Send Registration & Housing Form to:
Jeanette McCalman
715 W. Palmetto Ave., Plain Dealing, LA 71064
BY JULY 15, 2008
Make Check Payable to:
Louisiana Conference United Methodist Women

Living the Sacred: 2008 Schools of Christian Mission Theme

“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good” concludes the unfolding story of God’s creation of the earth and all its living creatures as revealed in Genesis, Chapter 1.

How are we as God’s people to understand the story in the midst of human acts of racism, violence, and earthly destruction?

Native American Traditions teach us that the creation includes all that comes from God and all that comes from the heart and mind of God is sacred.  Native traditions call on its people to value life as God values life.  To be a created people is to be relationally connected to all people everywhere, as well as to all God has created.

To believe in Jesus is to love as God loved and live as Christ lived, valuing all creation.  To believe in Jesus is to live in the way of Christ, freeing the oppressed, healing the sick and wounded, clothing the naked, welcoming all.  To believe in Jesus is to follow the sacred commandment to love as God loved.  To believe in Jesus is to embrace the sacredness of life.

While God has given humanity the gift of life and relationship, too often we have created barriers between people and lands.  We have acted in ways that violate the sacredness of life and do not make for peace.

As followers of Christ, as Christians in community, let us deepen our understanding of what it means to live in sacred harmony.  Then, let us walk together in ways that lead to peace and reconciliation.

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:vs1)

Estelle Dameron Scholarship

     The Louisiana Conference of United Methodist Women annually provides interested women an opportunity to attend its School of Christian Mission through the Estelle Dameron School of Christian Mission Scholarship Fund. The scholarship continues to grow in Mrs. Dameron’s honor through gifts, special offerings, and yearly contributions from local UMW units. This tradition is even more important as we prepare for mission in the year 2008 and beyond.
      The Membership Nurture and Outreach Committee is encouraging young, seasoned, energetic, single, married, employed, homemakers, students or newly retired women to apply for a scholarship. Applications can come from a large or small unit, and we will also consider persons other than members of United Methodist Women. Getting women interested in mission at an early age and at new life stages is one way to insure the vitality and growth of an educated, mission-minded membership. Please urge women in these age/interest categories to apply. All applicants should indicate a willingness to attend and participate fully in all activities of the school. One applicant per unit and first timers ONLY should send a completed application form with a written statement of 50 words or less, entitled: I want to attend the School of Christian Mission because…

Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2008, and mailed to: 
Ethel Lilly, P.O. Box 309, Mansfield, LA  71052

Youth Scholarship

     The Louisiana Conference United Methodist Women annually provides interested women the opportunity to apply for scholarships to attend the School of Christian Mission, which is scheduled for July 23-26, 2008 at the Wesley Center in Woodworth, La.  The UMW Conference Executive Committee has recognized the need to encourage young women to attend the School, and has established the Youth Scholarship Fund.
     The Membership, Nurture, and Outreach Committee is encouraging young women ages 13-17 to apply for this scholarship.  Applicants for the scholarship are not required to be UMW members.  Recruiting young women to attend mission education events is an important element in the future growth and vitality of United Methodist Women.  All applicants should indicate a willingness to attend and participate fully in all activities of the School.  Young women will attend special programs and classes geared to their interests.
     Please note:  Each applicant age 16 or younger must have an adult sponsor who is in attendance at the School of Christian Mission.  Applicants should submit a completed application form with a written statement of 50 words or less, entitled I want to attend the School of Christian Mission because…

Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2008, mailed to:   
Ethel Lilly, P.O. Box 309, Mansfield, LA 71052