Church Women United of Lane County

Click here for the current issue of The Vine for upcoming events, important news, advocacy and action items, profiles, and more ...

The mission that drives us . . .

Church Women United, an ecumenical movement of Christian women impassioned by the Holy Spirit, advocates on behalf of women and children throughout the world. We find unity in diversity, and we work for a world of peace and justice.

Church Women United of Lane County supports the National programs, priorities and goals, and celebrations.

Our monthly forums reflect the concerns of participants and explore issues of concern to local and state governments and to the citizens of Lane County,
Oregon.

Plum burst. Photo by Mary Sharon Moore, 2011

A word from our President ...

Anne O'Brien, President

What are Lane County Church Women United members up to in our mission of working for a world of peace and justice? This is not an exhaustive list, but I want to name a few things we have accomplished.

1. Many donate toiletries clothing, etc., to homeless youth in Springfield via Brattain House.
2. Many have sent letters, inspired by Bread for the World, to legislators, and our Board has voted to contribute to BFW's national effort.
3. We support Beyond Toxics' efforts toward nontoxic pesticides in public spaces and have contributed financially toward their efforts.
4. Many have shown solidarity with union grocery workers at several supermarkets in town, and CWU has been offered a seat on the Eugene-Springfield Solidarity Network Board.
5. Thanks to Cindy Kokis, CWU members have access to League of Women Voters' booklets with contact information for our government leaders at all levels.
6. Many CWU members joined Partnership for Safety and Justice that went up to Salem in February to talk with legislators about needed changes to our public safety system, limiting prison growth, funding victim services, etc.
7. At least six CWU members attended the Human Rights Day program on Health Care as a Human Right in Salem.
8. CWU members have been a presence at Civil Conversations, a series of informal discussions on civil liberties issues ranging from housing rights to separation of state and church.
9. CWU members have attended Zonta gatherings concerning trafficking of young people, especially in Lane County.

The list could go on, and our work is not yet done. Let's continue to serve as encouragement to one another and as inspiration to other women of Christian faith who may be ready for an invitation to join us!
_________________

May God greet you with joy, Theona!
Theona Jessen, who passed away on January 12, 2013, at the age of 97, was a longtime Eugene resident and past CWU president.

A natural leader, Theona served as President of the Oregon Association of Educational Office Professionals, and was a national conference delegate.

Although Theona was raised in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) she and her husband Wilbur were active members of United Lutheran Church after their marriage. Theona loved to cook, and spent countless hours nurturing her flower garden. As a senior she enjoyed her Tai Chi classes and worked hard to maintain her health throughout her life.

Theona is survived by her husband Wilbur and daughter Mary Ann (Gary), three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at United Lutheran Church on April 20, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Jessen Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of United Lutheran Church at 2230 Washington Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405.

Theona will be missed by those of us who knew and loved her.
____________________

Caring Connection
If you know of a CWU woman or family member who needs a card or a contact because of sickness or other need, call Jane Heidegger at 541.485.6229.

A Nice Hot Cup of Camellia Sinensis

By Judy Romans

The Chinese are credited as the first to discover that steeping the leaves of the evergreen Camellia sinensis in hot water resulted in a refreshing brew we call tea.

Find the rest of this fascinating article in our May 2013 Vine.

__________________________

Why We're Active in Church Women United

With our May Friendship Day Luncheon coming up soon, let's look at current members' comments on why they are active in CWU Lane County.

Shirley Kingsbury, one of the "older people," she says, in Church Women United, became involved in early 1958. After some time away she restarted in 1993.

Shirley says that she "enjoyed getting to know women from other faith communities." And she notes that over the years CWU has "inspired me and given me such an uplift."

Shirley affirms that "we may not agree on some matters of faith but we have so much in common." Indeed, one important aspect of the mission of Church Women United is "unity in diversity." Shirley notes, "I am a lover, not a fighter. I am very interested in social justice--not on the frontline but I am supportive through money and letter writing." And Church Women United offers many opportunities for both!

A recent informal survey reveals that other members find that CWU Lane County is "a friendly group" with lots of interesting programs. One member notes, "The group really does accomplish much."

Some women have noted the importance of fellowship and prayer among Christian women, and our monthly forums get high marks for "presenting aspects of social justice."

One woman notes, "I meet and talk with other women who are committed to making positive changes in our community and in the world." And another adds, "I learn about real needs and real solutions to human problems locally and more broadly." Several have noted that they are able to make a difference locally, especially in areas of need among women and children, by taking direct action.

CWU of Lane County also gets high marks for being a forum where women of faith can learn what other women and churches are doing to serve God's people. Members appreciate the focus on speakers and issues of current need, including labor issues and the social concerns addressed in the Occupy movement.

Even our (somewhat) new Tuesday early morning forum at Brails gets high marks, with one woman adding, "Good breakfast!"

A newer member commented, "I joined CWU because Dorothy Sistrom (of blessed memory) kept inviting me." The power of gentle and persistent invitation can never be underestimated--something to remember with May Friendship Day just around the corner.

A younger member observes that "As I mature, I look to mature women of Christian faith to model the way for me. It's good for me to expand my horizons and my heart." Many women commented that it was good for them to get involved in what stretches them.

More insights coming soon!

Note this . . .

May Friendship Day Luncheon: "Swing Wide the Doors of Hospitality," on Saturday, May 4, 11:30 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive Street, Eugene.

Susan Ban, our speaker, is Executive Director of Shelter Care, which is one of the recipients of our Summer Fun Fund. Susan will share with us the hopes, dreams, and happenings at Shelter Care.

Our May Friendship Day Luncheon is the perfect event for inviting a few women from your church. This celebration will be a great combination of friendship and caring.

Tickets for the luncheon can be purchased from your church representative or from Diane Beuerman (541.733.4592).

We hope to see you there!
___________________________

Looking ahead to June ...
June forums focus on economics, politics, and the common good
Join us (Tuesday, June 4 at Brails, and Friday, June 7 at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection) as we look at what the Bible says about economics. How are economics and politics tied together? How do Christians respond to those in need and to the growing inequality in this country?

June may be the start of summer, but vigilance for the common good never takes a vacation. Mark your calendar and join us!
__________________________

Other upcoming events ...
Saturday, April 20, 11:30 a.m., First United Methodist Church (1376 Olive Street, Eugene): "Working to Prevent Trafficking," with Jes Richardson, trafficking survivor and co-founder of Freedom's Breath (Portland), and Liz Ness, victim advocate, Zonta International (Eugene). Potluck luncheon. Program begins at 12:30 p.m. RSVP to 541.344.4085, or e-mail lee.char@msn.com. Bring friends and teens.

Sunday, April 21, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., EWEB North Building Conference Room: "Earth Day, Every Day: Protecting Our Ecological and Community Rights." The event includes films, discussions, strategies.
Schedule
12:30 p.m. Genetic Roulette: Genetically engineered foods related to diseases in children
2:30 p.m. "China's Coal Crisis: Challenges It Faces"
3:00 p.m. Video of Thomas Linzey's speech from the Environmental Law Conference: "How We Can Legally Assert the Rights of Nature and the Right to Local Government."

Monday, April 29, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Temple Beth Israel (1175 E 29th Avenue): "The Health Care Movie."
This documentary explores Canada's health care system, and its cost and effectiveness in comparison with the U.S. Find more information at www.hcao.org.

Tuesday, May 7, 7:00 p.m., EWEB Community Building: "Health Care for All Eugene." Prepare to move legislation to our state representatives for a vote. HB 3260 will study the cost for providing health care to every Oregonian. A recent Pennsylvania study showed a $17 billion saving. Our guess for Oregon is a $3 billion saving the first year.

A planned trip to Salem on Monday, May 13, will urge support also for HB 2922 for universal health care. Call Patty Hine at 541.343.5091 for carpooling.

2013 - 2016 Quadrennial Priorities

Promote the health and well-being of all people by working for healthcare for all, healthy lifestyles, clean water, etc.

Promote personal, communal, and governmental decisions that express care for all God's creation with programs on climate change and sustainable practices.

Promote shalom through understanding, forgiveness, and nonviolence by supporting programs that embody diversity and inclusiveness, and that work to end sexual exploitation of all people.

Promote the dignity, safety, and economic opportunities for all people by working for policies to end poverty, assure living wages, and end exploitation of children and adults.

Details of these priorities can be found at the National web site: www.churchwomen.org.

Over 100 Years of Ecumenical Action in Lane County ...
Our History, Our Accomplishments ...

Mrs. Marie Fletcher. File photo.

1910 -  The ladies of different “evangelical” churches met in the Baptist Church formed the Women’s Mission Union of Eugene. Mrs. Marie Fletcher (left) was the first president.
1911 -  Started to celebrate World Day of Prayer (established nationally in 1897)
1925 - Collected from parents of school children clothing for lepers
1928 - Encouraged the public to vote against theatres and picture shows opening on Sundays.
1929 - Mrs. Fletcher spearheaded the opening of International House at University of Oregon
1931 - Focused on helping migrant workers
1935 - 500 women attend the fall mission institute
1941 - Started a toy lending library
         - Held a Silver Tea for Chinese relief that was well publicized in the papers.
1942 - Supported soldiers stationed at the fair grounds by baking cookies.
          - Sponsored the daily 6 pm church bell ringing as part of the national minute of prayer to pray for the war-torn world, the nation, its leaders, and the men in service.
1943 - Beginning of World Community Day
1944 - Provided political support to get Skipworth Juvenile Home started
          - Made 2000 garments for women and children in the Phillipines
1945 - Part of sending 1 million diapers and thousands of layettes to Europe and Asia post WW II
          - Helped migrant workers
1946 - Made many “Kiddie Kits” for children under-5 for worn torn Europe and Asia.
          -  Led clothing drive then shipped 99 cartons = 3100 lbs of clothing and bedding to post war Europe
1947 - Collected materials and sent “Boxes and Bundles” for 6-12 year olds to post WWII Europe (52 Boxes and 40 Bundles)
         -  Headed other overseas relief programs which included collecting bedding, toiletries and baby necessities
         - Collected money for the milk fund
1948 - Collected for “Pack-A-Towel” for teens in post WWII Europe
          - Headed March of Dimes drive
          - Supported a “dry” candidate for mayor
          - Worked to defeat Measure 315 (Drink by the Glass)
1949 - Sent ½ ton of fabric to European women to make clothes
         -  Started working with UNICEF
1950 - Work with migrant families
1965 - List of services for special needs person supplied and ways United Church Women could volunteer
         -  Supported the development of Job Corp (started in 1964)
1966 - Work with migrant families, clothing drives, selling used clothing, providing Christmas gifts
1968 - Trained women to visit nursing home
          - Coordinated birthday and Christmas gifts for folks in nursing homes.
          - Collected 300 lbs of clothing for school children in S. America
          - World Day of Prayer: 14 services, 6 adult services, 4 children’s services, 3 nursing home services, 1 service at Goodwill Industries:
                    740 attendees, 45 churches and 16 denominations represented
          - Received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Oregon Council of Churches for outstanding work with migrant families
1969 - Held a 3 day forum “the Church in SE Asia, New Forms of Mission” which included tackling local issues
          - Won a Eugene Mayor’s award for International Cooperation
          -  Gave a year of service to Goodwill Industries
          - Raised money for Pearl Buck Center
          -  Sent at least 1 delegate to the Pacific Northwest International Missions Conference for training in the latest
                    interdenominational mission themes that were then picked up locally
1972 - Boycotted head (iceberg) lettuce in support of migrant workers
1977 - Supported Sponsors prison transition program
1978 - Sponsored home stay programs for 40 English teachers from Japan (2 week stay)
          - Supported the Laubach Literacy Council
          - Hosted individual seminars and mini-causeways
1979 - Held birthday parties for Goodwill Industries workers.
1980 - Supported the food stamp bill to continue food stamps through August
          -  Supported displaced homeworkers/widowed services by recognizing the value of homemakers
          - Member Bonnie Thornley received the Eugene Woman of the Year Award
          - Helen Scott received the Eugene Sr. Woman of the Year Award.
1982 - Planned “Missions Resource Fair” at Northwest Christian College
1983- Present
         - Work on behalf of women, children, those in need, immigrants, and the unemployed for a better life locally and internationally