전국연합회 임원수련회
“ 임원수련회를 끝내고”
Executive Retreat Reflection
전국 임원수련회(2/12-2/15)를 알차게 준비해 주신 총무님과 준비위원님들께 깊이 감사드려요!
I deeply thank our Executive Director Myungrae Lee and Coordinator for organizing the National Executive Training Retreat this past February 12-15! Thanks to the messages delivered by the guest speakers, we were able to examine the current state we are in. Although I was curious as to why God would call us the old-timers, I was able to see that God's work will be accomplished with faith and hope as we complete the remaining tasks He has allotted to us. He Who has nurtured and guided our network for the past 30 years will again open up the closed eyes and doors, ignite our feelings, and enable us to act. I bless the vigorous rise of the NNKUMw's year 2024. "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31) (Written by: Young Hee Lee, Education and Interpretation Coordinator of NNKUMW, Cal-Pac Conference KUMw Network, Dream KUMC)
서부 오하이오 회장 황정희입니다.
Executives Training Retreat Reflection Greetings, my name is Junghee Lee, serving as President of the Western Ohio Conference KUMW Network. First and foremost, I would like to express my thankfulness to the Lord for allowing us to participate in this training retreat. Through this retreat, I experienced how the Lord transforms the law of death in this world into the new covenant of life. It is with grace and passion that I intend to apply and implement the lessons I have learned from this training retreat to the various churches in our Western Ohio Conference. 1. Present the seminar content. I will be working to process and plan for these items in this order of organization. (Written by: Junghee Lee, President of Western Ohio Conference KUMW Network, Columbus Korean United Methodist Church)
2024년 전국임원수련회를 다녀와서…
Attending the National Executive Training Retreat I attended not knowing exactly what this training was about, but when the president of my local network invited me to join, I obtained permission from my work and came along. It all started with a curiosity sparked by the name "New York." However, as I took on various responsibilities and tasks, the sense of obligation began to outweigh the joy, and I became curious about how other churches were operating and wanted to gather advice on bringing the next generation into our KUMW Network. I also wanted to learn more about how they are serving the local community. While it's true that the women in our church have overflowing passion and obedient hearts to serve, it seems we don't know exactly how to channel that passion into where God desires. And the outcome was successful. We learned that many churches, including ours, lack active participation from young women. However, they assured us that with vision and an inclusive environment, they can be capable of taking on various ministries in new creative ways. Attending the national executive training retreat with little expectation, I was inspired by the senior members who tirelessly serve in God's work and the church with unwavering passion. It felt like a breath of fresh air and provided a clearer direction. I started to feel a desire to join in. First, I plan to learn from Zoom seminars and actively participate in various events by sharing information and prayerfully discussing tasks we will undertake. Rather than hastily making judgments about what I can do, I will focus on what God is doing and take one step at a time with expectation for what He will accomplish. (Written by Hyun-Ku Helen Kang, Western Ohio Conference KUMW Network, Columbus Korean United Methodist Church)
평범한 천사들
Ordinary Angels I am someone whose heart starts to race at the sight of words and whose head starts to ache at the sight of numbers. That's why I don't handle the accounting for our household. So, for me to have been handling the accounting for the NNKUMw for the past four years is such a miracle. There are various computer programs for managing finances, but I managed this treasurer job by writing on accounting ledgers as if I were keeping a household account book, something I had never done before. Fortunately, I enjoy writing, so I was able to do it well. In fact, looking back, although it was something I was pressured into, I cannot deny that the grace I received was greater. It was like how Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross, yet the grace and blessings of God that were poured onto that household were immense. I know very well how busy the members of the KUMW are. As housewives, they are responsible for the church kitchen as well and no corner in our churches is untouched by our members' care. However, despite all