Desert Southwest Conference
United Methodist Women
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From Our President
Blessings to all here in the New Year. Setting aside that long and frustrating 2021. I had many pleasant visits from family members. I am very much looking forward to leaning into all things new. Sharing time with my United Methodist Women team as we learn how to embrace living out the message of Mark 2:21-22 New Wineskins for New Times in support of a greater membership base. I am encouraged to know many of our local units are still engaging in community support in whatever ways is being done in these trying times. PRAISE GOD!
I would like to encourage all of you to consider registering for Assembly 2022, May 20 – 22 for the virtual experience. Turn It Up for Spiritual Healing and Renewal and so much more. https://assembly2022.org/
Looking forward to the months to come as we continue to work for women, children, and youth.
Gracie Campbell, president
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Wesley Community and Health Centers in response
 Wesley Community and Health Centers began as a small community center in south central Phoenix as a mission institution of the Methodist church (which became The United Methodist Church in 1968). From that small beginning, we now find three campuses all working to provide a holistic approach to well-being. Betty Mathis, who passed away in August 2021, was a long-time executive director who fostered a deep connection between Wesley and United Methodist Women. As a Wesley Board Member, I encourage you to read the article, https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/news/bringing-light-to-the-journey, in January/February 2022 response magazine in which Bev Secrist and Carla Whitmire talk about their connections with Wesley. I also encourage you as individuals and as local units to support Wesley as volunteers (when Covid allows it) and also financially. You will probably be amazed at how Wesley has continued its work and expanded its outreach even in the midst of the pandemic.
Alberta Farnsworth, DSC Lay Leader and Wesley Board Member
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Rebranded
Happy New Year to All!
What a whirlwind these past 10 weeks have been for me. I have enjoyed many moments with family enjoying some traditional family favorites. (Saran ball game, cookie decorating, and delicious food that I did not have to cook!) I have had some serious moments as well as I have found myself learning to live with long Covid cardiac syndrome.
When I pursued my distance training from National the exciting news of changes and “rebranding” of our United Methodist Women struck me in an unexpected way. I chuckled, as I truly felt while reading it that I am “rebranding” myself as well. These new physical limitations and routines to keep me healthy are slowly becoming easier each day. I have been thankful for the support from family and friends to help me along the way. I am also thankful for all the meetings, thoughts, prayers, discussions, and innovative ideas that women have been working on so hard to make positive changes. These changes will allow us to be more inclusive, to build programs more attainable for all, to invite younger women’s ideas and many more positive steps for United Methodist Women. And to compare again, I am grateful for the careful care of my doctors, for procedures and tests that will make my life easier as time goes on. In my “rebranding” I am having to accept limitations and look for new ways to do things I enjoy. I can do this with God’s help for sure. We women can do the same with our program planning for this year…seeking God’s help.
What things do you really like about our United Methodist Women program? What do you pass on to your friends or ladies who are not yet connected with your unit? What makes you jump into action with a passion to make change? These are all questions each of us should answer now at the start of 2022 and share, chat, talk, invite, and fill other hearts with the same feelings of joy and satisfaction we have for United Methodist Women.
I am reading all the programs in the new Healing and Joy on our Journey to God program resource book. I want to know what is coming, what to share, and what I can do to make programs interesting and timely for all. I want to be more inclusive and intentional in all that we do. I am ready to embrace change. It is important; it is needed.
This prayer idea for January 2022 I will share with you: “Before the gathering begins, take a moment to pray for yourself and your leadership, for everyone who will be present, and for everyone who you hope will be impacted by the Ministry of your women’s group over the next year that God might be with you in this hour.” (From Program Resource pg. 35)
It is time to jump into 2022 with a fresh new wineskin ready to be filled with the wine of your ideas. Each of you have passions, recognize needs of others, and realize the importance of sharing with others. What better time to start then right now! I pray your year is filled with joy and new promises.
Cyndi Heinecke, vice president
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Great Way to Begin a New Year!
We may make a variety of resolutions to improve ourselves when we turn the calendar over to a new year and its opportunities for us. As United Methodist Women there could be few changes we might undertake that would enhance our lives as disciples than further participation in the program resources our organization offers.
