TENNESSEE CONFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 23, 2007
Index to Sixteen Informative Articles in the March 23, 2007 Review
1. Murfreesboro District Familia de Cristo Reunión Celebrates all the ministries of the District—Saturday, May 5th event celebrates Murfreesboro District Ministries, by The Rev. John P. (Jack) Gilbert
2. Mountain T.O.P. Ministries Honors Founders During Volunteer Work Weekend
by John I. Carney, Secretary, Mountain T.O.P. Board of Directors. George Bass and his family honored.
3. Foundation Sets New Interest Rates by Dr. Vin Walkup. Learn more about how YOU can participate in the Development Fund.
4. Lay person Mary Cooper Recommends the Development Fund to Friends
5. Minister John M. McClearen shares his feelings about the United Methodist Development Fund
6. Our Call to Hospitality, Part II, What the Bible Says About Immigration. John Purdue continues his series on issues related to immigration reform. There can be little doubt that the Bible calls us to live lives of justice and charity. In the case of immigrants, God calls us to extend hospitality to His children who are sojourning in a foreign land, our land.
7. Scarritt-Bennett Center on the Move: Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library dedicated to the mission and ministry of Methodist lay women.
8. Volunteers in Mission Represent Christian Love in Action by Norris Allen, Dickson First United Methodist Church. With an introduction by Jason Brock. Indicates how you or your congregation can be a partner in a VIM trip.
9. Meharry scientists seek AIDS shield for women, researchers at United Methodist related medical school in Nashville are working on the development of a new drug to protect all women against the AIDS virus.
10. A suggestion for our conference financial crisis. Retired minister Dr. Joe Frazer presents his views on the discussion of Direct Billing.
11. McKendree Village Gets “Triplets” With Arrival of Third Van. Fundraising, plus state and federal grants secure 15-passenger vehicles for retirement community related to the Tennessee Annual Conference.
12. Over 260 Attend Confirmation Day with the Bishop, March 3rd, Franklin First United Methodist Church. Some Neal Glass photos from Confirmation Day.
13. United Methodist Bishops Putting Wallets to Work Preventing Malaria; Congregations Urged to Hold Special April 25 Services, Buy Bed Nets. All United Methodists are urged by the Bishops to skip lunch on April 25th and to use the money saved to help prevent malaria in Africa.
14. Blakemore United Methodist Church’s Initial Women’s Retreat Attracts 68. Event led by Belmont UMC’s Libby Baxter focused on a study of women in the Bible.
15. Native American Culture and Traditions Featured at March 11th Event . Tennessee Conference Committee on Native American Ministries readies Conference for Native American Sunday.
16. Crossville First United Methodist Church Uses Satellite Simulcasts for Spiritual Growth by Holly Neal
Familia de Cristo Reunión
Murfreesboro District Familia de Cristo Reunión Celebrates all the ministries of the District
by Rev. John P. (Jack) Gilbert
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 5th, folks from all over the Murfreesboro District will gather at Deadman Park (the city park) in Manchester, Tennessee, for the Familia de Cristo Reunión.
What’s that, you ask?
Familia de Cristo is Spanish for “Family of Christ,” and Reunión is Spanish for rally. So the Murfreesboro District is having a “Family of Christ Rally,” celebrating all the ministries of the District with and for persons of all languages and cultures!
So what will take place at the Familia de Cristo Reunión? Here’s a partial list:
Worship – in both Spanish and English
Laughter, fellowship and joy – in both Spanish and English
Singing and music – in both English and Spanish
Fellowship, warm smiles, solid handshakes – in both Spanish and English
Games of all kinds – both Spanish and English
Food—lots of it!—in both Spanish and English. Food booths will offer Mexican fare and Southern fare, and folks will “graze” their way through supper, then enjoy hand-cranked ice cream for dessert.
And, most importantly, an increased commitment to ministry and to growing as disciples of Jesus Christ as all together folks from the District realize that we are One in Christ and that all are called to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed!
Familia de Cristo is also the overarching name for the Murfreesboro District’s three-pronged ministries with and to Spanish-speaking persons in the District. These three ministries are:
1. Amigos de Matamoros (Friends of Matamoros), the “District’s twice-a-year mission trips to Matamoros, Mexico.
2. Bendiga a Los Niňos (Bless the Children), a ministry in which folks in the district “adopt” Mexican children by providing these children with school uniforms, inoculations, school sup0plies, and other necessities.
3. Ama a tu Prójimo (Love Your Neighbor), the many and unique ministries of the Rev. Enrique Hernandez, missionary to the Murfreesboro District from Mexico.
How are the Familia de Cristo ministries funded? In part, these ministries are funded by Centavos de Cielo – that Spanish for “Pennies from Heaven.”
Borrowing a successful idea from First United Methodist Church, Manchester, each church in the District was given a Mexican jar and an explanatory poster. Each church places its jar and poster in a prominent place in the church building and invites everyone to contribute loose change (and bills) to the jar every Sunday between now and May 5, the Familia de Cristo Reunión. At the Reunión, all the Centavos de Cielo will be brought forward, dumped into a large metal washtub, dedicated to God, and used to help fund the ministries of Familia de Cristo.
While the Familia de Cristo Reunión is a Murfreesboro District event, everyone is invited to come to, to take part, and to celebrate our common ministries – regardless of language, culture, or nationality. The Reunión will begin about 4:00 p.m. and run until about 7:30 p.m. See you there!
Mountain T.O.P. Ministries Honors Founders During Volunteer Work Weekend
by John I. Carney, Secretary, Mountain T.O.P. Board of Directors
George Bass (left) reminisces with Mountain T.O.P. Executive director, Rev. Ed Simmons.
Altamont – “This mountain is a part of me,” said George Bass, founder and long-time executive director of Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project), during a dinner on March 3rd honoring Bass and his family for their years of service to the organization.
Mountain T.O.P. is an interdenominational mission to the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee affiliated with the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bass served as its executive director from its founding in 1975 until his retirement in 2005. His daughters Trish Pulley and Gail Drake also held leadership roles within the organization; Pulley served as associate executive director while Drake served as director of adult ministry and later as development director.
The entire Bass family enjoys the pre-dinner program. Left to right George, Rene, Gail Drake. Sitting across the table with her two sons, the Bass grandchildren, is Trish Pulley.
Bass, his wife Lorena “Rene” Bass, Pulley and Drake were honored by Mountain T.O.P. with a dinner and the establishment of the George H. Bass Brick and Mortar Fund, which will benefit Mountain T.O.P. camp facilities and operations. Plaques bearing a resolution from the Mountain T.O.P. Board of Directors were presented to the Basses, Pulley and Drake. Plaques will also be displayed at both Mountain T.O.P. camps: Cumberland Pines, near Altamont, and Camp Baker Mountain, near Spencer.
Past board chair Rich Campbell made the presentations, acknowledging the roles that Bass, Drake and Pulley had played in his own personal Mountain T.O.P. journey. Campbell also announced that more than $9,200 had already been contributed towards the George H. Bass Brick & Mortar Fund.
“I don’t guess it’s very easy to explain thirty years of one’s life,” said Bass, who said God’s leading was evident in the growth of the ministry during its early years. “It had to be a God thing, because we didn’t know what we were doing,” he said.
Mountain T.O.P. places youth and adult volunteers into the Cumberland Mountains for camp events in which the volunteers do home repair projects or provide programming for children from the mountains. Its original and best-known program is its Youth Service Ministry, which takes thousands of youth volunteers each summer. The ministry also has programs for adult volunteers and college-age volunteers and has recently started a new family ministry weekend program at which families of volunteers work side-by-side.
It has been estimated that more than 44,000 youth, adult, and college-age volunteers, representing 36 states and more than 1,200 churches, have participated in the program since 1975.
Following the presentation, the Rev. Ed Simmons, who succeeded Bass as executive director in January 2006, led those in attendance in singing “The Mountain T.O.P. Song,” a camp tradition.
The dinner honoring the Bass family took place during Friends Weekend, an annual event during which past Mountain T.O.P. participants and other friends of the ministry volunteer to help improve its camp facilities in preparation for the camp season.
