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ANNUAL REPORT and DIRECTORY Women United Methodist Louisiana Conference The United Methodist Church 1993 CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 14 Annual Meeting Task Group, Horseshoe Dr UMC, Alexandria January 24 United Methodist Women’s Sunday January 29-31 Nominations NOTE, Ramada O’Hare, Chicago February 12-13 Mid-Year Executive Committee, Tall Timbers February 15 District reports due to Conference President March 5 Church Women United, World Day of Prayer March 12-13-14 Conference Retreat, Tall Timbers March 20 Church Women United, Assembly/Leadership Conference, Ruston March 25-2g Global Gathering, Indianapolis, Indiana May 7 Church Women United, May Fellowship Day June 7-10 Louisiana Annual Conference, Centenary College, Shreveport June 23-27 West Gulf Regional School, Baker University, Baldwin, Kansas July 13-14 Committee meetings. Centenary College July 15-18 School of Christian Mission, Centenary College August/September District Mini-Schools September 16 Executive Committee, First UMC, Alexandria September 17-18 UMW Annual Meeting, Horseshoe Drive UMC, Alexandria UMW October 2/3/9/10 District Annual Meetings October 23 District Elected Leaders Training (DELT) November Local Elected Leaders Training (LELT) in each district November 5 Church Women United, World Community Day December 2-5 New Officer Training Event (NOTE), Ramada O’Hare, Chicago (all first time elected officers & newly elected president) December 10-12 Training Event for Conference Treasurer and Financial Interperter, Scarritt-Bennett Center, Nashville December 15 Local unit annual reports due to district president LYDIA ISTOMINA Lydia Istomina was baptized as a child in the Russian Orthodox Church and as an adult worshipped in the house of Friendship, an underground protestant Church in her hometowm of Ekaterinburg, Russia. Lydia’s father was an atheist and a top propagandist for the Communist Party. But when she heard the words of a visiting United Methodist preacher from Louisiana, Reverend Dwight Ramsey, traveling in her city in the summer of 1990, her life changed forever. Lydia shared her new beliefs, "When I was Russian Orthodox, I couldn’t imagine Jesus Christ being so realistic. But now I have seen Him in a vision, and I thought it was my last day. Now I understand it’s just my first day." Louisiana Conference United Methodist women and pastors met Lydia Istomina for the first time at Annual Conference on June 6, 1991. Lydia addressed 1,500 delegates assembled atCentenary College and shared the dramatic changes that had occurred in her life since becoming a United Methodist Christian believer. The 35 year old University Administrator had been fired from two jobs, lost her entire income and had become an outcast by friends and associates in her community. However, her goals were well defined - "Russia needs God now. Only the church can change the situation in our country, which is horrible right now." With a special offering from the Louisiana Annual Conference, Lydia returned to Russia as lay leader of the First United Methodist Church established for Russians since the Bolshevik Revolution in 1918. Then, in an historical event unprecedented in modern times, in September 1991, a 20 -member delegation from Louisiana watched as our own Bishop William Oden and Bishop Hans Vaxby of Finland officially acted to recognize Lydia Istomina as Lay Pastor of the First Methodist Church of Russia. The delegation from Louisiana had traveled to Ekaterinburg, Russia to participate in the special worship service to dedicate Lydia as Lay Pastor. Their purpose was to also consecrate a 20-acre site of land newly renamed "Methodist Park" that was given by the Russian City Council. On this land, in the heart of a city of over 1.5 million people, this vital Methodist congregation, now numbering almost 1,000 people will build a new church. Lydia Istomina explained that her congregation’s goals are like any other: "We are assisting the needy in our city, and we want to help our members realize their God-given abilities." Led by their Lay Pastor, Ms. Istomina, the church has not waited for a new building, they currently meet weekly for Sunday worship services in the Political Center, a former communist propaganda headquarters. Lydia has trained lay-Sunday School teachers and leads a groupof Russian United Methodist Women in monthly programs. Las Spring, she initiatedaprison ministry, whereofficials have nowagreed toprovide a chapel for worship services. She led her Russian congregation as it inaugurated a community food distribution center for the elderly and provided a soup kitchen on the weekends. The church has adopted a school for the hearing-impaired children in their city. The new Russian Methodist Church provides an innovative, accredited Christian School for over 65 children -with additional evening classes in English. Lydia’s convictions are that "only the church can change the future for our children." To know Lydia Istomina is to see the sparkle of conviction in her eyes and know the personal sacrifices in her life that she has made to follow the call of Christ. While many often speak of Christian devotion, Lydia’s place in the history of the Methodist Church in Russia will be forever marked by the realization that every day she gives her life to the Christian cause. 