UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NORTHWEST … Donita (Dot) Lea of St. James United Methodist Church in Abilene will be the featured speaker for the evening. As our bodies are fortified with

Northwest Texas Conference United Methodist Women May 2019

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

NORTHWEST TEXAS CONFERENCE

May 2019

United Methodist Women shall be a community of women

whose PURPOSE is to know God and experience freedom as

whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative,

supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission

through participation in the global ministries of the church.

United Methodist

Women and Friends

Dinner during Annual

Conference, p. 2

Mission u 2019

Information, p. 3 – 9

Texas Legislative

Event, p. 10 – 13

Spiritual Growth

Retreat, p. 17

Report Forms, p. 27 -

34

IN THIS ISSUE…


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United Methodist Women and Friends Dinner

Annual Conference 2019

As part of our ongoing celebration of 150 years of United

Methodist Women, please make plans now to attend the annual

UMW and Friends celebration and dinner during Annual

Conference. The Conference Leadership Team is pleased that

Reverend Donita (Dot) Lea of St. James United Methodist

Church in Abilene will be the featured speaker for the evening.

As our bodies are fortified with the nutritious food, our souls will

be fortified with Rev. Lea’s message.

Reverend Lea graduated from Texas Tech University with a

Master’s of Educational Psychology as a licensed professional

counselor. She attended Wesley Theological School in

Washington, D.C. for her seminary training. Rev. Lea also

studied at the Rothberg Institute of Hebrew University in Jerusalem earning certification

for Conflict Resolution and Peace Negotiation. As a United Methodist minister she has

been appointed in various churches throughout the Northwest Texas Conference. Rev.

Lea’s statement on the St. James website says, “Most importantly to me…I am a Child

of God that serves as a minister, chaplain, daughter, sister and aunt…niece, cousin and

neighbor…and caregiver to a precious one that rescued me—Sally, a golden retriever!”

Another highlight of the annual dinner will be the presentation of the Most

Supportive Pastor award for 2019. For the past several years the United Methodist

Women of Northwest Texas Conference have honored a pastor who goes above and

beyond to enable United Methodist Women to accomplish our important work of mission

to women, children, and youth.

The date for the 2019 dinner is June 7, at 5:30 at First United Methodist Church of

Lubbock (1411 Broadway). As in previous years registration for the meal will be online

through the Northwest Texas Conference office website (www.nwtxconf.org). The cost

of the meal is $12.00. There will be no paper tickets issued or mailed. Conference staff

will have a list of those registered at the door. The final day for online registration is

May 23, so make plans now to attend.

Reverend Donita Lea

http://www.nwtxconf.org/


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What? Our annual school,

Mission u!

United Methodist Women

of Northwest Texas Conference

Who? YOU! And all your friends who

want to study and fellowship at the same

time!

Where? McMurry University, Abilene Texas

When? July 25-28, 2019

Why? To spend time together in training, study, fellowship,

worship, mission work, learning

How? A). Spend the whole time on-campus enjoying the residence

halls and cafeteria and the full slate of study, evening activities and

fellowship

B). Commute for each day and purchase the number of meals

you need along with the registration fee

C). Come for one study involving 1.5 days (Thursday evening

and Friday or Saturday and Sunday morning) and purchase the number

of meals needed plus a one-night stay added to the registration fee

The Deans or Registrar can help you in putting together your

‘flight plan’ so you can attend as much of the Mission u

weekend as you can fit into your schedule.


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New This Year:

➢ A schedule that completes one study before the other topic begins ➢ A day for Ubuntu, around three hours of volunteering at Abilene agencies ➢ A hands-on mission project to make sleeping mats for the homeless

Continuing This Year:

➢ Free-time activities of jigsaw puzzles, Bunco, and workshops ➢ Infomercials of different topics ➢ Movie night ➢ Silent Auction-a favorite for helping the district pledge to mission, plan to bring

items for your district’s display, can be handmade items or gently used

Thursday will be a

special day for all

those who like to

do hands-on service

work and can arrive

early and want to participate. At 12:30 we will meet in the foyer of Martin Residence Hall and

Loretta Carter will organize us into groups to go out and serve, called Ubuntu Day. She has

worked hard to line up several agencies, arrange transportation, and find mission projects that

we can do in the afternoon. Ubuntu is not a day but a spirit, a way of living every day. It means

“I am because you are” and basically captures the concept that each one of us is part of a

community of respect, dignity, and consideration of others—“a coming together of God’s

people to celebrate God’s presence and prompting to act on behalf of our neighbors. Ubuntu

exemplifies our connections to one another and is a foundation for community action and

service . . . and exemplifies faith, hope and love in action.” (UMW website)

Along with that, we will be working through the steps of making sleeping mats for the

homeless. Start now to save plastic bags (average size of those at the grocery store that are

used to tote your purchase) for our hands-on Mission project. Bring those with you and we will

work together to straighten, fold, cut, PLARN, crochet, weave—as much as we can. We need

500-700 bags just to make one mat.

Read about our studies this year and our study leaders in the following pages. In the study on

the 150-year history of United Methodist Women you will enjoy learning more about our

organization, no matter how long you've been a member! The Mark study reveals the justice

issues that Jesus was addressing during his lifetime.

Consider offering partial or full scholarships to encourage your unit’s attendance. Invite your

pastor/spouses/neighbors/friends to attend with you. Conference will also have some limited

scholarship funds available which must be requested in writing by June 1, sent to the Dean.


