November, 2008

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK:

Dear Sisters in the Faith:

           It was wonderful to see and talk with so many of you at our Virginia Conference United Methodist Women 36th Annual Meeting.  A time to celebrate all the wonderful work our Districts and Local Church Unit's have been doing.  It was very exciting to listen to the District President's Reports at Executive Meeting.

           This last year has been a hard year in many ways for the Conference Mission Team, but we have been able to go forward because of your prayers and support.  It is my pleasure to serve as your Conference President.  As I have traveled around our conference the last two years, I have listened to your concerns, and we as a team have been trying to answer your questions and be available to come to your districts.  I have seen and heard of wonderful new creative programs that are helping us fulfill our PURPOSE as United Methodist Women.

           As I look back at our history and forward to a vision of our future.  I see a future that can be extraordinary as we faithfully allow God to lead us. We are the largest single organization inside of the United Methodist Church.  As

Harriett Jane Olson, Deputy General Secretary of Women's Division, said in June Response, "The success of our history is the biggest hurdle, to the success of our future. The more we talk about what it used to be like, the harder it is to talk about what it can be like. I don't mean to dismiss the power of the past because it is the power of the future."  This really means that we cannot do everything the way we used to, but we are very creative women and I know we can move forward. 

           I believe in a vision for the future of this Conference, when supported by the gifts of a passionate membership, who are hopeful and at work for women.  I believe that vision is a challenge that awaits us, that brings great opportunities.  We need to stand up and be proud of who we are and what God has enabled us to accomplish. 

           John Wesley said, "It is a heart warming encounter with the living God who continually serves the faith community when it faints and is exhausted.  Christian mission gets its fuel from the communal walk with Jesus."

           I believe that God is still calling us to live our Purpose.  Our Purpose is our vision for the future; it is life changing and life giving.  When we become passionate, intentional and enthusiastic about our PURPOSE, we will no longer have a problem with leadership, membership, or resources to support our work.  We will be able to draw women who want to be a part of the future when they see God at work.

           Our God calls us to serve by being in mission, and He calls us to be merciful, to stand up for justice and to walk humbly with Him.  Harriett Jane Olson, calls us" to remember the past, and then look to the future with intentions of continuing to make the world more attentive to the needs of women, children and youth, and to keep praying."  

           I believe that the challenge we face as the Virginia Conference Mission Team is an opportunity to build on our past and step out to be part of the future God has for us.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "The Lord has planned for us a future with hope."  I challenge you to pray, to listen to God and to be committed to our PURPOSE and enthusiastic about the future. 

          This is an exciting time for all United Methodist Women in this Conference as we celebrate how God has blessed us and is now calling us to live our Purpose.

Blessings and Joy,
Addie Haynes
President

 

This page was last updated on Saturday, December 13, 2008.