The Chronicles
Brought to you by: Utah/Western Colorado District United Women in Faith Women's Team
|
|
The Advent vs. The Christmas Season |
|
Happy Holidays to my UWF sisters! For many, this can be a stressful time of year. I’ve already come across two people I work with that are already feeling overwhelmed by the burdens of “the most wonderful time of the year”—and Advent hasn’t even arrived yet! As a bit of a
personal backstory, I grew up in a household of church musicians. My grandmother played the organ and my mother was the choir director for 3 choirs at our American Baptist Church in Iowa. My mom was SO grumpy and stressed out about achieving Christmas music perfection,
that she simply could not enjoy the holidays. At all! We all rebel against our parents in some way, but my little rebellion is to take a more relaxed and joy-filled approach to the holiday season.
First of all, let me draw a distinction between the Advent Season and the Christmas season. Before Americans got their hands on Advent, it was a quiet time of spiritual preparation. The focus was not on the sentimentality of a baby Jesus, but rather on preparing our souls for the arrival of Emanuel: God With Us. I saw a bumper sticker last week that said, “Jesus is coming. Look busy.” That’s it in a nutshell! Christians traditionally were called to fasting and extended prayer during this time. There were NO parties until the Twelve Days of Christmas, starting on December 25 and ending with a big blowout on Twelfth Night, January 5. Today’s commercial Christmas season centering around Santa and commercialism probably started in the mid-19th Century. When we think of what Santa looks like, his image came from a Coca Cola ad in the 1820s, and he quickly became the spokesmodel for extravagant spending. By 1850, Christians like Harriet Beecher Stowe were fed up: “there are worlds of money wasted, at this time of year, in getting things that nobody wants and nobody cares for after they are got.” And now, our Christmas season starts the day after Halloween (even before at many shopping centers!) and gets packed up by January 1.
This upcoming holiday season, I encourage you to embrace an Advent, rather than a Christmas, season. Seek the peace and joy that your faith brings you. Spend more time in daily prayer and reflection. Light candles. Listen to the Peaceful Holiday station on Pandora, like I’m doing as I write. Gather family around an Advent wreath. Read a good book. Reach out to friends and loved ones. Seek comfort in quiet activities that nurture your body and soul. In Richard Rohr’s
wonderful Christmas devotional book, Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent, he asks this penetrating question. “What expectations and demands of life can you let go of so that you can be more prepared for the coming of Jesus?”
submitted by Sarah Riehm, outgoing Coordinator for Spiritual Nurture
|
|
President:
Laura Lunsford
59 Knife Edge Place
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
(970) 398-1183
lunsfordUWF@gmail.com
|
|
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7 NIV
In the Christmas story much is made of Mary and Joseph having to retire to a stable (more likely a cave) because there was no guest room available. I find this New International Version of the story encouraging because it says “there was no GUEST ROOM” rather than “ROOM IN THE INN.”
Guest room sounds more intimate, as if it were a friend or relative’s home rather than a commercial establishment. If this were true, then I think that the shelter with the animals would have come with more compassion and friendship and perhaps a woman to attend the birth of the baby. Guest room sounds like someone cared and despite not having room in the house, made room as best they could, despite inconvenience, to welcome this young family.
What can you do to welcome the traveler, the out-of-work, the old or the weary during this season? What can you do to make it a season of hope?
Will you inconvenience yourself to invite a new neighbor to dinner, to prepare Christmas meal bags at the food pantry, to adopt a family and provide gifts for the children? Will you help decorate the church, sing in the choir or simply light a candle to welcome the Christ Child?
Christ, God incarnate, came to remind us that we are ALL children of God. To remind us that with God’s help we can do great things and we can shine the light of God into the dark corners of the world. We can provide shelter, no matter how meager, and be present for a new
beginning.
What will you do?
Your Sister in Christ,
Laura Lunsford, District President
|
|
Treasurer:
Connie Pittenger
126 Columbia Way
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 249-4308 Home
(970) 417-1857 Cell
conpittenger@gmail.com
|
|
Treasurer Elect:
Anna Ball
PO Box 4960
Pagosa Springs, CO 81157
(970) 903-7499
annaball7499@gmail.com
|
|
Because of your gift, United Women in Faith can continue to move forward in mission. Without mission education, advocacy for those who are marginalized cannot take place. Without continual spiritual growth, social action becomes shallow. Without a solid supportive community, women are unable to care for their own needs and the needs of others. United Women in Faith is mission.