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If you have not attended a Mission u event before, there are a few

things you need to be aware of as you pack to come to Abilene. Those

staying overnight will be in a dormitory facility. You need to bring your

bedding, toiletries (McM supplies TP), towels, washcloths, and

bathmat. The mattresses will be twin-sized but are extra-long for

those tall students. In addition, you will need to bring your study

materials, good walking shoes, and a jacket for the cooler classrooms.

The campus facilities we will use are moderately close in proximity

to one another, but the campus does allow us to use their one golf cart

we call The Cadillac. It can transport up to five women at a time. The

driver is very careful and can report no casualties thus far! We are

expecting it to be in good running order again this year.

Please contact me, or any of these listed, with any questions.

Brenda Breeden, Dean [email protected]

Jeanne Ann Gibson, Assistant Dean [email protected]

Pam Zwickey, 2nd Assistant Dean [email protected]

Jackie Berry, Registrar [email protected]


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Spiritual Growth Study: Practicing Resurrection: The Gospel of Mark and

Radical Discipleship

by Janet Wolf

In Mark and Radical Discipleship, author Janet Wolf explores what it means to live a life of

radical discipleship today using the Gospel of Mark as the foundation. Wolf explores the timeless

issues of poverty, gender, justice, liberation, equality, and others using Mark as a guide. The stories

of the women in Mark are a particular focus of this study and how, although often unnamed, they are

prominent among Jesus’ followers and in Mark’s recounting of the gospel story.

In Mark’s day and now, Christians are caught in a world of crisis and confusion, a time of

uncertainty and fear. There’s a struggle going on and evil appears to be winning. Injustice reigns,

money and greed measure our living and our dying, divisions deepen and hope is sometimes hard to

find. Then and now, part of the crisis is the church’s complicity, complacency, and silence in a world

where so much has gone wrong.

Wolf is director of Children’s Defense Fund Alex Haley Farm and Nonviolent Organizing, in

Clinton, TN, a national organization working toward justice for children and the poor, led by Marian

Wright Edelman who worked as a young lawyer with Dr. King in MS and on the Poor People’s

Campaign. Ms. Wolf is also an ordained elder in the Tennessee Annual Conference.

For full page description of study, see unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-study.

Leader’s Guide by Denise Smartt Sears and Janet Wolf

Andrea Gibbud is from the Rio Texas Conference, Beeville. Ten years ago

she retired as the elected Tax Assessor-Collector for Bee County and works

part-time as a Title Examiner/Abstractor. She has served in a number of

positions with United Methodist Women - local, district and conference.

Andrea has served in several Council positions and lead children's and adult

studies and Sunday School classes. She has two grown children, four

grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She has an eclectic variety of

community and global interests as well as a passion for lay-person led

UMW Spiritual Growth Studies such as "Practicing Resurrection: The

Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship" by Janet Wolf.

Steve Ulrey was born and grew up on a farm in Illinois. After learning how

to make those tires you travel on, the cattle business brought his family to

Dalhart, Texas. He entered the ministry in 1984, attended Perkins School

of Theology at SMU, enjoyed 34 years of service before retiring and

continues to serve at Borger, St. Andrew. His three grown children and ten

grandchildren live in the panhandle and he enjoys his time with them and

his pastoral work in retirement—some of that in giving his time to

supporting United Methodist Women and received its Most Supportive

Pastor award in 2016. The Mark study this year adds to the several studies

he has led for us and other conferences.


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Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

By Ellen Blue

United for Change by Ellen Blue is the first in a two-year study commemorating United

Methodist Women’s 150th anniversary in 2019. It will provide a historical survey of United

Methodist Women and its predecessor organizations and amplify the voices that shaped the work

through an overarching story of United Methodist Women changing the fact of mission. This study is

about women who established vibrant societies to support mission. First organized in the United

States, those societies sent missionaries overseas and later engaged in mission at home. Each was a

heroine who was willing to stand over and against what her culture—and sometimes even her

church—expected of her. Learning about the early female leaders who created what would become

today’s United Methodist Women can help us understand who they truly were beyond who we

expected them to have been. The women who have chosen to devote themselves to United Methodist

Women and its predecessors have contributed mightily to God’s work in the world. They have been

responsible for positive change within the church itself, in their own communities, and all around the

world. To know a little about the stories of even a few of them is to enrich our lives and our

understanding of who we are as an organization. When women dared to change the world for the

better, they discovered that they too were changed.

Ellen Blue is the Mouzon Biggs Jr. Professor of the History of Christianity and United Methodist

Studies at Phillips Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is also the coordinator for the Minister of

Divinity degree in Transformational Leadership for Women. Blue is also an ordained elder in the

Louisiana Annual Conference.

For full page description of study, see unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-study.

Leader’s Guide by Julia Tulloch

Pam Zwickey is a native of Indiana and received her BS and MS degrees

from Indiana State University. She and husband Earl moved to Texas in

1975, living in Lubbock, Littlefield, and Muleshoe. In Muleshoe, she first

joined United Methodist Women. After moving to Amarillo in 1984, Pam

became active in the local unit at Saint Paul. She served eight years on the

conference leadership team and is now conference president. Professionally,

Pam is a retired preschool teacher. She has also worked as director of

children’s music ministries and is currently Director of Adult Ministries at

Saint Paul. Music and education are two of her passions and she now shares

her passion to us as she leads the study of United Methodist Women in its

history and its future.

Josephine Biggerstaff was raised with Mother and Grandmother leading her

way into the work of United Methodist Women. Throughout her 26 year

career in active ministry and now into her retirement, United Methodist

Women is “home” for her passions for education and mission. As a Deacon

in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church, her ministry also

includes being a Christian Educator and Associate Pastor across the North

Texas Conference. Jo and husband Jim have two sons and three

grandchildren. Her hobbies include playing the piano, reading and knitting.

