United Methodist Missionary Association

UMMA Update, May 15, 2004

UMMA Gathering at Stamford, Connecticut, October 17-20, 2004
Missionary Views of the General Conference by J. Hoover, C. White and J. Hill
US-2 program for young adults by Linda Bloom, UMNS
A Pfeiffer Missions Celebration, September 10-11 by Phil Wingeier-Rayo
Missionary Milestones, Donna Lou Van Buren, RIP by Carolyn Belshe Cowen
Our Members Write
Tech Tips Gleaned from UMMA Administrative Council by Richard Schwenk
Spiritual Nurture Note by Carolyn Belshe Cowen
Remember, Honor, and Celebrate by Richard Schwenk

1. UMMA Gathering at Stamford, Connecticut, October 17-20, 2004

The Gathering is slated to begin in mid-afternoon on Sunday, October 17, 2004. We are starting one day early in order to have a GBGM Director present at the UMMA Gathering before the GBGM Board Meeting begins. The official Gathering will end on Tuesday evening, but all are welcomed and encouraged to stay through Wednesday, October 20, 2004 if possible in order to have more interaction with the new GBGM Directors. Make plans now for a grand experience with UMMA and GBGM friends.

2. Missionary Views of the General Conference by J. Hoover, C. White and J. Hill

Jeff Hoover writes: We were so busy during General Conference that it was hard to make any kind of detailed report. However, what I have seen from the General Conference website has been very accurate and representative.

United Methodist News Service Photos and stories are available online.

The last evening's business was very routine. Friday was very calm and rational after the previous days' excitement and parliamentary chaos. My general impressions? I thought the spirit was much more fraternal, conciliatory, and cooperative than in Cleveland in 2000, despite the shock of the news stories circulating on Thursday night about conservatives calling for a breakup of the UMC. The recent Dammann trial was obviously a hot-button issue that was very fresh on people's minds, of all opinions. It would be interesting to speculate how things might have gone without that having happened in the immediately preceding months. The press releases about impending schisms precipitated, as could be expected, a show of pulling together on Friday morning, but there are clearly some very determined people out there who have their own agendas on the fringes. Not having been involved in any of their meetings and though. - Jeff Hoover, Zambia

Cherie White reports: General Conference was a novelty for me, never having gone before. My greatest disappointment was that two attempts to pass a resolution on Iraq failed. The resolutions weren't even presented, since the vote to see if they could be discussed was defeated both times; the second time by about 20 votes. I can't believe that that close a vote could defeat a stance on war and peace. That to me indicates that half of the delegates were Bush supporters and sure don't adhere to the Discipline's stance on those issues, much less our Social Creed. At least there was one lunch-time communion service dedicated to praying for Iraq.

In fact, "Methodism at Risk" was very evident in various spheres. All petitions to be more inclusive with LGBT's (Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual) were defeated. There were even attempts to overrule the Dammann case, but respect of church law was upheld. What is clear is that self-avowed, practicing homosexuals cannot be in ministry. The support groups for the LGBT's were very evident, with a very physical presence every morning at all entrances to the convention center. They were allowed to have an official demonstration on Thursday on the conference floor - the Council of Bishops allowed it and several stood in support or joined the march, which was very calm, peaceful and moving. Paul Jeffrey was expelled for participating, since he was a volunteer official photographer. He had been told he could only photograph from the edges, and instead decided to become an "embedded journalist" within the demonstration.

The march infuriated the Right, which had breakfast meetings every day to organize and the rumors of schism started to run amuck in the middle of the second week. Thank God for Bruce Robbins, who with Bill Hinson saved the day by coming up with a joint statement. Moments later, a group who was also working on church unity presented a statement that was adopted by the General Conference and is:

Resolution on Church Unity

As United Methodists, we remain in covenant with one another, even in the midst of disagreement, and reaffirm our commitment to work together for our common mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the world. (May 7, 2004, last day)

This resolution passed overwhelmingly, but incredibly, there were about 41 votes against. How can anyone be against such a general and basic statement?!

Also, in the midst of all of this, there was a calm, but passionate statement by a delegate stating that the vast majority are in the middle and for the General Conference to recognize their stance. All: right, middle and left, are supposedly represented in the above resolution.

