NOVEMBER IS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

This is a handout that you can use anytime this month. Again, reformat the document into two columns so you can get two copies from one page of paper.

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NOVEMBER IS

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

The following prayer is from a service of Communion created by Discipleship Ministries, UMC.

We send to you, Creator God, our dreams, visions, and prayers.

For our mission,
Let your Spirit move us to honor and respect one another – from the least to the greatest. May we treat everyone we encounter with dignity and love. May we affirm the image of the Creator within each one of us. May we help restore the image of the Creator on earth. May our words, thoughts, and actions nourish and sustain your creation.

For the Church,
May she lead and dance with honor. Let all who follow her steps and rhythm know and feel righteousness and strength. May her regalia exemplify purity and perfection.

For the world:
May the nations of the earth gather to listen to the heartbeat of God. May they sit in silence as the Great Peacemaker teaches and shows them how to walk upright. May the war clubs and instruments of destruction be transformed into life giving means of grace. (Isaiah 2)

For the hearts of the people,
Created with your sacred fire burning within us, we confess that we struggle to live out of our great potential. When we do harm to your Creation, your creatures and fellow human beings, forgive us. When we fail to do all the good we can, in all the places we can, forgive us. When we turn away from your love and grace, forgive us.

Leader: Hear now the good news of Jesus Christ,
People: You are forgiven. I am forgiven. We are forgiven.
Leader: Peace be with you.

The Twenty Third Psalm
A Native-American Indian Version

The GREAT FATHER above a SHEPHERD CHIEF is.
I am His and with Him I want not.
He throws out to me a rope
and the name of the rope is love
and He draws me to where the grass is green
and the water is not dangerous,
and I eat and lie down and am satisfied.
Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down
but He lifts me up again and draws me into a good road.
His name is WONDERFUL.

Sometime, it may be very soon, it may be a long long time,
He will draw me into a valley.
It is dark there, but I'll be afraid not,
for it is between those mountains
that the SHEPHERD CHIEF will meet me
and the hunger that I have in my heart all through life will be satisfied.

Sometimes he makes the love rope into a whip,
but afterwards He gives a staff to lean upon.
He spreads a table before me with all kinds of foods.
He put His hand upon my head and all the "tired" is gone.
My cup he fills till it runs over.
What I tell is true.
I lie not.

These roads that are "away ahead" will stay with me
through this life and after;
and afterwards I will go to live in the Big Teepee
and sit down with the SHEPHERD CHIEF forever.

-- From the West Michigan Conference

2014 ELECTION AND OTHER INFO

VOTER PARTICIPATION IN TEXAS

IS 48^th OF 50!

Although Texas’s voter participation had improved as of the 2012 presidential election, election watchers expect only 40% of its registered voters to actually vote in this coming election. We need to improve a lot more!

So…. Our election is November 4 and I urge all of you to vote yourselves and to encourage family and friends to vote. Regardless of your party affiliation, exercise your right—and duty—to help select men and women to represent you at the State and local levels.

It can be difficult to decide how to vote, but as Christians and United Methodists, we have help there.

First, we have scripture: “Love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind …and your neighbor as yourself.” Those commandments give us initial direction.

Then we have the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, which tell us that we are to be peacemakers, be merciful, be pure in heart, etc. Those instructions lead us further in our thought processes about choosing our positions on the social issues.

And then we Methodists have the UMC Social Principles, which state in very simple and direct terms how our church, our faith puts those Biblical instructions into action. (There are copies of the Social Principles in the FUMC Denton library, and probably in most all your church libraries.)

There’s nothing anywhere about political parties…only about issues and our living out our faith according to our understanding of scripture. So it is up to us to choose the candidates who seem to support the positions that manifest the Biblical admonitions.

So continue to pray, read, listen, educate yourself, and then VOTE! Early voting is very easy in Denton County because you can vote at any poll in the County.

OTHER CONCERNS TO REMEMBER

We should not forget the refugees in South Texas, and in connection with that situation we have a message from Carol Barton, UMW Inc., social action….

