization of United Women in Faith/UMW”. Within our local churches, this is a “both/and” relationship where we support our local churches missions and ministries as well as the mission and ministry of United Women in Faith. Our mission and ministries often connect through spiritual formation, mission giving and equipping leaders as well as in other ways.

         In Minnesota we have partnership connections with Emma Norton, a National Mission Institution of the National United Women in Faith. The Minnesota Conference United Women in Faith is a “faith engagement partner” with Emma Norton Services and Emma’s Place along with the development of their new service building Restoring Waters. 

         We also partner with a number of other organizations such as: CONAM (Committee on Native American Ministry, Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW), General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), Church and Society, Hopeful Earth-keepers, Church Women United. Contact CWU President Sandy Meyer for more information regarding this ecumenical women’s group. You can also follow their Facebook page. 

         While we walk a common path sometimes one entity walks faster than another; however, that does not change our common purpose of Faith in Action. During times of change, it is helpful and necessary to walk with and communicate with each other. Feel free to connect with me -- Marion Hansen -- or other members of the Conference team as we walk together as sisters in faith.

 

 

Come, live in the light

Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord

We are called to be light for the kin-dom
To live in the freedom of the city of God

“We Are Called”

 

Thank You, Cindy!

By Marion Hansen, President MN UWFaith

       Cindy Saufferer served with distinction for the last four years as our Minnesota Conference President. As she explores other avenues, Cindy continues to serve for a year as an advisory member of our Conference as well as Mission u Dean. 

       I’m looking forward to working with her as well as the Conference team.

       Please take a moment to send a card to Cindy (6981 NW 97^th Ave, Morristown, MN 55052) or send an email (cindy.saufferer@gmail.com) in appreciation of her service. 

Mission u 2024: Why Attend

“Drawing Closer to God and One Another”

Koronis Ministries July 26-28 • Virtual July 30, August 1, 6, & 8

By Cindy Saufferer, Mission u Dean

 

Hello, Friends! 

         I am excited to greet you as your 2024 Mission u Dean and invite you to join us for one or both of our Minnesota Conference Mission u offerings. Travel to the beautiful campgrounds of Koronis Ministries July 26-28 for the in-person event or choose the Virtual option scheduled for July 30, August 1, 6, & 8 at 7:00-9:30 pm.

         In a recent gathering, it was asked why should I attend Mission u? Why should I give up valuable summer hours with my family? This gave me pause. Honestly, we need to be able to answer this question, so here is my why:

         Mission u gives me the space to go deeper into the mystery of the divine and to ask the questions that I might not ask otherwise. It is a space that connects my faith to my life and how I walk intimately with my God. 

         Mission u gives me an avenue and a voice as I witness injustices in the world around me. Lastly, Mission u gives me space to breathe and come together with women who know, love can change the world.

         We have a great team working to bring Mission u to you again this summer. Save the dates and watch for details and registration in an upcoming Special Edition of The Fresh Connection. I do hope to see you at Mission u. It won’t be the same without you.

Mission u 2024: Welcome Home

 

       The theme for this year’s Mission u is “The Kin-dom is Among You: Drawing Closer to God and One Another.” 

         The adult curriculum, Welcome Home by Neomi Fletcher, uses the image of home to explore how living in close proximity to the kin-dom is like making a home with God. It builds on last year’s study of the Lord’s Prayer as we continue to understand the kin-dom/kingdom of God and how we welcome others into community.

         Minnesota Conference UWFaith offers options for you to be in community with this study.

In-Person: Registration Deadline June 28

         You can attend in-person at Koronis Ministries Christian Camp & Retreat Center. 

Register here  

         Your Study Leader, Abigail Keckhafer is a member of Anoka UMC and serves on the Minnesota Conference's Church and Society Team. Read more about Abigail in the next issue of Fresh Connection coming in late May or early June.

         The cost of in-person depends on the Housing Option you choose. Prices include 5 meals (Friday dinner, 3 Saturday, Sunday breakfast) + Mission u cost + housing.

         Option #1 -Lakeview:  Go to this website to see what this option looks like.

Single = $255 • Double $230 per person

         Option #2-Sunrise:  Go to this website to see what this option looks like

Single = $300 • Double = $275 per person

         Option #3 -  Commuter (not staying at Koronis) = $150

 

 

Virtual: Registration Deadline July 20

        If cost is a factor or you are unable to commit a weekend away, Virtual Mission u is scheduled for July 30, August 1, 6, & 8 ,starting at 7:00 pm and ending at 9:30 pm.

