United Methodist Missionary Association

UMMA Update, July 2003

UMMA's Ongoing Activities by Norma Kehrberg
St. Louis Meeting of GBGM and 3 Missionary Associations Reps. by David Markay, MIR
More Longer Term, Cross-cultural Missionaries Needed by Del Chinchen
A Spiritual Nurture Note by Carolyn Cowen
UMMA Gathering by Gilbert Bascom
New Membership and Renewal Form

1. UMMA's Ongoing Activities by Norma Kehrberg

Dear Members of UMMA:
I am sorry for the long delay in getting information out to you. I have been waiting to tell you about some breakthroughs in resolving some of the long standing concerns of UMMA in relation to the GBGM. Change has occurred but it has not resulted in identifiable actions in regard to UMMA's concerns.

Some points of contact:

In late January, Randy Day, the new General Secretary met with UMMA representatives Howard Heiner and Bud Carroll along with Dave and Kristin Markay (MIRs). This meeting was a follow up to the dialogue session in October 2002 at the UMMA Gathering with Randy Day at which time he agreed to meet with UMMA representatives after he assumed his new position. The meeting gave UMMA representatives a good opportunity to share information and concerns with the new General Secretary.
April Board Meeting: The GBGM meeting in April was held in a very different atmosphere than in past years. There was a new spirit of openness. Howard Heiner and I attended the Mission Personnel Unit (MPU) meetings. Again with some difficulty, UMMA's agenda items were presented. A report on issues outstanding from October 2002 were only then received despite repeated attempts to gain access earlier. The issues had been forwarded to the GBGM Policy and By Law Committee and the answers received were such that further attempts are necessary to address the essence of the issues with staff. Edith Gleaves was not able to be present at the MPU meeting due to being hospitalized with a collapsed lung. Steve Goldstein ably stepped in to guide the meeting for the Deputy General Secretary.

One significant achievement of the MPU meeting was the naming of an adhoc committee to discuss UMMA's concerns, particularly relating towards having an avenue for communication for missionary concerns (some call it a framework). Dave and Kristin Markay as MIRs and Norma Kehrberg are among the members. There has been no follow up to date.
As a follow up to the meeting of August 2002 with Bishop Martinez, Curtis Henderson and Sally Dyck, members of the Board of Directors, Randy Day invited representatives of UMMA, and representatives from NADAM (Association of Deaconesses) and the Church and Community Workers to a 24 hour meeting in St. Louis. Steve Goldstein represented the MPU unit. The Directors were Curtis Henderson, chair of MPU and Sally Dyck, chair of GBGM Personnel Committee. Howard Heiner, and Bud Carroll represented UMMA. Also present were the MIRs, Dave and Kristin Markay who built the agenda.

The official minutes record the discussion. There were no "findings" as such, but frequently there were attempts to inject specific issues such as the "at will termination clause in letters of agreement", and the Collins Plan. Since the 24 hour meeting was set up as a dialogue and not a consultation, no conclusions were reached. At several points, Howard tried to interject the idea of setting up a framework. It was used in the discussion but nothing specific materialized.

In reading the above, one can get discouraged. However, we cannot let that happen. The new General Secretary is very open and cordial and has been in office only six months. He is also under extreme pressure with impending General Conference in 2004 and having to deal with a host of organizational pressures, including the sudden retirement of over 20 staff due to changes in GCFA retirement policies. That being said, we do need to look to the new General Secretary to set a course of action which would enable the dialogue.

We hope many of you will join us at the UMMA Gathering 2003 from October 20 to 22 in Stamford, Connecticut to coincide with the GBGM Board of Directors' meeting which we will attend part of the time. The UMMA agenda will include confirming election of new Steering Committee Members, the turnover of the coordinator's responsibilities to a new coordinator or team and the setting of priorities for UMMA for the following year. We were pleased to learn that Fred Price, long time missionary, counselor in the Wellness program, and now serving as a pastor in New Jersey Annual Conference has agreed to assume the responsibilities of the Coordinator of UMMA working with a team to include Carolyn Belshe Cowan. The confirmation of this will be one agenda item of the October UMMA Gathering.

Please send your ideas for the agenda to me, Norma Kehrberg at kehrbergn001@hawaii.rr.com.

Please see more details on the UMMA Gathering 2003 in article [5] below.

Current issues of UMMA include:

Ascertain whether the directors and staff want to engage the missionary community in a dialogue over mission personnel and program. If so, when and how?
Role of longer term, cross cultural missionaries (called standard support missionaries) in the future mission program of the GBGM.
Setting of priorities for mission personnel and programs in the various regions.
Personal issues related to terms of work, i.e. "at will", Collins, appeal process and downsizing of benefits, i.e. the dental plan.

Thanks for being a concerned member of UMMA. The July issue of Atlantic Monthly has a very thoughtful article on the role and use of special armed forces in various settings of the world. If one reads the article carefully, there are several passages that talk about the importance to the military of having informed, culturally sensitive and language literate individuals in the various "hot spots" of the world. As I read the article, I was struck that if these kind of individuals are so important to the military, are they not even more important for those of us who are concerned about justice, reconciliation and the sharing of the love of Christ. Sometimes I feel we are going "backward" in our church.

Let us hear from you with your thoughts, ideas and offers of work. Get in touch with your Steering Committee member or write directly to me.

Yours in the ongoing, keeping "going on." - Norma Kehrberg, Chair

2. St. Louis Meeting of GBGM and 3 Missionary Assn. Reps. by David Markay, MIR

We are thankful to David Markay, MIR, for recording the official minutes. Since they are long, the editor has taken the liberty to extract a sample of significant excerpts as follows: (Note: the three dots ... indicate portions left out. Read the full minutes.)

"Day of Conversation Around Topics of Mutual Concern"
The Four Points Hotel St. Louis - West
May 12-13, 2003

Participants
R. Randy Day, General Secretary, GBGM
Curtis Henderson, GBGM Director, Mission Personnel Committee Chair
Sally Dyck, GBGM Director, Personnel Committee Chair
Stephen Goldstein, GBGM Mission Personnel Unit, Assistant General Secretary
David Markay, GBGM Missionary-in-Residence
Meri Whitaker, Church and Community Worker
Harry Howe, Church and Community Worker
Bud Carroll, United Methodist Missionary Association
Howard Heiner, United Methodist Missionary Association
Joanne Reich, National Association of Deaconesses and Missionaries
Shay Blackwell, National Association of Deaconesses and Missionaries

The meeting began with lunch at 12:30pm in the Jefferson Room of the Four Points Hotel. Steve Goldstein led the group in opening worship, focusing on John 14:8-14. Discussion began with each group represented sharing concerns and visions.

Reich: We have been told not to speak to directors.
Day: That's all history. You can talk with the directors. ...

Whittaker: Missiology is not taught enough in our seminaries. ...

Heiner: Communication is more than power-point presentations, more than reading reams of material. These tools only go one direction.
Goldstein: Initially, after restructuring the communication even with the GBGM was more difficult. ...

Carroll: (Who served 11 years as a GBGM staff person.) The progression was like moving from freedom to slavery. There had been close relations between directors and staff. There was camaraderie between staff and directors. Missionaries were called in to have dialogue. ...

Markay: MIR's observed that after the fall '02 Board meeting, which they attended, staff in NY wanted to learn about details. There is a gap of dialogue, and a fear of an open flow of information. While on one hand, staff have been told not to speak to directors, staff is still eager to hear what directors have decided. R. Day did much to address this gap after his speech at the Birmingham April '03 Board meeting, urging staff and directors to eat together, talk with one another, not sit at separate tables for meals.

Day: In an early meeting with Cabinet, I urged each to have meals with directors. It is exciting to get people with a common interest together. Why wouldn't we take advantage of our time together? ...

Carroll: Entitled his remarks, "Moving from Good Friday to the Fourth Day"; the fourth day being Jesus' call to his followers to be in effective and caring mission. Referring to C. Henderson's previous comments, he stated that UMMA does feel that this is a structural problem. We need to confess that we are part of a body that is ill. We make this diagnosis without joy. There is a lot of hurt in this body. We want to move on. We want to hear about the past but not dwell in it. UMMA remains committed to missionÉwe want to be part of the solution, not the problem; move from "sad mistrust to trust...from power-holding to power-sharingÉfrom an era of controlled hierarchy to partnership. Missionary community is seeking a voice, not vote on issues. ...

Reich: One of the original intents of the missionary handbook was to help with communication, to help respond to misinformation. That purpose was never developed. The handbook still needs an introductory chapter which would include a definition of the different types of mission service supported by the Board. This introductory chapter, and the entire handbook itself, should be available to all new mission personnel, as well as for directors' reference.

Whittaker: Categories of mission service need more definition; the introductory chapter should include the GBGM's theological statement of mission as an educational tool.

Heiner: Directors should have the opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives before they make decisions. A "cabinet filter" keeps some information from ever reaching the directors. ...

Heiner: Brought up the issue of the Collins Task Force. The use of the Collins Fund has not been fully looked into. A task force was formed, then disbanded. Why not reinstate the task force? Furthermore, the "at will" clause in the missionary letters of agreement is unjust. Why has all discussion about the inclusion of the clause in the contract been discontinued?

Goldstein: Sometimes, UMMA just does not want to accept the answers. The GBGM received from its legal counsel the advice to include the "at will" clause in the letters of agreement. New York state law requires the "at will" clause; cites specific examples where such a clause protects the GBGM from law suits.

Carroll: It is my experience that legal advice can be manipulated by the management to suit its cause. The "at will" clause is an example. ...

Day: Offered his willingness to remain an extra day at an event where he's already scheduled. Acknowledged how rapidly his schedule fills up, but suggested that with enough prior planning, his office could invite the appropriate people to discuss particular issues. ...

Day: Announced the hiring of Rena Yocom as new "Special Assistant to the General Secretary", effective June 15, 2003. Formerly employed at the GBGM, she will work out of Kansas City, have regular contact with local churches, help prepare GBGM for General Conference, serve as Public Information Officer, attend some events R. Day cannot attend. ...

3. More Longer Term, Cross-cultural Missionaries Needed by Del Chinchen

The following article by CWM (Church World Mission) was sent by Carolyn Cowen with this comment by our UMMA Chair, Norma Kehrberg: "This promotes the idea of the value of past missionaries' history and skills. Now we only have to work to keep getting some longer term, cross cultural missionaries appointed."

World: The Age of the Sage in Mission by Del Chinchen

More Christians in retirement are fanning out across the world as short term missionaries, according to a recent study, writes Rebecca Beard of CWM News.

As more people are retiring at an earlier age and living longer, many are making use of their extended years in mission in places from Russia to Brazil, said missionary and bible scholar Del Chinchen in the July issue of Evangelical Missions Quarterly.

"They are teaching English and engineering in China and training young pastors in biblical principles and theological truths to name but a few endeavors," Chinchen said. "We are in the age of the sage in missions not only because so many senior missionaries are on the field but also because Africa and other places in the world highly value their age, wisdom and experience."

In Africa, more mature missionaries can slip easily into the inner circle of top decision-makers quickly because their age means they are near the top rung of the ladder in society, he said. "Because age elevates one in status and position it can become a valuable source of integrity and credibility."

Chinchen said the trend for missionaries in Africa who get to 40 to 50-years-old, after gaining years of experience, to disappear from the field is unhealthy. "Just at the time when they could have the most influence in Africa they opt to return home." He suggested mission organizations need to find ways to encourage them to stay on.

4. A Spiritual Nurture Note by Carolyn Belshe Cowen

Our human heart is a very fragile thing when it comes to forgiveness. It is easy to get quite comfortable in holding on to ideas, experiences and memories that need to be let go of, but the conversion of heart that forgiving entails is really and truly a gift. Possibly the best that we can do is pray for it or pray for the gift to want to be able to forgive.

5.UMMA Gathering 2003 by Gilbert Bascom

The 2003 UMMA Gathering is scheduled to be held from October 20-22 at the Budget Hospitality Inn (same as last year) to coincide with the GBGM Board of Directors' Meeting in a nearby hotel.

Rooms have been reserved at the Budget Hospitality Inn again in Stamford, Connecticut for the 2003 UMMA Gathering. Steering Committee members will be arriving on Sunday, October 19 to prepare for the first UMMA session at 7:00pm Monday following attendance at the opening GBGM Board Plenary Session. The UMMA agenda will include the confirmation of the election of the Steering Committee members, the election of a new Coordinator and the development of the UMMA agenda and priorities for the following year. The subsidized price for full members will be $30 per night each for a double room, payable to UMMA at the Gathering. For others, the cost will be $85 plus tax for a double room. UMMA will make the reservation if you wish. The inn has complimentary breakfast. All other meals will be at your own expense.

Please fill out the following form as soon as possible to aid us in making accurate room reservations.

6. New Membership and Renewal Form

This has been a year of tremendous effort and angst as our leaders sought better ways to make the missionary voice heard at the meetings of the GBGM Board and Staff.I believe we succeeded. A new respect for the UMMA presence at the Board was evident at the meetings in October, 2002 and April, 2003. See full details in "Reports" section of our website.

Board leaders made time for the UMMA voice to be heard. Now we have a new General Secretary, one who has already met with our leaders several times. We are poised to under gird the missionaries as never before and to fulfill our purpose of promoting Christian mission more effectively. BUT I have a concern. UMMA exists because you and other mission workers want it to exist. There is no support for UMMA except that which its members give it. As of this date we have only 181 members who have made their 2003 contribution for membership.Last year we had almost 450 members. Are we out of touch? Has UMMA become irrelevant in one year? I for one don't believe so. Help prove me right!

REMEMBER!Membership is open to active, inactive or retired mission workers of the GBGM or its predecessors. Current dues for the financial year (January 1 - December 31) are $25 per person for voting membership at the same address or $15 for an Affiliate membership without voting privileges or room and board subsidy at meetings.

So, look at your checkbook stubs for this year and if you don't have one that says "2003 membership dues for UMMA" we are waiting to hear from you.

"Witness at all times, use words when necessary."

Please send the following basic information to Gil Bascom. Windows users can print out the membership form by right-clicking the mouse on the form to see the menu, then left-clicking to print. Mac users can just print out the membership form here.

Dear Gil,
I'd like to support UMMA. My check is enclosed, payable to UMMA. (Contact your UMMA Area Representative if payment is difficult. See list of Area Representatives.)

United Methodist Missionary Association Membership Renewal
New Membership for 2003

Name (Given name, family name)
Spouse (Given name, family name)
	(only new information needed below)
Address
City
State/Province
Zip or Postal Code
Country
E-mail
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Dues

$25 for voting membership, $15 for Affiliate membership (non-voting). Make checks payable to UMMA and remit to:

Gilbert Bascom, Coordinator
6229-B N. Park Way
Tacoma, WA 98407
Fax: 253.752.4484
Tel: 253.879.8484
email: gbascom1467@earthlink.net

We welcome your comments:
gbascom1467@earthlink.net