this, members of the KUMW in conference networks all across the nation tirelessly collect mission offerings every year, diligently running around like ants to support missions coordinated by the NNKUMw. Whenever I received these funds, I was deeply moved by the same heart and passion, and I believe that the gospel spread through the NNKUMw is flourishing everywhere thanks to the combined efforts of these devoted individuals. Last week, I watched a movie called "Ordinary Angels" at a local theater. It is based on a true story that took place in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1990. Ed, a man who sent his young wife to heaven and raised two daughters by himself, faces theheartbreaking situation of his younger daughter needing a liver transplant. Despite working hard, he accumulates debts due to hospital bills and other expenses. Then Sharon, a hairdresser in town, happens to learn about this situation and steps forward to help the family. Sharon herself has personal wounds, but she puts aside her occupation and reaches out to neighbors, companies, and broadcasters to make their situation known and ask for help. One day, they receive a call saying that the children's hospital, where the liver transplant is to take place, is quite far away. Unfortunately, a snowstorm hits, closing roads and airports, making it impossible to travel by car, and even the helicopter they had arranged cannot take off. However, Sharon and the townspeople do not give up. Finally, one helicopter volunteers to go, and the townspeople come out with shovels and extension cords to clear the snow piled up like a mountain at the parking lot of the small church in the neighborhood so that the helicopter can land. Finally, the father carries his young daughter onto the helicopter and says to Sharon, "You are a miracle," as they head to the hospital, the townspeople rejoice as if running, and the movie ends. It's a heartwarming movie that shows what miracles can happen when ordinary people come together. It's a movie about ordinary townspeople coming together and saving lives with their hearts united as one. Although it is undoubtedly a happy ending movie, I found myself drenched in endless tears. It felt like watching our NNKUMw. We are after all just ordinary middle-aged women, but as we work for God's mission with the same passion and determination, God uses ordinary women like us to perform His great miracles. We have clearly witnessed and experienced such testimonies.. Ordinary angels, who else could we be if not these angels? Even when the roads get blocked by a snowstorm and the sky routes are hindered, we as ordinary middle-aged women belonging to the NNKUMw, as ordinary angels, will carry on and continue this journey without rest, following the path that God paves for us. (Written by: Eun Soon Song, History Resources Coordinator of NNKUMW, Delaware-Maryland Conference KUMw Network, Delaware KUMC)
|
제15회 학당을 마치고
얼마 전 독일에서 극우 정치인과 신나치주의자들의 음모가 언론에 보도되면서 우익 극단주의와 외국인 혐오에 반대하는 대규모 시위가 있었다는 뉴스를 보았다. 그리고 이러한 심각한 사회 갈등의 주요 원인이 난민 수용 문제이고 이것을 이용한 신나치의 세력이 급속도로 커지고 있다는 것이다.
Participating in the Virtual School Recently, I came across a news report about a conspiracy by far-right politicians and neo-Nazi sympathizers in Germany that sparked large-scale protests against right-wing extremism and xenophobia. It was disheartening to learn that one of the main causes of such serious social conflicts is the issue of refugee acceptance and the rapid rise of neo-Nazi influence exploiting this matter. Even in the United States where I live, immigration has become a political focal point with the upcoming presidential election. At such a time like this, it was indeed heartening to hear that the webinar hosted by NNKUMW was about "How do Christians think about immigration and refugees?" Personally, I have always believed that the issue of immigration and refugees should first be approached from the perspective of how we view and treat individuals in need, rather than from a political or macroscopic standpoint. I have also felt the need for persuasive knowledge rather than solely emotional inclusivity. However, I have been disappointed by the lack of opportunities to engage in dialogue and learn from others. Particularly, in the current paradoxical situation where the majority of churches and Christian organizations, places where we expect to be tolerant towards society's outliers and the marginalized, are instead displaying exclusionary attitudes, I felt even more grateful that such a webinar on this topic was being organized by a Christian organization. The two-hour-long lecture prepared by Attorney Youngsoo Choi who volunteers at the Sanctuary Church in New York was truly an enlightening moment filled with "the joy of knowledge" that dispelled ambiguous anxieties. Witnessing over 70 participants earnestly deliberating and sharing their concerns for those in difficulty was deeply moving. It was a moment when my resentment towards God, who created the world but seems uninvolved in human affairs, was reversed, and I was instead filled with overwhelming gratitude. It was a moment when I truly felt the reality of God, who works through His people. However, despite knowing the truth, the unease towards immigrants labeled as dangerous individuals who drain society's resources, increase crime rates, and receive various benefits funded by my hard-earned taxes, will not easily dissipate. This stems from the societal phenomenon where scapegoats are required when life becomes difficult, and the scapegoats have often been the vulnerable and the weak, those who possess nothing. Yet, I believe that if we discover "kindness" within ourselves and have the determination to act, the fear blocking our hearts will disappear. In every era, there are those in need and those who stand with them. Seeking ways to extend a helping hand to refugees crossing borders to escape death and live a dignified life may be the mission bestowed upon us in this era. As we concluded the webinar with a communal prayer on the road to the cross, praying for strength and safety for powerless refugees, I realized that these refugees also represent us, powerless individuals, who must navigate through a challenging world. And through this prayer, I learned that the true language of love is the prayer interceding for others. I felt that I had gained invaluable insights into life during this two-hour journey. I express my sincere gratitude to everyone who organized and participated in the webinar. (Written by: Sungyoon Park, participant residing in Connecticut)
25일 저녁 제 15회 학당을 참여하고 25일 제 15회 학당은 “ 기독교인들은 이민과 난민을 어떻게 생각하는가” 라는 주제로 강사 최영수 변회사님의현재 미국의 이민과 난민의 문제를 자세히 들을 수 있었다. 내가 속했던 구룹에 주어진 문제는 “나의 이민과 난민에 대한 일반적 생각이나 오해는 무엇이며 어떻게 극복할 수 있을까?” 였다. 강의중에 7가지의 일반적인 오해는 우리 그룹에서는 이미 강사님이 알려주신 이러한 오해를 가지고 이야기를 나누었다. 끝으로 나는 우리에게 주어진 질문에 이렇게 대답한다. (글: 임성혜권사, 독서프로그램 위원장, 뉴욕연회 한인여선교회연합회, 뉴욕한인교회)
Attending the 15th Virtual School On the evening of the 25th, I participated in the 15th Virtual School. This 15th Virtual School provided the opportunity to hear in detail about the current immigration and refugee issues in the United States under the theme "How do Christians think about immigration and refugees?" with a lecture by Attorney Youngsoo Choi, NY. Attorney Choi's lecture provided detailed explanations of the facts surrounding the current refugee issues in the United States. He also shared statistics and his firsthand experiences from visiting areas with refugees at the border. He also enlightened us about international law and government policies we were unaware of. After the lecture, we divided into small groups to discuss and give presentations on the given issues. The topic assigned to my group was, "What are the general thoughts or misconceptions about immigration and refugees, and how can we overcome them?" During the lecture, seven common misconceptions were identified: 1. Is illegal immigration a bigger problem now than in the past?
In our group, we discussed these misconceptions based on what the speaker had already shared. The speaker's presentation of facts helped change our thoughts regarding these misconceptions. Some participants expressed their worries about the seriousness of immigration and refugee issues, particularly due to the crimes being reported on the news. We also discussed concerns about our safety, economic losses, and the importance of critically evaluating how these issues are portrayed in the media. Furthermore, we acknowledged that these issues have been ongoing, and Europe has been facing these challenges even earlier than the United States. Learning about how international law guarantees the rights and survival of immigrants and refugees was also a new insight for us. Finally, in response to the question presented to us, this is my answer: Who are we? As women, immigrants, and Christians following Jesus, we should carry the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to do unto the least of these as unto ourselves. We must become disciples of Jesus who hold His words close to our hearts and put them into practice, reaffirming our commitment to serve God's people with the words, 'Here I am, send me, to serve your people, O Lord.' (Written by: Sunghea Rhim, Reading Program Committee Coordinator of NNKUMW, NY KMC & Ins.)
