Meeting Reports - Renew Network -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 11/30/1999
Last Visited: 9/15/2000
The board meeting began with rather philosophical reports from the Treasurer, Connie Takamine, and from the President, Sarah Shingler.
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Shingler expressed shock and horror, but recognized that the Women's Division is not perfect and we make mistakes. Moving from that ridiculous example, she moved to a sublime conclusion : I do not believe that with our spiritual grounding and with all the study and research we do we will ever do anything which is contrary to our Purpose or ever lead United Methodist Women to do something which is contrary to our purpose. She challenged the women to continue looking for that elusive something which elicits receptiveness to the message we deliver..
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Sara Shingler said after the speech, My words can in no way express my wonder.Your book taught us yesterday and your words today challenged us for today and tomorrow. She expressed tremendous appreciation for a wonderful morning of challenge..
Issues
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Sara Shingler, national President of United Methodist Women, spoke to the directors about the importance of being heard.Her direction to the body was concise : I believe the greatest challenge the Division faces is to speak in a voice that will be heard and understood, so that the message we deliver can be received and the work of mission can grow. She validated the purpose of the UMW as set forth in the Book of Discipline, which states that the Women's Division shall be actively engaged in fulfilling the mission of Christ and the Church and shall interpret the purpose of United Methodist Women (italics mine).be not it interesting that paid staff interprets the mission for UMW, not the other way around.President Shingler touted the more recent spiritual growth studies. (RENEW review have found serious shortcomings in these studies.) Ms. Shingler said her heart aches for women who are needlessly worried about the Women's Division programs and policies.She affirmed her own belief that the Division would never do lead United Methodist Women to do something that is contrary to our purpose.