| UMMA Update, Summer 2002 |
- Report of the August 14th Meeting of Staff, Directors and UMMA
- From Our UMMA Spiritual Nurture Team
- Accommodations Secured For UMMA Gathering
- 2002 UMMA Gathering Proposed Agenda
- Application to Attend the 2002 UMMA Gathering, October 21-23
| 1. Report of the August 14th Meeting of Staff, Directors and UMMA |
by Howard Heiner, Chair of the United Methodist Missionary Association
August 14th Meeting Participants,
I want to express thanks on behalf of UMMA to the directors and staff for the opportunity to share our concerns and visions for the future work of the GBGM. The UMMA delegation felt it was a productive session. We view the meeting as a first step in building bonds of trust which can allow for a renewed team spirit among directors, staff and missionaries.
We have prepared a report to send to our members which we want to share with you as well. I will send a letter to Edith Gleaves (cc to Henderson, Martinez, and Nugent) outlining the issues we are requesting to be placed on the agenda for the directors and staff at the October meeting.
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." Let us look forward to working together, united in the name of Christ.
Report
GBGM and UMMA Meeting
American Airlines Admiral Club
Chicago O'Hare Airport
August 14, 2002
Participants
Directors: Bishop Joel Martinez, President GBGM; Reverend Curtis Henderson, Chairperson Mission Personnel Committee; Reverend Sally Dyck, Chairperson GBGM Personnel Committee
GBGM Staff
Dr. Randolph Nugent, General Secretary GBGM; Edith Gleaves, Deputy General Secretary Mission Personnel; Wilma Roberts, Associate General Secretary, General Secretary's Office Michael Rivas, Deputy General Secretary Planning and Research
UMMA
Howard Heiner, Chairperson UMMA; Beverly Reddick, Missionary in Residence; Phil Wingeier-Rayo, active missionary in Mexico, and Norma Kehrberg, Chairperson of Transition Task Force
Bishop Joel Martinez opened the meeting with reflections from Acts 8, 9, and 10 and commented on three types of early missionaries, one a stranger, one a foreigner and Paul, a former oppressor.
Following Bishop Martinez' opening reflections, all participants introduced themselves. An agenda was given to the Chair by Edith Gleaves for distribution. Although UMMA had prepared a proposed agenda and circulated it, the agenda that was distributed had not been shared with the UMMA participants prior to the meeting. After reviewing the distributed agenda, it was determined that the items on the distributed agenda provided adequate scope to cover UMMA's concerns.
Bishop Martinez stated that the purpose of the meeting was to listen to each other, to clarify relationships, practices and procedures as necessary.
Dr. Randy Nugent gave his perspective on the meeting which was to clarify how UMMA relates to the GBGM, identifying structures and avenues which are available for UMMA to use. Dr. Nugent added as an aside that GBGM had never spoken negatively of UMMA nor had responded negatively to UMMA.
Howard Heiner reviewed how and why UMMA was formed in 1996 out of a growing feeling of disfranchisement of the mission personnel community. He reviewed briefly the organization structure of UMMA with a Steering Committee composed of two representatives from the six regions of the world and two representatives from the retired missionary community.
Howard also stated that the present GBGM structure limits contact and opportunity for directors to hear directly and to get input from GBGM commissioned personnel. All information needs are channeled through the Program Cabinet where it is screened. In the past there was a team spirit between staff, directors and mission personnel acting together in mission. Today that does not exist. Howard reiterated that there is no desire to return to the past, but a new future is needed for working together successfully.
Edith Gleaves with Michael Rivas and Wilma Roberts then proceeded to identifying from their perspectives, the various contact points between the mission personnel community and the staff and board. Their list included: Mission Personnel Program Unit, Regional Executive Secretaries, Associate General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary, Missionary In Residence, Missionary Associations which include Church and Community Workers, National Association of Deaconesses and Missionaries and UMMA; Missionary Personnel Consultation, Global Mission Personnel Conference, Mission Forum, Regional Retreats, Mission Personnel Committee, Regional Consultations and the feedback from Global Context of Mission Statement.
Some clarification points were made noting that the Church and Community Workers Association and the National Association for Deaconesses and Missionaries both had directors on their committee, thus allowing them direct input to GBGM directors. Dr. Nugent stated that was because they were programs of the board. A comment was made that missionaries are also partof the board's program.
Following this presentation Norma Kehrberg began UMMA's response by pointing out some of the different perspectives UMMA has from what had been presented. She indicated that the underlying reason for UMMA concerns is that those who have been identified, selected, trained, commissioned and sent by the United Methodist Church through GBGM have been eliminated from giving meaningful input for sharing information and insights with those who make decisions for the board. She indicated that UMMA would like to have communication links and avenues reinstated and so be part of a team effort to carry out mission. She also mentioned that in the past directors would often visit areas of work with staff, meet with mission partners and mission personnel to gain first hand experience.
Norma also mentioned some changes: selection of the Missionary in Residence by staff rather than missionaries as previously, the abrupt discontinuation of the Collins Trust Fund Task Force, the Mission Forum was only arranged after 21 months of persistent efforts on the part of UMMA and was held only once. Norma closed with the request that those who are commissioned, set apart, dedicated and sent out by the church to work in the mission of Jesus Christ be considered a part of the team in order to share their perspective of "living in mission in cross culture settings."
Curtis Henderson, Chair of the Mission Personnel Program Unit responded by first indicating that General Conference stated in 1988 that the GBGM would be examined. In 1992 General Conference asked GBGM to restructure itself.
Mr. Henderson also noted that the decline of Board members from 180 to 90 had a major impact on communication links. He pointed out that directors are now allowed to make only one national visit and one international visit. He stressed that it is difficult to grasp the complexities of GBGM work sitting around a table twice a year with directors already carrying their own full time portfolios. He appreciated the point that if we don't have direct communication about what we are doing, we won't get very far.
Sally Dyck wondered if it were not possible to use modern technology to reconnect. She indicated that it appears the challenge of connecting to mission personnel has been exacerbated with the restructure.
Norma was asked to clarify the phrase "meaningful input" and she responded that it would include the opportunity to share in dialogue concerning mission theology and in the development of mission policy. Often the only sharing done is through responses to documents already formulated. She also stated that the Steering Committee of UMMA communicates and dialogues on issues through email every week. This dialogue is meaningful because of the many years of cross cultural experiences reflected among dedicated colleagues. Would it not be advantageous to expand the dialogue and share this information among directors and staff?
Curtis Henderson picked up on the "meaningful input" phrase and indicated that it is perhaps even more important to have "meaningful output" which can then be evaluated - to judge whether stated objectives have been met.
Following lunch, Howard as Chair of UMMA pointed out that issues brought to the Personnel Unit were mostly personal, not broader group concerns. The Mission Personnel Program Unit is not the place in the new structure for giving input into wider theological and programmatic issues.
Howard also reviewed the Mission Forum issue noting that the agenda was not developed by all the participants involved. There was no evaluation and no follow up. A second forum has not been planned as yet.
He also expressed concern that GBGM expansion has often taken place without adequate consultation with partner churches or missionaries in place on the field. The lack of appointment of a UMMA representative to the Compensation Policy and Review Committee as recommended upon the disbandment of the Collins Trust Fund Task Force is another point of concern. The Consultation scheduled for last spring was canceled and no new one has been scheduled.
Dr. Nugent responded strongly indicating that there are some radical differences in perspective. He presented some rationalizations from his point of view as General Secretary.
Bishop Martinez affirmed that the differences in perspectives are great. From the time he took office as President of the Board, he was confronted with UMMA concerns about the lack of willingness of the GBGM leadership to respond to UMMA concerns and Dr. Nugent's interpretation of these concerns as attacks on the Board. It became evident that a three party discussion was necessary to avoid misunderstandings. Norma proposed creating a task force of directors, staff and representatives from the three mission personnel organizations to explore avenues for communication and participation of the mission community in the wider program issues dialogues of the GBGM.
Curtis Henderson, citing funding and timing constraints, rejected this and stated that an avenue already exists through the Mission Personnel Program unit and that he as chair had full confidence that Edith Gleaves and her staff would bring UMMA matters to the directors at their October or subsequent meetings. He also indicated that he thought this was already in place through the Missionary-in-Residence responsibility. Repeated questions made it apparent that this avenue was felt to be inadequate by the UMMA representatives. Mr. Henderson finally allowed that the issues if deemed necessary, could be referred from Mission Personnel Program Unit to other parts of the board.
UMMA is to develop agenda items for the fall Board meeting and send them to Edith Gleaves with a copy to Mr. Henderson, Dr. Nugent and Bishop Martinez.
Bishop Martinez requested UMMA to assist members of the National Hispanic Association and National Korean Ministry to become engaged as UMMA has become engaged.
The meeting was closed at 3 PM with prayer by Curtis Henderson.
Report dated August 19, 2002
| 2. From Our UMMA Spiritual Nurture Team |
Written by a member of the Carthusian organization, and used by permission.
Editorial note: Carthusians are folks called to serve by seeking God through prayer, solitude, and contemplation.
Grasping Silence
There are two types of silence. One is external silence. The other is internal silence. One can make a pretty good argument for either, as to which is harder to grasp, or to attain. On the surface, one may be tempted to take the side of internal silence. After all, all one has to do is find a quiet place, and there you have it, external silence. But this, especially for those of us who live in large cities, is not always easy. But we have a pretty good idea of how to go about finding a place that is externally silent.
On the other hand, not so easy is the search for internal silence. With so many thoughts and issues on our minds, we, as lay people, and even contemplative religious, often see internal silence as more of an ideal rather than something experiential. But we must always remember that Christ is our peace, our comforter, our silence. In the silence of His tomb, we await the light of Resurrection. In this silence, if we can gaze into our own souls, and seek Him, we shall find Him.
To climb down off this lofty language, and speak from one modern heart to another, the way to find interior silence is not always a short trip. It takes time to put aside the cares and obligations of exterior life, and focus on quieting the mind.
Some things we find in our way, are quite naturally serious issues. It is these obstacles that can be more easily resolved by realizing that if we can get into the place of our interior silence, we will find God, who awaits us there, to guide us, and to counsel and console us.
We gaze into darkness, looking for even a mere sliver of light, for even a pinpoint of light will get us going on the right path. Obstacles can soon be seen, and avoided, as the light grows. Therefore, in our quest for interior silence, we may find that even before we get there, our trials, and tribulations dissolve, just as the darkness of the sepulchre was dissolved by the light of His Resurrection. It is in this light that the most pressing issues of our daily lives are also dissolved.
Maranatha! by A Carthusian Lay Contemplative
As we of the UMMA community around the world live out our individual callings and our collective resourcing we find the same need as this Contemplative for the light of Christ's Resurrection.
Times are tough! No one seems to feel any sense of security within our church's mission agency as it undergoes leadership changes, budget cuts, program assessments, and performance evaluations. We feel the pain of those in the fellowship who are asked to leave the work they have dedicated themselves to do in Jesus' name.
We peek outside our own mission agency's window and we see corporate, soul-less ethics stripping away human dignity, economic security - even survival and hope.
We peek again and see our own church's membership caught up in the fear of terrorism that could well place military power ahead of the rights of our people. We go forth to deal with a need we believe we can meet and come home with a sack full we can hardly understand.
We turn to contemplate Christ's scars, fruits of his persecution and execution. Have you thought about how those scars remained and how he used those wounds to console Thomas in his times of struggle? Those wounds are called the wounds of Love. Christ, though still bearing the marks of crucifixion, no longer has to bear physical pain,and in this we find Hope in our own woundedness.