“The UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights has just released a new document, ‘Recommendations for Principles and Guidelines for Human Rights at International Borders.’ The document represents an important step forward in recognizing the significance of human rights at borders. It presents us with a tremendous challenge to strengthen adherence to these principles and guidelines by governments around the world. The document is “non-binding” and does not introduce “new” rights, but by clearly spelling out human rights principles in the context of borders and providing numerous recommendations for guidelines for government adherence and implementation, it provides advocates and organizers with a great tool to incorporate into our efforts.”         Rose: I urge you to stay in touch with the progress via website UMW Immigrant/Civil Rights Initiative.

herence to these principles and guidelines by governments around the world. The document is "non-binding" and does not introduce "new" rights, but by clearly spelling out human rights principles in the context of borders and providing numerous recommendations for guidelines for government adherence and implementation, it provides advocates and organizers with a great tool to incorporate into our efforts. Join United Methodist Women and partners at the Church Center for the UN on Thursday Oct 23 for a celebration and strategy session in New York.herence to these principles and guidelines by governments around the world. The document is "non-binding" and does not introduce "new" rights, but by clearly spelling out human rights principles in the context of borders and providing numerous recommendations for guidelines for government adherence and implementation, it provides advocates and organizers with a great tool to incorporate into our efforts. United Methodist Women and partners at the Church Center for the UN will celebrate and strategize on Thursday, Oct 23.

 I would encourage you to stay abreast of this situation at UMW Immigrant/Civil Rights Initiative on-line.

And UMCOR continues its work in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoons Glenda and Mario. Almost 400 families displaced by the typhoon will receive food packages to meet basic needs. The relief packages, which consist of locally purchased rice, sardines, instant noodles, sugar and meatloaf, will go to those deemed most vulnerable. To enable UMCOR to support the needs of survivors during times of disaster, we can give to Advance #982450, International Disaster Response.

Let us continue to pray for the people of the U.S. Midwest during their time of recovery from the severe storms that ripped through the region recently, as well as for the dedicated missionaries returning to countries ravaged by Ebola as well as for the victims and families.

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United Methodist churches celebrate U.N. Sunday, Oct. 26, the Sunday closest to the Oct. 24, (1945) founding of the United Nations.

NTC UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CELEBRATION 2014

As those who were there can attest, our meeting Saturday at St. Luke’s Community UMC was indeed a celebration! There were around 150 of us, and the UMW and the Rev. Dr. Michael Bowie, Jr., of St. Luke’s welcomed us in fine Christian fashion—of course. I want to tell you just a bit of what went on.

The Rev. Sarah Squires spoke with great enthusiasm and conviction about the work at Wesley-Rankin. (I hope most of you know about this great National Mission Institution. If not, look it up online—or look into the “Older Posts” on my blog: RoseWatsonUMWSocialActionblogspot.com)  Her theme was this quotation: “We’re ready to ride...but first we have to decide…Do we ride in the direction we’re all facing?...Or is that too easy?” That’s a thought worth contemplating. She pointed out that, to remain relevant and effective, Wesley-Rankin has had to re-think some practices, implement new ones, and continue to serve.

Six focus groups were available; I chose to attend the “Visiting Missionary, Chennai, India.” Ms. Kasthuri Devaraj is—as she told us—80 years old but is still leader of the Opportunity School for mentally challenged children in Chennai. The School tries to teach all of them to become less dependent on others and where possible, it teaches them to become independent citizens. She is a charming, vivacious lady, and she was attended by Grace, a volunteer who travelled to America with Ms. Devaraj and who has her own story. (I’m so sorry that I’ve misplaced the card with Grace’s full name on it.) Although the ladies came to the meeting to tell us about the school and were not actively fund-raising, I was led to leave a contribution.

I encourage you to look up their website and learn more. Then, if you feel led, you may send a contribution to The Board of Global Ministries, 475 Riverside Drive, NY 10115. Gifts processed through GBGM are eligible for tax exemption. You may also send checks directly to the school, and the instructions are at the website.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: MAKE IT STOP

This post is information from the Conference Connection newspaper, September edition. I plan to distribute the flyer this coming Sunday. October is a busy month, observing also Breast Cancer Awareness, World Food Day and United Nations Day. So there will be one focus each Sunday, if we like.
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

BY THE NUMBERS

In Texas…

2,632 Texas women have been killed in family violence since 1990.

223,000 Texans called family violence hotlines in the past year.

79,000 people, mostly women and children, sought services from family violence programs in the last year.

5,598 family-violence members were served each day by Texas programs in 2011.

8,028 unmet requests that Texas Health and Human Services Commission reported for fiscal year 2012.

45% of family violence programs report insufficient funding.

27% of young Texans have been victims of physical dating violence. Adding emotional and verbal abuse, the percentage rises to almost 50%.

In the U.S…

1.3 million are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.

$5.8 billion is the cost of intimate-partner violence each year.

$4.1 billion is spent for direct medical and mental health services for family-violence victims.

Twice as likely are the chances that boys who witness domestic violence will abuse their own partners and children as adults.

(Sources: Texas Council on Family Violence; 2011 National Census on Domestic Violence Services; National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

To help equip faith leaders and advocates with the tools and knowledge to address the issues of abuse, you may donate to FaithTrust Institute Advance #951160.

Message from the Bishop

“Let’s unite in the effort to end abuse. Domestic violence is something the Church cannot ignore. It affects our families. It affects our children. It prevents us from living into the fullness of the loving and grace-filled community Christ calls us to be. This October, we encourage you to promote awareness within your congregations and communities. Let’s join the movement to make North Texas a safe place for women, children, and families. For a downloadable list of resources, go to northtexasumc.org/pdfs/Domestic-Violence-Resources-2014.pdf.

“Sunday is the most violent day of the week, experts say. Domestic violence is a reality in all of our communities, and we as the Church must admit that and work to end it. I am asking all North Texas United Methodists, lay and clergy, young people and adults, to come together to say no to domestic violence. Here are a few examples of how to begin our work together.

*Pastors will not tell domestic violence victims to go home and be better wives. They will listen to them and offer to help.

*Laity will not ask “Why does she stay?” They will ask him, “Why are you hurting her?”

*Youth will know that dating-violence is unacceptable.

*And even the abusers in our midst will know that their behavior must stop and that counseling and other forms of help are available.

We are a compassionate, empathetic annual conference. We know that there is a problem and we care about others. The Bible teaches that we are to have loving relationships built on the love of Christ as found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:  Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”

For escape plans, signs of abuse and the effects of abuse on children, go to northtexasumc.org/domestic-violence.html.

--from North Texas Conference Connection--

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEEDS...OCTOBER OBSERVANCES

Good afternoon from Krum, Texas.  It's a lovely day in North Texas and everywhere that we choose to see in that way..... This is the usual type of handout. I hope you can use it----and I look forward to seeing you at the Conference Celebration two weeks from today!

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FROM THE NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT & NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

October 11 is our annual conference gathering and celebration at St. Luke Community UMC at 4710 E. R.L. Thornton Parkway in Dallas. The theme for the day is “Colors of Christ—Learning, Loving and Living God’s Word.” Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Sarah Squires, executive director of Wesley-Rankin Community Center. We hope to pack 1000 birthing kits for UMCOR! Join us! If you need transportation, contact your Unit president.

October 11—8:30 am to 3 pm

********************** The agencies serving in South Texas for the refugees seeking safety continue to need our prayers and support.  Donations may still be sent to the following: SWTX Conference UMW, noted "Texas Border Crisis,” 16400 Huebner Road, San Antonio TX 78248 McAllen District UMW, noted "Immigrant Relief," 1909 W. Harrison, Harlingen TX 78550 Holding Institute UMW, noted “to be used in Laredo,” 1220 McClelland, Laredo TX 78040 Good Neighbor Settlement House, to the House at 1254 Tyler Street, Brownsville, 78520. *********************** The Ebola crisis continues and worsens. United Methodist Communications is in the forefront of the mass communication effort that is essential.

“In the Ebola crisis, communication precedes prevention and treatment,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “The contagion cannot be contained without clear communication about the reality of the Ebola virus, sanitation, isolation of sick people, and proper handling of the deceased. This has to be communicated effectively and widely. In these circumstances, a clear message saves lives.”
Additionally, United Methodist Communications is sending text messages to church leaders in Liberia to keep them informed and encouraged in this time of crisis. African communicators are being equipped and trained to take over this communication in the near future.
The majority of the telecommunications market in Liberia is wireless, with 69% relying on mobile phones. That number is 67% in Sierra Leone, making text messages a crucial way to distribute prayers for encouragement and life-saving messages.
The first text message was sent August 19 on behalf of Bishop John Innis  of Liberia to his district superintendents:  Ebola is real. It kills with little warning. Please adhere to health messages to safeguard your family. Let us be in prayer. God is with us.
“Prayers of Encouragement,” an Upper Room publication, will be made available to World Reader users in a variety of formats, including tablets, smartphones and biNu, billed as “Your Smartphone in the Cloud.” This is technology that United Methodist Communications has tested and used previously and is well-received in developing nations. Additionally, the agency will send words of encouragement from this booklet via text.