<난민들과 함께하는 14개의 십자가의 길 기도문> 1: 예수님께서 사형 선고받으심.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS - REFUGEE REFLECTIONS PRAYERS (Transrator: Dongkyu Park, immigration Law, Attony) (From JRS: Jesuit Refuse Service, 2021 Stations of the Cross Resource 03 February 2021, https://www.jrsusa.org/resource/stations-of-the-cross/?fbclid=IwAR0O2GPhEbg1hu3DW7T6EBmZy6yziJSPXmbQaVDN3OdRNf1TrlaY0lIZ9RE) |
2024년 한인여선교회전국연합회 선교사역 안내
2024년 한인여선교회전국연합회 선교사역 안내 2024 NNKUMW Missions Plans Theme: "KUMW that Participates in Missions in the Name of Jesus" 1.NNKUMW Executives Training Retreat & Executive Meeting: February 12th-14th (Bayside UMC, NY) "Same Heart, Same Passion, Same Vision... for Missions" |
평신도와 함께하는 UMC 미래 컨퍼런스 안내
제2회 평신도를 위한 심포지엄 안내 등록: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdD6U_Je9IFTIInk8ahLle0CyuBL6R_lYjoG10j--4s-MwsIw/viewform (안내: 김명래 총무, 한인여선교회전국연합회)
The 2nd Symposium for Lay Members of Korean United Methodist Church The United Methodist Church Jurisdictional Korean Missions will be hosting The 2nd Symposium for Lay Members via Zoom. It will be a time of providing healing and vision to lay Members who are feeling wounded and challenged due to the current difficulties faced by the denomination. In this symposium: (1) We will present the policies that the KUMC has in place to uphold the traditions of faith within the denomination. If lay members participate in this symposium with a proactive mindset, the future of the Korean United Methodist Church will be filled with hope and vision. We kindly ask that you spread the word to the lay members of your church to register for this symposium. To participate, please click on the link below the poster to access the registration form. Once you fill out the registration form on the website, you will receive the Zoom meeting link or you can take QR code on Poster. |
책소개
책 소개: 바울을 읽다.
(글: 이미숙 집사, 전국연합회 독서프로그램 위원, 북조지아 연회 한인여선교회연합회)
Book Recommendation Meeting God in Paul: Reflections for the Season of Lent This book starts with establishing the perspective that understanding Paul, who completely transformed Christianity, is synonymous with understanding the writings he left behind. Recognizing how Paul's teachings and activities took place requires an understanding of the social and intellectual landscape of the time, so the book delves into Paul's era. "I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Corinthians 15:9) We are familiar with this confession of the apostle Paul, who confessed his former self as Saul before becoming an apostle. Regardless of being a Roman citizen, a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin, and a protege of the highly respected Rabbi Gamaliel, Paul descended to the lowest position by denying himself and meeting the Lord. This pursuit of his life coincides with the journey to find the reasons that transformed the lives of the early Christians. From the perspective of Christians, Paul is both an insider and an outsider. His letters sometimes pour out anger from an outsider's perspective and moments of subtly manipulating others or becoming fierce. However, within that anger lies a deep and instinctive love for insiders. The multifaceted human revealed through the letters he wrote is the true image of Paul. Among Paul's teachings that have had a profound impact on Christians, it is important not to overlook his efforts to break down barriers prevalent in society. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28) His teaching extends the dignity of belonging to God's people to everyone, welcoming not only respected and devout individuals but also those who do not want to be with them. His proclamation that everyone, whether slave, immigrant, citizen or any other status, should attend meetings discussing public matters throughout the world, reflects a part that should also be reflected in the reality we live in today within the church community, where everyone is a citizen and we are all citizens of heaven. For Paul, freedom means breaking away from the compulsion to satisfy God before He welcomes us. He emphasizes that God delights in us and has welcomed us from eternity. Through this book, we are encouraged to rethink the freedom to act on God's behalf, His freedom which breathes life into us, promises forgiveness and reconciliation, and spreads hope through words and actions. The Christian community is open to everyone to be free to give what they can in community life, revealing the glory of God and showing joy, service, consideration, and generosity. Paul emphasized the freedom to become free in the community of the Greeks, regardless of wealth and poverty, high and low status, differences in learning, and gender. As the author Rowan Williams hopes that we sense the "perilous novelty" brought about by Jesus, we desire that we all keep ourselves spiritually awake to always respond to the new things our Lord grants us each day. (Written by: Meesook Lee, Reading Program Committee Member, N. Georgia Conference KUMW Network) |
“선교적 유산헌금”
한인여선교회전국연합회의선교적 유산을 이어 주세요!
참여를 부탁드립니다.
(글:김명래 총무, 한인여선교회전국연합회)
Please help continue the Mission Legacy of NNKUMW! How to pay: Check Pay to NNKUMW |
Copyright © 2008 www.nnkumw.org National Network of Korean-American United Methodist Women All rights reserved. 발행인: 최만금 회장/ 김명래 총무/ 코오디네이터-권오연 / 한글교정-안영숙/ 영문번역-배예진/ Web Master-김시춘 |
2024.02.29 21:29