1 ANNUAL REPORT AND DIRECTORY 1992 - 1993 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN LOUISIANA CONFERENCE THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Compiled and Edited by: Seola Callahan Norma Winegeart Mary Spell LYDIA ISTOMINA As Lydia Istomina continues as Lay Pastor and shares her spirit of God’s love with Russian Methodist sisters and brothers, we dedicate this 1992-1993 Annual Report and Directory to her. May her dedication and devotion to our Lord continue to be a beacon of light that will lead others out of the darkness into His Light. Lydia Istomina was declared an Honorary Member of the Louisiana Conference United Methodist Women during her first visit to Louisiana in June 1991 and was presented with a certificate and membership pin. She was also presented a charter as a sister unit of the Boadmoor United Methodist Women’s unit in Shreveport. 2 THE PURPOSE OF UNITED METHODIST WOMEN The organized unit of UNITED METHODIST WOMEN shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop acreative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts ofmission through participation in the global ministries of the church. PURPOSE OF THE WOMEN’S DIVISION The Women’s Division shall be actively engaged in fulfilling the mission of the Church and shall interpret the PURPOSE OF UNITED METHODIST WOMEN, With continuing awareness of the concerns and responsibilities of the Church in today’s world, the Women’s Division shall be an advocate for the oppressed and dispossessed with special attention to the needs of women and children; shall work to build a supportive community among women; shall engage in activities which foster growth in the Christian faith, mission education, and Christian social involvement throughout the organization. (Discipline Paragraph 1421) THE COVER The cover was designed by Hallie Ann Nesom of Oakdale, Louisiana. It is based on a theme/design submitted by Dianna Perry of Canton, Missouri for the 1992 West Gulf Regional School of Christian Mission, The hearts in the figures represent God’s love for all people. The dove is the symbol for peace. "The Fresh Olive Branch" is God’s sign to Noah (and to us) that it is time to go out from the ark (our place of security) to build a new world filled with love and justice for all. DEDICATION The dedication was written by Cheryl Gillespie who is Director of Children’s Ministries, UMW BroadmoorUnitedMethodistChurch, Shreveportand ShreveportDistrictSecretaryofProgram Resources, Cheryl is a personal friend of Lydia Istomina. OUR POLICY ITIS AGAINSTTHEPOLICY OFTHE WOMEN’S DIVISIONTO RELEASE LISTSOFOFFICERS TO ANY ORGANIZATIONS OR COMMERCIAL FIRMS. THESE LISTS ARE PUBLISHED FOR THE USE OF THE LOCAL, DISTRICT, AND CONFERENCE OFFICERS OF THE LOUISIANA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN ONLY AND ARE TO BE USED FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE WORK OF THE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN. 3 , WOMEN’S DIVISION President Carolyn E. Johnson 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 101 15 Deputy General Secretary Joyce Sohl 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 Regional Staff Person Sue C. Johnson P O Box 840, Nashville, TN 37202 (615-340-7112) SOUTH CENTRAL JURISDICTION UNITED METHODIST WOMEN OFFICERS President Lucy P. Burciaga . . . , 2820 Mountain Ave, El Paso, TX 79939 (915-565-8929) Vice President Charlotte Reed Rt 2 Box 9781, Loup City, NE 68853 (308-745-0420 Secretary Jerry Williams . . . MO 1967 Willow Lake Dr, Chesterfield, 63017 (314-532-5934) Treasurer ... Myrtle Clingenpeel NW OK 8324 35, Bethany, 73008 (405-787-0463) LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE President Bishop William B. Oden 527 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge 70802-5720 Secretary Dr. Stone W. Caraway 527 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge 70802-5720 CONFERENCE BOARD OF LAITY Conference Lay Leader Judge Carl E. Stewart 6805 Snowmass Dr, Shreveport 71119 Vice Conference Lay Leader O. Fred Loy 4536 Chelsea Dr, Baton Rouge 70809 CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST MEN President Ron Sarver 101 Live Oak, Lafayette 70503 4 LOUISIANA CHURCH WOMEN UNITED President - 1995 Joyce Reed 10203 Ridgely Dr, Baton