For more information about Mountain T.O.P. and its programs, go to http://www.mountain-top.org/ or call (931) 692-3999. For those who participate in the United Methodist Church’s new social networking web site, there is a Mountain T.O.P. “village” available to join.
The Mountain T.O.P. song, a tradition, was a fitting climax to the evening—and no one needed the lyrics in front of them.
Foundation Sets New Interest Rates
by Dr. Vincent (Vin) Walkup
The Board of Directors of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation met on February 20 at First United Methodist Church in Jackson. During that meeting, the board set new interest rates for The United Methodist Development Fund of TN/KY, Inc. Effective March 1, the Development Fund will pay 4.25% on deposits and the new loan rate will 7% (still 1.25% below the prime rate). These rates are reviewed and set by the board at its quarterly meetings and are in effect for a minimum of three months.
The United Methodist Development Fund of TN/KY, Inc., is a means by which United Methodists help United Methodists. Participants may open an account with a minimum deposit of $5,000 and may add to or withdraw from the account at anytime with no fees charged for either. Loan requests from churches and ministries in the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences are reviewed by the Credit Committee of the board, which then makes a recommendation to the board.
You and your church can assist other United Methodist Churches and ministries in our conferences by investing in the Development Fund. In turn, your investments grow.
If you would like to open an account with the Development Fund (or learn more about the ministry of your Foundation) contact Vin Walkup, Tiffany Raines or Paulette Dowdy in the Foundation office (615-259-2008 or 259-2066). At this time, due to current loans and three approved loans totaling $7,031,246, the Foundation has less than $300,000 available for loans.
Lay person Mary Cooper Recommends the Development Fund to Friends
A good friend of mine was moving to a nursing home. I had the privilege of helping her and, as she went through the process of selling her home, I told her about the United Methodist Development Fund.
She was a little reluctant about removing her money from the bank and placing it and the money from the sale of her home in the Development Fund. Now she looks forward to receiving her statements and watching her funds grow and this makes her feel very secure about her future. It especially pleases her to know that not only are her fund growing but that her funds are helping in the ministries of many churches in our conference.
Minister John M. McClearen shares his feelings about the United Methodist Development Fund
For several years now I have invested in the United Methodist Development Fund. I have found good reason for both my personal benefit and for the benefit of the local church and the church institutions in the Tennessee/Kentucky conferences.
From my personal investment standpoint, I decided some years ago that I would make deposits into this fund for the following reasons:
· The interest rates paid were as good as or better than other opportunities for my investments.
· There is no minimum amount required for a deposit.
· Interest rates are adjusted quarterly.
· I can withdraw any amount that I need from my account without a penalty and at a moments notice.
· I have trusted and appreciated those who are responsible for organizing and operating the Development Fund.
Although my information is limited, I have heard nothing but positive reports on how the funds are used to provide assistance to churches and church institutions at rates and terms that are not available from other financial establishments.
I would recommend to anyone, especially my fellow United Methodists, that they check out the possibilities offered by the United Methodist Development Fund as one of their places for a financial investment.
Our Call to Hospitality, Part II
What the Bible Says About Immigration
by John Purdue
There can be little doubt that the Bible calls us to live lives of justice and charity. In the case of immigrants, God calls us to extend hospitality to His children who are sojourning in a foreign land, our land. The following Scriptures, among many others, make this clear. All Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version.
Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice. All the people shall say, “Amen!”
Exodus: 22:21-24 You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry; my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans.
These texts are taken from sections of Deuteronomy and Exodus that deal with various prohibited actions, primarily idolatry and sexual sin. Those who deprive aliens of justice are put in the same category as those who commit bestiality and incest: they are cursed.
Leviticus 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God . . .
Leviticus 19:33-34 When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 24:22 You shall have one law for the alien and for the citizen: for I am the LORD your God.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
These texts offer God’s understand of how citizens are to treat aliens. The text from Hebrews echoes the Genesis 18 story of Abraham’s kindness to strangers.
Matthew 25:31-40 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Jesus was a stranger. How we as citizens treat aliens matters to our Eternal Judge.
Luke 10: 29-33 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him was moved with pity.
Samaritans were from across the border. They took risks to cross the borders. They were thought of as enemies; the source of many social and political problems in Israel. We are called in this story not just to be good neighbors, but to recognize that aliens are also good neighbors.
Scarritt-Bennett Center on the Move:
Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library dedicated to the mission and ministry of Methodist lay women
On March 9, 2007 the Scarritt-Bennett Center celebrated the Official Opening and Dedication of the Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library.
The Research Library opening and dedication was held in conjunction with the Women’s History Conference, Struggle, Faith and Vision: Celebrating Women in the United Methodist Tradition 1788 to Today.
Linking the opening of the Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library with the Women’s History Conference was in keeping with purpose of the Research Library. The focus of the Research Library is on organized societies of lay women for mission as recorded in their minutes, publications and other historic documents; mission work told through the journals and personal writings of missionaries; the mission and study publications by the United Methodist Women’s Division. Included in the Research Library is a special collection of books from the United Methodist Women’s Division; the personal papers from women leaders in the United Methodist tradition; and some papers from Scarritt College including theses and books by students and faculty.
Barbara Garcia (left), a Scarritt College graduate, is congratulated by Rev. Nancy Neelley. Garcia was honored during the ceremony by having her name placed on the Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library Founders’ Circle.
Struggle, Faith and Vision: A Celebration of Women in the United Methodist Tradition 1788 to Today is a remarkable event in its own right and certainly provided the appropriate venue for the Research Library Dedication. This is the first women’s history conference held by the United Methodist Church in 27 years.
Dr. H. Sharon Howell, Scarritt-Bennett Center President, led the dedication service for the Research Library, and honored by name the members of the Founders’ Circle who helped provide emotional, spiritual, and financial impetus to make the dream of a Research Library a reality. Many members of the Founders Circle have strong ties to the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Scarritt-Bennett President H. Sharon Howell led the dedication service, and handed out special pins to members of the Research Library Founders’ Circle.
The Research Library was named to honor Virginia Davis Laskey (Mrs. Glenn) of Ruston, Louisiana. Mrs. Laskey devoted her whole life to the Methodist/United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School for over 25 years, was a member of the Board of the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and MacDonnel United Methodist Children’s Service. She was one of only five women members of the World Council of Churches and was a two-time delegate to General Conference.
Nadine S. Hardin Miller, a member of the Scarritt-Bennett Board, and her husband Robert E. Miller return to their seats after being honored during the dedication for their strong support of the project.
In 1956 she became a director of the Woman’s Division of Christian Service and Board of Missions of the Methodist Church. She served as its president from 1964-68. During her term as president, the organization of lay women’s mission societies underwent dramatic change. She oversaw the plans for the uniting of all women’s societies of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren Churches: guided the conversations for having eight regional schools of mission as a means of making all schools racially inclusive across the jurisdictions; and continued to make a courageous personal witness to racial justice and equality in her local community and on the campus of Louisiana Tech University. During her tenure as a director of the Woman’s Division of Christian Service, the Charter on Racial Policies, 1962, was adopted.
Volunteers in Mission Represent Christian Love in Action
by Norris Allen, Dickson First United Methodist Church
Note from Jason Brock, Conference Director of Love and Justice Ministries: “Throughout the year we share stories from various teams who participate in VIM. First, we want to be able to celebrate what each other are doing, but also encourage others to participate as individuals, congregations, or by several by being ‘Partners in Mission.’ Consider this group as one you or your church might like to partner with as plans begin for 2008. Below is a preliminary report by Norris Allen on this year’s project and a few suggestions on ways you might be a ‘Partner,’ in addition to considering sending some volunteers along with them next year. Please contact me if you or your church might like to be a Partner in Mission with this group, another groupr, or consider working cooperatively with others in planning your own. Rev. Jason Brock, JBrock@tnumc.org, 615-329-1177.”
