United Methodist Missionary Association

UMMA Update, May 2003

Brief Quotes from some of our Leaders
Attention: New Coordinator Needed by Gil Bascom, Coordinator
Steering Committee Election
New Membership and Renewal Form

1. Brief Quotes from some of our Leaders

from Report of the Spring GBGM Meeting, April 7-10, 2003, Birmingham, Alabama as edited by Gil Bascom

Quotes from Observations of David and Kristin Markay, returning MIRs for 2003-2004

"Randy Day's opening address seemed to set the tone for the week's meetings. His conciliatory spirit, his push for openness and transparency, his expressed desire to include the missionary community in a more substantial way - all signaled a positive change taking place.That tone seemed to carry into the Mission Personnel Committee's discussions.One positive result was the creation of a task force to look into reforming some sort of missionary consultation...For the first time that we are aware, Directors will actually be participating on this task force - together with MIR's, MP staff, UMMA chair, and perhaps others.That task force's discussion began informally before we left Birmingham, and has begun in a more formal way since our return to NYC. We will, of course, be seeking opinions and input from missionary groups like UMMA as the brainstorming develops....UMMA was represented well by Norma and Howard.Their notes attest to their dedication and tenacious efforts on your behalf.... We pray for good results from the upcoming meeting in St. Louis, called by Randy Day."

Quotes from Observations of Howard Heiner, founding UMMA Chair, 1996-2002

"I wish you all could have been at Birmingham to hear Rev. Randy Day's address. After seven years of struggle it was music to my ears.I would like to quote a key statement Randy made:'The greatest challenge this board faces in 2003 and going forward is that of re-igniting the fires of mission where they burn low in this great denomination and of channeling and consolidating the passion where they burn brightly.'

Howard continues:"We mission personnel need to be open and seize this opportunity to respond to the General Secretary's challenge for a united ministry to all. Let us allow the Spirit to re-ignite the fires of mission in each one of our lives...I had the opportunity to talk to a number of directors and staff - the vast majority were thrilled by the invitation to participate in making a difference. Randy stated:'Mission is our full-time message in everything we say, and do, and think.'...I came away from the meeting with a tremendous blessing from the new spirit that is sweeping through the Board. But also another blessing was to be in Birmingham, a historical location of the civil rights movement, to be reminded again of the sacrifice of our African-American sister and brothers in Christ."

Quotes from Observations of Norma Kehrberg, present UMMA Chair

"There appeared to be a much more relaxed atmosphere at the meeting. Selected directors of GBGM came up to us to inquire about issues and concerns, unlike past meetings where UMMA reps had to go to them. If the openness that is now evident in the atmosphere and in the ideas expressed in the address of the General Secretary holds fast, UMMA will be able to go about the original reason for its organization to promote and enhance the mission programs of our church utilizing active and retired missionaries."

2. New Coordinator Needed, Gil Bascom, Coordinator

The UMMA Steering Committee is searching for a new Coordinator. After 8 years in this role I feel it is time to step aside and let someone else handle the office of UMMA. This is a very portable office and can easily move to wherever the next Coordinator lives. The Coordinator collects dues, keeps the financial records, pays the bills and works with the Steering Committee and Administrative Council on the issues before it. It has been a fascinating position to be in these past 8 years as UMMA has grown from an idea into a full grown organization that has a presence in the mission work of the United Methodist Church giving voice to concerns of the missionary community and I would expect it to continue to be an exciting place to serve in the years ahead. Any UMMA member interested in knowing more please contact me or Norma Kehrberg. Selection is by the Steering Committee. I will serve through the next GATHERING if needed, but that's it.

3. Steering Committee Election in 2003

2003 is ELECTION YEAR for half the Steering Committee. Each of our six areas will elect a representative to serve for four years on the Steering Committee. The constitution calls for this election so that we do not change all Steering Committee members at one time. The new Steering Committee will then proceed to elect the officers and the Task Force Chairs for the next two years. Steering Committee members may be elected for a second term, but not more than eight consecutive years.

Those to be reelected or replaced this year are: Jeff Hoover (sub-Sahara Africa), James Dwyer (Eur./Mediterranean/India/Nepal), Joe Stroud (Asia), Gordon Greathouse (S. America), Nan McCurdy (N. America East/Caribbean, Central America), Cherie White (N. America W,/ Mexico), Norma Kehrberg (Retirees). Each region elects its representative so give it some careful thought and send in the name of your nominee to the Coordinator not later than July 1, 2003 to the Coordinator.

4. 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
Phone
Fax

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