American Baptist Women of Area II

2006-2009 Officers

President – Marcia Wimmer Decatur First Baptist

Secretary – Laura Winch Springfield Elliott Ave Baptist

Treasurer – Fran Greenfield Springfield Elliott Ave Baptist

Communications – Henrietta Shafer Carrollton First Baptist

Love Gift/Proj Promotion- Stephany Smith Decatur First Baptist

Personal Development – Barbara Dorsey Winchester First Baptist

Student Aid – Janice McKinney Jacksonville First Baptist

Church & Community – Beverly Moulton White Hall First Baptist

Missions & Service –Diane DeSmidt Virden First Baptist

White Cross – Janet Lebegue Jerseyville Bethel

Rallies – Deanna Williams Carrollton First Baptist

Member-at Large – Carol Matheson Springfield Central

Area 2 ABWM Calendar

2008:

May 20 Spring Rally TBA

September 16 Fall Board Winchester FBC

October 20 Fall Rally Kinderhook United

Area II Spring Board Meeting Minutes-Central Baptist, Springfield, IL

April 15, 2008 10:00a.m. – 1:55p.m.

Carol Matheson brought the meeting to order at 10:00.

Because it’s spring, Barb Dorsey has been thinking about yard work. She gave a devotion entitled “All I Need is a Bag of Mulch” and read Joshua 1:9. This devotion is from Sewing Seeds of Faith web site. Barb led us in prayer.

Minutes of Fall Board meeting were approved with a correction to Fran Greenfield’s email address. Is should be: ronfrang@sbcglobal.net. I asked about the Carthage folder. It is probable that Judy Allison has it.

President Marcia Wimmer took over the meeting at 10:20.

Treasurer’s Report - Fran passed out our proposed budget for 2008-2009. Finance Committee was made up of: Fran Greenfield, Carol Matheson, and Barb McKean.

Fran submitted the Treasurer’s Report as of April 11th, 2008 – see below. If you have questions, you may contact her at 217-523-2601 or email her: ronfrang@sbcglobal.net. Fran moved that we accept the treasurer’s report as printed. Second by Bev Moulton. Motion passed.

April 11th, 2008 Treasurer’s Report

Balance 6-17-07 $2210.82 Disbursements $4351.68

Receipts 4668.33

New Balance $6879.15 Balance 4-11-08 $2527.47

Officers’ Reports

Communications – Henrietta Schafer reported that she needs to know who is doing the program for Spring Rally.

Love Gift and Special Project – Barb McKean was absent. Marcia said that she thought people had trouble relating to our Special Project, about slavery today. Someone mentioned that we aren’t the only ones addressing slavery in 2008. The magazine, Today’s Christian Woman is one source. Ana’s Story by Jenna Bush gives some insight.

Personal Development – Barb Dorsey recommended Secret Place and Daily Bread. She talked about today’s information overload. Where do we go? Whom do we trust? We need to search the Bible.

Student Aid – Janice McKinney said we have a couple of new applicants. The form has a deadline of May 1st. Normally the deadline is April 1st but because Sharon Farrel just took over for Gerry because of health issues, they extended it a month.

Church & Community - Bev Moulton reported that Elliott Ave, Springfield will be highlighted in Spring Rally packets.

Ashland Virginia Gebhart shared that they have 8-10 faithful members. They did the shoebox project with the whole church at Christmas and had a big response.

White Hall Bev Moulton told us that their Harvest dinner raises the money they need for the year. They have one meeting to roll bandages. Chad Hoseman is their new minister.

Winchester Barbara Dorsey said they have 8 women that meet monthly. Their ladies tea, held the first Sunday afternoon in May, was a big hit. This is instead of a Mother Daughter Banquet. They also had a “Hidden Talent” family night.

Greenfield Ann George introduced Sherry White. Their ABW is fading away. When they meet to roll bandages, everyone brings something to throw in the pot for vegetable soup. The Greenfield Church hosted the Area II Annual Meeting. Trivia night was held as a fund raiser. Currently they are having a revival. They host an exercise class 2-3 times per week and have started Iwana.

Jerseyville, Bethel June Moore shared that they have a new pastor. His wife directs the choir. They held a revival in March and are supporting 2 food pantries with money. Young people are raising money to go on a mission trip.

Carrollton Henrietta shared that they have 7 faithful members. They hosted Baptist World Day of Prayer, rolled bandages, and had a salad luncheon.

Virden Helen Burris reported that they have about 20 for kids club on Wednesday nights. They sent some of them to church camp. The attendance numbers are going down and they are having trouble paying their recent loan for improvements. A “Miracle Sunday” is being planned for June, hopping to pay the loan off. Pastor Diane is having cataract surgery today.

Springfield, Elliott Fran Greenfield said we have 15-20 for ABW meetings. We are moving our meetings to Tuesday afternoon. The Maunday Thursday service that brought Da Vince painting of The Last Supper to life was a big hit. Friday night will be a “Taste of Elliott”, where you can try foods prepared by various groups that use the church. Pioneer Club gets new children every week. It is for 4years through 6th grade. Wednesday, May 14th a baptism is planned for several kids. They have even separated the boys and girls in the 3 and 4 grade class.

Springfield, Central Carol Matheson reported that they are having a Jazz program Friday night. They have 3 circles, 2 meet during the day and 1 meets Sunday afternoon. Sheila Fyke shared that they opened bandage rolling to the whole church. Over 50 people participated. They collected 40-50 baby layettes for Nicaragua. They finished with a baked potato bar.

Decatur Stephanie Smith said that for White Cross, they used coupons. When a person took a coupon, they agreed to provide that item. They got more than they needed. Some seniors delivered the overland to Peoria Friendship House. Some ladies are sewing hospital gowns and sun dresses for the Congo. Their Music Minister gives group keyboard lessons. One class is for students being home schooled. The other is for a class at a local school. They have dropped music because of funding cuts. Marcia shared that the classroom teacher is encouraging students to participate in the church’s upcoming volunteer week. They held a “Faith-in-Action” day the Sunday after Easter. Groups worked at 11 different locations. Then returned to church for a celebration luncheon and reports on their work.

Mission and Service – Stephanie Smith handed out paper with our new missionary assignments. How do you support missionaries? Join their network. She gave us a corrected email address for Joan Brown at Murrow. murrowhome@yahoo.com

White Cross – In the absence of Janet Lebegue, June Moore reminded us that reports are due by May 15th. Someone asked if flannel sheets may be used for bandages. The answer is no. They don’t do all the things the cotton and cotton blend sheets do. If you have run out of sheets, try contacting nursing homes, hospitals, and the school for the deaf.

Rallies – Deanna Williams reminded us that out Spring Rally is May 20th at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. We need sites for 2009 Board meetings and Rallies. Carol Matheson offered to host the Spring Board Meeting at Central Baptist, Springfield. First Baptist, White Hall offered to host the Fall Board Meeting. Greenfield was asked if they would host one of the Rallies. Ann George said she would talk to the AB Women. See end of minutes for dates.

We prayed and broke for lunch at noon.

Meeting resumed at 12:45.

Member-at Large – Carol Matheson was in Nicaragua when health kits were delivered from GRR. She said she was so touched to know that Area II had their handprints all over them. She did say to be sure and use ziplock bags otherwise things fall out. They are in need of clean up and health kits. We now have 43 Vital Partners. If someone is interested see Carol.

President’s Report – Marcia reminded us of the up coming Missions Conference, April 25-26 at Cherry Hills, Springfield. The Used Book Depository will be there. Bring things for Murrow. Ripples’ spring edition is out. She read us a bit from Leaders’ Reader. The Blitz build is April 28-May30 in Baton Rouge, LA. We will have 2 new people installed on the GRR Board in June, Judy Allison for Church and Community and Laura Winch, secretary. The Lincoln Correctional Center is building a chapel. ABW Conference is June 6-8, $139.00. The theme is “Face Your Fears - God Will Go With You”. Area II is to be the dinning room helpers. Marcia wrote an article for the Area II meeting.

Nominating Committee – Marcia Wimmer and June Moore made up the nominating committee. Betty Houston from FBC, Jacksonville has accepted the nomination for Student Aid. We still need candidates for President, Personal Development, and Communications. Marcia suggested that we combine Communications with Rallies. There was some discussion. Barbara Dorsey made the motion with Carol Matheson seconding. Motion passed.

We spent some time brainstorming ways to include younger women. It was decided that Carol Matheson would do the program at Rally on “Serving in Nicaragua”.

We closed with prayer at 1:55p.m.

Submitted by: Laura Winch, Area II Secretary

email: laurawinch@yahoo.com

2008: May 20 Spring Rally FBC Jacksonville

September 16 Fall Board FBC Winchester

October 20 Fall Rally Kinderhook United

2009: April 21 Spring Board Central, Springfield

May 19 Spring Rally TBA

September 15 Fall Board FBC, White Hall

October 20 Fall Rally TBA

Attendees at 4-15-08 Area II Board Meeting:

Ashland Ashland FBC	1	Jerseyville Bethel	1
Carrollton FBC	2	Springfield Central	2
Decatur FBC	2	Springfield Elliott Avenue	2
Greenfield FBC	2	Virden FBC	1
Jacksonville FBC	1	White Hall FBC	2
		Winchester FBC	1

Total Attendees: 17

Area II Fall Rally Minutes – First Baptist, White Hall

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

President Marcia Wimmer called the meeting to order at 10:15. Marcele McCollom of United Baptist Kinderhook played a beautiful prelude for us. Marcia led us in prayer and Janet Bryant led us in a hymn. Dick Reynolds, a member of FBC, White Hall, greeted us on behalf of the church.

Barb Dorsey gave the devotion on “Signs of Autumn”. She include three readings, Christians Are Like Pumpkins, A Lesson From a Tree, and A Kindly Helping Hand from Guideposts. She finished with prayer.

Introduction of Region Officers - Marcia introduced Marilyn Oaks, the only Region Officer present.

Officers’ Reports:

Secretary’s Report – Laura Winch asked if anyone needed copies of the Spring Rally minutes and took roll call. See break down at end of minutes.

Love Gift and Special Project – Barb McKeen reported that giving is down for Love Gift compared to this time last year. On the American Baptist web site there is a presentation called “Flat Cousin Stanley”. It tells how different states have promoted Love Gift.

Personal Development – Barb Dorsey put information in folders.

Student Aid – Janice McKinney asked us to be sure and note corrected address in folder for Megan Redden.

Church and Community – Bev Moulton read Proverbs 16:13 and reminded us to: PRAYB4. (pray before). The churches in Winchester and Decatur are highlighted this time. There is more in the folder.

Mission and Service – Stephany Smith absent. Marcia gave her report. There is information on our Special Interest Missionaries in the folders. World Mission Offering, which is taken in October, is the biggest source of money for missions.

White Cross – Janet Lebegue reminded us that some churches have not responded to their White Cross Quotas. There is a list in your folders. Also included are updated lists for Health and School kits. Our White Cross theme is “A Shower of Blessings”.

Rallies – Deanna said that we need a host church for Spring Rally, May 20, 2008. First Baptist Church Jacksonville volunteered.

Member-at Large - Carol Matheson is on a Mission Trip in Nicaragua. Marcia reported that she needs people for the nominating and finance committees. She told us a little about Convention and the Sunday morning breakfast “Children in Poverty”. There is a free Bible Study by Karen Seely available on line at abc.org

Treasurer’s Report – Fran Greenfield was absent. There is a printed report in and copies of “What’s What?… and What do I do With It?” in your folders. If you have questions about the treasurer’s report contact Fran: by phone 217-523-2601 or email: ronfran@sbcglobal.net.

October 12th, 2007 Treasurer’s Report

Balance 6-17-07 $2210.82 Disbursements $755.49

Receipts to date + 754.88

New Balance $2965.70 Balance 10-12-07 $2210.21

Business Meeting

Marcia highlighted the minutes of the 2007 Spring Rally. The Minutes were approved as written.

Old Business none

New Business none

We took the general offering and sang a hymn.

Program - Marilyn Oaks gave the program on our theme “Breaking the Chains”. Trafficking is not just in the Third World. It happens in our backyards. The restaurant Buffet King in Springfield, IL is an example. Our Special Project Funds for this year will go to Karen Smith in Thailand, Mylinda Baits in Costa Rica, Elizabeth House, and some set aside for a possible new project. There are 27 million slaves in the world today. The “New” slavery does not “own” the slaves but uses them up and throws them away. Marilyn gave us a quick sketch of the 8 groups or people working to free today’s slaves. Then we watched the first three from the DVD Not for Sale. The first segment is about Annie Dieselburg and how she is rescuing prostitutes in Bangkok, Thailand. Her project is called Nightlight and teaches the women jewelry making. One necklace they sell says “Not for Sale” on one side and “Not Buying” on the other. The next is Polrus Project, named for the North Star that slaves in the USA followed to freedom. Two college Seniors started this project. It mentions how there are gatherings in different locations to celebrate pimps. Then we move to Italy, where a priest is saving Eastern European women from forced prostitution. A sheriff’s deputy in Florida Started the Collision Against Human Trafficking. In Cambodia, Hagar shelter takes in kids ages 4-12. Lucy works with street kids in Peru in a program called Generation. Children devastated by war are being rehabilitated in East Africa. Gary Hagan works with the international justice system and has rescued 37 children, the youngest 6 months. They have arrested 20 adults and a woman procurer received 20 years. There is something for everyone to do: give money, make a home for a woman or child, teach a skill, and pray. Some of the resources available: Books The Natashas Inside the New Global Sex Trade by Victor Malarek, Not For Sale by David Batstone, Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy by Kevin Bales, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, a novel based on the story of Hosea and Gomer. DVD Not For Sale.

We prayed and adjourned for lunch at 12:40. The meeting reconvened at 1:45.

We sang a song and had a Love Gift Dedication. The following offerings were taken:

General Offering $129.00

Love Gift $45.75

Student Aid $38.70

Although we did not take an offering for Special Project, $5.00 was given to Marilyn Oaks along with a check from FBC, Carthage for $1125.00

Marcia closed our meeting with prayer at 2:00p.m.

Submitted by: Laura Winch, Area II secretary Email: laurawinch@yahoo.com

2009: April 21 Spring Board TBA

May 19 Spring Rally TBA

September 15 Fall Board TBA

October 20 Fall Rally TBA

Breakdown of Attendance at Spring Rally

Ashland FBC 1 Greenfield FBC 2 Spfld Elliott 2

Carrollton FBC 4 Jacksonville FBC 4 Virden FBC 3

Carthage FBC 2 Jerseyville Bethel 7 White Hall FBC 9

Decatur FBC 1 Kinderhook United 2 Winchester FBC 2

Eldred Baptist 2 Spfld Central 1 Guests 2

Total 44

Area II Fall Board Meeting Minutes-First Baptist Church, Jacksonville. IL

September 18, 2007 10:00a.m. – 1:15p.m.

President Marcia Wimmer called the meeting to order.

Barbara Dorsey opened the meeting with a devotion based on Matt. 14:27-33. see read a poem “On the Wings of a Prayer” by Helen Steiner Rice and led us in prayer.Marcia had each of us give our name and what we are thankful for.

The minutes of the Spring Board meeting, April 17th , were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report – Fran passed out “What’s What and What Do I Do With It?” to those who needed it. Fran submitted the treasurer’s report as of September 15th-see below. If you have questions, you may contact her at 217-523-2601 or email her: ronfran@sbcglobal.net.

September 18th, 2007 Treasurer’s Report

Balance 6-17-07 $2210.82 Disbursements $718.78

Receipts to date 754.88

New Balance $2965.70 Balance 9-15-07 $2246.9

Nominating Committee Next year we elect a President, Associate of Communications, Coordinator of Personal Development, and Associate for Student Aid. No one would commit to serving on the nominating committee so Marcia tabled the request.

Officer’s Reports

Communications – Henrietta Schafer needs information on the Fall Rally to be held next month in White Hall.

Rallies – Deanna Williams reported that Marilyn Oaks will speak at Fall Rally on “Breaking the Chains”.

Personal Development – Barbara Dorsey reminded us to take care of ourselves.

Love Gift & Special Project – Barb McKean has received no information from Valley Forge. The ABW web site: http://www.abc-grr.org, has lots of materials. Look at www.nightlightbangkok.com to get more on Annie Dieselburg’s ministry in Thailand. You can also go to Google online and enter: “women and girl trafficking”.

Student Aid – Janice McKinney reported that we were able to help 7 students this year. She requested that we pray for the students and send cards. Marcia asked for extra TLC for Megan Redden, one of our student aid recipients. She is really struggling with her first year of college. Marcia read a letter of appreciation from a past student aid recipient. It included a check for $400 to pass that assistance on.

Church & Community – Beverly Moulton reported that Decatur and Winchester will be highlighted in the Fall Rally packets. She encouraged us to open our churches to the community, for example sign language classes and flu shot clinics. Betty Houston told us about their up coming Faith in Action Sunday. There will be no worship sevice. All people will be in action for the community, cleaning yards, baking cookies for people who have to work on Sundays, painting at MacMurry College and other things. They also did “Secret Pals”, pairing a young person with a senior as a Sunday School promotion.

Missions & Service – Stephany Smith was absent due to her mother’s recent fall and surgery. Marcia reported that Kristina Gutierrez has resigned because her son wants to finish school in the States. She believes that John and Debbie Coats, in Cambodia, will replace her as our special interest missionary. Area II Mission Board wanted to know if more would attend smaller local meetings. The GRR Mission Conference will be held April 25-26 at Cherry Hills. Note the change from January time frame in the past. They hope that the weather will be better for travel.

White Cross – Janet Lebegue read the list of those who have already Accepted their White Cross quota for 2007-2008. Area II has the Zenobia Endowment that reduces our cash quota. Ashland is not able to fill all of their cash quota. Janet hoped that other groups could pick up the remaining $140. They have eliminated the special mail category we used to send quilt blocks over seas. It is now $10 per lb. Is there somewhere in the US that could use the blocks that Elliott already has cut? It was suggested that we check at local hospitals for “Linus Blankets”. Anadarko Christian Center in Oklahoma can use quilt blocks. They could be sent with Jack and Hilda Smith.

If you did not receive “Ripples” email Rose Dunn at: rose.dunn@att.net or go to GRR web site

We prayed and broke for lunch at 11:40.

Marcia passed out Great Rivers Region ABW Ministries booklets. There is one correction on page 11. Jessica Leaf’s email should be: jleaf4@wabash.net

Member-at Large – Carol Matheson reported she has a graph showing where Special Project money is going. Very little is going to administrative costs. She will email a graph to circle presidents. Carol is serving on the nominating committee for GRR. They need women for Church & Community and Conference to fill the slate. Anyone interested contact Carol Matheson or Marcia Wimmer.

President’s Report –White Cross has a new web site. The theme for White Cross is “Showers of Blessings”. Call 1-800-4 Judson for materials. Judson also has free Bible studies. At the GRR convention, First Baptist Decatur will host a buffet breakfast, on Sunday. The theme of the panel discussion is “Children in Poverty”. Children that Marcia has been fixing breakfast for the past ten years will be present. Women’s conference will be held at Green Lake August 9-15, 2008. The cost will be reduced because of the date change. There is lots of material available on our theme “Breaking the Chains”. Note the new date for Mission Conference in April. Fall Rally will be held October 16, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in White Hall. Spring Board ’08 at Central in Springfield. Spring Rally ’08 TBA.

If you are putting together School Kits or Health Kits for Church World Service PLEASE NO MORE CONSTRUCTION PAPER OR TOOTHPASTE.

Fran updated us on plans for next year’s women’s conference. Date June 6-8, 2008. Cost $139. They have one speaker lined up, Elizabeth Landau, assistant to Lauren Bethel. They have received bags from Christian Credit Union. Motel soaps are needed. Also needed are a mother bird and baby bird.

New Business – already covered Old Business – nothing more

Marcia thanked us for our service in local churches and the Area II Board. Fran closed the meeting with prayer and we adjourned at 1:15p.m.

Submitted by:

Laura Winch, Area II Secretary email: laurawinch@yahoo.com

2007: October 16 Fall Rally White Hall FBC

2008: April 15 Spring Board Springfield Central

May 20 Spring Rally TBA

September 16 Fall Board FBC Winchester

October 20 Fall Rally Kinderhook United

Attendees at 9-18-07 Area II Board Meeting:

Ashland Ashland FBC	1	Jerseyville Bethel	2
Carrollton FBC	2	Springfield Central	2
Decatur FBC	1	Springfield Elliott Avenue	2
Greenfield FBC	1	White Hall FBC	2
Jacksonville FBC	2	Winchester FBC	1

Total Attendees: 16