Jason Brock (Tennessee Conference Director of Love and Justice Ministries), Norris Allen (Team Leader), Carla Gonzalez (Guatemala VIM Coordinator), Juan Pablo Ajanel (Vice-President, National Methodist Church of Guatemala), Monica Moreno (VIM Assistant)
I am very pleased with all the activities that we participated in as we shared our faith with our friends in Guatemala. I believe that our work has made, and will continue to make, a big difference in the lives of many people. This year we are constructing more classrooms at the La Toma School as well as providing eye, dental, and general medical care. We continue to help the John Wesley School, constructed by VIM Teams in 2004, with their needs for classroom supplies.
La Toma, a community primary school, addition to two buildings
In addition to the construction, medical and other activities of our four teams this year, our ongoing projects are:
1. $100 per month pastoral support for Manuel, Felix, and Cruz (Pastors of Methodist Guatemalan churches)
2. $100 per month support of John Wesley and La Toma Schools to pay elec, water, and misc bills
3. $100 per month support of the VIM office in Guatemala for extra work required for our activities.
4. Student scholarship for student Eric Lopez to continue secondary school.
5. John Wesley and La Toma student scholarships. ($7 per year will buy books, paper, pencils and classroom needs for one student.)
6. Student and teacher desks
7. Jose Nicolas Tol - 8 year old eye patient who will likely have complete eyesight lost without treatment.
How can you help?
Promote the following special givings in your church, Sunday School classes and as an individual:
1. More secondary student scholarships at $300 per year.
2. More elementary student scholarships at $7 per year for one student's school supplies.
3. John Wesley Medical Clinic support. $200 per month will provide a nurse to open the clinic daily and receive teams. $50 will provide a local doctor to work one day.
I believe that VIM is a model for Christian living and is certainly "Christian Love in Action".
Children and Faculty of La Toma School present gifts and special program as a “thank you.”
Meharry scientists seek AIDS shield for women
by Henri Giles*
Researcher Michael Linde (right) assists Dr. James Hildreth in the lab at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. A UMNS Web-only video image.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - With every experiment, Dr. James Hildreth and his team of researchers believe they are closer to answers about AIDS, a leading cause of death for African-American women ages 25-34.
Working at Meharry Medical College, a historically black medical, dental and research school supported by The United Methodist Church, the scientists are developing a new drug to protect all women against the virus.
"A vaccine for HIV may be a long time coming," said Hildreth, director of Meharry's Comprehensive Center for AIDS Health Disparity Research. "So the best alternative to a vaccine is a microbicide. And these are gels or creams that women would use to block vaginal transmission of the virus."
Established in 2003, the center has been developing an AIDS-blocking drug and is on the verge of a breakthrough. Hildreth anticipates his team's microbicide will enter the drug trial phase in 2008 and, if approved, could be available within three to five years.
About 25 years ago, HIV/AIDS was an ignored and misunderstood disease associated with the homosexual lifestyle and/or Africa. It since has spread into every nation and neighborhood, affecting heterosexuals as well and passed down to unborn children from infected mothers. In the United States, African-American women comprise 67 percent of all new infection cases.
"The HIV/AIDS problem is a problem that affects people of color," said Hildreth. "Being at a medical school like Meharry, which has traditionally served the needs of African-Americans, there is a sense of pride that we might be part of a solution."
While the best way to fight HIV would be with vaccines like those for influenza, measles and polio, an AIDS vaccine is many years away because the virus "mutates so rapidly and because it has mechanisms at its disposal to turn off the immune response," said Hildreth.
Microbicides - also known as chemical condoms - are a promising development in the area of prevention. They work much like spermicides but, instead of killing sperm cells to block pregnancy, these gels or creams kill the virus to prevent HIV infection.
Although other microbicides have been tested, Hildreth's version is different because it includes a cholesterol-based element that offers healthful benefits.
Scientists say the global impact of microbicides could be enormous. With more than 30 million Africans infected - of which nearly 60 percent are women - a microbicide could turn the tide and dramatically reduce HIV infection rates.
AIDS prevention through microbicides is equally promising in the United States. One Meharry researcher who lost his mother-in-law to AIDS a decade ago wishes the drug could have come sooner.
"Having someone that's close to me that's been impacted by this disease just gives my work a lot more meaning," said Dr. Harry Taylor.
For Hildreth, a graduate of Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University and a Rhodes Scholar, conducting his research at Meharry holds special significance. "This is one of the most historic medical problems that physicians and scientists have ever had to deal with," he said. "So the idea that at Meharry could be part of that solution, it's extremely exciting and we are very proud."
Meharry is one of many universities supported by The United Methodist Church and, along with 10 other historically black colleges and universities, receives funding through the denomination's Black College Fund.*Giles is a freelance producer and writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Christian Conferencing
A suggestion for our conference financial crisis
by retired minister, Dr. Joe Frazer
In considering our plans for ending our financial crisis in the Conference Budget, the following suggestion is offered:
1. Let’s adopt Direct Billing. Each charge pays $15,000 (or latest Fiscal figure) for each pastor to the General Board or other designated Conference place. The total responsibility for a pastor’s pension and Health Insurance will reside in the local church.
2. The Conference Apportionment for each charge will be the balance left after the Direct Billing amount has been subtracted from the earlier apportionment figures.
From the 2006 Journal, p. 420, an Example: Hamilton Church, present apportionment $58,416; Direct Bill figure $15,000; and the new total apportionment would be $43,416. This new total apportionment is then divided among the conference budget items.
3. Since this does not reduce the total financial figure for each Charge (Direct Billing plus conference apportionment), the total Conference Budget should be reduced enough to make it possible for our wealthier churches to meet 100%; and our middle Churches to pay Direct Billing without huge local church budget increases which they can not pay. In fairness to the rest of the conference, no church is allowed to excuse its difference between its Pension-Health earlier apportionment and its Direct Billing figure.
4. Let’s not change our method of apportionment distribution—based on non-capital, non-indebtedness, present year only. This is fair and should remain the same. Reductions should be based as much as possible on administrative, rather than program, reductions.
5. Let’s allow the Common Table and others interested to consider that everything is on the table for evaluations, except mandated General Conference items. These have been mentioned and should be considered among others: Selling Cedar Crest; reducing the number of Districts; reducing the CCOM staff, and the Fiscal staff; eliminating, merging, or part-time the directors of Ministry and New Church Development; volunteers with expenses paid or CCOM as Journal and Reporter staff; equalization of DS salaries with the salaries of Memphis DS’s; a minimum designed workload for all full-time pastors.
Fundraising, plus state and federal grants secure 15-passenger vehicles
McKendree Village Gets “Triplets” With Arrival of Third Van
HERMITAGE, Tenn. Triplets are a treat anywhere, but that’s especially true at the McKendree Village continuing care retirement community, where the triplets in question are three 15-passenger vans.
The third of McKendree Village’s new vans arrived courtesy of a grant from the Federal Transit Administration, another grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the efforts of the McKendree Village Foundation.
All three vans can be modified to carry wheelchairs by moving a seat. The first two vans were purchased after a foundation fundraising campaign that was co-chaired by McKendree Village residents Roxie Mathison and Curt Silverthorne.
McKendree Village driver Suleiman Aziz allows Commissioner Gerald Nicely of the Tennessee Department of Transportation some time behind the wheel of McKendree Village’s newest van, acquired with the help of a TDOT grant.
“The Tennessee Department of Transportation was instrumental in our acquiring the third van,” said Kent McNish, executive director of the McKendree Village Foundation. “TDOT’s Office of Public Transportation coordinated the grant campaign and really showed us the way.”
Mathison, Silverthorne and other McKendree Village representatives took the newest van to downtown Nashville last week to show it off to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.
That excursion proved to be a reunion of sorts because Mathison and Nicely worked together in the 1960s when both were with Nashville’s Metro government. Mathison was in the budget office, while Nicely was with the planning commission then.
McNish said that the retirement community’s transportation needs are substantial and that the three vans get heavy use.
“McKendree Village vehicles logged 57,000 miles in 2005 to take resident s to medical and personal appointments, shopping, entertainment events and attraction,” he said.