Your gift makes women leaders. Your gift inspires. Your gift takes care of the soul. Thank you, on this Giving Tuesday and every day, for the gifts you share to glorify God.
It's not too late to give!
To make your gift to the World Thank Offering, you can submit your gift online, through your local treasurer, or mail checks to:
United Women in Faith
Church Center for the United Nations
777 United Nations Plaza, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Attn: World Thank Offering
|
|
Secretary:
Amy Gibbs
2510 El Corona Dr
Grand Junction, CO 81501
gnesiosgibbs@gmail.com
|
|
Coordinator for Program Resource:
Sue Yeager
1335 Texas Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 245-5839
syeager@coloradomesa.edu
|
|
|
Please join us for our
Monthly District Book Discussion via Zoom
EVERYONE IS WELCOME ANYTIME!
|
This month's books and discussion |
Thursday, December 14, 2023*
*please note that there are 3 books listed for this date
I am You: A Book about Ubuntu
We may be different, but our hearts beat the same.
In southern Africa, there is a belief called ubuntu―the idea that we are all connected. No matter where we’re from or who we are, a person is a person through their connections to other people. With simple, lyrical text and charming artwork, this lively picture book first published in South Africa is the perfect introduction to the concept of ubuntu for young kids. A celebration of friendship and kindness, the book shows children the many ways that we are all one.
Spiritual Growth
|
Saving American Beach (also Dec. 14th)
This heartfelt picture book biography tells the story of MaVynee Betsch, an African American opera singer turned environmentalist and the legacy she preserved.
MaVynee loved going to the beach. But in the days of Jim Crow, she couldn't just go to any beach--most of the beaches in Jacksonville were for whites only. Knowing something must be done, her grandfather bought a beach that African American families could enjoy without being reminded they were second class citizens; he called it American Beach. Artists like Zora Neale Hurston and Ray Charles vacationed on its sunny shores. It's here that MaVynee was first inspired to sing, propelling her to later become a widely acclaimed opera singer who routinely performed on an international stage. But her first love would always be American Beach.
After the Civil Rights Act desegregated public places, there was no longer a need for a place like American Beach and it slowly fell into disrepair. MaVynee remembered the importance of American Beach to her family and so many others, so determined to preserve this integral piece of American history, she began her second act as an activist and conservationist, ultimately saving the place that had always felt most like home.
Social Action
|
The Proudest Blue (also Dec. 14th)
A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad.
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.
Leadership Development
|
Future Book Discussions for January - February 2024 |
Thursday, January 11, 2023
Apple (Skin to the Core)
by Eric Gansworth
The term "Apple" is a slur in Native communities across the country. It's for someone supposedly "red on the outside, white on the inside."
In Apple (Skin to the Core), Eric Gansworth tells his story, the story of his family—of Onondaga among Tuscaroras—of Native folks everywhere. From the horrible legacy of the government boarding schools, to a boy watching his siblings leave and return and leave again, to a young man fighting to be an artist who balances multiple worlds. Eric shatters that slur and reclaims it in verse and prose and imagery that truly lives up to the word heartbreaking.
Education for Mission (2024)
|
Thursday, February 8, 2023
Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up
by Tiffany Bluhm
Tiffany Bluhm wishes this wasn't her story to tell. Yet like many women today who are taking action against sexual harassment and sexual assault, it is. Bluhm explores the complex dynamics of power and abuse in systems we all find ourselves in. With honesty and strength, she tells stories of how women have overcome silence to expose the truth about their ministry and professional leaders--and the backlash they so often face. In so doing, she empowers others to speak up against abuses of power.
Addressing men and women in all work settings--within the church and beyond--popular author and podcast host Tiffany Bluhm sets out to understand the cultural and spiritual narratives that silence women and to illuminate the devastating emotional, financial, and social impact of silence in the face of injustice.
