TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW FEBRUARY 9, 2007

February 9, 2007

Contents for this issue:
1 Over 2000 young People Learn to Fly Spiritually during Warmth in Winter.
2. The Rev. Roger Hopson Appointed as Assistant to the Bishop
3. Barbara Garcia talks about her retirement
4. Bethlehem United Methodist Church drama group celebrates 10th Anniversary with production of The Music Man
5 . Belmont United Methodist Church breaks ground for new community center
6 . 4th Annual Native American Ministry Resource Day, March 11th
7. How to Declare Candidacy as a Delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conference
8. Martin Methodist College group takes trip to historical civil rights sites
9. J's Place Opens at Gallatin First United Methodist Church -- unique center for childhood learning, worship
10. Bethlehem United Methodist Church pre-kindergarten receives three-star rating
11. Celebrate 2006 Special Giving -- David Hawkins reports on generous response from the Tennessee Annual Conference.
12. Heifer Organization Program presented to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Women, a report by Mary Ann Matthews.


Over 2000 Young People Learn to Fly Spiritually during Warmth in Winter
Arms were waving, hands were clapping, fingers snapping, legs were jumping, and feet were shuffling at the Nashville Convention Center Friday evening, January 26th through Sunday morning January 28th. The event was Warmth in Winter and the person leading the young people and adult workers with youth could only be Don Washburn and his wild assortment of “Crazy Dances.” The youth were heavily involved in all the dance steps—but so were a row of District Superintendents and Eileen Wills, wife of Bishop Dick Wills.

Fun was a big part of Warmth in Winter as over 2000 young people gathered together to renew friendships, make new friendships, hone talents and personal interests in a rich variety of workshops, and celebrate the presence of Christ in their lives. The theme for the three days was an appropriate, “Learn to Fly,” and there were numerous spiritual flight lessons during Warmth in Winter. Not only did the young people resonate with some great contemporary praise and worship music by 3 Mile road, but they were extremely attentive to the “flight lessons” given by main speaker Drew Dyson .

Dyson, a writer of youth resources, and much sought after speaker at youth events, is an Elder in the Untied Methodist Church and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Princeton Theological Seminary. His approach was low-key and thoughtful – and his invitation on Saturday evening for persons to come forward and dedicate their lives to Christ brought a huge number of young people to the front of the auditorium—so many teenagers that the front of the stage was filled and lines of young people extended well down the main aisles.

Beth Morris, Conference Director of Youth Ministries, admits that the response of the young people to Dyson’s invitation was an emotional time for her. Everything was suddenly worthwhile--a year spent in planning by a Design Team of 75 persons, the handling of registrations that came in right up until the last minutes, and the logistical nightmare of getting supplies and equipment to the Convention Center, unloading it and, and then setting everything up. The lines of young people responding to God’s call brought tears to her eyes.

Youth Service Fund is an important part of the weekend. 70% of this money stays in the Tennessee Conference and is given as grants to youth groups doing mission for and with youth. A “change challenge” which urged Warmth in Winter participants to donate change from their pockets in behalf of their District, paper airplane distance and accuracy contests and the Sunday morning worship offering are all ways that money was raised. Change is still be counted, but estimates are that $7,000.00 was raised during the weekend.

The success of the workshops was expected and there were sessions on dating, truth about drugs, world religions, storytelling, deepening youth spirituality, drama, choral music, electronic communication—all inspiring, all educational, and all taught by some of Tennessee’s top leadership. One shock was that a workshop on ballroom dancing was the first to fill up, attracted over 60 young people, and had to be moved to a larger workshop space. It was obvious that many teens had been watching “Dancing with the Stars.”

The success of this year leads to thoughts of next year. The dates are already set for February 8 – 10, 2008 and we hope all the youth groups in the conference will join us!

Memphis Conference Member was Tennessee Annual Conference Preacher in 1999
Rev. Roger Hopson Appointed as Assistant to the Bishop
The Rev. Roger Hopson has been appointed as Assistant to the Bishop, replacing Barbara Garcia who will be retiring at the 2007 session of the Tennessee Annual Conference.

In making the appointment Bishop Dick Wills said, "The Rev. Roger Hopson brings a wealth of experience which will be very valuable in helping me be a better Episcopal Leader. He has people skills which will extend the office of the Bishop in much the same ways the Rev. Barbara Garcia has done for the past 11 years. I’m pleased the Reverend Hopson has agreed to come and serve in this important way. We will be better Conferences because of his willingness to serve in this position."