Her lifelong connection to our organization prepares her well as she adds

the study of our 150 years to her many teaching experiences.


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Texas Legislative Event – 2019

The Northwest Texas Conference of United Methodist Women was well represented in

Austin for the annual Texas Legislative Event sponsored by Texas Impact and United

Methodist Women (see picture and caption below). Those attending from Northwest Texas

Conference were involved in a wide variety of activities during the three-day event in

January. People from all over the state came to Austin to focus on and learn about the

many social justice issues that will be addressed during the current legislative session.

(From Left to Right) Wanda Buddin (Abilene District), Frances Curry (Lubbock District), Carolyn Cobb (Lubbock District), Esther Enos (Abilene District), Lila Hoobler (Abilene District), and Pam Zwickey (Amarillo District) proudly served as our conference representatives at Texas Legislative Event 2019.

Texas United Methodist Women’s

Legislative Agenda 2019

There are more than 100,000 members of United Methodist Women in Texas. At their annual legislative conference, UMW members from all six of Texas’ United

Methodist Annual Conferences adopt a consensus legislative agenda reflecting their priority

legislative concerns. United Methodist Women was established in 1865. United Methodist

Women place particular emphasis on issues impacting the well-being of women, children and

youth.

Texas United Methodist Women affirm the dedication of every member of the Texas

Legislature. We thank you for your service to our state and we look forward to thanking you for

your good work in the 86th legislative session. The following represent our consensus legislative

priorities for 2019:


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Texas Legislative Priorities

National UMW Priority Area: Economic Inequality

• Increase funding for public education and ensure that public dollars go to public education for

public purposes.

• Fully fund full-day pre-kindergarten statewide.

National UMW Priority Area: Climate Justice

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Texas 25% by 2030 by advancing the use of renewable

energy and all other available forms of technology.

• Direct state agencies to plan for costs attributable to climate change such as those associated

with natural disasters.

National UMW Priority Area: Criminalization of Communities of Color

• Eliminate all forms of discriminatory law enforcement, including repealing SB 4.

• Increase accountability, transparency, and state oversight of state spending on border security.

National UMW Priority Area: Maternal and Child Health

• Ensure comprehensive health insurance coverage for all Texans including expanding Medicaid.

• Pass measures that reduce maternal and infant mortality.

• Remove obstacles to continuity of care in the state’s publicly funded health insurance programs

such as overly burdensome enrollment and renewal requirements.


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A high school senior from Lydia Patterson, Wanda Buddin,

Lila Hoobler, and Ellen Lipsey concentrate on the information presented.

Linda Elms, formerly from Northwest Texas Conference

and a faithful attendee at Legislative Events,

found herself in a publicity photo.


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Carolyn Cobb, Pam Zwickey, and two young women from the Lydia Patterson

Institute in El Paso listen intently to the discussion in a political caucus.

For more information about United Methodist Women in Texas or this legislative agenda, contact any of the following

UMW Conference Social Action Coordinators:

Greta McKelvey [email protected] North Texas Conference Carolyn Cobb [email protected] Northwest Texas Conference Marilyn Olivarez [email protected] Rio Texas Conference Theresa Graham [email protected] Texas Conference Susan Torpy [email protected] Central Texas Conference

“The gospel of Christ knows of no

religion, but social; no holiness but social

holiness.” John Wesley in the Preface to “Hymns and

Sacred Poems,” 1739


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Any time is a great time for reading! So what better time than now to grab a cup of

tea or coffee and enjoy a good book! Our UMW website has some great inspiration

for the Reading Program.

The Reading Program Leads to Action!

For 150 years, United Methodist Women have been involved in mission that includes

prayer, study and action. The Reading Program is a study opportunity, but it should also lead to action.

The purpose of the program is to encourage United Methodist Women members to

• Expand understanding of and participation in God’s mission.

• Increase sensitivity to all human beings—their needs, interests and concerns.

• Encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today.

• Grow in understanding of Scripture as it relates to Christian faith in contemporary life.

• Enhance self-knowledge and act from that knowledge.

• Strengthen involvement in local and global Christian mission.

Check out the Reading Program here:

https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/readingprogram

Sherrie Burns, Secretary of Program Resources (contact me if you have questions

[email protected] or 806-674-1104 cell or 806-467-9648 home)

Announcement from the national office of United Methodist Women Mission Resources: We are

taking steps to streamline resourcing for events and for distributing books on the Reading Program lists.

Beginning in January 2019, members will no longer be able to order books on the Reading Program lists

from United Methodist Women Mission Resources.

• You will be able to purchase books from Cokesbury, Amazon and other major retailers, often at

a lower cost than offered by Mission Resources.

• If you purchase from Amazon, the books are shipped free to Prime members. If you purchase

through the Amazon Smile program, a donation is made with each order to United Methodist

Women. To learn more about Amazon Smile, visit smile.amazon.com. Choose the United

Methodist Women in New York, NY to support the national office.

• Beginning in January 2019, the program resources secretary will no longer be able to order

United Methodist Women resources on consignment for our events and return what was not

sold.

• The program resources secretary will be able to order a free sample box that contains several

United Methodist Women resources to display and keep at no charge to you. The resource

person may take orders from members onsite or let them know how to place their own orders.

• The program resources person will be able to purchase quantities of United Methodist Women

mission resources that she will be able to sell at our events. These will not be returnable.