To support this outreach, give to Advance #982450, Disaster Response, International.

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Recent months have seen torrential rain and widespread flooding throughout the countries of South Asia. UMCOR, also through gifts to Advance #982450, is responding with emergency assistance through its partners on the ground in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India-controlled Kashmir.

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Back in the U.S. wildfires rage in central and northern California, consuming or threatening homes and other vital structures. UMCOR is in communication with the California-Pacific Annual Conference to assess needs. To help UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response, donate to Advance #901670.

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October Observances

     Domestic Violence Awareness Month

     Breast Cancer Awareness Month

     World Food Day, October 16

     National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths,

                October 18-19

     United Nations Day, October 24

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OCTOBER OBSERVANCES

October is a busy month for special observances.

On the medical front, we will focus on Breast Cancer Awareness.

It is remarkably timely that we will highlight Domestic Violence, an ongoing scourge in this country.

World Food Day will bring our attention to the millions of children who are always hungry. (Materials are available from Church World Service.)

And United Nations Day will ask us to celebrate this largest union of the world's nations.

Be thinking of materials you can distribute.

IMMIGRATION AND THE GOOD NEIGHBOR SETTLEMENT HOUSE

This piece continues material about immigration. It also includes a specific request for the Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville, Texas.

As usual, the text can be reformatted for a half, vertical page, back to back. For my documents, I use Calibri font, size 12.

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Immigration Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. —1 John 4:20-21

 Of the people living in the United States today, 35.7 million were born elsewhere. Twelve million live without documents. Of the total, 1.6 million are children, half of whom live below the poverty line. This movement of people can be seen in every continent of the world. Global migration was estimated at 191 million in 2006. Global migration has increased dramatically in recent years due to economic policies like free trade that have eliminated jobs and pushed farmers from their land in poor nations of Africa, Asia and Latin America and pulled them into the more prosperous nations of North America, Europe and Asia. Competition for resources and displacement due to climate change in poor nations has also contributed to these patterns. In the United States, communities are being transformed. Many U.S. citizens express fears related to race, jobs and security, which has led to an anti-immigrant backlash and migrants—especially women migrants and their children—being endangered by the rash of state anti-immigrant legislation. The use of local police for immigration enforcement, growing criminalization of immigrants who have committed no crime and rising detentions and deportations have all contributed to family separation.

Our Vision We affirm a world in which God’s vision of beloved community, a world in which nationalities and borders do not divide us as the people who God loves. We affirm the human rights of every person regardless of status and affirm that these rights do not stop at borders.

 United Methodist Church Policy “To refuse to welcome migrants to this country—and to stand by in silence while families are separated, individual freedoms are ignored, and the migrant community in the United States is demonized by members of Congress and the media—is complicity to sin” (Resolution 3281, “Welcoming the Migrant to the U.S.,” The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012). “Ways must be found to share more equitably the resources of the world” (¶163E United Methodist Social Principles). “The current global economic system reflects an expectation that many people will live in poverty, or have their nations torn by conflict, so that others may live in abundance. That many people will resist poverty and war through migration is an ancient and modern fact of human existence … The United Methodist Church commits to engage in strong, coordinated advocacy on migration issues and on behalf of actions that overcome poverty, war and other causes leading to the displacement and marginalization of people” (Resolution 6028, “Global Migration and the Quest for Justice,” The Book of Resolutions).

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Cindy Johnson, immigration counselor for UMW, Inc., and interim executive secretary for Christian social action, recently gave us this report about the refugees seeking safety in South Texas.

The involved bishops from both Texas and Mexico and a bishop from Honduras have recently visited in Brownsville. They agree that a top priority is to protect the immigrants—particularly youthful ones—from human predators. So they need advocates for children, to help keep them safe.

Personal needs for the immigrants include sports bras (since these garments come in small/medium/ large) and underwear.

The greatest need in Brownsville at the moment is financial support for the Good Neighbor Settlement House, which is a national mission institution of UMW. Gifts can be made through your UMW Unit. Or you may send a check made payable to Good Neighbor Settlement House, to the House at 1254 Tyler Street, Brownsville, 78520.

Cindy issued an enthusiastic invitation to United Methodist Women to visit and see for ourselves the work that is being done at Good Settlement.