'Table' focus set for 2009 Schools of Christian Mission
Dr. Anne Worth, who works with refugees from Sudan, will be one of the 2009 SCM faculty members. She holds two Sudanese refugee children.
BY DENISE JOHNSON STOVALL
Special Correspondent
“Together at the Table” is the theme for 2009 Schools of Christian Mission. Sponsored by United Methodist Women, the NTC Weekday School will be July 20-23, at First UMC, Plano, The Weekend Cooperative Mission Event, co-sponsored by UMW and NTC Committee on Global Ministries, will be held July 31-Aug. 2, at Austin College, Sherman.
Every year more than 20,000 people: children, youth, women, men, clergy, laity, United Methodist and non-United Methodist-across the country participate in mission studies sponsored by the UMC General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM)
A program started in the mid-1930s, Schools of Christian Mission are organized by UMW leaders in each regional conference. There are opportunities to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the world.
In explaining the 2009 theme, staff of the GBGM Women’s Division write: “For generations the table has been an important symbol for the gathered community. It is around the table that food is shared, discussions are held, decisions are made, crafts are created and board games are played.
“As Christians, we are reminded of the significance of the table in Jesus’ life and ministry.
All along his journey, Jesus shared meals in the home of friends. In the temple, he overturned the tables of injustice. On the eve of his death, around the table with his disciples, he broke bread and set forth
a means of grace for all who would believe.
“Yet, when we gather at the table, there are contradictions,” the Women’s Division continues. “At the table, there is feast and there is famine. At the table, treaties are made and treaties are broken. At the table, hospitality is offered and hospitality is denied. At the table we gather to celebrate and we gather to grieve. At the table there is peace and there is conflict. At the table, there is hope and there is doubt.
“Our human frailties and the realities of the world in which we live too often divide and exclude people at our tables. The Christ we follow calls us to a higher standard of living and loving as together we work for peace and justice for all of creation.”
Mission studies and leaders
Food and Faith
The spiritual growth mission study is about how faith is nurtured, strengthened, and enhanced by food and about the ways food touches lives. It is no accident that the most profound sacrament, Holy Communion, centers around food. This study will also explore relationships with food and the rituals of feasting and fasting. The study leaders are Dr. Thalia Matherson, Warren UMC; Rev. Jackye Waiters-Lee, Community UMC; Rev. Jo Biggerstaff, Walnut Hill UMC; and Rev. April Bristow, First UMC, Richardson. The weekend event will be lead by Rev. Jo Biggerstaff, Walnut Hill UMC.
Giving Our Heart Away: Native American Survival
The general issue mission study is part of an ongoing process to share and hear the stories of the many Native American nations and peoples within what is now the United States. The study revisits much of the founding history of the United States from the perspective of Native Americans. The weekday school will be taught by Peggy and Larry Larney, Tyler Street UMC. Peggy Larney is a Choctaw American Indian. Larry Larney is a Seminole American Indian. The Weekend Cooperative Mission Event will be taught by Della Walkingsky, Dallas Indian UMC. Walking-sky is a member of the Creek and Seminole tribes.
The Beauty and Courage of Sudan
The study gives a portrait of Africa’s largest country. It explores Sudan’s history that began in biblical times; its main ethnicities; its religions and languages.The study discusses Sudan’s politics and war and how Sudanese women are contributing to the peace process. Studies will be lead by Dr. Anne Worth, a counselor for Sudanese refugees, Fellowship Church; and Nancy Maples; First UMC, El Campo, South west Texas Conference. Maples will also teach at the Weekend Cooperative Mission Event.
The youth study:
Food, Faith, and Me will be taught by Pamela Pinkerton-Davis from Grand Prairie, in both the mission school and mission event. The children’s study, “Piecing Together Peace for Sudan”, will be taught at the mission school and mission event by Barbara Weaver, Hamilton Park UMC. The worship leader for both mission programs will be the Rev. Preston Weaver, Central Dallas Ministries.
Registration fees for the Weekday School are $40 before June 30. After June 30 it’s $50. Persons can choose up to three classes. Children and youth register for $10 before June 30. After June 30, it’s $15.
Registration for the Weekend Event is $110 before June 30, which includes class, dorm room and meals. The price is $125 after June 30. The price for children and youth is $90; after June 30 it is $95. The commuter price for adults is $90 each, $95 after June 30. The children and youth commuter is $60 each. After June 30 it’s $65 each.
First UMC, Plano, is located at 3160 East Spring Creek Parkway, and Austin College is located at 900 North Grand Avenue, Sherman.
For more information on the Weekday School, please contact Dean Trining Yadav, 214-5771101 or e-mail: trinesh327@yahoo.com.
For more information on the Weekend Event, contact Dean Mae Alexander, 214 339-1950 or e-mail: masmokyjack@gmail.com.
