United Methodist Women Launches Assembly 2010
“Faith •Hope •Love in Action”
On April 30-May 2, in St. Louis, Mo., a broad and diverse gathering of women convened Assembly 2010 – a three-day conference hosted by United Methodist Women celebrating and empowering women of faith in mission for women, children, and youth. Inspired by faith and activated by justice, Assembly 2010 brought together women from all walks of life as one body to worship, fellowship with each other, and also to address and act upon issues affecting women, children and youth. The Assembly theme of “Faith • Hope • Love in Action” solidified this gathering into a movement for all women of faith.
A historic quadrennial event that attracts thousands, United Methodist Women’s Assembly has taken place since 1942, and has always been a gathering place to rejoice and mobilize women in mission for women, children and youth.
Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Women Participate
The
scriptures in the opening worship service were presented in the many
languages representing our diversity. Marta Rodriguez, Women's
Division Director from Northern Illinois Conference and member at
Humboldt Park UMC, was chosen to read in Spanish.
Over 200 United Methodist Women from Northern Illinois Conference
were in
attendance
and were easily identified by the scarf they wore, identifying us as
a 'green' conference. The scarves were created by UMW members and
raised about $200 for missions.
Nhashara Locke, a student at Northwestern University, a member of the UMW Young Women's Consultative Group, and an alumni of our Northern Illinois Conference School of Christian Mission spoke at the concluding session of Assembly.
Nhashara credited the nurturing of her grandmother and aunt and her School of Christian Mission study leader with her passion for serving others.
Shari praised the efforts of United Methodist Women to reach out to young people and suggested holding youth retreats for young women where they would grow to know God, relate to one another and expand concepts of mission. "Young people are great at generating ideas, they offer another perspective and eager hands." You can read her complete address here.
Two Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Women, Marites Richardson and Marcia Williams attended Assembly 2010 thanks to scholarships awarded by the North Central Jurisdiction. Read their response here.Our own Rita L. Smith, Social Action Coordinator
was a workshop presenter on Friday and Saturday.
The workshops were "Public Education" and dealt with education and advocacy. Participants from all over the world exchanged ideals, and discussed strategies for effective ways of advocacy. At the completion of the each workshop, action plans were developed to be implemented upon returning home.
Rita also participated in the May 1st March for Immigrant Rights.