• What about Mission u? If possible, attendees should purchase books before traveling to Mission

u. Study books will be available for sale at conference events such as Leadership Development

Day and the Spiritual Growth Retreat, as well as during Mission u. Books not sold during the

events may not be returned but can be sold at future events.

https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/readingprogram

mailto:[email protected]


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LET’S HAVE BALLOONS AT OUR UMW 150TH ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATION OR BETTER YET A BALLOON LAUNCH!

Noooooooooo! Why not?

Balloons are terrible for the environment. They land in water, farmer’s fields, forests, and even in

cactus in the desert. Water fowl eat the balloons and then die because they quit eating. Farm animals

foraging in the fields often ingest balloons and suffer from intestinal problems. Have you ever seen

balloons caught in barbed wire or in cactus? They take years to break down. Mylar balloons are even

worse as they don’t break down at all. Helium is an element that needs to be used wisely. Putting it in

balloons is not a good use of a natural resource.

So WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

There are so many ideas to celebrate any special occasion using the

environment.

• Plant a garden to attract butterflies and bees. It helps both species. Always

go organic in all that you do. Provide a water source for them and other

animals. Growing a garden helps train our children in the beauty of God.

• Plant trees native to your area. Native trees take less water and will last longer.

• Plant a community vegetable garden and get the whole church involved.

• Establish a meditation area outside with peaceful statues, scriptures on signs, and a sitting area

that is available to the community. Build a prayer labyrinth.


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Shannon Priddy, national president of United Methodist Women, will

be the keynote speaker for the event. Mark your calendar now and

plan to come to worship and celebrate with friends throughout

Northwest Texas Conference.

Additional information concerning hotel accommodations and other important

details of the meeting will be made available soon.

ANNUAL

CELEBRATION

September 27-28, 2019

Saint Paul United

Methodist Church

Amarillo, Texas

September 27 – 28,

2019

Saint Paul

United Methodist

Church

Amarillo, Texas


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Spiritual Growth Retreat 2019

Women from all corners of the Northwest

Texas Conference braved cool, damp weather to

attend an uplifting and inspiring retreat at Ceta

Canyon. Dr. Pug Parris, professor at McMurry

University, reminded us that it is never too late to

have a happy childhood. Through scripture and

several classic children’s literature stories and

characters, Dr. Parris

charged us to always

keep in mind that as

children of God, we

must remember who

we belong to! Like

Winnie-the-Pooh, we are called to love unconditionally.

Simba from the Lion King shows us that we must never

forget that we are called to important work throughout

out lives, even though we might not feel we are up to

the task. Charlotte, the spider, and Wilbur, the runt pig, teach us that we must

remain aware that even the small and meek can achieve great things. Those

attending this year’s retreat returned home empowered, entertained, and refreshed.

The 2020 Spiritual Growth Retreat will be April 17 – 18 at Ceta Canyon. Make

plans now to attend.

Dr. Pug Parris


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Leadership Development Day – Information,

Encouragement, and

Worship Leadership Development Day is always a

wonderful opportunity to learn about the many

ways we can use our time and talents as we put

Faith, Hope, and Love in Action for missions.

Women from across the conference were in

Lubbock February 9, 2019 to study, worship,

sing, and learn from others.

Each person attending had the opportunity to

attend two of the sessions offered during the day’s

activities. Sessions offered information not only

concerning the responsibilities and personal

growth opportunities of the various offices of

United Methodist Women, but also other areas

of interest such as membership reporting and the

importance of maintaining environmental

sustainability in all United Methodist Women’s

activities.

As an organization we continue to celebrate

our accomplishments of the past 150 years on

local, district, conference, and national levels.

The program book distributed at Leadership

Development contained a wide variety of

information about subjects of importance to UMW members, registration and report forms for

upcoming events, and several “Sharing Our Stories” narratives.

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each

other.” -- John F. Kennedy

Worship, Prayer, and Song started the day on a positive note.

Several women received Mission ribbons as First Time Attendees at Leadership Development Day.


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Liz Rascon Alaniz Recognized as an Amarillo

“Citizen on the Move”

Amarillo Globe-News recently named five prominent Amarillo area

citizens as “Citizens on the Move.” Liz Alaniz, Executive Director

for the Amarillo Wesley Community Center, was chosen as one of

those individuals. She was recognized at the Amarillo Globe-News

Man and Woman of the Year Luncheon 2019. A native of Vega,

Texas, Liz has served as AWCC’s Executive Director for the past six

years. A graduate of Angelo State University with a Bachelor of

Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies as well as a Master’s

Degree in Student Development and Leadership, Liz is currently

working toward her doctorate in Educational Leadership through West

Texas A&M University. In addition to her work at Amarillo Wesley

Community Center Liz is very active in many civic organizations and

boards. CONGRATULATIONS, Liz, from the United Methodist

Women of Northwest Texas Conference!

District Meeting Information

Abilene District: August 24, 2019 at Childress United Methodist Church

Amarillo District: August 17, 2019 at Canyon United Methodist Church,

9:00 registration and visitation

Big Spring District: September 14, 2019 at St. Mark’s United Methodist

Church, Midland, 8:30 registration and visitation

Lubbock District: August 17, 2019 at Shallowater United Methodist

Church


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Sharing our Stories

For the past few years we have all been encouraged to share our personal stories of

our involvement in United Methodist Women: the mentors who encouraged us, the

activities that educated us, the studies or programs that were life-changing in their

impact.

