Purpose

Desert Southwest Conference of United Methodist Women
Annual Celebration

“Come Along, Follow and Hold Fast”

From the President ...

The return of monsoon storms this year has been a welcome treat. I have enjoyed listening to the rain. I have not enjoyed some of the aftereffects, however. I have been clearing out bindweed which seems to have a mind of its own. I looked up bindweed (on Google!) and found: This invasive perennial makes itself at home by sinking roots as much as nine feet into the soil and can stay on as an unwanted guest for up to 20 years. Known to weed scientists as "field bindweed" (Latin name: Convolvulus arvensis), it is in the morning glory family and often is confused with wild buckwheat and morning glory, which are summer annual plants.

 I thought of the hymn, “Bind us Together, Lord,” as I pulled bindweed from what seemed like the exact same spot for the fourth or fifth time. If we take the words from Colossians 3:14, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” as seriously as the weed itself, our world would be a perfect place! Learning that the roots can be as much as nine feet in the soil makes me understand why I can’t get rid of the pernicious weed! It also makes me aware of how deep love is and if I truly love someone, I too can be pernicious.

I listened to a Faith Talks on "Grieving Those We’ve Lost." It really spoke to me after the recent death of my mother. All of us grieve in different ways and that was addressed in the podcast. I highly recommend this series of podcasts. The topics covered are very diverse and you are sure to find something that will speak to you. And, as a bonus, you can count them on the Reading Program. (Faith Talks: Faith Talk podcasts can now be counted in the category of Spiritual Growth. You must participate or listen to two Faith Talks podcasts. If you participate/listen to three, it will be counted as a Bonus Book in the Spiritual Growth category.)

I look forward to seeing all my United Methodist Women sisters at our Annual Celebration. One good thing about having our meeting on Zoom is that we will be able to see one another’s faces. If we were meeting in person, we would all have masks on and would be trying to guess who everyone is! If your church will allow it, I suggest that your unit meet together (as long as it is a small enough group) and watch the Zoom Annual Celebration together. Or, if you are comfortable with one or two others, perhaps you can meet in one home. Do what you need to do to be safe. My prayers each day are with all of you.

Vision from the vice president

We are getting closer to our Annual Celebration “Come Along: Follow and Hold Fast,” to be held on October 9, 2021, 9:00 AM-3:30 PM. We look forward to this time together to see each other on the screen knowing we would much rather see each other in person. The time to meet in person will return for us soon, but until then we persevere. We have many moments of joy and celebration to share and special music to enjoy. Our speaker, Gloria Kimbwala, will share her story of blessings and courage as she faces racism.

Click here to register for the Annual Celebration.

We encourage you to gather with several friends and enjoy your time together. Watch parties are a good way to share your time. Perhaps there is a room at your church where you can safely watch together. Think of women who may not have access to computers.

There have been many opportunities for learning this summer with our wonderful Mission U studies. Each one had great speakers was knowledgeable on there topics, and we truly enjoy those small group breakout rooms, didn't we? I have also enjoyed Voices from the Field, hearing our missionaries share what they are doing at their specific mission projects. There is so much to celebrate and be thankful for with United Methodist Women.

If you are a nominee for your district leadership team, you will want to join us for the Leadership Development Day on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM (Arizona time) “You are the Seeds” is the theme. We will share morning worship together and then you will breakout into specific officer training. Please confirm with your district nominations chair that you will be able to attend, and you will receive a link before the event. All women are invited who would like to join us for the morning fellowship and worship.

We seize the opportunities that the Lord provides for us in our work together. We continue, to learn, teach, share, and walk with Him as we follow the path we are led to. We hope to see you soon at our Annual Celebration.

Save the Date - Leadership Development Day
District and Conference Officer Training

Turn It Up!

