150 YEARS OF WOMEN

ORGANIZED FOR MISSION

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

OF INDIANA

2019 REPORT TO 2020 ANNUAL

CONFERENCE

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN OF INDIANA 2019 REPORT TO 2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

United Methodist Women is a body of Christian women organized for mission. In the state of Indiana we are 10,000 members strong. The Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016 recognizes that UMW not only provides advocacy and service on behalf of women, children and youth but also takes a lead role in expanding concepts of mission for the whole church as its leaders serve in various places throughout the United Methodist connection. United Methodist Women of Indiana units are found in churches of all sizes throughout the Annual Conference. All are committed to our Purpose: United Methodist Women shall be a community of women

whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

Throughout 2019 local, district and conference events celebrated 150 years of women organized for mission, service and social action. On a rainy night in 1869 eight women met in a Boston church to hear from missionaries home on furlough from India. Upon learning of the plight of women in India who could not receive an education or be treated by a male doctor, these women pooled their resources and sent a female doctor and a female educator to India. These two women established a hospital and a college that are still in existence today! This is the proud heritage of United Methodist Women. FOUR CORE COMMITMENTS Leadership Development is a major component of our organization as leaders are equipped through annual training events, seminars, scholarships, grants and projects. Transformative Education occurs through opportunities such as Mission u where we learn about God’s call to mission, transformation of self, the church and the world. Service and Advocacy are encouraged through opportunities for participation in activities and projects that promote change in systems that oppress. As we are educated for mission, we are encouraged to get involved in advocating for women, children and youth who are in need. Spiritual Growth is the basis for the work of United Methodist Women. As we grow in our love for God, we grow in our love for those whom God has led us to serve. We are empowered by God to reach out to serve God through our service to others. Knowledge of God and God’s will for each of us comes through the opportunities and resources for spiritual growth offered by our organization.

These core commitments are what define us. They are a part of our DNA as United Methodist Women. We are not Super Women. We are ordinary women doing extraordinary things for the God we love. Quadrennial Priorities of United Methodist Women Maternal and Child Health/End Maternal Mortality Climate Justice/Just Energy for All Criminalization of Communities of Color/Interrupt the School-to-Prison Pipeline Economic Inequality/Living Wage for All 2020 CONFERENCE GOALS We are committed to connect to all the women who want to be a part of our organization. Here is what we want to achieve in 2020. Membership-Grow membership in each district by 1%. Recognize units at risk of becoming inactive. Action steps

Promote conference events and programs with the goal of improving attendance/participation. Intentionally recruit new members (widen the circle). INVITE! INVITE! INVITE!

Assess meeting times and make adjustments. Rebranding/renaming events Offer alternative ways for engagement via clusters, online groups, creative partnerships.

Each conference and district officer be intentional in visiting at least 4 local units yearly (one per quarter) to encourage support and educate. District presidents will make assignments in their districts.

Mission Giving – meet or exceed pledge Action steps Encourage gift to mission in honor of Legacy women

Educate – share where the money goes, evaluate and distribute money in the treasury at the end of the year, special year-end giving Share our stories Promote, support and advocate for the Lucille Raines Residence.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019 Understanding the importance of using technology as an alternative way of doing business, the Conference UMW Leadership Team and the Program, Nominating, Mission u, Finance Committees, and the District Presidents held their March meetings via internet. This was in compliance with instructions to maintain social distancing due to COVID-19. Several local units have organized on-line circles that meet via the internet. THE SPIRITUAL GROWTH RETREAT was held in January at McCormick’s Creek and in April at Don Hall’s Guest House in Fort Wayne. Rev. Shannon Stringer lead both retreats centered around the topic “Called: Esther’s Story in Today’s World.” Each retreat was well-attended and transformative.

LEGISLATIVE AND ADVOCACY DAY was held at Castleton UMC in March. The focus was Income Inequality. Keynote speakers Maxine Thomas and Rev. Lisa Marchal from Results helped us see ways to become skilled advocates. The afternoon sessions addressed various issues surrounding economic inequality and how to be proactive in addressing these issues. MISSION U, a four-day learning experience for women, children and youth was held in July on the campus of the University of Indianapolis. Awesome study leaders led the women and young people in the studies Practicing Resurrection, The Gospel of Mark and Radical Discipleship; Women United for Change 150 Years in Mission; and What About Our Money.

Dr. Derek Weber led the spiritual growth study.

UMW generously donated monetary gifts, diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets, toys, food, hygiene items and baby supplies to the Better Indy Babies (BIBS) pantry. BIBS Pantry is located at University Heights UMC. The purpose of BIBs is to assist expectant mothers and their newborns with needs. Action Item Each year Mission u selects an action issue to support. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Campaign was selected for 2019. Participants were encouraged to write to their elected officials urging them to pass the bipartisan federal FAMILY Act.

ANNUAL CELEBRATION The 2019 Annual meeting was a celebration of 150 years of women organized for mission. Meeting at St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis, the October meeting was a festive celebratory event! Friday evening women from all over the state of Indiana met in St. Luke’s Great Hall for a delicious meal prepared by St. Luke’s United Methodist Woman, Marci Jordan. During the dinner Matthew’s Voices, a choir made up of homeless men and women served by Roberts Park UMC in Indianapolis, entertained us with their music then joined the women at their tables for dinner. The keynote speaker for the evening was Maurice Young, a man who has chosen to live homeless among the homeless, in order to advocate for justice for them. He has served on Mayors’ committees and helps individuals find jobs and places to live. He helps register them to vote and signs them up for health insurance. The women were truly moved by his presentation. The remainder of the evening was spent filling baggies with items for the homeless. The bags contained such things as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, bottled water, crackers, cookies, shampoo, tissues, combs, and granola bars.

On Saturday, the annual business meeting was held with election of officers for 2020. Bishop Julius Trimble spoke on the heritage of United Methodist Women sharing the example of his own mother and wife as dedicated members of UMW. He then installed the 2020 Conference Leadership Team.

SILENT RETREAT The Silent Retreat was held at St. Joseph’s Retreat Center in Tipton. It was a weekend of sacred silence and reflection. OFFICER TRAINING Fishers United Methodist Church was the setting for the 2019 Officer’s Training and Leadership Event. Lively discussions around the tables helped all to focus on important goals for the future.

LUCILLE RAINES RESIDENCE Our continuing support of the Lucille Raines Residence is vital to keeping this ministry and mission strong as it aids individuals in their recovery from substance abuse. UMW of Indiana supports LRR through our UMW pledges, gifts, and donations. The “asking” of $10.00 per member per year helps keep the doors open but much more is needed for this vital ministry to continue. LEGACY FUND This fund was established so that United Methodist Women will live in perpetuity with interest from this fund paying administrative expenses so the yearly mission giving might be used entirely to fund mission. We continue to build awareness and excitement around the Legacy Fund. At present $31,069,377 has been pledged toward the goal of $60,000,000.

Rita Gaither-Gant, member of the Legacy Committee promotes the Legacy Fund.

TREASURER’S REPORT

In 2019 United Methodist Women of Indiana provided $499,322.00 in support of missions to women,

youth and children throughout the world. Mission giving makes mission possible. Mission giving is

United Methodist Women’s giving beyond the tithes and offerings they contribute to their local

churches. Nearly 100 National Mission Institutions in the United States supported by United Methodist

Women’s giving are empowering women, caring for children, educating and building youth, looking after

the neglected, advocating for social justice, creating economic opportunities and changing

neighborhoods.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE IN ACTION!!!

Kathie Clemenz Conference President