These stories have been published in the various program books for our yearly events

as well as the conference-level newsletters. The variety of activities, locations, and

people that have influenced us is remarkable in scope. Some stories made us laugh,

others warmed our hearts, some sustained us when we needed encouragement, while

still others helped us understand the importance of not only having a mentor but the

benefits of serving as mentors to others.

At the 2020 Annual Celebration at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Amarillo,

those attending will be presented with a complication of all our stories. Not only will this

be a meaningful way to celebrate the 150th birthday of United Methodist Women, but it

will be a wonderful way to preserve these precious memories of our friends and fellow

women who work to live our Purpose daily.

If you have not yet submitted your story, there is still time. The deadline for

inclusion in the Annual Celebration book is July 1. Please email your stories to Pam

Zwickey, Conference UMW President, at [email protected] by that date.

I've a Story to Tell

The person that encouraged me to a part of United Methodist Women was my mother, Jo Boren. She was a member of Women's Society of Christian Service (W.S.C.S.) at the Methodist Church in Petersburg, Texas, where she attended a meeting every Tuesday morning. That group sold Stanley Products to make money for missions and other ways and means projects as needed. They were also very involved in other church activities. After I was married, I was so excited to be able to join that W.S.C.S. group. I thought that was what all Methodist women should do. I have continued to be a part of United Methodist Women because I love being a member of such a wonderful group of women. The programs are interesting and informative. They give me a chance to learn more about different issues and how others live. The programs also encourage me to be a better person and to do things for someone less fortunate than I am. The best thing about being a United Methodist Woman is getting to make new friends, both locally and around the Conference. Through United Methodist Women we are always helping others.



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I continue to be active in United Methodist Women because I want to continue the legacy. My mother worked locally, for the Plainview District, and for the Northwest Texas Conference. She taught me that I should do whatever I could to help others, and I can do that by being a member of United Methodist Women. Two special women who have encouraged me along the way are Marlene Wellman and Val Hewitt. We have shared a lot of talking, hugs, and tears over the years. These two will forever be in my heart. I never go to a meeting that I do not miss them being beside me. Jo Ann Smith St. Luke's Lubbock 806-795-1434 or 543-3791 (c) [email protected]

This is My UMW Story (and I’m sticking to it)

By: VelvetLee Finckbone

It took three Methodist churches, in three different towns, in two different states over a period of fifteen years before I really knew anything about United Methodist Women. I know, it sounds like the start of a good joke, but it is not a joke. I was born, raised, and baptized in a Baptist church in California. This was the church my father had been going to since he was a youth. So I did not have women (mother/grandmothers) in my life whom I followed after in UMW. When my mother walked out on my father, and my parents went through their divorce, the church I had grown up in turned their backs on us. They looked down upon us, blamed my dad that they divorced, and made it uncomfortable for us in church. Where we settled after the divorce and losing our house, there was a Methodist church on one corner, and a Jewish Temple on another corner. We chose the Methodist church. The pastor was a divorcee and was remarried. The new assistant pastor that came in just after we started attending there was also a divorcee, and remarried. So this felt like the right place for us at that time; it made us feel welcomed. But it was a small church. I don’t remember any real Sunday School classes or Wednesday night programs (other than choir practice). The entire children/youth program consisted of about 12 kids total. My brothers and I made up a quarter of that group. The pastor’s kids made up one third of that group. I never once heard the words UMW (or UMM) ever mentioned in that church that I can recall. Next, we moved to Canyon, TX to attend West Texas A&M University. I attended FUMC Canyon while I lived in Canyon. There I heard of UMW meetings, but I got the impression that it was a group of all the elderly retired ladies in the church. I knew that once a year they held a Christmas Tea and Craft Bazaar, but that is about all I knew about the group. I know I was invited to attend the Christmas Tea one year. I also know that I was busy with attending college full time, and working full time, and I did not really have a lot of time to put in efforts elsewhere. I did not really know what the purpose or mission of UMW was, who could be involved, or anything. Then we moved to Lubbock, TX to attend Texas Tech University. We started attending St. John’s UMC, and that is where I was first introduced to UMW and started learning about its purpose and mission. Our UMW group has UMW Sunday every year, and everything in church is led by the ladies, from ushers, to scripture reading, to children’s time, to special music, to preaching. They always made sure that the



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UMW vision, purpose, and Prayer Calendar was part of the service. Our UMW group also always has a big bake sale every year the Sunday before Thanksgiving with those funds going towards Mission Giving. So between the annual bake sale and UMW Sunday at St. John’s, I was being exposed to the purpose and vision of UMW. One Sunday after church, this one little old lady named Mildred Wylie stopped me in the hallway after church and asked me if I work full time. I thought it was strange, but I answered and told her I did. She told me that was perfect because their UMW Dorothy Manning circle met for dinner in the evenings once a month, and she invited me to join them for dinner. She kept pestering me about it until I obliged and went. I really enjoyed myself. But being a graduate student at the time, I knew I could not afford to go eat every month, and I would need a ride to those dinners every month. Over the next couple of years, a couple of other ladies, named Dorothy Mitchell and Mary Ruth Thurmond, knew my financial and vehicle situation, and they would periodically offer me rides and offer to buy my dinner just so I can continue to participate. After a couple of leadership changes in this UMW Dorothy Manning circle, Tess Jackson was eventually led to asking me if I would lead the Dorothy Manning circle, which I still do to this day. In addition to working on my graduate degrees, and working full time, and now taking on the Dorothy Manning circle, I was also very active in our children’s department at St. John’s. I taught Sunday School, was the VBS director, and I was a summer camp counselor. Then our church went through a major leadership change and my involvement in the children’s programs came to a halt. I was at a place where I needed something different in my life. I joined our church choir, but this did not completely replace my ministry with the children’s programs that I so missed. This is when Esther Moses decided to nominate me to be the Lubbock District’s Spiritual Growth chair. I was a little nervous about taking on such a role. I didn’t know how I would be able to afford to attend all these meetings and conferences and how I would get there. But somehow, Esther had faith in me. I must say I have truly enjoyed this role, and I am glad Esther nominated me. With the love, prayers, encouragement and financial support from St. John’s UMW and their ladies such as Tess Jackson, Jane Haynes, Mary Vines, and Donna Chandler, along with the love, prayers, encouragement, and financial support from the Lubbock District and ladies such as Esther Moses, Sharon White, Dale Mann, and Beverly Wiggins, I have been able to attend Spiritual Growth retreats, Mission U conferences, Lubbock District meetings, and annual conferences. This has also been made possible by getting rides with many people including Esther Moses, Kitty Gage, Sylvia Baca, Beverly Wiggins, Gena Doyle, Claire Seale, Jean Marsh, Pam Allison, and Barbara Shaw. Through the faith and encouragement I received from Pam Zwickey, I was able to attend national Leadership Development Days. And because of so many kind words, and love and encouragement from so many of you, such as Lila Hoobler, I continue to share my devotional writings with you all. Of course, my father has been my greatest supporter through this entire journey. Even though my UMW story only began about 10 years ago or so, I am glad to be serving UMW in the way I am, and I hope to continue to serve for years to come. But I know that without God placing all these key women in life (and my father), without the financial assistance and the rides, and without love and support, I would not be involved with district and conference UMW today, and I would not have attended Spiritual Growth retreats or Mission U conferences. Like I said, it took three churches in three towns to really figure out what UMW was all about. I must say that I am truly blessed to have had things work out in my life the way they have.


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My story of joining UMW began in 1986. My husband and I and our two young daughters

moved to Amarillo from central Illinois in 1984. We left our family and friends in that area to

pursue my husband’s career. Soon after our move we started visiting churches. We were

Presbyterians when we moved but could not find a Presbyterian church that we felt was a good

fit. Our next-door neighbor invited us to Saint Paul Methodist Church. We ended up joining

Saint Paul in 1985. Soon after, I decided to visit a UMW circle meeting. What was so inviting

to me as a thirty-year old stay-at-home mom was that UMW offered free child care at all their

meetings! It was the perfect way for me to meet other women and for my children to meet others

in the church nursery. In the 1980s, Saint Paul UMW was doing a spring luncheon and craft fair

as a fundraiser. I worked at it that first year I was a member. Shortly after, I got a call from

Willa Thomas who was the nominating chair of UMW. She asked if I would chair that

fundraiser next year. I immediately said “Yes!” as I thought it would be great fun. It was fun,

but it was also a lot of work! And my children came down with chickenpox during the planning

of that spring luncheon. But I really enjoyed getting to know so many women so well because of

the teamwork required to pull off such a big fundraiser. I chaired the Spring Luncheon for

several years and then went on to other leadership roles. But my best memories were from

chairing those Spring Luncheons! You can make life-long friends cutting up chicken in the

church kitchen or stenciling 60 aprons together. I love working together for a common purpose

in United Methodist Women.

Kathy Connor Treasurer

Saint Paul UMW, Amarillo

• First off, United Methodist Women Rock!!!

My name is Liz Rascon Alaniz, Executive Director for the Amarillo Wesley Community Center in Amarillo, Texas. This year (2018) I got to attend Assembly 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. This was such a wonderful experience for fellowship and getting to meet different women from around the world. I was amazed on how big this event was!

After I left Assembly, my WHY made more sense with God's call to mission. Through the speakers, the workshops, and worship, I more clearly understand My responsibility to uphold the mission of United Methodist Women and to carry out their vision. The legacy is critical. I am so honored to serve your mission.

I will treasure this experience forever and I look forward to attending the next Assembly in Florida.


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In approximately 1989 a group of 18 young women (the majority from the

Partners Sunday School Class at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Amarillo,

TX), decided to organize a new night UMW circle. We decided to name the circle

Leah Circle.

Those members were Terri Anderson, Theresa Bishop, Valerie Burns, Sue

Cates, LaJuanda Cross, Jeana Ferguson, Susan Harwood, Tadhi Hayes, Christa

Huyck, Karen Jaramillo, Lynn McPherson, Barbara Muse, Darlene Scanlon, Shelly

Seth, Cathy Sheffield, Shirley Sherwood, Debbie Smith, and Barbara Zellers.

Some members were stay-at-home moms, some working moms, and other single

and/or women without children.

Several of us had moved to Amarillo from out of town or out of state, which

meant we didn’t have our moms physically available for the kind of help only

moms can give you. We leaned on each other and made the kind of lifelong

friends we all need!

We had programs of all types - Biblical, devotional, crafting, gardening, mission

related, etc. All contributed to our faith in one way or another.

Five of the original members are still part of the Leah Circle (going on 30

years!!) Other members have joined other circles that worked better for their

schedule, others have moved, or had other reasons but we have had new members

join us and our circle remains close because we really care about each other,

support each other when things are tough, and pray for each other and our family

members/or friends that need prayers.

Leah Circle has been a blessing for me and many others. I’m glad to be part of

this UMW circle.

