United Methodist Missionary Association

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UMMA Update, March 30 (pdf version), No. 57

Bishop Paup to lead Board of Global Ministries by Linda Bloom
Reports on Blessed Mission Events by Jim Gulley, chair
Our Readers Write
Missionary Reunions and Gatherings
Treasurer's Tips by Richard Vreeland
This is Your Invitation

1. Bishop Paup to lead Board of Global Ministries by Linda Bloom

Mar. 11, 2008 STAMFORD, Conn. (UMNS) - United Methodist Bishop Edward Paup has been elected to lead the church's Board of Global Ministries, which oversees global missions and is the denomination's largest agency.

The election came March 11 during the board's spring meeting. He will assume the post of general secretary on September 1. Until that time, Bishop Felton May will continue as the interim top executive.

Paup, 62, is bishop of the Seattle area, which includes the Pacific Northwest Annual (regional) Conference and Alaska Missionary Conference, and is president of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops. He said he will tender his resignation from the episcopacy, effective August 31, when the United Methodist Council of Bishops meets in April. The denomination will elect new bishops during jurisdictional meetings in July. No stranger to the Board of Global Ministries, Paup became a director in 2004 and serves as president of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. He chairs the board's health and relief committee and its audit committee and also serves on its finance and executive panels.

The full story. Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.

2. Reports on Blessed Mission Events by Jim Gulley, chair

Colleagues: Below is a report from the GBGM-UMMA Luncheon Meeting, March 10, 2008. My thanks to Hugh Frazer and Helen Dwyer for their participation and input.

I have sent a letter to Bishop Ed Paup, General Secretary-Elect of GBGM. Both of the report and letter reflect positive relationships ready to be further cultivated. Let me tell you why. The GBGM-UMMA luncheon reflected, I would judge, the most collegial atmosphere I have yet experienced as a representative of UMMA. We have been invited to be a part of the orientation program for the new Board of Directors in the Fall 2008. The General Treasurer has taken steps to secure missionary pension and health benefits in line with our requests. We're moving with GBGM and the other associations toward coordination of the Mission Forum-Global Mission Personnel Conference. We have made progress!

On Wednesday, March 12, I had a remarkable though brief meeting (due to my travel schedule) with Bishop Paup. Remarkable because in response to my request the day before, the GS-Elect took the initiative to find and meet me. Remarkable because of the genuine, intense interest which he expressed in finding ways to utilize the wealth of expertise that he recognizes resides within the missionary community and is prepared to work with our missionary associations and the broader missionary community. Are we ready to work with him and GBGM in new ways?

The door to GBGM appears to be opening wider. We have work to do if we are going to walk through the door fully prepared to take on the roles of providing input on program and policy. I believe it's time for United Methodist Missionary Association members to step through the door. Shortly, I will offer some suggestions on how we might do that. Your input is not only welcome, but essential. Grace and peace, Jim

Report from UMMA-GBGM Luncheon Meeting, Mar. 10, 2008
UMMA representatives, Hugh Frazer and Jim Gulley, along with Helen Dwyer, Missionary-in-Residence, were welcomed to a luncheon meeting on March 10, just before the opening session of the Spring 2008 Board Meeting. We met with Edith Gleaves and Steve Goldstein of Mission Personnel, Roland Fernandes, GBGM Treasurer; and Wendy Rhodehamel, GBGM Board Member Liaison with UMMA, and John Peterson, Mission Personnel Committee Chair, We found our meeting fruitful and the Board Meeting quite hopeful, though we are all aware of the challenging economic climate we are facing. Here are the highlights of the luncheon.

Coordination of Mission Forum and Global Mission Personnel Conference
Re-confirmed our commitments to coordinate the Global Mission Personnel Conference and a Mission Forum led by the missionary associations (UMMA, NADAM and CCW) at the same time and location. As stated before, the purpose is to provide opportunity for GMPC participants to interact with the broader missionary community and other mission-oriented United Methodists in a forum centering on mission theology.

Leadership for the Mission Forum rests with the associations. Appropriate GBGM staff will participate in planning (Mission Education staff suggested; possibly around Board Meeting times to save on travel) and facilitate participation in the Mission Forum by missionaries attending the GMPC (on those on furlough and retiring).

No date has been set for a GMPC in 2009. Funding remains a question. If held, the timing may change to facilitate participation by missionaries taking furlough at other times of the year. Directors would be invited at their own expense.

Meeting New Board Members at Fall 2008 Board Meeting
UMMA suggested that the missionary associations hold a reception for the new board members. GBGM staff offered an alternative: the associations could be incorporated into the orientation program of Mission Personnel. Time would be provided for the associations to explain their purpose, what they do, how they work. UMMA representatives agreed in principle to accept the invitation. Deborah Bass is responsible for setting up the orientation schedule.