One of the easiest is subscribing to response magazine and reading it faithfully. It can come to you in print and/or digital versions. It is published bimonthly at a cost of $24.00 a year by calling 1-800-305-9857. The goals of this magazine are to educate for mission, to interpret the Purpose of United Methodist Women, and to strengthen the organization. The January-February issue highlights both domestic and international ministries, such as the Wesley Community and Health Centers in Phoenix. Our own Carla Whitmire’s picture appears on page 25 as a longtime volunteer there.
The Reading Program is a marvelous way to increase sensitivity to all human beings—their needs, interests and concerns; to encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today; enhance self knowledge and act from that knowledge; and to strengthen involvement in local and global Christian mission. There are books listed on the annual Reading Program from each of five categories—Education for Mission, Leadership Development, Nurturing for Community, Social Action, and Spiritual Growth. https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/readingprogram
More to come as we move through 2022!
Caroline Kidd, coordinator of program resources
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Resolutions
Happy New Year! Tis the season of resolutions and mantras. As I put my holiday decorations and gifts away, it struck me that my friend teaches me with the gifts she sends. She uses eco-friendly packaging and products. I, in turn, can do the same. Some of the gifts she has given me over the years have included:
Peace of Nature products (shower steamer, vegan coconut milk soaps), Bai-li natural deodorant, eco-roots laundry detergent sheets, and re-usable produce bags…..animal and/environmentally friendly.
As we set (or don’t set) new year’s resolutions, we, United Methodist Women members, are tasked with working towards climate justice and eliminating the school to prison pipeline. One way we can help is by using eco-friendly products and educating others about them. Consider resolving to send eco-friendly gifts to others during 2022.
Maria Hase, social action coordinator
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New Wineskins for New Times
From the January United Methodist Women News:
For more than 150 years, United Methodist Women has put faith, hope, and love into action. It’s meant listening to God’s call and answering to the changing needs of women, children and youth. This year, United Methodist Women will be debuting new branding and new programs to welcome even more women into our supportive sisterhood. Check out our video. Together, we can do more. YouTube.com/UMWomen
I hope that you will look at the videos mentioned above. We have exciting times ahead. Have you thought about what it will mean to our organization when we develop innovative programs and new branding that will make us even more inviting and interesting to welcome more women into our sisterhood?
Keep informed. The November/December issue of response had an article helping to explain what it means to rebrand and it states that “United Methodist Women is saying "yes" to being a part of God’s new thing and taking steps to fulfill our purpose in some new and some improved ways.” United Methodist Women - New Wineskins for New Times
I’m excited about the changes to come soon. As you will read in response, we have new programming for Mission u and Soul Care. We now have a national membership for anyone who wants to belong. New Wineskins for new wine; we all keep growing and changing. So does the world around us. Let’s embrace the change as we move forward with faith, hope, and love in action.
Peace and Blessings,
Kathy Schock, program advisory group member
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Money Matters
“…and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.”
 As United Methodist Women members, we are so important to the global ministries of the church, both here in the U.S. and throughout the world. Appreciation and blessings go to each and every one of you who have participated in mission giving. My prayer is that every penny glorifies God and the kingdom of Christ.
We, the women of the Desert Southwest Conference United Methodist Women have exceeded our 2021 Mission Giving Pledge. Congratulations! I look forward to meeting our 2022 pledge to National of $61,127. With God's help we will do our part, and it will happen.
Most gratefully,
June Hanson, treasurer
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Introducing New Team Members
As of January, 2022, we will welcome some new members to the Conference Leadership Team.
 For more than 150 years, United Methodist women has put faith, hope, and love into action. Arvilla Jungman, spiritual growth coordinator, has had the good fortune to be a member of this organization for more than 50 years. Born and educated in Kansas, she grew up hearing about Women's Society of Christian Service and all the fine things they were doing. It was especially gratifying when the meeting was at her house. They had to clean house, but there would be some wonderful goodies to be shared and leftovers if they were lucky. Arvilla has been involved in units in Wisconsin, several in California, and now in Arizona. For the past sixteen years, Cross in the Desert United Methodist Women in north central Phoenix has been home. During the more than fifty years as a member, she has been called to leadership positions at the local, district, and conference levels, attended several Jurisdictional events, and five Assemblys. At her first Assembly, she went in and sat down for a focus group. A lady came in, sat beside her, and Arvilla asked where she had come from; her reply was “Johannesburg, South Africa." How thrilling to be a part of something that reaches around the world. Arvilla can only hope that United Methodist Women will continue for another 150 years to change the lives of women, children, and youth around the world
We will have three new members on the committee on nominations:
 Nellie Amedee is a mother, grandmother, sister, a friend, a volunteer, a servant, a retiree---- just to name a few. She moved to Arizona in 1968, from New Orleans, and immediately transferred her to First UMC in Tempe. Her two girls were baptized at First UMC-Tempe in 1970 & 1971. In 1978, Nellie is currently a member of St. Matthew UMC in Mesa. She has three grandchildren. Nellie says, "Because of my love and devotion to worshiping and serving Christ, I also attend and serve at Beth Emanuel Messianic Congregation and have been for the last 10 years .