Karen Jaramillo

Saint Paul UMC

Amarillo, TX


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SOUTH CENTRAL

JURISDICTION

QUADRENNIAL MEETING

March 26-29, 2020

Marriott Downtown

Little Rock, Arkansas

As additional information

regarding the conference schedule, speakers, registration, hotel, and

transportation is finalized, it will be available at the SCJ website --

https://www.umwscj.org/quadrennial-meeting

Make plans now to attend!

]

https://www.umwscj.org/quadrennial-meeting


26


27

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN SUNDAY 2019

Annual Local Unit Observance

Reporting Period June 2018-May 2019

Soon after the local observance, send this page to Pam Zwickey [email protected] or mail to 19651 SW 34th Avenue, Amarillo, Tx 79119 (806-355-4234 h & text) Include a copy of the Worship bulletin and materials distributed. Make copies of this form for the district historian and local history. Units participating are acknowledged at the NWTX Conference UMFW Annual Celebration Program/Handbook. The 2019 theme is A Time to Celebrate. Detailed suggestions for observance have been emailed across the conference. Contact your district president if you did not receive this information. The information is also available on nwtxconf.org under the Ministries tab. Click on UMW and then UMW Sunday. Unit (church and city)______________________________

District________________________________________

Name of person

reporting_______________________________________

Date of observance and speaker_____________________________

There are many ways units celebrate. How did your unit celebrate

United Methodist Women Sunday? Include any special way your unit

celebrated. You may include a separate typed page or use the back of

this form.



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Memorials Report

Due by May 31 of each year- If your unit has no deaths, please send a report

indicating this. Send all names that were not printed in the previous year’s Annual

Celebration program. Deaths occurring after the due date may be sent; inclusion will be

considered if the booklet has not been sent for printing. Send local reports to the District

Spiritual Growth Coordinator.

District:______________________________________________________

Local Unit:___________________________________________________

Unit President:_______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________________

City:__________________ Zip:_________ Email ___________________

Person reporting:____________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________________

Names (PRINT) [Show Phonetic Spelling if needed]

1.__________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________

3.__________________________________________________________

4.__________________________________________________________

5.__________________________________________________________

6.__________________________________________________________

Add a page to list as many names as necessary. The district coordinator will send the district

report to Pam Zwickey ([email protected] or 806-355-4234; 19651 SW 34th Avenue, Amarillo,

TX 79119).

All memorial names are printed in the Annual Celebration program, and all names are read

aloud during the Memorial Service during Annual Celebration.


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MISSION TODAY REPORT 2019

NORTHWEST TEXAS CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Local unit name: _________________________________________________

Circle District: Abilene, Amarillo, Big Spring, Lubbock

Name of person reporting and contact information:

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

PURPOSE: United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God

and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive

fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the

church.

Mission Today is what keeps us United Methodist Women.

Each local group (unit) will meet the following four basic expectations to become a basic Mission

Today group. Circle Yes or No to indicate whether your local unit complied with each expectation.

Yes No 1. Each member understands and affirms the Purpose.

Yes No 2. Make and pay a Pledge to Mission for the group. This is sent to your District Treasurer who

records and sends to the Conference Treasurer.

Yes No 3. Send a local unit membership report in January to the name/address on the form.

Yes No 4. Send this local group Mission Today report by June 30, 2019 to the Conference President

Pam Zwickey, 19651 SW 34th Ave. Amarillo, TX 79119 or email to [email protected].

In addition to the four basic expectations, each local group is encouraged to

participate in as many of the following items as possible so that we may become

more united in…

Living Our Vision and Making It Happen.

Circle Yes or No to indicate whether your local unit completed each expectation and provide

documentation.

Yes No 1. Celebrate United Methodist Women Sunday in your local church. Send the report to the

name and address on the report form.

Yes No 2. Participate in FIVE STAR channels of giving. The local treasurer sends all funds through the

district treasurer who records and sends to the conference treasurer. The group or an individual


30

member gives each of the following: Gift in Memory, Gift to Mission, Special Mission Recognition, and

World Thank Offering. (The 5th Channel is the Pledge to Mission which is a basic expectation.)

Yes No 3. Contribute to a specific mission project of National United Methodist Women. Monetary

contributions are sent by the local treasurer to the district treasurer. Supplies for a hands-on project

such as UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) are sent through the Northwest Texas

Conference office or other designated UMCOR collection sites. Supplies for a National Mission

Institution such as Amarillo Wesley Community Center are given directly to the mission or a designated

collection site. A list of institutions supported by United Methodist Women is available. List your

mission project(s).

Yes No 4. At least one member completes a plan of the Reading Program, choosing from Plans 1-4.

Send individual report forms to the conference president.

Yes No 5. The group stays informed and/or participates in legislative matters. Explain:

Yes No 6. Communicate with five persons in mission. (in person, postal mail, email,) List names of

those persons in mission:

Yes No 7. Add at least one new member. List name(s):

Yes No 8. Implement the Charter for Racial Justice. (local activities carried out without regard to

race, ethnicity, or any other similar criteria) Explain:

Numbers 9-14 involve using United Methodist Women resource material

Yes No 9. Use the Prayer Calendar throughout the year. How did you use the Prayer Calendar?


31

Yes No 10. Use the Program Book as a program resource at one or more gatherings. How did you

use?

Yes No 11. Use one or more Reading Program books as a resource for programs at gatherings.

Explain.

Yes No 12. Use response magazine and/or New World Outlook as a resource for programs at

gatherings. How did you use these?

Yes No 13. Have at least one Study from the study books produced by National United Methodist

Women. Send the Study report to the name/address on the report form.

Yes No 14. Use www.unitedmethodistwomen.org as a source for programs. Share how you used

this site.