Assembly 2022

Remembering Betty Mathis 

Betty was a tremendous advocate for the underserved and her work in the south-central Phoenix area known as the "Barrio" was just one example of what are far too many to list. Those of us who knew Betty all remember her giant heart and warm kindness she extended to all. She wore an infectious smile everywhere she went and enjoyed a good joke and had a great sense of humor. There was no one with whom she came into contact that she did not touch in some sort of way. 

A Celebration of Life for Betty Mathis will be held on Saturday October 16, 2021, at 10:00 AM at Wesley Community and Health Centers, Phoenix Campus (1300 S. 10th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034). The event will be an outdoor event but will be relocated indoors if needed, depending on weather conditions. All are invited to stay for snacks, refreshments, and socializing immediately following the ceremony.
 
To make a donation in Betty’s memory to the Wesley Community and Health Centers, you can do so at https://wesleycenterphx.org/donate-to-wesley-centers/. Please write “in Memory of Betty Mathis” on your donation.  

What one action is God calling you to take?

• Participate in the current Invest in Arizona petition drive. We are aiming to have 5,000 signatures by September 15; 8,000 more by September 22; and 15,000 more by September 29. That is 28,000 signatures needed by the end of September on six different petitions. This is crucial for education funding and for helping to end the school to prison pipeline. Contact Nancy Jamison or Maria Hase at 480-636-0963 to sign and/or to get engaged.
• Stop SRP's Gas Plant Expansion. https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/Arizona?actionId=AR0337451 and https://action.votesolar.org/a/srp
• Help immigrants at the border. Men and couples have been the dominant demographic, but it is believed the number of children will pick up again. Immigrants continue to come mainly from South America and Central America, but they are also coming from Mexico, India, Russia, and Africa. In the Ropa Room, smaller shirts, pants, and shoes are needed. Small and medium sizes are most desired, and some large, too. In addition, baseball caps and hats, small size shaving lotion, and disposable shavers are needed, as well as volunteers. Three volunteers are the ideal number, and the volunteer hours are generally 8:00 AM-noon on Thursdays and Fridays. Training is a must. Items can be dropped off at Dayspring UMC, 1365 E Elliot Rd; Tempe AZ  85284-1608, Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30AM – 12:30 PM. To volunteer, contact Maria at 480-636-0963.
• Help Afghan refugees. Donate furniture and/or other household items. Shop for the family’s first week of groceries. Take the family grocery shopping. Provide a monetary donation. Meet and welcome the incoming family at the airport. Transport the family to various appointments. Help family members to learn English. There are many ways and opportunities to help. To volunteer, contact Maria at 480-636-0963.
• Participate in a Women’s March on Oct. 2, 2021. https://womensmarch.com/
• Support Ranked Choice Voting in Arizona. https://www.voterchoicearizona.org/why_and_how

Money Matters $$$

I have been meditating on a quotation from Audrey Hepburn – “To plant a garden is to believe in TOMORROW.” We, United Methodist Women, truly believe in tomorrow. We give of our time, talents, and resources for women, children, and youth around the world.

We are really good at giving of our time and talents to build community; but, please remember that Money Matters too. This organization cannot continue to support women, children, and youth in our National and International mission institutes without your prayers and donations.

Will your local unit be able to make its annual pledge and beyond to their district treasurer? Some fund-raising ideas include a bakeless bake sale, a rock-a-thon, a drive-by cookie sale, a chili cookoff, a cutest pet contest with entry fee, and direct donation requests. If asked, those who believe in our Christian mission will contribute.

Please continue to BELIEVE in tomorrow and consider this message. We, on the conference leadership team, are praying for you, May God continue to bless and inspire you even during these “last” days of the COVID pandemic? Hope to see you at the virtual Annual Celebration on October 9.

With great hope in my heart.

Committee on Nominations Report

New Wineskins for Growth

United Methodist Women is making new wineskins so that new generations of women can join in the joy of turning faith into action with a community of like-minded women. Learn more about exciting new programs coming to United Methodist Women.

Photo by Kristina Krug.