Every day we were met by documents by all the different interest groups. The one that most impressed me was the MFSA (Methodist Federation for Social Action). I'm so glad we allowed them to ask for volunteers through our bulletin. They had very fair, well balanced stances, though all might not be in agreement, since they were supportive of the LGBT's. They also had lunches at a nearby church every day with excellent guest speakers. I'm so sorry I didn't make it to all of them.

Interpreting services were available in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Swahili and Korean. The team which set all that up did an excellent job and we were sure on the go covering Plenaries and Committee Sessions.

That's a very general report, but the most dramatic and salient items. My respects to the delegates who somehow kept track of what was concurring, non-concurrent and all the additions, amendments, etc. How they knew what they were voting on was a wonder to me. I just hope that with the foreign delegates, their votes went in the right direction. It was pointed out to me by an old-timer, that the foreign and youth delegates were well used by the Good News Movement to promote their stances.

Having hope and believing in miracles, I remain a steadfast Methodist (in the wider sense of the term) at the same time being an ardent supporter of ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, and a profound believer that there can be no Peace without Justice, and that neither of these can exist as long as the powers of this world resort to violence, war and imposed might to "solve" our "problems." Peace with Justice, - Cherie White, Mexico City

Joyce Hill comments on the shattering of the communion chalice by a delegate who was angry at the outcome of the voting. "Bishop Don Ott (retired) carefully picked up and placed the remains of the chalice on the altar and it remained there for two days. Then after the noontime communion service held every day around the altar, Bishop Ott carefully took the pieces of shattered chalice, wrapped in it a linen napkin, and gave it to Heather Murray Wilkins, professor of worship at Drew Seminary who will be putting it back together as a symbol of our battered but not defeated unity.

Being there to translate the conference plenary sessions and one of the committees for Spanish-speakers gave me the opportunity to have to listen to both sides!" - Joyce Hill, retired from serving Cuba, Argentina, Chile and Latin America as Staff.

Note: Missionaries serving as interpreters were Cherie White, Gordon and Teca Greathouse, Belinda Forbes, Stan Maughlin, Wilma Roberts, Everett Woodcock, Ron Schooler, Linda Tanquist Boulos, Joyce Hill, Ken Jones, Marianne Hutchison, David Butler, Wendell Golden, Jeff and Ellen Hoover and probably others. Most were UMMA members. UMMA member Paul Jeffrey was an official photographer for UMNS until he became "embedded." - ed.

3. US-2 program for young adults by Linda Bloom, UMNS

Edith Gleaves, deputy general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries, said the agency currently is interviewing candidates for its US-2 program for young adults and will commission a new US-2 class this summer. No new full-time mission staff in the standard support category, which numbers 291 missionaries, will be commissioned before 2005. However, Gleaves said the agency is reassessing current placements based on needs and resources and is redeploying some missionaries, particularly in regions that are part of the board's 11 new mission initiatives. - Linda Bloom, 04.09.04 issue of UMNewscope.

4. A Pfeiffer Missions Celebration, September 10-11 by Phil Wingeier-Rayo

Pfeiffer University cordially invites you to join us in the inauguration of our new missions degree. All are invited to come to Misenheimer, North Carolina and participate in a two-day symposium on September 10th and 11th entitled: "Great Commissions: A Pfeiffer Missions Celebration." This new major will be the only one of its kind in the United Methodist Church.

UMMA Chair Norma Kehrberg will appear in a panel discussion with Rena Yocum, special assistant to Randy Day, along with Winston Worrell from the World Methodist Evangelism Institute and Bishop Charlene Kammerer. The keynote speaker will be Anglican Bishop Claude E. Payne, author of Reclaiming the Great Commission. The key phrase from Payne's vision is "transition from maintenance to mission."

Participants are also invited to several training workshops:

Nick Elliott, SEJ-UMVIM, "Organizing an International Mission Trip"
Betty and Walt Whitehurst, "Individual Volunteers in Mission"
Michael Collins, WNCC, "Disaster Relief"
Paul Brown, MOBY (My Own Back Yard), "Mission in the Local Church"
Kim Lehmann, GBGM, "Mission Opportunities with the GBGM"

Saturday will be a day of mission service entitled "More than Words" in which the Pfeiffer University community, along with local UM youth groups, will volunteer in the community. - Phil Wingeier-Rayo is currently assigned by the GBGM as a missionary-in-resident to Pfeiffer.