As readers journey with Bluhm, they will be moved to find their own way, their own voice, and their own conviction for standing with women. They'll emerge more ready than ever to advocate for justice, healing, and resurrection.
Nurturing for Community (2024)
|
Search UWFaith Reading Program Catalog 2024 to find the 2024 reading program |
Join us for our book discussions – come to one or come to all!
We would love to have you!
We meet at 7pm, the 2nd Thursday of each month (unless otherwise noted)
A Zoom link is provided in The Chronicles, as well as in an email that is sent a few days before our discussion.
|
|
Coordinator for Education of
Mercy and Justice:
Robin Iles
2803 S. Niagara Circle
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 200-2766 24fan3kids@gmail.com
|
|
Committee on Nominations:
|
|
Beth McCorkle
2534 Linda Vista Dr
Montrose, CO 81401
(720) 339-8290
beth.e.mccorkle@gmail.com
|
|
Glenna Kyker Brayton
2492 Park Vista St. Unit E
GJ, CO 81505
(970) 683-8756
kyker.brayton@gmail.com
|
|
Carol Phelps
555 East 5th St.
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 874-7310 (H)
(970) 596-0647 (C)
clphelps1@yahoo.com
|
|
Coordinator for Spiritual Nurture: |
|
|
|
Coordinator for Communications:
Elisa Stanley
1743 East 7th Street
Delta, CO 81416
(970) 589-6196
smithelisamarie@gmail.com
|
|
We have an updated version of the
Utah/Western Colorado District Directory!!
Thank you to everyone who has provided information! And as this is an ever-changing document, if you see any additional changes that need to be made, please email me so we can continue to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information!
|
|
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS |
|
- Book Discussions 7:00pm on the second Thursday of each month via Zoom
- May 9-11, 2024: Western Jurisdiction UWFaith Quadrennial Event
|
|
President
Laura Lunsford
59 Knife Edge Place
Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
970.398.1183
lunsfordUWF@gmail.com
Secretary
Amy Gibbs
2510 El Corona Dr.
Grand Junction, CO 81501
gnesiosgibbs@gmail.com
Treasurer
Connie Pittenger
126 Columbia Way
Montrose, CO 81401
970.249.4308 H
970.417.1857 C
conpitttenger@gmail.com
Treasurer Elect
Anna Ball
P.O. Box 4960
Pagosa Springs, CO 81157
970.903.7499
annaball7499@gmail.com
Committee of Nominations
Glenna Kyker Brayton
2492 Park Vista St. Unit E
Grand Junction, CO 81505
970.683.8756
kyker.brayton@gmail.com
Carol Phelps
555 E 5th
Delta, CO 81416
970.874.7310 H
970.596.0647 C
Beth McCorkle
2534 Linda Vista Drive
Montrose, CO 81401
720.339.8290
beth.e.mccorkle@gmail.com
Coordinator for Spiritual Nurture
Position is currently open
|
|
Coordinator of Program Resources
Sue Yeager
1335 Texas Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970.245.5839
syeager@coloradomesa.edu
Coordinator for Communications
Elisa Stanley
1743 East 7th Street
Delta, CO 81416
970.589.6196
smithelisamarie@gmail.com
Coordinator for Education of
Mercy & Justice
Robin Iles
2803 S. Niagara Circle
Grand Junction, CO 81501
970.200.2766
24fan3kids@gmail.com
Event Coordinator for
Annual Meeting 2024
Karen Cole
1730 Stonebridge Drive, Unit 31
St. George, UT 84770
925.708.3655
karen.cole@att.net
Extended Team Members
Mountain Sky Conference Treasurer
Robin Ball
P.O. Box 4960
Pagosa Springs, CO 81157
970.946.1581
robinball1581@gmail.com
Mountain Sky Conference Nominations
Teresa Rivera
3788 W Hillsboro Circle
West Jordan, UT 84084
801.557.4319
rivera.slc@comcast.net
Ellie Young
2239 Stagecoach Rd
Grand Junction, CO 81505
970.245.8157 H
970.260.8312 C
ellie.umw@gmail.com
|
|
Utah/Western Colorado District UWF | www.mtnskyumw.org | www.uwfaith.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
