United Methodist Women Assembly Opens
by Shanta Bryant Gyan
United Methodist Women's Assembly 2006 opened May 4 to a display of 15-foot puppets, colorful banners and stirring Gospel music sung in languages from around the world.
With vibrant drumming representing the Latin, Tongan, African, Native-American and Japanese cultures, and native chants and dance, the nearly 7,000 women from the United States and abroad in attendance experienced a soul-stirring opening worship service.
Kyung Za Yim, president of Women Division of the United Methodist mission agency, welcomed Assembly participants and invited them to journey together to celebrate God's grace and love.
"Your eyes will be opened to new insights," Ms. Yim said. She encouraged attendees to join United Methodist Women's new online community, meet missionaries and record their mission stories.
The opening worship service featured moving video testimonies highlighting mission stories and projects supported by United Methodist Women in Cambodia, New Mexico and Texas. By combining the cultural and worship experiences of United Methodist Women members, Sarah Brockus, staging coordinator for the worship services, said the opening services was joyful and exciting. Each day, the worship services will illustrate the three components of the Assembly theme: "Rise! Shine! Glorify God!"
United Methodist Bishops Mary Ann Swenson of the Los Angeles Area, Violet Fisher of New York West Area and Joel Martinez of the San Antonio Area celebrated communion.
United Methodist Women members will renew their faith, gain knowledge on social-justice issues, and make and rekindle friendships at the four-day Assembly.
Rebecca Bergman, 22, of Racine, Wis., was thrilled to attend her first Assembly.
"I'm excited to see what it is all about," said Ms. Bergman, a member of United Methodist Women at First United Methodist Church in Racine. I want to take home more faith and encourage more young people to join United Methodist Women."
Wisconsin Conference sponsored seven young women to attend Assembly. Diane Quade, a former director of the Women's Division and a past president of United Methodist Women in Wisconsin Conference, said Assembly provides her new ideas for mission with women, children and youth. She was especially gathering ways to address public education.
"United Methodist Women is on the cutting edge of what is going on in the world," Ms. Quade said.
Many of those attending Assembly are reconnecting and networking with fellow United Methodist Women members from around the United States.
Since attending her first assembly in 1982, Terry Smith of Monticello, N.Y., has roomed with Ms. Quade.
"I want to grow stronger in my faith and renew friendships," said Ms. Smith of her expectations in attending the Assembly.
When she returns to her church -- Monticello United Methodist Church -- she wants to work on domestic violence in her community.
Elva Steede of Good Samaritan United Methodist Church in San Jose, Calif., said she is attending her first Assembly to renew her interest in United Methodist Women and to be in solidarity with other women.
"I'm a bit overwhelmed but it has encouraged me to become more active," Ms. Steede said of Assembly's broad array of speakers justice issues to be addressed.
The Women's Division represents United Methodist Women, an organization of nearly one-million members, whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders and advocate for justice. Members raise close to $25 million a year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world.
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Kelly C. Martini
Communications Director/Information Officer
Women's Division, GBGM
United Methodist Church
(212) 870-3729 FAX (212) 870-3736
kmartini@gbgm-umc.org
http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/