Increased Formal Participation of Missionary Community at Board Meetings
UMMA reiterated its views that missionaries remain an underutilized resource by GBGM, both in terms of "telling the story" and in being able to bring greater missionary presence and perspective to Board Meetings. GBGM staff identified a number of ways Board of Directors are provided opportunities to interact with missionaries: one mission witness at each Board Meeting; at commissioning services; luncheon for new missionaries and directors; trips to field (one or two per quadrennium); Mission Development Committee meets at a mission site. Although Board Meeting schedules are busy, there are free times for more interaction if missionaries were present. A luncheon on Wednesdays with experienced missionaries and Board Members might be possible. UMMA might want to approach the new General Secretary on this issue. It was suggested that missionary associations start with Fred Price on the issue of better utilizing missionaries in conferences.

Well-being and Care of Missionaries
Roland Fernandes provided an overview of steps he has taken on some of the ongoing pension and health care issues under discussion with UMMA, principally via Dick Vreeland. Roland noted that Collins Pension Plan assets exceed liabilities as of December 31, 2007 based on the actuarial assumptions used. All future increases in pension rates will be fully funded by Collins forest money. All Collins funds have been set aside and earmarked for missionary pension and retiree health funds only.

GBGM invited the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits (GBOPHB), to submit a proposal for the administration and investment of the Collins Pension Plan for Missionaries and the Women's Division Plan (pension). If approved, GBOPH would assume management from July 1, 2009. Also, a Missionary Pension Committee will be established comprised of 5 Board of Director members, GBGM Treasurer, Women's Division Treasurer (other staff as applicable) and a Representative of the missionary community (possibly the Missionary-in-Residence, it was later suggested). Ideally one of the Directors on the proposed Missionary Pension Committee would be serving on both the Mission Personnel and Finance committees of the Board of Directors. The role of the Committee: In summary, meet annually with GBOPHB to review Plan information, actuarial data and investment performance; recommend pension rates; report to Finance Committees of GBGM and Women's Division; invite person with appropriate expertise to attend the annual review meeting as necessary. Missionaries would receive GBOPH newsletters just as current beneficiaries do.

Roland pointed out that the Reserve Analysis as of 12/31/2007 includes a reserve amount for a 3% annual increase in pension for missionaries, a reserve for a 1% annual increase (based on trend) in health care costs for retired missionaries, a reserve depreciation in the value of the assets of the Collins Pension and Health Plans at 5% of the asset value. These designations help to insure that missionary pension and health care resources are more secure for the future. These were reported in the plenary session as a part of the Summary of 2009-2012 Programmatic Objectives and Goals of GBGM.

Itineration: Fred Price, newly appointed Executive Secretary for Itineration, is responsible for the revision of guidelines. Mission associations can expect to work with him.

Dental coverage: No decision has yet been taken on increasing dental coverage rate, but the issue will be taken up per Roland.

GBGM Directory for missionaries: Edith Gleaves will work with Regional Executives to see that every missionary is provided "a GBGM Directory with names of people, departments, telephone numbers, emails, etc."

Program budget: Roland stated that when a new placement is approved, Mission Context and Relationships, Evangelism and Church Growth and Financial Services have to identify a budget for the site of a missionary's assignment.

Assignment of missionaries to annual conferences: The Advance Office (Rachael Barnett) looks for natural connections (home conferences), history of conference support and missionary's contacts. A Cross-Functional Team helps to decide the best funding sources for a missionary.

Economic conditions/adjustments: The Cabinet has discussed the weakened dollar and its effects, hoping the dollar might rise, but have not made any decisions.

CCW draft letter: At the request of Church and Community Workers (CCW), UMMA passed on to Edith Gleaves a draft letter requesting amendment of the Employee Handbook to spell out GBGM's position in the event a missionary is arrested.

John Peterson concluding comments: "We may want to consider having these meetings at the GMPC so that all organizations that need to be at the table are at the table. Especially going forward, not knowing who will be filling the Convener role. At such a meeting, each organization would be encouraged to bring whatever questions, concerns, action items, appreciations, et cetera to the table. Too often, the good that is done by the agency is not brought to the table. This concerns me on a pastoral level. If all the board staffers hear are the negatives, what they aren't doing, then the positive items often go unmentioned and the conversation can become adversarial and unproductive. If possible, I would recommend having the Convener or someone who is not directly in either a missionary or staff member role assigned as mediator/convener for the meeting to further facilitate clear communication." John also requested UMMA input "at least two weeks prior to the Board Meeting so that responses can be prepared and numbers compiled."

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"Many a person has dated a new era in their life from the reading of a book."
- David Thoreau, in his book Walden
If you read a book(s) that changed your life, let us hear your recommendation. - ed.

3. Our Readers Write

Thanks to those who have supported or shown interest in the Kusayapu Agricultural Institute in Pachica, Chile. I am glad to announce that the story of how and why Kusayapu was created is now published in book form with120 pages and 50 photos. The Impossible Dream is published by AuthorHouse of Indianapolis, IN. If you would like a copy, you may order it from the Internet. The cost is $14.00 plus $2.13 mailing costs. The royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to EMANA. Thank you! - Stan E. Moore, Pilgrim Place, Claremont, CA

Dog Ear Publishing released the book Malarial Fevers. I've written based on the diaries and papers of Harriet Sage Bennett Brooks a pioneer missionary to Mozambique in the 1880's. It can be ordered through any online book site like Amazon or through a local bookstore for $11.95 in paperback (ISBN 978-159858-387-8). I was a missionary nurse at Chicuque from roughly 1970 -1973 and I did my doctoral dissertation on The Missionary as a Cultural Interpreter. You can find out more about my current writing at www.jonna-lynn.com - Jonna-Lynn K Mandelbaum ()

Dear Richard, Thanks so much for the update on what's happening with the UMMA. I'll send in my Membership dues soon. My 96-year-old mother still lives with me and I stay very busy with her care and the other bills, church groups and a Mission Project in the Dom. Rep. Would like to be more active in the Missionary Group, but can't at this time. My Days are FULL. I'll remember the offices that need to be filled with serious prayer. May God Bless us all. - Delaine DeHainaut

Thanks, Ric, for your continuing work on these reports. Telling the stories makes all the difference! - Janice Ulangca, served at Harris Memorial College in Manila

Lionel Muthiah writes about Methodist milestones in SE Asia: Wesley Church, Medan, celebrated their 50th anniversary in January. He and wife Marion were not able to attend, but the following retired missionaries who went back to serve as VIM were present: The Imlers, the Ken Johnsons and the Rae Daniels. They also attended the dedication ceremonies in Nias of buildings that had been rebuilt following the Tsunami and earthquakes. See more about a reunion of missionary pastors and those attending Wesley Church of Medan below under Reunions. Another Wesley Church in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia is celebrating its 50th Anniversary from May 1-4, 2008. There will be a welcome dinner on April 30 in Sibu. Those known to be going are: The Brinks, The Muthiahs, Jim Hipkins, Sandy Berg and Jackie Fries.

Hi Ric, Please visit my website (centroseut.org/abbot/news.htm) for the latest Abbott News Brief. I give a report on my recent trip to Moscow. It includes a link to download the report in PDF format that you can print and post on your bulletin board. - Mark and Diane Abbott, Paseo de la Chopera, 152, 1-B, 28100 Alcobendas, SPAIN

Ric, Please change my email address immediately to . Recently I've had a lot of trouble communicating with anyone who has a 'comcast' address--hopefully this will help. - Jackie Fries

P.S. by ed.: I notice similar rejections with the Internet service provider: comcast.net

Notice: All mail sent to the Editor of UMMA UpDate is considered to be for publication unless stated otherwise. Send in plain text (please, no attachments). Messages may be edited for clarity and space limitations.

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Global Poverty: The Grim Picture

Each day:

20,000 people die of extreme poverty
8,000 children die of malaria
5,000 mothers and fathers die of tuberculosis
7,500 young adults die of AIDS

Thousands more die of diarrhea, respiratory infections and other diseases that prey on bodies weakened by chronic hunger. According to Jeffrey Sachs, ending poverty means: 1) to end the plight of the extreme poor who struggle daily for survival and 2) to ensure that all of the world's poor have the chance to climb the ladder of development.

4. Missionary Reunions and Gatherings

July 25-27 Korea Reunion at Lake Junaluska. Includes all denominations meeting together with breakout time for United Methodist related missionaries. Contact Gene Matthews () at 319.358.9464.

August 1-4, 2008 Chile Gathering of UMC missionaries and friends at Collins Retreat Center near Portland, Oregon. Contact; Registrar Constance Waddell () at 909.398.4471.

August 8-11 Philippine Missionary Reunion of UMC missionaries and friends at St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO. Contact Gloria Coltharp ().

July 25-27, 2008 Reunion of missionary pastors and others who attended Wesley Church, Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia. Held at Scarritt Bennett Center, Nashville. Contact: Lionel Muthiah ().

August 24-25, 2008 Tentative: NADAM (with UMMA and CCW) will take lead in Forum on a "Theology of Commissioning" in coordination with Global Missionary Personnel Conference plus Meeting of the 2009 Mission Forum Planning Team. Contact: Dana Jones ().

October 2008 GBGM Board Meeting plus Introduction of Missionary Associations to new Board Members plus Meeting of 2009 Mission Forum Planning Team.

April 2009 GBGM Board Meeting plus Meeting of 2009 Mission Forum Planning Team.

Tentative August 2009 Joint Mission Forum and Global Mission Personnel Conference (exact date and theme to be determined).

5. Treasurer's Tips by Richard Vreeland

Missionary colleagues and friends,
As of March 28 we have 73 Voting Members, 20 Affiliate Members and one Lifetime Member for 2008. We trust more will pay dues soon.

Now that you have completed your income tax returns, you can get back to some of those items which you have put aside for the time being. If you haven't already done so, please complete the membership form and send in your 2008 UMMA information and dues payment. We don't want to lose track of you and really do appreciate your support for the association. When completing the form, please print clearly, especially your e-mail address. This is the quickest way to acknowledge receipt of your check. Thank you.

We welcome your comments: