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I have just returned from the first meeting of the new Steering Committee of the World Methodist Council held in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, USA.

A peculiarly Methodist township of about 3000 people, Lake Junaluska will celebrate 100 years, in 2013, of camps, conferences, retreats and retirement haven for Methodists, particularly from the Southern and Eastern States.

Owned, operated and inhabited by Methodists, Lake Junaluska hosts hundreds of events throughout the year. Facilities encircle a man- made lake at the foot of the Smokey Mountains in Appalachian country. The name, Junaluska, comes from a Cheroke Indian Chief. Unfortunately our meeting coincided with the once-in-a-decade draining of the Lake to clear out silt brought in by the 7 feeder streams. This silt is used in Lake Junaluska pottery.

The Standing Committee had 25 present from 12 countries. The President of the World Federation has a position on the Presidium of the Council, as does the President of the World Men’s Fellowship. Regional Presidents, Standing Committee Chairpersons, Youth and Young Adult President, Director of Evangelism, General- Secretary, Youth Coordinator, Treasurer and Past President make up the  Steering Committee.
Reports and future directions were presented by each Committee Chairperson: Finance, Ecumenical Relations, Family Life, Evangelism, Worship and Liturgy, Social and International Affairs, Youth and Young Adult, Women’s Federation, Men’s Fellowship.

My report focused on the 12th Assembly held in 2011; Chita Milan’s Powerpoint, “Her Story”; the Millennium Development Goals; and the development of the Website.

We visited the World Methodist Museum for the unveiling of the portrait of the Past President, Rev Dr John Barrett. What a wonderful museum this is! Located between the Office of the World Methodist Council – an exact replica of the Old Rectory, Epworth – and the Terrace Hotel, it houses an amazing collection of Wesleyana and the history of the Council. I was particularly delighted to see thar our Archivist, Emmy-lou John, had recently visited and with curator, Amanda, had up-dated the World Federation display to include the current World Officers.

The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be in Rio de Janiero in March, 2013.

Pray for the leaders and people of Syria.
Pray for the cessation of attacks on innocent people and a resolution to troubles throughpeaceful elections.
Pray for those mourning the death of relatives.

Pray for Palestine and especially the persecuted Christians there that they may hold fast to the faith.
Pray they may know God’s hands supporting them and the love of the church world wide.

Pray for the Federation Vice-President, Regula Stotz, as she prepares to host the World Executive meeting in Basel, Switzerland in April.

Pray for the Area Presidents, Vice-Presidents and local arrangements committees of North America, South Asia and West Africa as they begin preparations for their Area Seminars.

Give thanks for the success of the first meeting of the new World Methodist Council Steering Committee held at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, USA.
Good sharing, good bonding, good committee reports, good forward planning.

Give thanks for the leadership provided by the Chair, Bishop Poalo Lockman, Vice-Chair, Bishop Sarah Davis, and new General- Secretary, Bishop Ivan Abrahams.

Dear World Federation Sisters,

“BAMBALELA (African word for Never Give Up or Hold On), CHRIST IS OUR HOPE”. This was the theme for the 12th World Assembly August 10-15, 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa. I would like to invite you on behalf of the North America Region of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and the local arrangement committee to celebrate this theme with us November 1-4, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Northbrook, IL.

Attached you will find the registration and travel forms which you can print out, fill out and send along with your registration fee to our registrar Dr. Sandra Gadson.

We have tried to find a location that would not be too costly. You will be responsible for making your hotel reservations. The information is found in the registration form. When you contact the hotel, please make sure that you have the names of those who you are planning on sharing the room with and let them know that you are with our group. We are planning a wonderful event and look forward to having you in the Chicago area. In making travel arrangements, if you are flying, plan on arriving at O’Hare Airport. The hotel is about a 15 minute ride. If you send us your flight information we will do the best to provide transportation to the hotel. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at jsiabag@yahoo.com or Sandra Gadson at sandragadson@comcast.net.

Please pray for us as we prepare for your arrival. We will be praying for good weather as well. May God bless you as you prepare to come to be blessed with this wonderful fellowship of this great sisterhood.

Your servant in Christ,

E. Judith Siaba
North America Area President

North America Area Seminar Invitation (51)
North America Area Seminar Registration Form (52)

Our Past Secretary, Shunila Ruth, has been attacked by 4 men. She fell down stairs and required hospitalisation. Her car keys and laptop were stolen.
Give thanks that Shunila was not more seriously hurt.
Pray for Shunila’s restoration to full physical health and that she will not be too traumatised to continue her outreach work.

Our President Emerita, Chita Millan, recently lost her brother.
Give thanks for the Christian hope of eternal life.
Pray for Chita and the extended family as they grieve for their loved one.

Just 12 months after devastating floods in Australia, again flood waters after incessant rain have inundated the states of Queensland and New South Wales.
Pray for those who have lost homes, farmlands and businesses and those who have had to be evacuated.
Give thanks for the emergency services bringing help to those stranded by the water.

A ferry carrying 350 -mostly students and teachers to start the new school year –  from the island of New Britain to Lae on the mainland, floundered 100kms off land.
Give thanks that 250 have been rescued with no serious injuries.
Pray for those still missing, their families as they anxiously await news, and those who are searching by boat and plane.

The World Methodist Council Executive, under its reorganised form, meets for the first time since the World Conference in Duban in 2011, at the headquarters in Lake Junalaska, North Carolina, USA, from February 21st -24th.
Prayer for safe travels for the Executive members including our own President, Ann, and for productive discussions.
Give thanks for Bishop Ivan Abrahams who has taken up the role as General Secretary.