Hope helps us to embrace our suffering. Hope guides us through the dark days as we struggle with our sacks full of troubles. Hope, Christ-born hope, gathers us up, bringing healing and wholeness to our souls.
Our Hope is fed by the wisdom and experience we learn from world leaders such as the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
I find that internal silence in an external silence setting provides me that opportunity to revitalize my soul through prayer. Solitude makes that space necessary to truly feel what Thomas must have felt when he came to realize the wounds of Jesus had healed, but scars remained as a lesson for us. That lesson for me is that we may well endure these harsh times and have our own marks. They can be wounds or they can be scars -- healed and clean. I think that is our choice as we live out our calling.
Once Mother Teresa was asked, "Mother what do you consider the most important thing in the training of your sisters?"
And she answered, "Silence. Interior and exterior silence. Silence is essential in a religious house.
The silence of humility, of charity, the silence of the eyes, of the ears, of the tongue. There is no life of prayer without silence."
And then at another time she expanded on her philosophy of silence. She explained that "we need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. See how nature, the trees, the flowers and the grass grow in perfect silence."
Finally, she added that without doubt "God is the friend of silence. His language is silence. And he requires us to be silent to discover him.
We need, therefore, silence to be alone with God, to speak to him, to listen to him and to ponder his words deep in our hearts. We need to be alone with God in silence to be renewed and to be transformed. For silence can give us a new outlook on life. In it we are filled with the grace of God, which makes us do all things with joy."
May Grace and Peace be in our hearts during this time.
| 3. Accommodations Secured For UMMA Gathering |
In the last UMMA UpDate we explained that the annual GATHERING of members would be changed from its usual date and place to Stamford, CT to coordinate with the fall meeting of the GBGM Board of Directors. The new General Secretary to replace Dr. Nugent will be elected at this meeting. This important event as well as the cancellation of the annual Global Missionary Personnel Conference in July were determining factors in our change.
UMMA has secured 15 double rooms at the Budget Hospitality Inn in downtown Stamford just off I-95 at Exit 8. Members will pay UMMA just $30 per person to share a double room. Continental breakfast is free at the motel. UMMA will plan to cover the evening forum meals. Other meals are at the member's expense.
If flying in, we recommend using LaGuardia airport which is only about 45 minutes away. Once we know arrival times of people at LaGuardia airport we will try to arrange a rental van or a shared limo to bring people to the Inn.
It takes about 40 minutes by Metro North or AMTRAK to Stamford from union Station. The Stamford station is only a 1/2 mile from the Inn.
If you plan to drive let me know & I will send details for reaching the Inn from I-95.
As you can see from the preliminary agenda below we are planning to attend the open plenary sessions of the GBGM Board of Directors meetings on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday. The Inn is about 3 miles from the hotel where the Board is meeting so we will arrange transport back and forth.
If you must arrive earlier than Monday the 21st please call the Inn at 1-800-362-7666 and make your own reservation.
We hope for a good attendance so are looking forward to seeing you in Stamford. If you plan to attend please use the form below.
Shalom,
Gil, UMMA Coordinator
| 4. 2002 UMMA Gathering Proposed Agenda |
Monday, October 21 at Budget Hospitality Inn, Stamford, CT
1:30 Welcome/Instructions
3:30 Board Meeting (Introductions; President's speech)
5:00 Break
7:00 Board Meeting - Dinner/Forum
Tuesday, October 22
7:00 UMMA Breakfast
8:15 Board Meeting (Gen. Sec. Speech - Q&A)
Mission Prog. Areas Mtgs
12:00 Lunch with certain directors and others
2:00 UMMA Gathering: first session
5:00 Break
7:00 Board Dinner/Forum
Wednesday, October 23
7:00 UMMA Breakfast
8:00 Board Meeting (Search Com. Rpt)
Board Standing Com. Mtgs
12:00 Lunch with certain directors and others
2:00 UMMA Gathering second session
5:00 END
| 5. Application to Attend the UMMA Gathering |
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