The newest van is a 2006 Ford E450 Senator series. It can seat 15 ambulatory passengers or be converted to carry 12 ambulatory passengers and two wheelchair passengers.
McKendree Village, the largest continuing care retirement community in Tennessee, provides retirement living options and health care services including independent living, assisted living, nursing home care and Alzheimer’s care on a 42-acre campus in Hermitage.
It is in partnership with the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. McKendree Village was established in 1963, and the McKendree Village Foundation was created in 1998.
The McKendree Village Foundation provides philanthropic support for McKendree Village.
Over 260 Attend Confirmation Day with the Bishop, March 3rd, Franklin First United
Methodist Church. Debbie Tyree leads the group in song with a lot of help on the drum from one of the confirmands . Photo by Neal Glass.
The group from Connell Memorial United Methodist Church, Cumberland District. Photo by Neal Glass.
There was a long line to ask the bishop questions. Photo by Neal Glass.
United Methodist Bishops Putting Wallets to Work Preventing Malaria; Congregations Urged to Hold Special April 25 Services, Buy Bed Nets
HOUSTON – United Methodist bishops are putting their wallets to work in the fight to save lives by preventing malaria in Africa. Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops, is urging United Methodists and persons of good will to skip lunch on Africa Malaria Day, April 25, and use their lunch money to buy a lifesaving bed net.
“Malaria kills a child every 30 seconds in Africa,” the Houston-based Huie said. “Bed nets are the most cost-effective way to protect children from the mosquitoes who carry this killer disease.
“This is an easy, tangible way to make a difference. Join me. I’m going to skip lunch and donate $10 to send a bed net,” Huie said. “Skip a lunch. Send a net. Save a life.”
The people of The United Methodist Church are a founding partner in the Nothing But Nets campaign. Other founding partners include the United Nations Foundation, the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, and Sports Illustrated.
Huie encouraged local churches to join this effort by holding a lunchtime worship service focusing on malaria on April 25. Rather than eating lunch, persons can donate $10 to buy a bed net. Every dollar given to the initiative is used to purchase and distribute bed nets for children in Africa. Downloadable resources including suggestions about how churches can get involved, graphics, and worship materials will be available at www.UMC.org/nets on or before March 20.
Each $10 donation will pay for the purchase and distribution of an insecticide-treated bed net to a family in Africa, as well as education about its use. A challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match contributions dollar for dollar up to $3 million.
“Nothing But Nets is a visible part of our long-term commitment to eliminate malaria,” Huie said. “Providing comprehensive health care to the developing nations of Africa is a long, difficult process. It will need to continue for generations.”
April 25 has been designated as Africa Malaria Day, and for the first time President George W. Bush has proclaimed the day as Malaria Awareness Day in the United States.
United Methodist bishops endorsed the Nothing But Nets initiative while meeting in Mozambique, East Africa last year.
“As bishops, we have a special place in our hearts for the children of Africa,” Huie said. “We are committed to doing everything we can to save lives while making disciples of Jesus Christ in Africa.” United Methodists have been in mission in Africa for more than 160 years, operating hospitals, clinics, schools and mission centers.
To learn how to make a donation, visit www.nothingbutnets.net or www.UMC.org/nets
Blakemore United Methodist Church’s Initial Women’s Retreat Attracts 68
The Back to the Future Retreat, a celebration of Blakemore United Methodist Church Women, was attended by 68 women and held at Montgomery Bell State Park, February 2-4. In addition to the women, two babies, Lucy Friddell and Lily Walker, both under four months of age, stretched the intergenerational aspect of the weekend by many years. Lucy and Lily ate well, slept well, and personally warmed the hearts of everyone who attended this gathering.
Saturday morning, The Golden Cloudbank Players presented a skit, The Pearly Gates, which celebrated the lives of several matriarchs from the Blakemore congregation’s long history and set the stage for the remainder of the retreat.
Carol Krau portrays the flamboyant Mrs. Barker, famed for her passion of connecting neighborhood children to the church.
Libby Baxter, director of Adult Ministry at Calvary United Methodist Church and currently going through the ordination process, led the group Saturday morning in exploring “God’s Story, Our Story,” a study of women in the bible and how their life experiences and that of modern women still intersect in many ways. In the afternoon, Libby led a group on prayer. The emphasis was on making one’s prayer life compatible with the many ways of praying.
Blakemore women, Anita Wood and Carol Krau, who led the liturgy and preached a very moving message that few who attended will soon forget, presented Sunday’s morning worship service.
Thanks to the retreat committee, Nancy Sneed, Deanna McCulley, Ellen Zinkiewicz, Patsy Candish, and Judy Carter, who, in addition to planning all the above, made several activities available to the ladies during the weekend. Some learned to knit or play new card games; some relaxed by indulging in a manicure, a massage, or a nap; some read or hiked or visited with new acquaintances; some tried to spoil Lucy and Lily. Sleet and snow actually enhanced the gathering as women rocked in front of the fireplace, staying warm inside but enjoying the white blanket covering the hills and surrounding the lake outside.
Native American Culture and Traditions Featured at March 11th Event
Artistic center piece for the event: “Carrying family forward for seven generations”
The Tennessee Conference Committee on Native American Ministries sponsored its yearly workshop on Native American culture and traditions at Blakemore United Methodist Church, Sunday, March 11. Participants viewed cultural displays, ate native foods, and participated in short information sessions. Several individuals also shared their experiences of growing up on a reservation. Native flutist Grady Jones demonstrated the sound of traditional instruments. This event is held each spring as a prelude to Native American Ministry Sunday, one of seven special offering Sundays in United Methodist local churches.
Mary T Newman, vice-chair of the Committee on Native American Ministries, introduces Debbie Fitzhugh
Juanita (King) Gardinski shared memories of growing up on a Choctaw Reservation. Committee member Debbie Fitzhugh, of the First Nations tribe, Salish, from British Columbia, talked about harvesting salmon, berries, and how everyone was “family.”
A traditional meal of frybread, softkee-“hominy,” and chili was served. At the conclusion a short worship service ended with the burning of prayer bundles, a representation of sending our prayers to the Creator.
Crossville First United Methodist Church Uses Satellite Simulcasts for Spiritual Growth
by Holly Neal
Crowd at the Simulcast. Photo by Heather Bennett
February 24 dawned balmy and bright and the doors at Crossville First United Methodist Church were open wide for the Beth Moore Simulcast (Program received live via satellite transmission). All during the week the church was preparing with great excitement for the one day event, and when it finally arrived more than 525 people from 63 different churches studied God’s Word and worshiped together. Doors opened at 7:30 am. and the event concluded at 3:30 p.m.
The day began with each participant receiving a packet filled with items for the day and a listening guide. Then ministers Bro. John Halliburton and Pastor James Johnson welcomed everyone and offered an opening prayer. The simulcast began with Praise & Worship by Travis Cottrell. The focus of Beth Moore’s message was from her latest book Get Out of That Pit, Straight Talk About God’s Deliverance. Beth delivered a personal, life-changing message of deliverance and hope. The altar was open after each of the three sessions and prayer partners were there to pray with those that came forward. Lunch , consisting of salad, baked potatoes with all the fixings and brownies, was served by a bevy of volunteers. During the ministry opportunities, Crossville First Music Director Bob Brown with pianist Jane Burnett provided inspirational music. The day concluded with everyone singing a medley of Here I am Lord and Where He Leads Me I Will Follow.
This day was a marvelous demonstration of God’s love and deliverance. The next simulcast opportunity will be on May11, 2007: Maximum Impact with John Maxwell, Terry Bradshaw, Herman Boone, Tim Sanders, Malcolm Gladwell, Jackie Freiburg, Bill Strickland, Mark Sanborn, and Ken Blanchard. For more information on this event and others please call the church at 931-484-3537 or visit the Crossville First UMC website www.crossvillefumc.com
1. Murfreesboro District Familia de Cristo Reunión Celebrates all the ministries of the District—Saturday, May 5th event celebrates Murfreesboro District Ministries, by The Rev. John P. (Jack) Gilbert
2. Mountain T.O.P. Ministries Honors Founders During Volunteer Work Weekend
by John I. Carney, Secretary, Mountain T.O.P. Board of Directors. George Bass and his family honored.
