Assembly 2010 Theme is Announced
Assembly coordinator, Andris Salter, announced the theme of Assembly 2010, "Faith. Hope. Love in Action" to the directors at the semi-annual board meeting in Stamford, Conn. Photo by Cassandra M. Zampini.
By Leigh Rogers*
“Faith. Hope. Love in Action” is the 2010 Assembly theme, and it was announced with much excitement and enthusiasm by the Women’s Division Directors during their Spring Board Meeting in Stamford, Conn.
The Assembly of United Methodist Women is an historic quadrennial event that attracts thousands. Since 1942, the event continues to be a gathering place celebrating and empowering women in mission for women, children and youth.
The 2010 Assembly will take place in St. Louis, Mo. from April 30-May 2, 2010 with a pre-event Ubuntu day of service taking place on April 29. Online registration for the event begins June 1, 2009.
“Are you ready? Are you sure you’re ready? Are you positive you’re ready?” Andris Y. Salter asked the UMW Board of Directors.
Ms. Salter and several members of the Board then presented the Assembly Theme, Vision Statement, and Scripture. After a vote, United Methodist Women President Inelda González announced the approval of these items, and the Directors roared with cheers.
The Assembly 2010 Vision Statement reads:
As United Methodist Women who are disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to share…
• Faith: Our belief in the possibility of a new heaven and a new earth.
• Hope: Our expectation of needs met for all.
• Love: Our sisterhood of grace and our embodiment of justice
• In Action: We find fulfillment of Faith. Hope. Love in the name of Jesus Christ.
The Assembly 2010 Scripture is Colossians 1:3-6, and the Offering Statement is “Putting in to action our faith, hope, and love.” The offering given at Assembly 2010 will help fund organizations and projects focused on global health and environmental justice issues that affect women, children and youth nationally and internationally.
Registration for the event will be entirely online for fast, easy response and streamlined registration.
Ms. Salter, the Assembly 2010 coordinator, shared why Assembly participation was important to the members of United Methodist Women. “I attended as a junior in high school. I planned years in attendance to go again. 2010 could be the best Assembly yet, and I’ll be there.” Ms. Salter announced.
Plans for Assembly 2010 are well underway, and include events such as a young women’s Speech-Off, the Ubuntu Day of Service, an Education Symposium, a Dance Night,, an International Marketplace, book signings, and a possible United Methodist Women Film Festival.
Assembly 2010 is being designed as a forum for practical learning and experience for mission, and attendees will walk away better equipped for mission than ever. Workshops on issues including the economic crisis and racial justice, as well as moderated panels on the next generation, the environment as well as other issues of mission, globalization, and human rights are just a few of the Assembly components being organized.
Participants will be able to experience the same enrichment in worship and spiritual growth. The arena space will offer time to gather as one body of women in fellowship. There will be bible studies on various themes and topics, as well as a meditation room to sit quietly, pray and reflect.
Instead of an exhibit hall, which has been a part of past Assemblies, Ms. Salter described an “Experience Hall,” different because it is “an opportunity to take in what you’re learning, whether it’s in small groups, training sessions, or resources to be an experience of [a variety of] issues,” she said.
Though it might be different for some, Ms. Salter is excited about the potential for these new ways of integrating mission work with a fellowship of women for Christ. “Different is great. This will be the best Assembly you have ever, ever, ever attended!”
For the first time, the Women’s Division will give an opportunity to companies and organizations to sponsor Assembly. The intent is to invite new partnerships to the organization and provide funding support for this large event. “Sponsorship can utilize partners we have and develop new ones to help us with Assembly as we help them,” said Salter. She guaranteed, “We will be vetting these sponsors to make sure their mission statements are aligned with ours.”
“A lot of women are ready” for this Assembly, Ms. Salter said, and expressed to all members to “Be ready and be willing” for Assembly.
In her presentation, Ms. Salter did address rising financial concerns for those who cannot attend. The base cost of Assembly 2010 is $215. “The reality is, it is four years later,” she said.
In light of this new cost, “[The Women’s Division] staff created a new scholarship fund,” she said, and challenged the directors to do the same. “I challenge all of us to work hard and prepare ourselves so we can bring as many people who should be at Assembly,” Ms. Salter said.
With pumped-up enthusiasm from the directors, Ms. Salter concluded, “It will be our night, United Methodist Women!”
Learn more about Assembly 2010 at www.umwmission.org and www.umwonline.org.
