December 2003

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.’”

                                                                                                            --Luke 2:13-14

Dear Friends,

 While re-reading the Christmas story, I was struck by the number of angelic beings who appear in the account of Christ’s birth.  Truly this was a time when the barrier between the heavenly and the earthly world was very thin indeed!  God came near in Christ, and with Him came an entourage of heavenly guests. 

 The wonderful thing is that He remains—Emmanuel, “God with us.” 

 This has been a busy and productive year at RENEW as the Call for Reform of the Women’s Division has moved forward, and we have completed the Inspiring Models for Effective Women’s Ministry handbook and packet.  Many of our network members have taken steps to revitalize their local women’s ministry, and have taken action calling for change on the part of the Women’s Division.  We commend these efforts and join our prayers with yours for success in both of these areas.

 As we come to year-end and think of 2004, let’s think evangelistically.  How can we assist others in coming to “know” Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the World? 

 The River of God program book produced by RENEW has an outstanding program, “An Incident With Abdul,” on presenting the gospel in our postmodern culture.  Another program, “Taste and Share,” invites women to have a heart for missions.  If you have not already used these programs, you may want to secure a copy of The River of God and start your year off with them.

 RENEW’s Effective Women’s Ministry handbook places a strong emphasis upon evangelism and missions and recommends several resources to strengthen outreach through your UMW or women’s group. 

 Good News has published a wonderful collection of articles from previous issues of the Good News magazine that draws together men and women from a variety of perspectives with the one aim to winsomely and effectively live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We would like to send you this inspiring book for a donation of $25 or more. 

I believe we are poised on the threshold of an important year in the life of the United Methodist Church.  This is a General Conference year.  This is the year when the Call for Reform will realize success, or necessary change for United Methodist women.  May we count on you for a good year-end gift to balance our budget and to equip us to move into 2004 in a strong position?  Thank you in advance for your prayers and financial support. 

 May the heavenly host proclaim the good news to your heart this Advent Season.

 In Jesus,  

L. Faye Short

President

NOTE OF CORRECTION AND APPRECIATION:  In last month’s letter to the network I mentioned that two guests of the Women’s Division spoke against the Women’s Division’s co-sponsorship and financial support ($5,000) of the RCRC “March for Freedom of Choice,” scheduled for Washington, DC on April 25, 2004.  We have been informed that these two women were Directors of the Women’s Division.  We appreciate the public stand taken by these women for their conviction, which represents that of many women within the UMC. 

[Back to Archives]