3. Foundation Sets New Interest Rates by Dr. Vin Walkup. Learn more about how YOU can participate in the Development Fund.
4. Lay person Mary Cooper Recommends the Development Fund to Friends
5. Minister John M. McClearen shares his feelings about the United Methodist Development Fund
6. Our Call to Hospitality, Part II, What the Bible Says About Immigration. John Purdue continues his series on issues related to immigration reform. There can be little doubt that the Bible calls us to live lives of justice and charity. In the case of immigrants, God calls us to extend hospitality to His children who are sojourning in a foreign land, our land.
7. Scarritt-Bennett Center on the Move: Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library dedicated to the mission and ministry of Methodist lay women.
8. Volunteers in Mission Represent Christian Love in Action by Norris Allen, Dickson First United Methodist Church. With an introduction by Jason Brock. Indicates how you or your congregation can be a partner in a VIM trip.
9. Meharry scientists seek AIDS shield for women, researchers at United Methodist related medical school in Nashville are working on the development of a new drug to protect all women against the AIDS virus.
10. A suggestion for our conference financial crisis. Retired minister Dr. Joe Frazer presents his views on the discussion of Direct Billing.
11. McKendree Village Gets “Triplets” With Arrival of Third Van. Fundraising, plus state and federal grants secure 15-passenger vehicles for retirement community related to the Tennessee Annual Conference.
12. Over 260 Attend Confirmation Day with the Bishop, March 3rd, Franklin First United Methodist Church. Some Neal Glass photos from Confirmation Day.
13. United Methodist Bishops Putting Wallets to Work Preventing Malaria; Congregations Urged to Hold Special April 25 Services, Buy Bed Nets. All United Methodists are urged by the Bishops to skip lunch on April 25th and to use the money saved to help prevent malaria in Africa.
14. Blakemore United Methodist Church’s Initial Women’s Retreat Attracts 68. Event led by Belmont UMC’s Libby Baxter focused on a study of women in the Bible.
15. Native American Culture and Traditions Featured at March 11th Event . Tennessee Conference Committee on Native American Ministries readies Conference for Native American Sunday.
16. Crossville First United Methodist Church Uses Satellite Simulcasts for Spiritual Growth by Holly Neal
Familia de Cristo Reunión
Murfreesboro District Familia de Cristo Reunión Celebrates all the ministries of the District
by Rev. John P. (Jack) Gilbert
On the afternoon of Saturday, May 5th, folks from all over the Murfreesboro District will gather at Deadman Park (the city park) in Manchester, Tennessee, for the Familia de Cristo Reunión.
What’s that, you ask?
Familia de Cristo is Spanish for “Family of Christ,” and Reunión is Spanish for rally. So the Murfreesboro District is having a “Family of Christ Rally,” celebrating all the ministries of the District with and for persons of all languages and cultures!
So what will take place at the Familia de Cristo Reunión? Here’s a partial list:
Worship – in both Spanish and English
Laughter, fellowship and joy – in both Spanish and English
Singing and music – in both English and Spanish
Fellowship, warm smiles, solid handshakes – in both Spanish and English
Games of all kinds – both Spanish and English
Food—lots of it!—in both Spanish and English. Food booths will offer Mexican fare and Southern fare, and folks will “graze” their way through supper, then enjoy hand-cranked ice cream for dessert.
And, most importantly, an increased commitment to ministry and to growing as disciples of Jesus Christ as all together folks from the District realize that we are One in Christ and that all are called to proclaim the Gospel in word and deed!
Familia de Cristo is also the overarching name for the Murfreesboro District’s three-pronged ministries with and to Spanish-speaking persons in the District. These three ministries are:
1. Amigos de Matamoros (Friends of Matamoros), the “District’s twice-a-year mission trips to Matamoros, Mexico.
2. Bendiga a Los Niňos (Bless the Children), a ministry in which folks in the district “adopt” Mexican children by providing these children with school uniforms, inoculations, school sup0plies, and other necessities.
3. Ama a tu Prójimo (Love Your Neighbor), the many and unique ministries of the Rev. Enrique Hernandez, missionary to the Murfreesboro District from Mexico.
How are the Familia de Cristo ministries funded? In part, these ministries are funded by Centavos de Cielo – that Spanish for “Pennies from Heaven.”
Borrowing a successful idea from First United Methodist Church, Manchester, each church in the District was given a Mexican jar and an explanatory poster. Each church places its jar and poster in a prominent place in the church building and invites everyone to contribute loose change (and bills) to the jar every Sunday between now and May 5, the Familia de Cristo Reunión. At the Reunión, all the Centavos de Cielo will be brought forward, dumped into a large metal washtub, dedicated to God, and used to help fund the ministries of Familia de Cristo.
While the Familia de Cristo Reunión is a Murfreesboro District event, everyone is invited to come to, to take part, and to celebrate our common ministries – regardless of language, culture, or nationality. The Reunión will begin about 4:00 p.m. and run until about 7:30 p.m. See you there!
Mountain T.O.P. Ministries Honors Founders During Volunteer Work Weekend
by John I. Carney, Secretary, Mountain T.O.P. Board of Directors
George Bass (left) reminisces with Mountain T.O.P. Executive director, Rev. Ed Simmons.
Altamont – “This mountain is a part of me,” said George Bass, founder and long-time executive director of Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project), during a dinner on March 3rd honoring Bass and his family for their years of service to the organization.
Mountain T.O.P. is an interdenominational mission to the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee affiliated with the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church. Bass served as its executive director from its founding in 1975 until his retirement in 2005. His daughters Trish Pulley and Gail Drake also held leadership roles within the organization; Pulley served as associate executive director while Drake served as director of adult ministry and later as development director.
The entire Bass family enjoys the pre-dinner program. Left to right George, Rene, Gail Drake. Sitting across the table with her two sons, the Bass grandchildren, is Trish Pulley.
Bass, his wife Lorena “Rene” Bass, Pulley and Drake were honored by Mountain T.O.P. with a dinner and the establishment of the George H. Bass Brick and Mortar Fund, which will benefit Mountain T.O.P. camp facilities and operations. Plaques bearing a resolution from the Mountain T.O.P. Board of Directors were presented to the Basses, Pulley and Drake. Plaques will also be displayed at both Mountain T.O.P. camps: Cumberland Pines, near Altamont, and Camp Baker Mountain, near Spencer.
Past board chair Rich Campbell made the presentations, acknowledging the roles that Bass, Drake and Pulley had played in his own personal Mountain T.O.P. journey. Campbell also announced that more than $9,200 had already been contributed towards the George H. Bass Brick & Mortar Fund.
“I don’t guess it’s very easy to explain thirty years of one’s life,” said Bass, who said God’s leading was evident in the growth of the ministry during its early years. “It had to be a God thing, because we didn’t know what we were doing,” he said.
Mountain T.O.P. places youth and adult volunteers into the Cumberland Mountains for camp events in which the volunteers do home repair projects or provide programming for children from the mountains. Its original and best-known program is its Youth Service Ministry, which takes thousands of youth volunteers each summer. The ministry also has programs for adult volunteers and college-age volunteers and has recently started a new family ministry weekend program at which families of volunteers work side-by-side.
It has been estimated that more than 44,000 youth, adult, and college-age volunteers, representing 36 states and more than 1,200 churches, have participated in the program since 1975.
Following the presentation, the Rev. Ed Simmons, who succeeded Bass as executive director in January 2006, led those in attendance in singing “The Mountain T.O.P. Song,” a camp tradition.
The dinner honoring the Bass family took place during Friends Weekend, an annual event during which past Mountain T.O.P. participants and other friends of the ministry volunteer to help improve its camp facilities in preparation for the camp season.
For more information about Mountain T.O.P. and its programs, go to http://www.mountain-top.org/ or call (931) 692-3999. For those who participate in the United Methodist Church’s new social networking web site, there is a Mountain T.O.P. “village” available to join.
The Mountain T.O.P. song, a tradition, was a fitting climax to the evening—and no one needed the lyrics in front of them.
Foundation Sets New Interest Rates
by Dr. Vincent (Vin) Walkup
The Board of Directors of the Nashville Area United Methodist Foundation met on February 20 at First United Methodist Church in Jackson. During that meeting, the board set new interest rates for The United Methodist Development Fund of TN/KY, Inc. Effective March 1, the Development Fund will pay 4.25% on deposits and the new loan rate will 7% (still 1.25% below the prime rate). These rates are reviewed and set by the board at its quarterly meetings and are in effect for a minimum of three months.
The United Methodist Development Fund of TN/KY, Inc., is a means by which United Methodists help United Methodists. Participants may open an account with a minimum deposit of $5,000 and may add to or withdraw from the account at anytime with no fees charged for either. Loan requests from churches and ministries in the Memphis and Tennessee Conferences are reviewed by the Credit Committee of the board, which then makes a recommendation to the board.
You and your church can assist other United Methodist Churches and ministries in our conferences by investing in the Development Fund. In turn, your investments grow.
If you would like to open an account with the Development Fund (or learn more about the ministry of your Foundation) contact Vin Walkup, Tiffany Raines or Paulette Dowdy in the Foundation office (615-259-2008 or 259-2066). At this time, due to current loans and three approved loans totaling $7,031,246, the Foundation has less than $300,000 available for loans.
Lay person Mary Cooper Recommends the Development Fund to Friends
A good friend of mine was moving to a nursing home. I had the privilege of helping her and, as she went through the process of selling her home, I told her about the United Methodist Development Fund.
She was a little reluctant about removing her money from the bank and placing it and the money from the sale of her home in the Development Fund. Now she looks forward to receiving her statements and watching her funds grow and this makes her feel very secure about her future. It especially pleases her to know that not only are her fund growing but that her funds are helping in the ministries of many churches in our conference.
Minister John M. McClearen shares his feelings about the United Methodist Development Fund
For several years now I have invested in the United Methodist Development Fund. I have found good reason for both my personal benefit and for the benefit of the local church and the church institutions in the Tennessee/Kentucky conferences.
From my personal investment standpoint, I decided some years ago that I would make deposits into this fund for the following reasons:
· The interest rates paid were as good as or better than other opportunities for my investments.
· There is no minimum amount required for a deposit.
· Interest rates are adjusted quarterly.
· I can withdraw any amount that I need from my account without a penalty and at a moments notice.
· I have trusted and appreciated those who are responsible for organizing and operating the Development Fund.
Although my information is limited, I have heard nothing but positive reports on how the funds are used to provide assistance to churches and church institutions at rates and terms that are not available from other financial establishments.
I would recommend to anyone, especially my fellow United Methodists, that they check out the possibilities offered by the United Methodist Development Fund as one of their places for a financial investment.
Our Call to Hospitality, Part II
What the Bible Says About Immigration
by John Purdue
There can be little doubt that the Bible calls us to live lives of justice and charity. In the case of immigrants, God calls us to extend hospitality to His children who are sojourning in a foreign land, our land. The following Scriptures, among many others, make this clear. All Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version.
Deuteronomy 27:19 Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice. All the people shall say, “Amen!”
Exodus: 22:21-24 You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. You shall not abuse any widow or orphan. If you do abuse them, when they cry out to me, I will surely heed their cry; my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children orphans.
These texts are taken from sections of Deuteronomy and Exodus that deal with various prohibited actions, primarily idolatry and sexual sin. Those who deprive aliens of justice are put in the same category as those who commit bestiality and incest: they are cursed.
Leviticus 19:9-10 When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the LORD your God . . .
Leviticus 19:33-34 When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 24:22 You shall have one law for the alien and for the citizen: for I am the LORD your God.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
These texts offer God’s understand of how citizens are to treat aliens. The text from Hebrews echoes the Genesis 18 story of Abraham’s kindness to strangers.
Matthew 25:31-40 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Jesus was a stranger. How we as citizens treat aliens matters to our Eternal Judge.
Luke 10: 29-33 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him was moved with pity.
Samaritans were from across the border. They took risks to cross the borders. They were thought of as enemies; the source of many social and political problems in Israel. We are called in this story not just to be good neighbors, but to recognize that aliens are also good neighbors.
Scarritt-Bennett Center on the Move:
Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library dedicated to the mission and ministry of Methodist lay women
On March 9, 2007 the Scarritt-Bennett Center celebrated the Official Opening and Dedication of the Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library.
The Research Library opening and dedication was held in conjunction with the Women’s History Conference, Struggle, Faith and Vision: Celebrating Women in the United Methodist Tradition 1788 to Today.
Linking the opening of the Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library with the Women’s History Conference was in keeping with purpose of the Research Library. The focus of the Research Library is on organized societies of lay women for mission as recorded in their minutes, publications and other historic documents; mission work told through the journals and personal writings of missionaries; the mission and study publications by the United Methodist Women’s Division. Included in the Research Library is a special collection of books from the United Methodist Women’s Division; the personal papers from women leaders in the United Methodist tradition; and some papers from Scarritt College including theses and books by students and faculty.
Barbara Garcia (left), a Scarritt College graduate, is congratulated by Rev. Nancy Neelley. Garcia was honored during the ceremony by having her name placed on the Virginia Davis Laskey Research Library Founders’ Circle.
Struggle, Faith and Vision: A Celebration of Women in the United Methodist Tradition 1788 to Today is a remarkable event in its own right and certainly provided the appropriate venue for the Research Library Dedication. This is the first women’s history conference held by the United Methodist Church in 27 years.
Dr. H. Sharon Howell, Scarritt-Bennett Center President, led the dedication service for the Research Library, and honored by name the members of the Founders’ Circle who helped provide emotional, spiritual, and financial impetus to make the dream of a Research Library a reality. Many members of the Founders Circle have strong ties to the Tennessee Annual Conference.
Scarritt-Bennett President H. Sharon Howell led the dedication service, and handed out special pins to members of the Research Library Founders’ Circle.
The Research Library was named to honor Virginia Davis Laskey (Mrs. Glenn) of Ruston, Louisiana. Mrs. Laskey devoted her whole life to the Methodist/United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School for over 25 years, was a member of the Board of the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home and MacDonnel United Methodist Children’s Service. She was one of only five women members of the World Council of Churches and was a two-time delegate to General Conference.
Nadine S. Hardin Miller, a member of the Scarritt-Bennett Board, and her husband Robert E. Miller return to their seats after being honored during the dedication for their strong support of the project.
In 1956 she became a director of the Woman’s Division of Christian Service and Board of Missions of the Methodist Church. She served as its president from 1964-68. During her term as president, the organization of lay women’s mission societies underwent dramatic change. She oversaw the plans for the uniting of all women’s societies of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren Churches: guided the conversations for having eight regional schools of mission as a means of making all schools racially inclusive across the jurisdictions; and continued to make a courageous personal witness to racial justice and equality in her local community and on the campus of Louisiana Tech University. During her tenure as a director of the Woman’s Division of Christian Service, the Charter on Racial Policies, 1962, was adopted.
Volunteers in Mission Represent Christian Love in Action
by Norris Allen, Dickson First United Methodist Church
Note from Jason Brock, Conference Director of Love and Justice Ministries: “Throughout the year we share stories from various teams who participate in VIM. First, we want to be able to celebrate what each other are doing, but also encourage others to participate as individuals, congregations, or by several by being ‘Partners in Mission.’ Consider this group as one you or your church might like to partner with as plans begin for 2008. Below is a preliminary report by Norris Allen on this year’s project and a few suggestions on ways you might be a ‘Partner,’ in addition to considering sending some volunteers along with them next year. Please contact me if you or your church might like to be a Partner in Mission with this group, another groupr, or consider working cooperatively with others in planning your own. Rev. Jason Brock, JBrock@tnumc.org, 615-329-1177.”
Jason Brock (Tennessee Conference Director of Love and Justice Ministries), Norris Allen (Team Leader), Carla Gonzalez (Guatemala VIM Coordinator), Juan Pablo Ajanel (Vice-President, National Methodist Church of Guatemala), Monica Moreno (VIM Assistant)
I am very pleased with all the activities that we participated in as we shared our faith with our friends in Guatemala. I believe that our work has made, and will continue to make, a big difference in the lives of many people. This year we are constructing more classrooms at the La Toma School as well as providing eye, dental, and general medical care. We continue to help the John Wesley School, constructed by VIM Teams in 2004, with their needs for classroom supplies.
La Toma, a community primary school, addition to two buildings
In addition to the construction, medical and other activities of our four teams this year, our ongoing projects are:
1. $100 per month pastoral support for Manuel, Felix, and Cruz (Pastors of Methodist Guatemalan churches)
2. $100 per month support of John Wesley and La Toma Schools to pay elec, water, and misc bills
3. $100 per month support of the VIM office in Guatemala for extra work required for our activities.
4. Student scholarship for student Eric Lopez to continue secondary school.
5. John Wesley and La Toma student scholarships. ($7 per year will buy books, paper, pencils and classroom needs for one student.)
6. Student and teacher desks
7. Jose Nicolas Tol - 8 year old eye patient who will likely have complete eyesight lost without treatment.
How can you help?
Promote the following special givings in your church, Sunday School classes and as an individual:
1. More secondary student scholarships at $300 per year.
2. More elementary student scholarships at $7 per year for one student's school supplies.
3. John Wesley Medical Clinic support. $200 per month will provide a nurse to open the clinic daily and receive teams. $50 will provide a local doctor to work one day.
I believe that VIM is a model for Christian living and is certainly "Christian Love in Action".
Children and Faculty of La Toma School present gifts and special program as a “thank you.”
Meharry scientists seek AIDS shield for women
by Henri Giles*
Researcher Michael Linde (right) assists Dr. James Hildreth in the lab at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. A UMNS Web-only video image.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - With every experiment, Dr. James Hildreth and his team of researchers believe they are closer to answers about AIDS, a leading cause of death for African-American women ages 25-34.
Working at Meharry Medical College, a historically black medical, dental and research school supported by The United Methodist Church, the scientists are developing a new drug to protect all women against the virus.
"A vaccine for HIV may be a long time coming," said Hildreth, director of Meharry's Comprehensive Center for AIDS Health Disparity Research. "So the best alternative to a vaccine is a microbicide. And these are gels or creams that women would use to block vaginal transmission of the virus."
Established in 2003, the center has been developing an AIDS-blocking drug and is on the verge of a breakthrough. Hildreth anticipates his team's microbicide will enter the drug trial phase in 2008 and, if approved, could be available within three to five years.
About 25 years ago, HIV/AIDS was an ignored and misunderstood disease associated with the homosexual lifestyle and/or Africa. It since has spread into every nation and neighborhood, affecting heterosexuals as well and passed down to unborn children from infected mothers. In the United States, African-American women comprise 67 percent of all new infection cases.
"The HIV/AIDS problem is a problem that affects people of color," said Hildreth. "Being at a medical school like Meharry, which has traditionally served the needs of African-Americans, there is a sense of pride that we might be part of a solution."
While the best way to fight HIV would be with vaccines like those for influenza, measles and polio, an AIDS vaccine is many years away because the virus "mutates so rapidly and because it has mechanisms at its disposal to turn off the immune response," said Hildreth.
Microbicides - also known as chemical condoms - are a promising development in the area of prevention. They work much like spermicides but, instead of killing sperm cells to block pregnancy, these gels or creams kill the virus to prevent HIV infection.
Although other microbicides have been tested, Hildreth's version is different because it includes a cholesterol-based element that offers healthful benefits.
Scientists say the global impact of microbicides could be enormous. With more than 30 million Africans infected - of which nearly 60 percent are women - a microbicide could turn the tide and dramatically reduce HIV infection rates.
AIDS prevention through microbicides is equally promising in the United States. One Meharry researcher who lost his mother-in-law to AIDS a decade ago wishes the drug could have come sooner.
"Having someone that's close to me that's been impacted by this disease just gives my work a lot more meaning," said Dr. Harry Taylor.
For Hildreth, a graduate of Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University and a Rhodes Scholar, conducting his research at Meharry holds special significance. "This is one of the most historic medical problems that physicians and scientists have ever had to deal with," he said. "So the idea that at Meharry could be part of that solution, it's extremely exciting and we are very proud."
Meharry is one of many universities supported by The United Methodist Church and, along with 10 other historically black colleges and universities, receives funding through the denomination's Black College Fund.*Giles is a freelance producer and writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
Christian Conferencing
A suggestion for our conference financial crisis
by retired minister, Dr. Joe Frazer
In considering our plans for ending our financial crisis in the Conference Budget, the following suggestion is offered:
1. Let’s adopt Direct Billing. Each charge pays $15,000 (or latest Fiscal figure) for each pastor to the General Board or other designated Conference place. The total responsibility for a pastor’s pension and Health Insurance will reside in the local church.
2. The Conference Apportionment for each charge will be the balance left after the Direct Billing amount has been subtracted from the earlier apportionment figures.
From the 2006 Journal, p. 420, an Example: Hamilton Church, present apportionment $58,416; Direct Bill figure $15,000; and the new total apportionment would be $43,416. This new total apportionment is then divided among the conference budget items.
3. Since this does not reduce the total financial figure for each Charge (Direct Billing plus conference apportionment), the total Conference Budget should be reduced enough to make it possible for our wealthier churches to meet 100%; and our middle Churches to pay Direct Billing without huge local church budget increases which they can not pay. In fairness to the rest of the conference, no church is allowed to excuse its difference between its Pension-Health earlier apportionment and its Direct Billing figure.
4. Let’s not change our method of apportionment distribution—based on non-capital, non-indebtedness, present year only. This is fair and should remain the same. Reductions should be based as much as possible on administrative, rather than program, reductions.
5. Let’s allow the Common Table and others interested to consider that everything is on the table for evaluations, except mandated General Conference items. These have been mentioned and should be considered among others: Selling Cedar Crest; reducing the number of Districts; reducing the CCOM staff, and the Fiscal staff; eliminating, merging, or part-time the directors of Ministry and New Church Development; volunteers with expenses paid or CCOM as Journal and Reporter staff; equalization of DS salaries with the salaries of Memphis DS’s; a minimum designed workload for all full-time pastors.
Fundraising, plus state and federal grants secure 15-passenger vehicles
McKendree Village Gets “Triplets” With Arrival of Third Van
HERMITAGE, Tenn. Triplets are a treat anywhere, but that’s especially true at the McKendree Village continuing care retirement community, where the triplets in question are three 15-passenger vans.
The third of McKendree Village’s new vans arrived courtesy of a grant from the Federal Transit Administration, another grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the efforts of the McKendree Village Foundation.
All three vans can be modified to carry wheelchairs by moving a seat. The first two vans were purchased after a foundation fundraising campaign that was co-chaired by McKendree Village residents Roxie Mathison and Curt Silverthorne.
McKendree Village driver Suleiman Aziz allows Commissioner Gerald Nicely of the Tennessee Department of Transportation some time behind the wheel of McKendree Village’s newest van, acquired with the help of a TDOT grant.
“The Tennessee Department of Transportation was instrumental in our acquiring the third van,” said Kent McNish, executive director of the McKendree Village Foundation. “TDOT’s Office of Public Transportation coordinated the grant campaign and really showed us the way.”
Mathison, Silverthorne and other McKendree Village representatives took the newest van to downtown Nashville last week to show it off to TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.
That excursion proved to be a reunion of sorts because Mathison and Nicely worked together in the 1960s when both were with Nashville’s Metro government. Mathison was in the budget office, while Nicely was with the planning commission then.
McNish said that the retirement community’s transportation needs are substantial and that the three vans get heavy use.
“McKendree Village vehicles logged 57,000 miles in 2005 to take resident s to medical and personal appointments, shopping, entertainment events and attraction,” he said.