Hopson, a native of Savannah, Tennessee is presently Coordinator of Program Ministries for the Memphis Conference of The United Methodist Church, in Jackson, TN.

Rev. Hopson graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1976, with a B.S. in Education, and received his Master of Divinity (with honors) at the Interdenominational Theological Center in 1985.

He has taught school at Dyer County High School, 1976-1982, and worked as columnist for Metro Forum newspaper in Jackson, Tennessee. From 1985-1988 he served as Pastor to Wiley’s Chapel, New Hope, and St. Paul United Methodist churches in the Paris District of the Memphis Conference, and Associate Director of the Memphis Conference Council on Ministries, 1989-1995.

On a national level he was a delegate to two General Conferences--Denver, Colorado, 1996, and Cleveland, Ohio, 2000, and a delegate to the World Methodist Conference in Rio de Janeiro, 1996.

Hopson was Theologian-in-Residence at the Ministerial Recruitment Institute, East Ohio Conference, and is warmly remembered by the Tennessee Annual Conference for his service as conference preacher in 1999. He has provided leadership in a variety of settings and for differing age levels. In 2001 he was Youth Annual Conference Preacher for the Memphis Annual Conference. He was District Superintendent of the Paris District, 1995-2002.

Through the years he has received a number of honors including the Isaac R. Clark Preaching Award, 1983-1984. He was a Crusade Scholar from 1984-1985, listed in Outstanding Young Men, 1986-1987, and is a member of Omega Pi Phi Fraternity.

Rev. Hopson is married to Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson and they have two children, Dr. Angela Hopson and Marcos Hopson.

"I am honored and humbled by the Bishop’s confidence in me," said the Rev. Roger Hopson.

"The Nashville Area has a great legacy related to the role of the Bishop’s Assistant. Those who preceded me were great servants who loved the Church and tirelessly worked to assist the Bishop in effectively leading the Area in mission and ministry. It will be a joy to work with Bishop Wills and the leadership of both conferences as we strive to live out the Great Commission."

Barbara Garcia Grateful for blessings received in serving two annual conferences

"Serving in the Area Episcopal Office has allowed me to know so many persons and see them in ministry in a wide variety of settings," said the Rev. Barbara Garcia as she contemplated retiring in June as Nashville Area Assistant to the Bishop.

"I’ve seen the Church at work in ways that inspire and build the Kingdom...and also have developed an appreciation for the ministry of administration beyond my imagination! I’m grateful for the patience of three bishops and two wonderful conferences; and for blessing my life for eleven wonderful years! Thanks for the blessings!"

Rev. Garcia added, "I look forward to serving in another setting which fulfills my calling as a deacon which would also allow time to enjoy our grandchildren more!"

Belmont United Methodist Church breaks ground for new Community Center

Artists rendering of the new Belmont UMC Community Center

Outside or inside? The morning of January 21, 2007, was rainy and cold, and the leadership from Belmont United Methodist Church had to make a decision sometime during the 10:30 a.m. worship service about a groundbreaking ceremony planned for after the service. Did it need to be held inside or could it be held outside on the future site of the congregation’s new Community Center? While the clouds and cold did not roll away, the rain ceased just in time to allow the congregation to process, led by Pastor John Collett, to the church’s back parking lot where a new multi-million dollar structure will be built starting in April of 2007.

Members of the congregation carried with them “prayer rocks,” many of which had been given out at a pledge banquet in November of 2005—reminding individuals to pray for what the congregation was about to do. Each stone was placed in a special spot on the building site in remembrance of the prophet Samuel’s act (recorded in 1Samuel 7:12) --“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, and named it Ebenezer; for he said, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

Weather for the ground breaking was chilly but the Belmont congregation and friends brought a lot of joy and warmth to the celebration.

Belmont United Methodist Church has been in existence as a congregation for nearly 100 years. It started in 1910 and in three decades had over 3000 members. In the early 1960’s there was a strong residential movement away from the Hillsboro area . . . and Belmont went into a period of decline. In the 1990s there was neighborhood resurgence and the church has even experienced its own baby boom.

