From The Holstonian

This page will contain excerpts from the Holston Conference newsletter, The Holstonian. Click here to download the current issue of The Holstonian. To subscribe to The Holstonian, contact Lynice Broyles, Conference Communications Coordinator. (Email address lmbroyles@comcast.net)

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There are seventeen (17) goals in the Mission Today program. To be recognized as a Mission Today Unit, a local unit must complete a minimum of eight (8) goals each year, including four (4) of those marked with an asterisk. It is not as difficult as you may think! This new column in the Holstonian will feature several of the Mission Today goals in each issue and will offer helpful suggestions to units attempting to complete these goals in order to become Mission Today Units.

Goal #2 At least one member of the unit other than a conference or a district officer will attend the School of Christian Mission.

If someone in your unit is interested and has not attended the School of Christian Mission before, she may be able to receive the district scholarship. Each district offers one scholarship to a first timer from that district, or the local unit may wish to sponsor one of the unit members to attend. It may be difficult for some persons to attend a School of Christian Mission, especially if they are from small units. Many persons say that our School of Christian Mission is one of the most enjoyable events offered in Holston Conference, so encourage persons to try it and to go with a friend for an outstanding experience.

Goal #7* The unit or circle will conduct or participate in at least one mission study each year. Contact your district or conference Mission Coordinator for Education and Interpretation to learn what the studies are for each year.

This relates well to Goal #2. If someone can be persuaded to go to School of Christian Mission, they could come back and conduct a study. District officers and conference officers can lead a mission study. Several churches can combine to have a study if units are too small to achieve this goal on their own. This is an important goal-it has an asterisk!

Goal #3 At least two members (one member for units with fewer than 15 members) other than a conference or district officer will attend the district or conference annual meeting.

Remember that conference and district officers are expected to attend conference and district events. The purpose of this goal, and of goal # 2, is to encourage other United Methodist Women to attend events. Attending the district annual meetings should not be a problem, unless they are held at times or places that people (especially older women) find it hard to get to. I would encourage units to set aside money in your unit budget to send two women to Conference Annual Meeting. There is very little business conducted at our Annual Meeting, and it is necessary for the organization to conduct some business (election of officers, approval of the budget). Think of yourselves as "stockholders" in United Methodist Women, and this is where you need to be to make certain the "company" is handling its assets correctly. Meeting missionaries and learning more about our UMW mission work is another exciting part of Annual Meeting.

Goal #14* The unit will have at least two (2) members subscribing to Response magazine. Order from Service Center, $15 for a year's subscription. New World Outlook is also available from Service Center - $19.95 for a year's subscription. A joint subscription for both magazines is available for $28 for one year.

Remember that if you are the shareholders of United Methodist Women, this is the monthly report of the corporation! This goal also has an asterisk!

Goal #13 Each unit or circle meeting will include a "Response Moment" where an item from Response magazine will be lifted up as a way to tell the mission story.

This goal can be achieved by any unit, regardless of size. All that is needed is that a member or the unit subscribe to Response magazine. If you achieve Goal #14, it should be easy to achieve Goal #13 also.

Goal #15* The unit will add at least two (2) new members (one member for units with fewer than 15 members) to its roll.

This may be one of the hardest goals for smaller units, especially older units. Remember that members of units do not have to be members of the church, only the President of the unit has to be a member of the church because she is a member of the church Administrative Council by virtue of her office. Consider your meeting time and whether it is convenient for working women. Be open and friendly and invite all women of the church and community to join your UMW unit for a social event or special project. This goal has an asterisk!

Charter for Racial Justice
More information available on Women' Division Site
www.gbgm-umc.org/umw

Wow, our Young Women once again turned out for a weekend of worship and inspiration at the 2007 Young Women's Retreat. It was so great when the registrar reported we had 64 "first-timers". All we could say was "WOW - God is so good".   The 191 United Methodist Women, gathered at the MainStay Suites in Pigeon Forge enjoyed fellowship with friends, new and old, as they shared in the meaningful worship,

The attendees participated in Lou McNutt's Focus Group on "Shalom, Salaam, Peace". When we assembled for worship on Saturday afternoon, the room was filled with the Holy Spirit and the fellowship was awesome.

The Arise Praise Band from Cherokee United Methodist Church, Johnson City, once again brought the group to another "Mountain Top Experience".  Shelia Minier captured the entire audience as she delivered powerful inspirational messages.

Copyright 2007 Holston Conference United Methodist Women