Rouge 70809 First Vice President - 1993 Helen W, Buckner 8181 Lake Forest Blvd,Court 8, Apt 139, New Orleans 70126 Second Vice President - 1994 Olevia Washington 208 Evers Dr, Monroe 71202 Secretary - 1993 Imogene H. Williams 1410 Hano Road, Independence 70443 Treasurer - 1994 Fanelle Thurman 319 Elmwood, Lafayette 70503 Communications - 1993 Ruth Rees 5240 Congress Blvd, Baton Rouge 70808 DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS Acadiana Reverend C. Gerald Richardson 100 Asma Boulevard, Suite 211, Lafayette 70508 Alexandria Reverend Donald R. Avery 2013 MacArthur Drive Bldg 2, Suite 2, Alexandria 71301 Baton Rouge Reverend C. Richard Hoffpauir One America Place, Suite 635, Baton Rouge 70825 Lake Charles Reverend Carole Cotton-Winn 816 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles 70601 Monroe Reverend J. Philip Woodland 909 N 18th, Suite #209, Monroe 71201 New Orleans Reverend George A. Duerson 3401 Canal Street, New Orleans 70119 North Shore Reverend Carl E. Rhoads III P O Box 418, Mandeville 70470 Ruston Reverend James M. Poole 901 S Vienna, Ruston 71270 Shreveport Reverend Robert L. Potter P O Box 41188, Shreveport 71134-1188 PROJECTS AND DIRECTORS IN OUR CONFERENCE MacDonell United Methodist Children’s Services Mr. Gerald J. Bridges 1210 E Main Street, Houma 70360 St. Mark’s Community Center S. T. Tidwell 1130 N Rampart Street, New Orleans 70116 Dulac Community Center Mr. Robin K. Thompson P O Box 101, Dulac 70353 5 LOUISIANA CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Conference Officers Constitution and Bylaws Handbook, 1989-1992: page 43 - Article 5, pp. 46-56 - Article II President Norma S. Winegeart (Mrs. Jack) P O Box 156, Plain Dealing 71064-0156 (318-326-4746) Vice President Betty Carlin (Mrs. Curtis) Route 2 Box 393, Anacoco 71403 (318-239-0148) Secretary Seola Callahan (Mrs. Lawrence) HC-85 Box 130, Oakdale 71463 (318-335-3521) Treasurer Kathryn Shea (Mrs. F. D.) 300 Cleco Dr, #101, Pineville 71360 (318-443-6566) Mission Coordinators for: Christian Personhood Helen Allemond (Mrs. A. W.) 59170 Laurel St, Plaquemine 70764 (504-687-1836) Supportive Community Hilda D. Sills (Mrs.) 4745 Overton Dr, New Orleans 70122 (504-288-3439) Christian Social Involvement Geneva Bell (Mrs. Clarence) 122 N Bank St, Lake Charles 70601 (318-436-4975) Christian Global Concerns Mary Pollard (Mrs. Ted) 321 Cleveland St, Bastrop 71220 (318-281-2055) Secretary of Program Resources Lottie Palazzo (Mrs. A. J.) 2221 Elizabeth St, Metairie 70003 (504-887-3958) Chairperson, Committee on Nominations Barbara Hamilton (Mrs. J. D. V.) 4742 Knight Dr, New Orleans 70127 (504-246-5820) Chairperson, Committee on Membership Marilyn Ray (Dr.) 10341 Flossmoor Dr, New Orleans 70127 (504-241-7820) Secretary for Financial Interpretation Mary Quinones (Mrs. Pas) 4904 Bissonet Dr, Metairie 70003 (504-885-5550) Secretary of Publicity/Public Relations Fannie P. Reddix (Mrs. Roscoe) 1330 Cambronne, New Orleans 70118 (504-865-8181 or 899-8967) Conference Standing Rules & Guidelines: Editor (2 year term 1991-93) Nancy M. Carruth (Mrs.) P O Box 267, Bunkie 71322 (318-346-2249) Historian year un-expired term 1992-93 Kathleen Conrad (Mrs. Clifton) 1 107 Kansas St, Lafayette 70501-3843 (318-235-1941) 6 Chairperson Committee on Standing Rules Constance Abraham-Handy (Mrs.) and Guidelines, 2 year term 1991-93 2706 Waldon Rd, Lake Charles 70605 (318-474-4187) Dean, School of Christian Mission Lois Heath (Mrs. Daniel) 1263 Progress Rd, Baton Rouge 70807-3327 (504-775-7846 West Gulf Regional Planning Team Celina T. Johnson (Mrs.) 7510 Means Ave, New Orleans 70127 (504-241-5182) Ex-Officio/Honorary Vice President Bishop and Mrs. William Oden (Marilyn) 7334 Woodstock Dr, Baton Rouge 70809 (504-927-5130) Nashville Regional Staff Person Sue C. Johnson (Miss) Scarritt-Bennett Center, 1008 19th Ave S Nashville, TN 37212-2166 (615-340-7112) Nashville Region Consultative Committee Norma S. Winegeart Honorary Member of Louisiana Conference United Methodist Women Lydia Istomina Posadskaya 49-45 Ekaterinburg, Russia 620086 DISTRICT PRESIDENTS Acadiana Emily McCoy (Mrs.) 7112 Main Hwy, St. Martinville 70582 (318-394-4784) Alexandria Esther Sanson (Mrs. James) 7613 Hickory Grove Loop, Deville 71328 (318-466-5019 or 466-3162) Baton Rouge Rita Parham (Ms.) 824 Europe St, Baton Rouge 70802 (504-383-2544) Lake Charles Joyce Hazel (Mrs.) 2701 Gen Moore, Lake Charles 70601 (318-477-2618) Monroe Vera Bulloch (Mrs. Charles) 614 McCain Dr, Monroe 71203 (318-343-1223) New Orleans Lynn Foil (Mrs. C. M., Jr.) 1708 Kent St, Metairie 70001 (504-887-5836) North Shore Gail Eperson (Miss) 1305 Greenlawn St, Slidell 70460 (504-643-8703) Ruston Jean Rockhold (Mrs. Jack) Route 2 Box 11-A, Jonesboro 71251 (318-259-4864) Shreveport Betty Turner (Mrs. Ray) 137 Chimney Lane, Haughton 71037 (318-949-2232) 7