Using a Strategic Ministry Planning Process, Belmont started serious exploration in the early 2000s about who it was as a congregation, and what its ministry should look like in the 21st Century. Out of these talks came a resolve to be the church in the Village (Referring to the fact that Belmont lies directly in the middle of Hillsboro Village, adjacent to the Vanderbilt University campus, and within walking distance of Belmont University). The church’s motto became “The Church in the Village Serving God’s Global Village.”

In May 2005 a church conference launched a “Legacy Campaign” and among the things decided was that the present building had to be remodeled and restored, but also that the congregation and the Hillsboro community needed a larger facility, one that could host community events.

Pastor John Collett gets the assembled “work crew” ready to start digging

From the beginning the new structure has been viewed as a Community Center. There will be a full sized gymnasium but great care was made to make certain that the acoustics would be appropriate for public meetings and performances. The Community Center will be able to seat 450 persons around tables for banquets or meals, and seat 800 persons for performances. The church kitchen is being relocated into the new building, and there will be restrooms and locker rooms. The existing building will have all restrooms renovated and new roofing installed. In addition the heat and air conditioning system will be redone, and 80% of the outside stonework has been cleaned and repaired. Another elevator will be installed to make the entire building accessible.

John Collett is quick to point out that “God’s work is not primarily about buildings and property since God can’t be confined to places. When Jesus came he attended synagogue and was given a scroll and he read from Isaiah: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’” Collett notes, “We’ll be faithful to the future only as we embrace Christ’s ministry.”

Building Committee chairperson Hayne Hamilton feels the Belmont congregation has arrived at an important historic moment.

Hayne Hamilton, chairperson of the building committee, shares his own vision—and the congregation’s vision—of the future of Belmont: “We are called by God to share the reconciling and transforming love we have and invite others into relationship with Christ. This mission is the foundation to who we are as believers and flows through all that we do. Our church has again arrived at an historic moment, just as when Belmont was founded in 1910. Our Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood is experiencing growth and revitalization; filling with people of all ages from around the world. Our church attracts worshipers and newcomers not only from the neighborhood, but from across the greater Nashville area. We are experiencing that growth every week. More than half of our Sunday worshipers have become a part of our congregation in the last ten years. Each Sunday this year, 20% of our worshipers are newcomers, visitors or non-members. Updated facilities can better serve this new population.”
“Our church,” Hamilton continues, “is regarded by many in our community as the center of spiritual and civic life. Our facilities are open more than 100 hours per week to host gatherings of people for spiritual nurture, Christian learning, self-help support, English language instruction for international newcomers, and civic improvement. We are home for many community groups and non-profit organizations, and we host many community events for good causes. A larger dining space and increased numbers of flexible rooms for classes, meetings, and conferences will help us be the kind of neighbor we want to be. Building on the Legacy will enable and welcome others into the renewal of life and service to Gods world.”

4th Annual Native American Ministry Resource Day, March 11th
by Mary T. Newman

Did you grow up watching The Lone Ranger and Tonto? Or perhaps you read “Last of the Mohicans” and saw the movie made from the book. OOPS! There are still Mohicans. Do you know Native Americans who were “Indian” BC--before casinos and Kevin Costner?

Interestingly, the state of Tennessee has a higher Native American population than the state of Mississippi, which has a reservation (according to the 2000 census).

The Tennessee Conference Committee on Native American Ministry (CCONAM) is bringing to you, the local church, our 4th annual Native American Resource Day.

This year we will meet at Blakemore UMC on March 11 from 2:00-4:30.

Come join us for a time of learning thru fellowship and worship. We are dedicated to dispelling myths, creating understanding thru education, and sharing our love and respect for Creator God within the native community and the local church.

We will have cultural displays, book sales, resources, native foods, and short information sessions. We will end with a worship service. This opportunity will give you ideas for the recognition and celebration of Native American Ministry Sunday, one of our special offering Sundays.

Native American Ministries Sunday is scheduled for April 22nd, 2007,—but local churches are urged to celebrate at a time that is convenient within their schedules.

Declaring Candidacy as a Delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conference
In accordance with Tennessee Annual Conference Standing Rule11, which provides a way for lay and clergy to declare their candidacy for Election as a delegate, we offer the following guidelines and requirements:

· You should prepare a statement concerning 1) your activities at the local church, district, annual, jurisdictional, and general conference levels; (2) your assessment of the principal needs of the General Church and how they should be met, and (3) any other information felt pertinent to introduce yourself to other members of the Tennessee Conference.

· For the best possible appearance in the pre- conference journal it would be good to submit your candidacy statement electronically. You can send it as an email attachment to vsharber@tnumc.org or send it on a CD disk. Candidacy statements submitted as handwritten or typed documents will be scanned for inclusion in the pre-conference book. Send CDs or manuscripts to Vicki Sharber, Suite #1, 304 South Perimeter Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211. Make sure that any CD or manuscript is sent to arrive by the deadline date.

· The deadline date for receiving all candidacy statements and photos is March 19, 2007.

· The statement must be limited to one page, whether typewritten or handwritten. A type size of 8 pt is recommended.

· Photos may be submitted in electronic form (i.e. jpeg) or mailed to Vicki Shriver by deadline date.

Persons do not have to declare candidacy to be eligible for election to General or Jurisdictional Conference.

Please use the following guidelines when submitting your candidacy statement: DO NOT USE HEADERS/FOOTERS, DOUBLE SPACING OR PAGE NUMBERING when preparing your report. PLEASE USE 1.75 INCHES FOR ALL FOUR MARGINS. , because the setup page in the Pre- Conference Book of Reports allows only 5 inches of print.

Staging of The Music Man marks groups 10th season
Bethlehem United Methodist Drama Group is “Our version of church softball”

Harry Robinson plays con-man Professor Harold Hill in the Bethlehem UMC production of "The Music Man."

“Our version of church softball” is what Harry Robinson, Bethlehem United Methodist Church Director of Music and Arts, calls his dramatic performing group, the Bethlehem Players located in Franklin, Tennessee. The Players are celebrating their 10th anniversary this March 9-18 with the staging of The Music Man which is nationally celebrating its 50th year of production.

The musical will be staged at the church’s Performing Arts Center for eight shows including two special dinner productions on Tuesday, March 13 and Thursday, March 15. (See a complete listing of show times at the end of this article.)

It is a fitting tribute for the 10th anniversary of the Bethlehem Players that Robinson, group founder, has been selected to star as BUMC’s Music Man, “Harold Hill” the infamous River City con man.

Robinson jokingly says he “conned” the Methodists into hiring a professional guitar player (Robinson played for the likes of Lee Greenwood and Dolly Parton) as their full time director of music.

However, long-time church member Neil Little has a different take.

“Harry was already working at the Ashland City United Methodist Church as their part-time music minister while earning his Church Music Degree from Martin Methodist College. We were lucky that Harry visited us while on tour with the Martin Methodist College Choir and the rest really is our good fortune,” Little said.

Little was at that concert and thought to himself it would be “so neat to find someone with Harry’s musical abilities who would be willing to serve a church. In addition to the drama program, BUMC now has a Bluegrass Band, a Youth Choir Tour and a Hand-Bell Choir for adults and children.”

It has been a fun-filled decade for Robinson as the program has continued to grow and to expand involving amateur and professional actors, musicians and audience members throughout the community.

So, why start you own performing team? For Robinson in 1997, it was another way in which to engage his membership.

“It is my goal to involve as many people in our congregation and the community in music and arts in the church. Choir is a wonderful opportunity but the drama group is helping to provide a diversity of choice for people who aren’t necessarily choir members,” Robinson said.

Cottonpatch Gospel was the Bethlehem Players first production and Robinson recommends it for beginning programs.

“Cottonpatch Gospel doesn’t require a lot of lighting, staging or technical assistance. It is a re-telling of the book of Matthew placed in the American south. It is very approachable for the audience and the cast. It was a good way to get 20 to 40 people from the congregation involved and a guitar can be the main musical accompaniment,” Robinson said.

The Bethlehem Players then went on to stage You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Arsenic and Old Lace, Meet Me in St. Louis, You Can’t Take It With You, Steel Magnolias, Rumors, A Bad Year for Tomatoes, Fiddler On The Roof and the Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.

The growth in the program has occurred according to Robinson as the involvement of the congregation and the acceptance and support of the community has increased. He also cites the very dedicated core group of Bethlehem Players members.

This loyalty and growth has enabled the church to be able to hire professional directors. The first one occurred in 2001. In 2002 until present, theatre professional Dietz Osborne has been leading the troop.

Robinson said Osborne was previously involved in the Mountain T.O.P. Program. He brings to the table a professional theater degree and background with Nashville performing arts groups like Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theater, where he is the Group Sales Director, as well as experience with Boiler Room Theatre productions. Robinson said what is special about the relationship with Osborne is that Dietz considers the Bethlehem Players as part of his stewardship for the community.

Robinson said it is also rewarding that this growth is occurring beyond Bethlehem.

“People are entering our fellowship through the plays then leaving and starting their own programs. One lady had never even been in a play. She participated in two and then went on to help start a community theater. One of our founding members is also trying to accomplish this same thing in Knoxville,” Robinson said.

In addition to offering entertainment and Christian fellowship, over the past few years, the production group has accepted donations to support local charities like Habitat for Humanity and Miriam’s Promise. This year, one of the cast members is working on her Girl Scout “Gold Award,” the equivalent of the Boy Scouts’ Eagle. Maggie McNulty is conducting a gently used instrument drive called “Pass The Music Along” to connect the instruments with underprivileged children. Anyone wishing to make a donation can bring band instruments and violins to the church beginning February 23 through May 31 and particularly during the March 9-18 production dates. (For more info, contact Maggie at nycbelle23@bellsouth.net.)

The future of the Bethlehem Players continues to look bright as Robinson hopes to weave its magic through other avenues of the church. At the recent Christmas program, a play with the theme of “love and justice” was incorporated into the holiday presentation. Robinson said it dealt with the working poor and community service while bringing Matthew 25 alive to his congregation in a new way. He says “this non-traditional approach to worship makes the expression of spirituality fresh.”

The Music Man is marching into the Franklin area community theatre at Bethlehem United Methodist Church off Hillsboro Road on March 9 through 18 for the 10th anniversary production of the Bethlehem Players. The highly acclaimed musical will be presented by an amazing cast of amateur and professional actors and musicians and includes beloved favorites “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Goodnight My Someone,” “Ya Got Trouble,” and “Gary, Indiana.”

Shows for The Music Man begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 9, 10, 16, 17 and on March 11 and 18 at 6 p.m. with dinner shows only on March 13 and 15 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and the dinner shows are $20.00 per adult/$15.00 per student.

BUMC is wheelchair accessible and accommodations are available for the handicapped. For more information or a reservation, contact the Music Man Information line, (615) 791-6456, ext. 2 or bethlehemplayers@yahoo.com.

Martin Methodist College group takes trip to historical civil rights sites

by Rev. Laura J. Kirkpatrick, Campus Minister

“My soul is wrestling.”

These were the repeated words of members of Martin Methodist College’s Leadership Development Team during a four-day trip to Selma and Montgomery, Ala., that concluded on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The Leadership Development Team (LDT) is comprised of students with strong leadership potential as they continue to grow in their life of faith in The United Methodist Church. The current team has nine members who have covenanted to grow in worship, compassion, devotion, and justice. However, just saying the word “justice” had been uncomfortable for the students until the weekend of Jan. 12-15.

That’s when the LDT and Rev. Laura Kirkpatrick, Martin Methodist College’s campus minister who serves as the team’s advisor, traveled to Alabama, and became immersed in the outcomes of faithful Christians taking a stand for justice. The weekend included a tour of Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, the National Voting Rights Museum, walking across Edmund Pettus Bridge, worshipping at Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, visiting the Rosa Parks Museum, and viewing and discussing two films, “Hotel Rwanda” and “Freedom Writers.”

Soul food on the Leadership Development Team’s pilgrimage to historic civil rights sites

As the students processed their experience during a Love Feast, Alex Abernathy, a junior from First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, aptly responded to the state of the soul by bravely saying, “My soul is churning.”

“Hearing stories of social injustices really awakened a spirit of justice in my heart,” added Melissa Stewart, a junior from First UMC in Hendersonville, Tenn.

Matthew Johnson, a sophomore from Clarksville, Tenn., was also moved.

“At first, I didn’t know why we watched ‘Hotel Rwanda,’ he said. “In fact, I was really frustrated because I felt like there’s nothing I can do for people in such a faraway place. Yet, this weekend is helping me realize what we can do locally to bring about justice for all.”

Upon their return from a weekend of social justice immersion, the members of the Leadership Development Team joined other students on Tuesday morning at the annual Religion and Race Convocation. Bishop Woodie White’s words about finding a “common ground” challenged the campus to celebrate our differences and work together for good creating a fabulous pot of “vegetable soup.”

To quote from “Freedom Writers,” the LDT came away from the weekend realizing they have been “blessed with a burden.” In the word of Brandi Belcher, a junior from Hermitage, Tenn., this blessing and burden demonstrate “the importance of encouraging others to learn about and act upon social justice.”

J's Place Opens at Gallatin First United Methodist Church
by Jack Keefe*

Gallatin First United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the opening of their newest resource in Children’s Ministry. J’s Place is designed to provide an interactive opportunity for children to Discover God’s Truths in a fun and creative way.

J’s Place has both sound and lighting capabilities along with video and camera capabilities. Along with a working lighthouse, smoke machines, bubble machines and blacklight setups. The set is designed so that all the Creative mediums such as puppetry, drama, signing, stick interp, clowning , etc can be utilized. J’s Place serves as the focus for Children’s Worship at Gallatin First United Methodist Church.

* Keefe is Director of Education and Children’s Ministries at First United Methodist Church of Gallatin.


Bethlehem United Methodist Church pre-kindergarten receives three-star rating

Bethlehem United Methodist Church pre-kindergarten received a three-star rating on its recent inspection by the State of Tennessee. This is the highest rating achievable. Cathy Sensing serves as director of the Pre-Kindergarten and Parents Day Out program, a ministry of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Franklin, Tennessee (Columbia District). Pictured seated from left are Kim Wixted, Leigh Feld, Cathy Sensing, Charlene Finn and Suzanne Painter. Standing from left are Maggie Ankrum, Donna Nolan, Zuzka Skrabak, Chrissie Coombs, Martha Basenberg, Lyneve Fulton and Brooke Pate hold Reece.


Celebrate 2006 Special Giving
by David Hawkins
The people of the United Methodist Church in the Tennessee Conference have once again given generously to help persons faced with enormous needs. Knowing how our brothers and sisters on the Gulf Coast yearn to restore mission and ministry in areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina, contributions of $86,048 were made to the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal in 2006. Some other special non-apportioned funds which received support from Tennessee Conference donors in 2006 were: Children of Kamina $59,981, Conference Hunger Fund $36,694, One Great Hour of Sharing $47,508, UMCOR undesignated $24,106, UMCOR Hurricane Relief $55,194. (The amounts reported are for offerings sent through the Conference Treasurer’s office, and do not include any online or direct donations.)


Heifer Organization Program Presented to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Women
by Mary Ann Matthews*

(Left) Jane Jennings, Heifer Representative, and Irene Spencer, Pleasant Grove UMC, examine printed materials, videos and CDs which tell the Heifer story.

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Women in the Pulaski District had as guest speaker a member of the Heifer Foundation, Jane Jennings. Jennings shared her experiences working with the Heifer organization and traveling to Heifer projects in the United States and abroad.

Heifer International is a nonprofit organization that alleviates hunger, poverty and environmental degradation for families in developing countries through gifts of pregnant income-producing animals. Training in their feeding and care is an essential part of the gift. These animals produce sources of protein such as milk and eggs for the children. The income from the sale of offspring provides medicine, clothing and improved living conditions. Since 194 4 Heifer has helped over four million families become self-reliant.

As families pass the first-born of their animal to other families, they also pass on the gift of hope, dignity and self-reliance. As animals are passed to another family the community benefits.

Jennings described and showed pictures of her visits to Heifer projects in Zambia, Romania and South Africa. A number of Heifer projects operate in other foreign countries and in the United States and Canada. She told of her visit to an inner city project in Chicago. She has also visited Heifer’s Navaho Indian project, which helps improve sheep production and family life.

Heifer International has invited United Methodists to “set a chain of hope in motion.” Money gifts are accepted. In addition, donors may select animals from the Heifer catalogue to give on special occasions and in honor of a friend, relative or co-worker. A card to announce the gift is provided upon request. Goats, sheep, heifers, water buffalo, chickens, ducks, rabbits, fish and other animals are available with the cost varying. A variety of descriptive printed materials, catalogs, and CDs are also available.

Jane Jennings and other representatives of Heifer are available to groups by contact her at 931-762-8800. For further information about Heifer International call 1-800-422-0474 or visit their web site at www.heifer.org

*Mary Ann Matthews is Chair of Education and Interpretation of the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Women