The newest van is a 2006 Ford E450 Senator series. It can seat 15 ambulatory passengers or be converted to carry 12 ambulatory passengers and two wheelchair passengers.
McKendree Village, the largest continuing care retirement community in Tennessee, provides retirement living options and health care services including independent living, assisted living, nursing home care and Alzheimer’s care on a 42-acre campus in Hermitage.
It is in partnership with the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. McKendree Village was established in 1963, and the McKendree Village Foundation was created in 1998.
The McKendree Village Foundation provides philanthropic support for McKendree Village.
Over 260 Attend Confirmation Day with the Bishop, March 3rd, Franklin First United
Methodist Church. Debbie Tyree leads the group in song with a lot of help on the drum from one of the confirmands . Photo by Neal Glass.
The group from Connell Memorial United Methodist Church, Cumberland District. Photo by Neal Glass.
There was a long line to ask the bishop questions. Photo by Neal Glass.
United Methodist Bishops Putting Wallets to Work Preventing Malaria; Congregations Urged to Hold Special April 25 Services, Buy Bed Nets
HOUSTON – United Methodist bishops are putting their wallets to work in the fight to save lives by preventing malaria in Africa. Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, president of the denomination’s Council of Bishops, is urging United Methodists and persons of good will to skip lunch on Africa Malaria Day, April 25, and use their lunch money to buy a lifesaving bed net.
“Malaria kills a child every 30 seconds in Africa,” the Houston-based Huie said. “Bed nets are the most cost-effective way to protect children from the mosquitoes who carry this killer disease.
“This is an easy, tangible way to make a difference. Join me. I’m going to skip lunch and donate $10 to send a bed net,” Huie said. “Skip a lunch. Send a net. Save a life.”
The people of The United Methodist Church are a founding partner in the Nothing But Nets campaign. Other founding partners include the United Nations Foundation, the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, and Sports Illustrated.
Huie encouraged local churches to join this effort by holding a lunchtime worship service focusing on malaria on April 25. Rather than eating lunch, persons can donate $10 to buy a bed net. Every dollar given to the initiative is used to purchase and distribute bed nets for children in Africa. Downloadable resources including suggestions about how churches can get involved, graphics, and worship materials will be available at www.UMC.org/nets on or before March 20.
Each $10 donation will pay for the purchase and distribution of an insecticide-treated bed net to a family in Africa, as well as education about its use. A challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match contributions dollar for dollar up to $3 million.
“Nothing But Nets is a visible part of our long-term commitment to eliminate malaria,” Huie said. “Providing comprehensive health care to the developing nations of Africa is a long, difficult process. It will need to continue for generations.”
April 25 has been designated as Africa Malaria Day, and for the first time President George W. Bush has proclaimed the day as Malaria Awareness Day in the United States.
United Methodist bishops endorsed the Nothing But Nets initiative while meeting in Mozambique, East Africa last year.
“As bishops, we have a special place in our hearts for the children of Africa,” Huie said. “We are committed to doing everything we can to save lives while making disciples of Jesus Christ in Africa.” United Methodists have been in mission in Africa for more than 160 years, operating hospitals, clinics, schools and mission centers.
To learn how to make a donation, visit www.nothingbutnets.net or www.UMC.org/nets
Blakemore United Methodist Church’s Initial Women’s Retreat Attracts 68
The Back to the Future Retreat, a celebration of Blakemore United Methodist Church Women, was attended by 68 women and held at Montgomery Bell State Park, February 2-4. In addition to the women, two babies, Lucy Friddell and Lily Walker, both under four months of age, stretched the intergenerational aspect of the weekend by many years. Lucy and Lily ate well, slept well, and personally warmed the hearts of everyone who attended this gathering.
Saturday morning, The Golden Cloudbank Players presented a skit, The Pearly Gates, which celebrated the lives of several matriarchs from the Blakemore congregation’s long history and set the stage for the remainder of the retreat.
Carol Krau portrays the flamboyant Mrs. Barker, famed for her passion of connecting neighborhood children to the church.
Libby Baxter, director of Adult Ministry at Calvary United Methodist Church and currently going through the ordination process, led the group Saturday morning in exploring “God’s Story, Our Story,” a study of women in the bible and how their life experiences and that of modern women still intersect in many ways. In the afternoon, Libby led a group on prayer. The emphasis was on making one’s prayer life compatible with the many ways of praying.
Blakemore women, Anita Wood and Carol Krau, who led the liturgy and preached a very moving message that few who attended will soon forget, presented Sunday’s morning worship service.
Thanks to the retreat committee, Nancy Sneed, Deanna McCulley, Ellen Zinkiewicz, Patsy Candish, and Judy Carter, who, in addition to planning all the above, made several activities available to the ladies during the weekend. Some learned to knit or play new card games; some relaxed by indulging in a manicure, a massage, or a nap; some read or hiked or visited with new acquaintances; some tried to spoil Lucy and Lily. Sleet and snow actually enhanced the gathering as women rocked in front of the fireplace, staying warm inside but enjoying the white blanket covering the hills and surrounding the lake outside.
Native American Culture and Traditions Featured at March 11th Event
Artistic center piece for the event: “Carrying family forward for seven generations”
The Tennessee Conference Committee on Native American Ministries sponsored its yearly workshop on Native American culture and traditions at Blakemore United Methodist Church, Sunday, March 11. Participants viewed cultural displays, ate native foods, and participated in short information sessions. Several individuals also shared their experiences of growing up on a reservation. Native flutist Grady Jones demonstrated the sound of traditional instruments. This event is held each spring as a prelude to Native American Ministry Sunday, one of seven special offering Sundays in United Methodist local churches.
Mary T Newman, vice-chair of the Committee on Native American Ministries, introduces Debbie FitzhughJuanita (King) Gardinski shared memories of growing up on a Choctaw Reservation. Committee member Debbie Fitzhugh, of the First Nations tribe, Salish, from British Columbia, talked about harvesting salmon, berries, and how everyone was “family.”
A traditional meal of frybread, softkee-“hominy,” and chili was served. At the conclusion a short worship service ended with the burning of prayer bundles, a representation of sending our prayers to the Creator.
Grady Jones captures the sounds of nature on his flutes.
Persons, young and old, came to the workshop from a number of local United Methodist churches.
Crossville First United Methodist Church Uses Satellite Simulcasts for Spiritual Growth
by Holly Neal
Crowd at the Simulcast. Photo by Heather BennettFebruary 24 dawned balmy and bright and the doors at Crossville First United Methodist Church were open wide for the Beth Moore Simulcast (Program received live via satellite transmission). All during the week the church was preparing with great excitement for the one day event, and when it finally arrived more than 525 people from 63 different churches studied God’s Word and worshiped together. Doors opened at 7:30 am. and the event concluded at 3:30 p.m.
The day began with each participant receiving a packet filled with items for the day and a listening guide. Then ministers Bro. John Halliburton and Pastor James Johnson welcomed everyone and offered an opening prayer. The simulcast began with Praise & Worship by Travis Cottrell. The focus of Beth Moore’s message was from her latest book Get Out of That Pit, Straight Talk About God’s Deliverance. Beth delivered a personal, life-changing message of deliverance and hope. The altar was open after each of the three sessions and prayer partners were there to pray with those that came forward. Lunch , consisting of salad, baked potatoes with all the fixings and brownies, was served by a bevy of volunteers. During the ministry opportunities, Crossville First Music Director Bob Brown with pianist Jane Burnett provided inspirational music. The day concluded with everyone singing a medley of Here I am Lord and Where He Leads Me I Will Follow.
This day was a marvelous demonstration of God’s love and deliverance. The next simulcast opportunity will be on May11, 2007: Maximum Impact with John Maxwell, Terry Bradshaw, Herman Boone, Tim Sanders, Malcolm Gladwell, Jackie Freiburg, Bill Strickland, Mark Sanborn, and Ken Blanchard. For more information on this event and others please call the church at 931-484-3537 or visit the Crossville First UMC website www.crossvillefumc.com
posted by TN Conference UMC @ 11:36 AM
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