 

Register here

 

         Your Study Leader Becky Coleman is a member of Living Spirit UMC and a newly certified lay speaker who helped lead “Practicing Resurrection” for Mission u in 2017. She has also served in UWFaith leadership at the conference and district levels.

        Becky says, “Mission u has been one of the highlights of my summers for the past 30+ years! I am excited to share this year’s curriculum with you on Zoom.”

         “Having spent a lot of time on Zoom in the last three years.” Becky said, “I’ve gathered ideas to make those times interesting and to encourage participation. Online gatherings are a way to welcome women who live across the state/region and may have responsibilities that preclude them from traveling or being away for several days. At the first online Mission u I attended, we welcomed a mom with a 3-week-old baby!”

         Becky plans to provide tips and resources so you can offer the material in different settings to share your learning with others in your home churches. She loves singing and enjoys music from many cultures.

         Mark your calendars for Virtual for Mission u Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the last week of July and the first week of August.

Officers required to attend

         MN Conference UWFaith Officers (elected and appointed) are require by our Standing Rules to attend a Mission u each year, unless excused by our Conference President. Therefore, Mission u cost with double occupancy room plus vouchered milage  are  paid for by MN Conference UWFaith.

         If you are a District Officer, check with your District President. Scholarships are also available for non-officers.

     

 Purchase the study book online. When you enter the “Mission u” page, you will find links for purchasing a hard copy for $14.99 or an ebook from Amazon for $5.95. You do not need the book to attend Mission u.

Emma Norton: 1917 Campaign, Bishop Lanette Urges Support, 2024 Goal, Closing Ceremony, In-Kind Donations Update

by Marion Hansen

Final Push for Restoring Waters 

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Isaiah 32:18

         Emma Norton, a UMW member and philanthropist from Winona, donated funds to United Methodist Women in 1917 which resulted in the formation of the “Methodist Home for Girls” (Emma Norton) as a National Mission organization.

         Through the years, these services continued to develop and transform lives. In 2024, the latest edition, Restoring Waters will open, providing supportive housing for 60+women, individual and small families and a new organizational headquarters. The 1917 was developed to complete the funding for the building project. Campaign. Kudos to Minnesota/Dakotas UMC Bishop Lanette Plambeck for the idea and for asking the faith community to give generously (see below).

         Please consider a “second mile” gift for this effort. You can support Restoring Waters through donations of any amount however you might want to consider $19.17 or $191.70 or $1917 and so one. Approximately 500 gifts of $1917 would close the gap!

         Contributions for this effort should be sent to: Emma Norton Services, 670 Robert St. North, St. Paul, MN 33101, or online. Checks should be made out to Emma Norton with Restoring Waters-Faith Campaign, in the memo line.

Bishop Urges Faith Community to Join Campaign

       In a letter and video to Minnesota Annual Conference, Resident Bishop Lanette Plambeck invited all to join her in supporting Emma Norton’s Home + Healing Campaign for Restoring Waters to “provide stability, healing, and trauma-informed care for more than 60 women, individuals, and small families who have experienced homelessness.”

     The Bishop encouraged us to:

• Invite an Emma Norton staff member to speak at your church or during a special forum or committee meeting. 
• Consider including “Restoring Waters” in a special offering.
• Establish a matching fund from your church to encourage congregational donations.
• Honor Emma Norton's founding year by making a gift to the 1917 Campaign.
• Share a short video about Restoring Waters during a service or special event (here is a great option), or include information in your church newsletter or bulletin.
• Keep Emma Norton, its campaign, and the residents and families it serves in your prayers.

 

 Watch video invitation from Bishop Lanette. 

Emma Norton 2024 Goal

        Each year at our UWFaith Conference Annual Meeting each District makes a Pledge to Mission and sets an Emma Norton Goal.

         MN UWFaith received a Mission Giving Award 2023 in recognition of reaching 102% Mission Giving for 2023.

        This year’s pledges are Big Waters $6,800, North Star $6,500, River Valley 10,000, Southern Prairie $10,000 and Twin Cities $9,000. These dollars go to overall support for women, children and youth receiving services through Emma Norton Services. 

         Monies to reach this goal are raised through the efforts of individuals and local units that are then sent to their District Treasurer (or in the case of North Star to the Conference Treasurer) so they are included in reaching our respective goals. 

         United Women in Faith has been one of the most consistent supporters since Emma Norton was founded. We are proud to continue that legacy of giving and support and are a critical part of their programming and general operating funding each year.

 

Honoring the Legacy: Closing Ceremony & Dinner March 21 

       With the move to Restoring Waters fast approaching, Emma Norton invites you to say goodbye to Emma Norton Residence. Over the past 50+ years, this building has served as a home and place of healing for hundreds of people, and they want to honor that history. 

       Thursday, March 21, ENS will hold the Emma Norton Residence Closing Ceremony with Dinner from 4 to 6 PM, at Emma Norton Residence. Please RSVP to Victoria Virasy-Ertelt at vvirasy@emmanorton.org. For questions, please contact Shawna Nelsen-Wills at 651-251-2632 or snelsen@emmanorton.org. 

 

Logistics Change  

            As they prepare for the move to Restoring Waters, they have significantly less staff capacity for receiving and processing donations. For the time being, they are asking that all donations be brought to Emma’s Place, during the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Thursday. They also ask that you call ahead to schedule a donation drop off time, to ensure that someone is there to receive it, and that the donation fits their needs. Schedule a donation with Victoria by email at vvirasy@emmanorton.org or by phone at 651-251-2662.

General Conference 2024

Focusing on God (April 23-May3)

              For the past three years, the Commission on the General Conference has struggled to plan the gathering of United Methodist delegates, bishops and others worldwide for the denomination’s top legislative assembly. General Conference usually gathers for a 10-day meeting every four years. This representative body is the only one that can set official policy and speak for the denomination. 

              Hampered by the COVID pandemic and resulting travel complications causing postponement of General Conference three times, the Conference originally planned for 2020 in Minneapolis, is now scheduled for April 23-May 3, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Click here for more information.

 

UWFaith @ GC 2024

              MN UWFaith members Cindy Saufferer and Shirley Durr, elected for GC 2020, will be attending General Conference in April as lay reserve delegates representing MN Annual Conference along with several other lay and clergy delegates and reserve delegates.

              UWFaith has always been a presence at General Conference believing “As the official women’s organization of The United Methodist Church. United Women in Faith will be there to make sure no one makes decisions about us without us, and to ensure women, children, and youth are not overlooked.”

              UWFaith will be proposing legislation and supporting legislation from other boards and agencies of the UMC.

 

New year, same name

              One might think that a new meeting year and a new location would lead to a new name for General Conference, but this is not so. The name remains “2020 General Conference.”

              With a 2020 General Conference, there should be a 2024 General Conference to follow, but technically, this will not be the case. Instead, the Council of Bishops will call a special session of General Conference in 2026. Then, the 2028 General Conference will convene as usual in 2028. Kim Simpson, the commission’s chair, said that focus on God is critical, especially in this tumultuous time.

              If you want to know more, take a look at “A beginner’s guide to General Conference” with links to other resources about the United Methodist Church General Conference.

 

 

Come and see what God has done … . God makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. God breaks the bow and shatters the spear; God burns the shields with fire. God says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:8-10

NCJ Get Together May 31-June 2

 Come nurture your spirit!

         Feel the joy when faith-filled women unite. Deepen our relationship with God. Nurture our souls through the strength of our sisterhood. Explore the power of love to make a difference.

         United Women in Faith North Central Jurisdiction will gather at the Sheraton International City Center Hotel May 31-June 2 beginning at 8:30 am on Friday and ending at approximately noon on Sunday. Keynote Speaker is Deaconess Garlinda Burton  

         The cost of $265 does not include housing cost. Online registration closes April 30. Click here for further information and links regarding  registration and hotels.

         On Thursday, May 30 from noon until 9 pm, there will be an optional, pre-event Soul Care Retreat to focus on your faith through spiritual practice while creating bonds of sisterhood. A box dinner is included in the $75 cost of this event. Registration closes when capacity is reached.

         Annual Conferences in NCJ are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Join us as we pray, listen, learn, engage, and  celebrate.

MN Annual Conference Redistricting

UWFaith exploring options

By Marion Hansen

            The Minnesota Conference will be proposing legislation at our 2024 Annual Conference to change from five to four Districts in Minnesota. Information regarding this proposal is posted on the MN Conference UMC website for further review. That page includes a link to a map.

            MN United Women in Faith is supportive of the Conference UMC decision to change to four Districts. However, we will be exploring our multiple options as to how we structure our “team groups” for the future at our visioning meeting in August 2024.

            Our District teams will be working as usual through 2024, seeking people to join our teams who will have a “front row seat” in this process and continuing the Purpose and Mission of United Women in Faith throughout Minnesota.

            If you have suggestions, concerns etc.. please feel free to share them with your current District President and/or myself at marionha@wcta.net. I am expectant of having a path for 2025 in place by this fall’s Annual Meetings. This is an opportunity to engage in “Fresh Expressions” of UWFaith as well as engage in planning for future Bold service on Climate and Justice issues as well as situations that adversely impact women, children and youth.

Minnesota Annual Conference 2024

We are called 

God who created you, who formed you says, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; 

I have called your name; you are mine” ~ Isaiah 43:1

This year’s Minnesota Annual Conference (MAC) will be meeting at the Doubletree Hotel in Bloomington on May 28 for pre-conference events and for our Annual Conference May 29 and 30 from 9 am to 5 pm. This is a change of location for this year. 

You are invited

Consider serving as your church’s voting Delegate to the Conference or as an Equalization member (check in with your District Superintendent to sign up). 

     Also consider volunteering to participate in worship with music and liturgy.

Deaconess/Home Missioner Commissioning

         May 29 of MAC, Minnesota’s newest Deaconesses, Shirley Durr, will be commissioned by the Bishop at at Hennepin Avenue UMC at 7 pm. There is no charge for this event.

         Minnesota’s DHM numbers have increased multifold over the past few years. Consider adding yourself to the number by attending a discernment event to learn more about it.

 MN UWFaith @ AC 2024

         Don’t forget to stop in to see our UWFaith display as well as to say hello to fellow Sisters in Faith. 

         MN UWFaith is co-supporting other groups’ legislation at Annual Conference:

• The Palestine Israel Justice Project (PIJP) is sending a resolution on "Identifying and Opposing Apartheid in the Holy Land"
• MN Church and Society is sending a resolution on "Alleviating Hate Crimes"
• COSROW has a petition on "Liberating Use of Expansive Language"

        Hotel rooms can be reserved now. Annual Conference registration will open April 1. Keep checking the MN Conference website.

 

Love Offering Benefits ENS

         Emma Norton Services will be one of the recipients of this year’s Love Offering collected at our local churches prior to our MN UMC Annual Gathering.

         Please help inform our local church members about Emma Norton with an encouragement to give generously. 

         These funds would be utilized to support special programming at the new Restoring Waters development, with a focus on healing and trauma-informed care for individuals and families who have experienced homelessness and trauma. 

         More information regarding the Love Offering along with videos and promotional materials can be found at here.

 

News from the Districts & the Dakotas

North Star District: Marion Hansen, MN Conf President

     I would love to hear from a UWFaith unit or individuals that would restore our District Team.  We would need individuals that would serve as President, Treasurer, Secretary, Committee on Nominations for 1 or 2 year terms (to avoid everyone going off at the same time).  (I suggested that perhaps a Unit might like to take this on since many of the needed individuals may already be in place.)

     This Core team would work to expand their team membership as needed so that North Star Units can again experience their Spring and Fall Annual Meeting and gather in a Day Apart.  We very much appreciate the MN Conference team and other Districts for “pitch hitting” however as President, I would love assisting you in getting a team going again.

     At a minimum, I would love to organize a Day Apart in the North Star District so let me know ideas you have for location, speakers and how you might serve.

     Please contact me with any questions or ideas.  marionha@wcta.net

 
Twin Cities: Melinda Kohrt, TC District President
A question always asked at the Twin Cities Leadership Development Winter Gatherings is “What can we do to gain new members?” This year we included a panel of several churches sharing their activities that brought in new members of all ages.  Thanks to Centennial, Camphor, Epworth, and Discovery UWF’s for sharing ideas.

     Below are a few of the ideas plus a few others gleaned from  National UWF zoom meetings. Maybe some these ideas will work for your group!

• Include in UMW Sunday a video of what some of their UWF members were doing for social action.
• E-notes sent out occasionally to let people know what events were coming up for UWF
• Short term projects, such as Shred-Right shredding company fund raiser which also saves on environmental waste
• Host a Café every 1^st Sunday, which serves as a fund raiser and fellowship event
• A meeting featuring the topic of self-care
• A celebration of young girls featuring etiquette training;  girls got dressed up
• Fall chili luncheon with crafts for sale
• “Angel Tree” provided gifts for children of incarcerated women
• Newborn gift bags to give to hospitals for new parents who have no supplies for baby
• Create an arts/craft project online with a spiritual prompt
• “Green Cleaning” parties – make or demonstrate cleaners with natural products
• Mother/Daughter talent show
• Sale of pecans or nuts in the fall

Welcome North And South Dakota UWFaith

Please join in embracing the North and South Dakota United Women in Faith Conference team.  We are looking forward to meeting each other at North Central Jurisdiction UWFaith as well as sharing information on programs such as Mission u, meeting dates, and special events (especially those on zoom).  Hopefully this will assist people in both states who live near the Minnesota/Dakota’s border to locate opportunities that are geographically closer to them.

Were you meant to lead “for such a time as this?”

Seeking Nominations

By Mary Jane Reetz, Nominations Chair

      There is nothing more critical to United Women in Faith than its leaders -- women committed to the organization and understand how important its purpose, history, and work are. Finding good leaders is a challenge but an important and rewarding one. All of you are crucial to United Women in Faith

      If you believe in the mission of UWFaith here and around the world, if you want to help keep MN UWFaith strong, consider being on the Minnesota UWFaith Nominations Team. It’s fun and rewarding getting to know new people, their talents, and their interests. 

Please pray and discern how we can use that your talents.

    We also need volunteers to consider leading in one of the following currently vacant positions:

• Social Action Coordinator
• Communications Coordinator
• Technology Coordinator

    To volunteer yourself or to nominate someone else, contact Mary Jane (mjrnature@yahoo.com) or Shirley Jackson (sjcksn007@gmail.com). And look for upcoming vacancies for 2025 in the Fall issue of Fresh Connection.

 

 If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help will arrive from another … . 

But who knows? Maybe you were made for just such a time as this. ~ Esther 4:14

 

Social Action Report

PIJP Study

       The Palestine Israel Justice Project has a new 2024 study guide. You can find it at www.pijp.org/studyguide.  

       This is an excellent time to be as informed as we can be regarding the ongoing war in Gaza as well as the human impact that has been inflicted on all involved.

 

 

A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more. Matthew 2:16-18

 

  

 Seeking Leadership 

       The MN Conference United Women in Faith, is seeking a person to provide Social Action leadership.  Please connect with Mary Jane Reetz or Shirley Jackson of the Nominations team for consideration and more information.

National Justice Priorities

       Our National Social Justice priorities for 2025-2028 include “Just Energy for All” and the “School to Prison Pipeline”.  More information on these topics is available on the National UWFaith website.

MNO 2022 Survey Results

by Catherine Williams, MNO Coordinator

 

     Greetings to all United Women in Faith (UWFaith) members and friends.  It is exhilarating to know such interesting and creative women on the front lines doing God’s work for women, children, and youth.  From the smallest of locals (5 members) to the largest of local units (78 members) responding to the 2022 Survey, we have tireless workers supporting our National Mission Institutions (NMI), international missions, and local church and community needs.

     The results are in for the 2022 Minnesota Unit Survey.  Calling of local units were done in River Valley and Twin City Districts to remind them to fill out the survey.  I thank everyone who put the time and thought into answering the questions as best you could. 

     District leadership has made some contact with our local units, but units feel they could use more attention.  River Valley and Twin Cities have contacted over 50% of their units 3 or more times, with the other three districts contacting them 2 or more times. 

     We know and support Emma Norton Services, a Minnesota National Mission Institution (NMI). We donate our money and time to Emma.  Red Bird Mission is another NMI respondents know about and support.  Some of us would like to have more information about NMI’s- what they do, and how they work towards UWFaith social priorities.  At least half of us support other missions in our communities and church.  

     Mission U Adult curriculum Who Can We Be Together? was presented by Minnesota UWFaith leadership but only Big Waters and Twin Cities districts took it back to their membership.  

     For any organization to exist, they have to be financially viable.  Our units are 59% supported by pledges and 41% by designated or targeted giving.  Most of the donations go to “where it is needed most” (Southern Prairie 100%, other districts about 25% each).  Districts divide the rest of their giving between Education and leadership, International Mission, Legacy Fund, National Mission Institutions, Social Action and Justice, and Spiritual Growth/Soul Care. 

     National would like to see us become more confident as an All-Access group.  We think of our units as inspiring others (50%), 33% aim for impact, 17% develop influence.  National would like to see us have more impact on our churches and communities and create influence over others for supporting the needy and the marginalized in our society. 

     Thank you for your support of the survey needs.  We will see changes on the website and in our support materials for our work locally, nationally, and globally.  Make friends with the website.  It has many resources for units to grow into God’s surrounding embrace and love.