5. Missionary Milestones, Donna Lou Van Buren, RIP by Carolyn Belshe Cowen

Donna Lou Van Buren, assigned to the Philippines, succumbed to a long illness in the Philippines on May 8 (Philippine time). Two of her children from the USA were with her. She served as registrar and professor at Union Theological Seminary (UTS) in Dasmarinas, Cavite. Recognizing her dedication, service, and love for the Filipino people for almost 10 years, UTS conferred to Donna Lou the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree five days before her death as some of UTS faculty members, GBGM regional staff, and her son were gathered around her bed at the hospital.

We are saddened, but yet celebrate the life of Donna Lou and give thanks to God for her passion and commitment to God's service which is evident in her witness: "in my life, I am grateful to God to have the opportunity to guide other young persons in preparing for ministry and mission". An ordained elder and a full member of the East Ohio Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, She served as a pastor, counselor, chaplain, educator, and missionary. Indeed, she was the evidence of her belief in taking "risks of faith" to respond to the call of God.

She has four adult children: Mark and his wife Shari; Lisa and her partner Sue; Randy and his wife Lisa B; and Gene and his wife Marie. She also has five grandchildren.

You may send your sympathy card and prayers to her family members through: Mark and Shari Van Buren, 7952 Hammond Street, Alexandria, VA 22309, , Tel: 703.780.5769 Rev.

Jungrea H. Chung, Regional Executive Secretary, Asia and the Pacific.Report abridged.

Beryl and I were deeply saddened to know of Donna Lou's passing. We extend our deepest sympathy to her children and to all to whom she meant so much. I think it is significant that she went on to be with her Lord while actively serving Him in the Philippines, the country she loved and served for so many years. From the time we trained together in Nashville in the summer of 1957, to the end, she sought only to serve. We were looking forward to having her as a neighbor at Pilgrim Place in Claremont (CA) where she had applied last year while on medical leave. But that was not to be. May those who were closest to her be blest with the memory of all she was and did for them and those with whom she touched with her life during her long and fruitful life. Stan and Beryl Moore

*****

Our hearts are heavy with sadness over the news of Donna Lou's death. As many of you know, she was to have preached for us today at our Korean, Tagalog and English services. All of us had been looking forward to her coming. Word from Gene that he had found the opening part of DL's anticipated sermon on the dining room table has deeply touched us. All here join us in sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to you.

At our worship next Sunday, we will place a white rose bud on the altar in memory of Donna Lou. She has been part of our church family and we thank God for Donna Lou's life. For the friendship we shared with her for many, many years and for all her gifts of caring and giving. We know that Donna Lou will continue to make her mark on many Lives - both here and in eternity. We join with all of you as we thank God for the life, death and resurrection of Donna Lou Van Buren. May she truly rest in peace! Lovingly, Bud and Millie Carroll, serving in Saipan

*****

We are saddened to hear of the death of Donna Lou. It's been almost 47 years since we first met together with other 3's for training at Scarritt-Bennet College in Nashville in 1957. Memories of our youth, vision, hopes and happy times linger on. DL was a go-getter and one who kept us on target and in touch. Have a grand reunion with loved ones who have gone ahead to where there is eternal joy and no more pain. Condolence to all who mourn, Richard and Caring Schwenk

The memorial service for Donna Lou Van Buren will be held on Sunday 30 May, 1:00-2:30p.m. at the chapel of the Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, TN. In memory of Donna Lou, people can contribute to "the Rev. Donna Lou Van Buren Memorial Scholarship Fund for UTS," which is tax deductible. CHECK PAYABLE TO: General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) SEND TO: General Board of Global Ministries of UMC, Room 1445, 475 Riverside Drive, NY, NY 10115 MEMO: Write (Rev. Donna Lou Van Buren's Memorial Scholarship Fund for UTS).

6. Our Members Write

Thank you, Richard, for the excellent report we received this evening. The fine fellowship of last year's UMMA Gathering makes it the more meaningful. Keep up the good work. In friendship, Everett and Vera Woodcock

*****

Ric and All, We will be climbing Mt. Shasta in Northern California this week-end - six hours to the base camp at 10,500 ft. and overnight. The next day we go on up with a day pack to 14,000 ft - another six hours. The hike back all the way out to the trail head is only five hours. All the climbing is on 10-15 feet of packed snow. Thanks for the encouragement - I will need it. Shalom, Howard Heiner [Our prayers are with you and Peggy, as she waits. - ed.]

