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 ...

December Forum: See details below.

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.

Willamette Valley at rest. Photo by Mary Sharon Moore, 2010

A word from our President ...

Anne O'Brien, President

Dave and I just returned from a trip to Vietnam where we had the opportunity to meet with several men who had fought either with the
U.S. or against the U.S.
in what they call "the Anti-American War."

I was struck by the seeming lack of any animosity toward us and our country, and thought about how forgiving they must be.

But as we listened to them, they were telling us that this was not about forgiveness, this was about moving on. To paraphrase: "We don't dwell on the past. That was yesterday. This is today. It is time to move on and continue to improve our country.

It was also inspiring to see how far Vietnam has come since 1975. After Americans left they then fought against the Khmer Rouge of Cambodia, who wanted to take over their country.

So, this country that has been fighting for centuries, including almost 100 years of French colonialism, has been at peace for almost 40 years, and busy building up its economy. ...

For the rest of Anne's inspiring message, see the November Vine.
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Faith-based Partnership with DHS Child Welfare Program
For information on local, state, and national foster care and child welfare programs, see the June 2013 Vine.
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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 541.485.6229541.485.6229.

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Sister Margaret's Stamp "Collection" continues!
She may have retired and returned north to her beloved community, but Sister Margaret Graziano's tireless efforts remain in place.

You may still collect cancelled stamps and bring them to CWU meetings. Dot Choppy of St. Jude Church will get them to Sister Margaret. Just put them in an envelope or plastic baggie, and put them in the basket at our registration table.

How to do it: Cut off the top right part of the envelope, allowing about half an inch of paper around the stamp.

Dietary Arsenic

By Judy Romans

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil and water across the globe. It is readily absorbed by many plants into leave,s fruit, and grain.

Recent news articles have publicized the amount of arsenic found in rice, and in apple and grape juice. There is controversy about these studies because there is no government regulation about a safe level of arsenic in food, and experts differ on their opinions of the health effects of long-term exposure. ...

For the rest of Judy's article, please see The November Vine.
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Dissent is Patriotic

The right to free speech and the right to assemble are part of our heritage. Yet we read about public areas being taken away and different treatment given different populations, especially our unhoused neighbors.

We are being called to question police and county actions. Follow reports in the press. Be prepared to speak before our City Council and County Commissioners.
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Why We're Active in Church Women United

We have been taking a look at current members' comments on why they are active in CWU Lane County. Here are some more, and you may find them inspiring!

One member noted that "the meetings are worthwhile--forums are excellent, celebrations also."

"The people are so interesting, a circle of friends from many churches. And I love the hugs!

Another says, "I appreciate the work for peace and justice. I enjoy meeting women from other churches, and being in a variety of worship settings."

A longtime member adds: "I've been involved in various CWU groups throughout my adult life. I love meeting and knowing other church women who are involved in peace and social justice work."

More insights coming soon!

December Forum . . .

Annual Meeting
Join us Tuesday, December 3, 2013, 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Brails, 1689 Willamette Street, Eugene ...

... or Friday, December 6, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at St. Mark Catholic Church, 1760 Echo Hollow Street, Eugene

We will install the officers for next year, and take a look at the coming year, including our budget and our Quadrennial priorities, and ask for your input.
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Looking to the year ahead ...
Stay tuned for details on our vision and activities for 2014.