Numbers 15-20 promote learning and unity by attending United Methodist Women events. Yes No 15. Attend a District-wide event of United Methodist Women. List event(s) and attendee(s).

Yes No 16. Attend NWTX Conference Leadership Development Day. List participant(s).

Yes No 17. Attend Spiritual Growth Retreat. List attendee(s).

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/


32

Yes No 18. Attend United Methodist Women and Friends Dinner at Annual Conference. List

attendee(s), adding an additional page if needed.

Yes No 19. Attend Mission u. (List participant(s).

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Yes No 20. Attend Annual Celebration of the NWTX Conference. (List attendee(s).

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Please feel free to tell us your exciting news about your unit that is not included on

this form.


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MISSION STUDY REPORT 2018-2019

for local unit Save this page as a Word document. Then you can type your report and attach it to an email to your

district leader.

• List only national Studies that have been presented at Mission u.

• Use a separate page for each study.

• Reporting period is June 2018-May 2019.

• By May 31, send the report to

• Abilene District – Esther Enos, 2049 FM 1750, Abilene TX 79602 325-665-2323 home 605-475-0766 cell [email protected] Amarillo District – Polly Gillingham, 306 N Bryan, Borger TX 79007

806-273-3104 home 806-626-5356 cell [email protected] Big Spring District- Dusty Precure, P.O. Box 147, Sundown TX 79372 806 786-8216, cell [email protected] Lubbock District – Jackie Harland, 4009 87th Street, Lubbock, TX 79423

806-794-9622, home [email protected]

District: ______________________________________________________________

City and exact full name of your church: _______________ _____________________

Person reporting, email and phone #s:

_____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Name of Study:

_____________________________________________________________________

Name of study leader(s):

_____________________________________________________________________

Date(s) of Study:

_____________________________________________________________________

Who participated? (circle, unit, whole church): _____________ ___________________

Did your study involve an exceptional activity or follow-up action plan that

you can share? Perhaps you invited a nearby unit and they joined with you

in the Study.

For more information, contact Carolyn Cobb, Mission Action/Interpretation

Coordinator, Northwest Texas Conference United Methodist Women. 806-

627-8118 [email protected] or [email protected]






34

2019 Mission Minutes - Burning of the Candle Deadline: Wednesday, August 16, 2019

Unit Name: _____________ District:__________________

This year the organization of United Methodist Women will spend on missions:

Year-$12,844,204.00, Day-$35,189.60, Hour-$1,466.23, 1 Minute-$24.44

In our conference we collect special funds once a year to see how many “mission minutes” we can sponsor.

You can remember or honor someone with a special gift to missions during the Annual Celebration as a candle

burns which symbolizes our collective impact on missions affecting women, children and youth. Donations

received by the deadline will be printed in the Annual Celebration program book. The candle will burn during our

meeting for the number of minutes our combined gifts will fund. All money collected will be sent to national to

support the mission budget. Please consider participating in this meaningful annual observance. No amount is too

small.

Make checks payable to: NWTC UMW (Northwest Texas Conference UMW) and include check with this form.

Please send this directly to the conference treasurer, not through your district.

Mail to: Donna Watkins (Conference Treasurer) Questions? Call, text or email

1417 Bell Plains Rd 325-668-2894

Abilene, TX 79606 [email protected]

IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF GIVEN BY AMOUNT

Copy for distribution and/or attach additional pages as needed TOTAL ENCLOSED $______________________


35

Northwest Texas Conference

United Methodist Women – 2019 Calendar of Events

DATE EVENT LOCATION

January through

May 2019

UMW Sunday “A Time to Celebrate!” Date and program

arranged by local units

and pastors

May 31, 2019 Local Unit Mission Today Report and UMW

Sunday Report due to Conference President

[email protected]

May 31, 2019 Local Unit Reports due to District (Studies,

Reading Program)

July 1, 2019 Memorial List due to District

June 6 – 8, 2019 Northwest Texas Annual Conference Lubbock, TX

June 7, 2019 United Methodist Women and Friends Dinner

during Annual Conference

FUMC Lubbock, TX

Registration through

www.nwtxconf.org

June 30, 2019 District Reports due to the appropriate Conference

Officer

July 24, 2019 Leadership Team meeting 2:00 Martin Dorm Lobby,

McMurry University,

Abilene

July 25 – 28, 2019 Mission u McMurry University,

Abilene

August 16, 2019 Conference officer reports for inclusion in the

Annual Celebration Program due. (Email print-

ready document to Patricia Hutchinson, Conference

Vice-President)

[email protected]

September 26, 2019 Una Gran Cena (Amarillo Wesley Community

Center) 6:00

Polk Street UMC

September 27 - 28,

2019

Annual Celebration 2019 (Registration due by

August 23).

Saint Paul UMC,

Amarillo, TX

Registrar: Frances

Kirkland, PO Box 63,

Vega, TX 79092

January 26 – 28, 2020

Texas Legislative Event 2020 Austin, TX

March 26 – 29,

2020

South Central Jurisdiction meeting of United

Methodist Women

Little Rock, AR

April 17 – 18, 2020 Spiritual Growth Retreat 2020 Ceta Canyon

United Methodist Women’s National Assembly 2022 – Orlando, Florida

May 20-22, 2022

Deadline for newsletter articles: December issue – November 1; May issue – April 1;

August issue – July 1 Mo

http://www.nwtxconf.org/


Documents

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NORTHWEST … Donita (Dot) Lea of St. James United Methodist Church in Abilene will be the featured speaker for the evening. As our bodies are fortified with