 Carol Johnson come from the East District. Nellie identifies herself as a mother, grandmother, sister, friend, servant, and retiree. She originally comes from New Orleans and now makes her home in Tempe. She is devoted to worship and serving. Carol is a retired nurse, who is busier than ever in her retirement. She has a great love for United Methodist Women and is serving as president of her unit at Gold Canyon UMC. Her hobbies include traveling, baking, reading, and quilting.
 M. Kay Hayworth is a member of St Mark's UMC and United Methodist Women in Tucson. she lives in Marana, Arizona, on Tucson's northwest side. Kay is serving on the Conference Committee on Nominations, Class of 2023. She currently serves as St Mark's United Methodist Women unit secretary. She has served in several offices & Mission Coordinators positions in my Tucson Unit, over the years. In addition, Kay has served on the district as secretary; and social action and spiritual growth coordinators. She loves United Methodist Women; believes our Purpose "to build a creative, supportive fellowship" is very important, and life-giving for everyone of us; and supports that United Methodist Women help us learn about, and participate in concepts of mission. Some of her best Christian friends and mentors are United Methodist Women.
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United Methodist Women News
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Love, Justice and Service: Answering the Call
Every year, “A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial” encourages women to step out in faith and bring the love of Christ into a hurting world through their prayers and selfless giving. This year’s special offering will support the vital and vibrant ministry of deaconesses and home missioners, consecrated laity who have dedicated their lives to vocations of love, justice and service. Find all you need to host an observance or contribute on our Call to Prayer website.
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Register today for Assembly 2022!
 Register now, don’t wait!
www.assembly2022.org
Assembly 2022 is just a few months away! Don’t miss this chance to worship, learn and celebrate with fellow faith-driven women in Orlando, Florida, May 20-22, 2022. Community gatherings, keynote speakers, workshops, experience hall, bookstore, a fair-trade market and social action are all a part of this year’s Assembly. Can’t join us in Orlando? Join us from your living room! Assembly 2022 is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Register today and invite others to join you.
Photo by Paul Jeffrey
Registration fee (in person):
$365 until April 11, 2022. Registration closes April 11. (Proof of vaccination required at time of registration. Visit the FAQ page on https://assembly2022.org for assistance.)
You Can Switch to Virtual Later - Many members are asking if they register now for the in-person event, can they change their minds later and switch that registration to virtual. The answer is yes. You can switch and get a refund for the difference minus a $5 processing fee.
If you are considering to attend in person but have concerns about the safety, here is some information you can look into:
Meeting Safely - The OCCC (Orange County Convention Center in Orlando)is the first since the pandemic to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR re-accreditation and start a medical concierge program. They have hosted more than 130 conferences since July 2020. The mayor of Orlando has, many months ago, required all convention center employees to be vaccinated. To learn more, go to this video link: https://www.occc.net/MeetingSafely.
Registration fee to attend virtually:
$199.00. This is a great bargain. Please know that your link for the virtual option can only be used with one device and cannot be shared. We hope you will use this link for one person only, in good faith, knowing that your fee offsets expenses to run the virtual option which are costly
If we can help you, please send us an email at dscumwomen@gmail.com.
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 Every single Mission Dollar Makes a Difference!
Through YOUR generosity, United Methodist Women helps empower and improve the lives of women, youth and children in the United States and around the world.
Your gifts through the Five Channels of MISSION GIVING are critically important.
Check out the MANY stories of ways your Mission Giving is making a difference by visiting the United Methodist Women website and reading response magazine.
You can make gifts through your local treasurer. |
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