*****

Dear UMMA Members, From May 15 to June 1, 2004, I will be visiting Kathmandu, Nepal for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the United Mission to Nepal. I was really pleased to see so many missionaries and former missionaries work at General Conference in translation and other jobs. Best wishes to all, Norma Kehrberg

*****

Hi Richard,
My record-keeping software keeps reminding me that I haven't pay dues to UMMA this year. We are overseas for an extended period (my wife is a Fulbright professor and researcher at a university.) Please let me know the amount I owe as a retired missionary and where to send the check. Thanks very much, (name withheld at his request)

Note: If you don't have software to remind you, just look at your check stubs. If you find no payment for the year(s) intended, you may still write a check to "UMMA" and send to: Fred Price, 165 Grandview Avenue, Pitman, NJ 08071 - We'll appreciate your help. - ed.

7. Tech Tips Gleaned from UMMA Administrative Council by Richard Schwenk

It is very hard to keep up reading email when people do not change the subject line of the email messages as they grow in length each time they are passed on. So they take on a life of their own with numerous good ideas under a subject title that has no correlation to what is being presented in the latest email. Unless you are trying to keep a complete history, when an email topic changes or is resolved, just type "...snipped..." and delete the old resolved matters. Unique and specific subject lines help us to know some key content without having to search each email.

Avoid forwarding emails as attachments when you can just click "Return." Attachments takes several steps to finally get to the content of the email, rather than scroll down and just read it. Viruses like to lurk in attachments so virus scanners are needed, especially when the subject line is ambiguous. Inspired by all your thoughts, these are just a few tips to make emailing more effective and effortless.

8. Spiritual Nurture Note by Carolyn Belshe Cowen

There is an old barn in the edge of the woods here. I have claimed it for my space to go for Silence and to listen to God. Sunday when everyone was out of the house for worship service downtown I made my way to the old barn. Situated in an old metal lawn chair, I began a centering prayer to clear my mind. There were many subjects to clear away - family illness and clutter of this and that - to include bits of news from General Conference. I really had to focus and pray for God's gentle love to surface in my soul.

The stillness that came was awesome! I needed it. Time passed. Visual focus changed. I looked around and saw the numerous saplings that had sprung up from trees that had been cut down 15 years ago. Indeed, it had become a wilderness of uncontrolled underbrush.

My life flashed before me - how I had allowed bad attitudes to creep in with the daily hassles. I realized my heart was troubled with reports of General Conference. I had long forgotten the liberation that Jesus had given me years ago. Like sprouts from cut-down trees, forgiven sins were shooting back up to rob me of the serenity that God's love generates.

Then, came that purifying sweetness of who is really, really in charge of my life - making the unwanted sprouts to disappear. Being set free from the hassles of judging, free from the frustrations of keeping a family on schedule, struggling with severe illnesses of those dear to me - free. Free to love and be loved.

9. Remember, Honor, and Celebrate by Richard Schwenk

As most of us know, Memorial Day was established to commemorate American war dead and is now observed the last Monday in May. On this day many Americans remember, honor and celebrate our departed family members by visiting their graves and placing flowers. It seems part of human nature to remember our departed relatives and friends. The Bible is full of commands to remember our departed and their good deeds. Hebrews 13:7 urges us to "Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." (NRSV).

Indigenous people in Borneo have a similar practice in June as they remember their ancestors before beginning their planting season. They recall those who passed down virtues, accumulated agricultural lore, and a legacy of other knowledge from generation to generations - things we often take for granted. The Chinese have a day in October for honoring their ancestors. In many other countries of the world a similar occasion takes place around All Saints Day as they hold informal clan reunions in the cemetery. In America this event has been secularized at Halloween, but devoid of the original significance. Even Memorial Day has become a day were the emphasis is on the beginning of summer fun with little thought about remembering and honoring departed loved ones. Let us pause to remember them, then go forward to honor their lives and give thanks for their sacrifice and what they passed on to us that make our life more livable, productive and enjoyable.

We welcome your comments: