THE SUNDIAL

Volume XVIII No. 1 September 2007

Day of Reflection

"Wise Womaning: Claiming the Sage in You"

All Women Invited to the ADay of Reflection@

The annual ADay of Reflection,@ the celebration which marks the beginning of CWU=s program year, will be held at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, 1100 South Goodman Street, on October 5^th. The presenter will be Dr. Stephanie Sauvé, Professor and Dean of the Women and Gender Studies Program at the Divinity School.

Gather in Remington Lounge (just off the refectory) by 9:30, enjoy a morning of spiritual renewal, discussion and fellowship, followed by the beauty of the vista on the school=s terrace (weather permitting) over lunch and continued talk. Please bring a brown bag lunch; beverages will be provided.

All women are invited to join us on this traditional day of autumn renewal. [See flyer-goldenrod]

Sally Dodgson, Spiritual Resources Chair

From the President:

With God=s phenomenal grace and mercy, we continue AWalking in the Light of Christ@ filled with new and fresh things, which God is doing in our midst.

In June, regrettably we said good-bye to Colleen Vogt, but we know that God has called her to a new direction of service, and we encourage her as she continues her work in the presence of God. We greatly appreciate her talent and energetic vim and vitality with which she served.

As we move forward, we are pleased to welcome Rev. Patrina D. Freeman, our new Executive Director. Rev. Freeman comes to us with an excellent resumé and experience from working with Young Church Women United on both the State and National level. We look forward to her gift of administrative expertise, talents, and commitment of service which she will bring to us.

We are also pleased to announce that the Task Force on Courts has a new Coordinator, Linda Norak. Linda has been a court observer for two years, following her retirement from the East Irondequiot School District, where she was both teacher and school psychologist. Linda=s vast knowledge and experience will enable her to be particularly knowledgeable in evaluating court proceedings. Linda, welcome to Church Women United and Task Force on Courts.

In July, we experienced the combination of work and fun. Our finance chairperson, Mary Ann Henry, arranged for us to have a Yard Sale at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church during the Corn Hill Festival. We had a lot of fun and we are grateful for all of your hard work, donations, and support. We would especially like to thank the members of Mt. Olivet who so graciously rendered their service to us.

As we move forward, our 85^th Anniversary Celebration is upon us. Our chairperson, Rev. Forsyth and committee have worked diligently all summer preparing for this auspicious occasion. Thank you Anniversary Committee for your commitment!

In looking forward to all of the celebrations of service for 2007-2008, let us deepen our commitment to paying attention to God=s inner whisper, for He is calling us to new spiritual awareness of His presence as we continue the ministry of service in this community.

In Christ, Audrey Davidson, CWU President

The Sundial -2- September 2007

From the Vice President

Church Women United will visit Bethany Presbyterian Church, 3000 Dewey Avenue, on Sunday, October 14, 2007, at the eleven o=clock services. Join us on this morning. Call Betty Allinger for more information 663-0862, or Joan at the CWU office 342-2790.

From the NYS CWU President

When it comes to jurisdictional prudence, CWU of New York State has a long history of examining the principles involved in each and every process which comes before it. Mercy has been the collective voice of all who are participants in this movement, and we are continually encouraged by the difference we have made.

One of our finest examples of compassionate service is the Rochester & Vicinity Unit, Ontario (Finger Lakes) Area. At their spring celebration in 2006, they searched for areas of concern in their communities - looking for specific needs where they could be of service. Along with their dedicated work in their Task Force in the Courts, an illuminated process of hope for many, they have gotten back to the basics of why some - especially young homeless mothers - end up in prison. Called E.I.A. (Education/Insight/Action), they have focused upon education, parenting skills and housing as major areas of concern. A reading group at a Rochester City School, provided formula and diapers for homeless children, and health kits have been some of their major projects. Food for the food cupboard is also an essential part of their ministries of hope. Each in their own way they participate in seeing that legislation is brought before those who have the power to make a difference.

Betty Allinger is a prime example of what can be accomplished when one=s heart is in her work. Nominated by her Presbyterian Church as a Peacemaker, she received honors at the recent Presbytery Mission Fair. Currently her outreach involvement has centered on STEP BY STEP=S work with incarcerated women, fighting the death penalty laws in NY State, and tutoring a Sudanese woman in speaking, reading and writing in English. Well done, beautiful and compassionate sister of peace.

Across the board, CWU of NY State has been involved in the major efforts of Church World Service, and according to the latest count 11,950 kits were sent to the warehouses in early May of 2007. We are also told that CWU has a very rich legacy of support for this CWS kit program. Currently there is an urgent school kit appeal due to all of the demands from major emergencies around the world. 1-888-297-2767 is the contact number for information and involvement.

It was not difficult to celebrate the multi-faceted work that CWU performs across the state and around the world. We are thankful for the opportunity and privilege to serve.

Many blessings, Carol Elaine Deys, serving as president of CWU in NY State, Inc.

From the Executive Director

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Hope of Glory! I am honored and delighted to serve CWU as its new Executive Director. Over the past few weeks, I have diligently met with the Executive Committee in preparation for this most historical moment; the pasting of the CWU Administrative Torch.

I look forward with eager anticipation to what God will bring about in this coming year as we forge ahead together, united in vision and purpose to bring about peace, hope and justice to our community.

As we aspire to even greater achievements during our time together, let us do so in a spirit of Christian love, humility and unity. The Bible says, ALet your light so shine that [people] may see your good works and glorify God.@ May the light of CWU continue to blaze brightly in the eyes of others and God be praise because of it.

God=s Grace, Mercy and Peace, Rev. Patrina D. Freeman, Executive Director, Church Women United, in Rochester and Vicinity, Inc.

The Sundial -3- September 2007

CWU Action Alerts

ALERT #1

APromoting ways to diminish violence and hate against all God=s creation.@

CWU Quadrennial Priority 2004-2008

STOP THE PLAN TO PRODUCE NEW NUCLEAR WEAPONS

In 1945, more than 200,000 people in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were killed by U.S. nuclear bombs. Today, Pres. Bush is asking for taxpayer dollars to create a new generation of nuclear weapons, misleadingly named the Reliable Replacement Warhead (RRW).

To prevent the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from occurring again, we need to change US nuclear policy. Through a truly bi-partisan effort, the House of Representatives eliminated funding for RRW in the Bush=s Budget request for 2008.

The Senate has not yet voted on appropriations for the RRW. However, Senator Feinstein has introduced S.1914, a bill to stop funding the RRW until a new nuclear policy and posture review are completed by 2010. This process will include public hearings and outside experts= input.

Make sure that the Senate follows the House by eliminating funding for RRW. Tell your Senator to support S.1914, the Nuclear Policy and Posture Review Act of 2007.

Go to: http://www.capwiz.com/wand/issues/alert/?alertid=10188501 (Enter your zip code for an automatic email sent to your senators) [A sample letter is available at the CWU office 342-2790]

ALERT #2 APromoting access for all to quality healthcareY@ CWU Quadrennial Priority

Today I received a phone call from the Children=s Defense Fund asking for our help. CWU please take action! NOW IS THE TIME FOR SCHIP RE-AUTHORIZATION IN CONGRESS ! Send an email or Call your members of Congress ASAP!

Over the past 10 years, the State Children=s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has been effective at reducing the number of uninsured children. However, nine million children are still uninsured, millions more are under-insured, and the number of uninsured children is on the rise Bgovernment data indicates that the number of uninsured children increased by 294,000 from 2004 to 2005. That means millions of children in America are not getting the care they need to lead healthy, happy lives.

Funding for SCHIP expires on September 30, 2007, and at any moment Congress will consider renewing the Program and ultimately decide how many children will remain uninsured. We must send the message to Congress that anything less than health coverage for all children is unacceptable.

Make sure your voice is heard! Send an email to your Senators and Representative to tell them they must use this opportunity to expand and improve children's health coverage so that all children and pregnant women - not just some - are guaranteed comprehensive, easy‑to‑obtain health and mental health coverage. It's easy, it only takes a few minutes, and children cannot wait. Click on the link above (ASend an email to your Senators and Representative@) and follow the instructions.

Or call: 202 224 3121 and ask for your member=s office and leave a message with the staffer who answers the phone:

MESSAGE: Please make sure that the State Children=s Health Insurance Program is funded so that ALL Children are CoveredCNO EXCEPTIONS. [A sample letter is available at the CWU office 342-2790]

The Sundial -4- September 2007

ALERT #3 ON SUDAN !

AYThat churches and humanitarian organizations review their investments with companies deeply involved in South Africa which discriminate in wages and other conditions between Blacks and whites, and put pressure on such companies to correct these inequities.@ Church Women United Social Policy Book, 1941-2004, page 124

Support Legislation Calling for Divestment from Sudan!

It is estimated that at least 400,000 people have died in Darfur since the genocide began in 2003. It is impossible to know what the final number will be, since genocide in Darfur is taking place today. What is known is that there are approximately 3.5 million people in Darfur are trying to survive the Sudanese government-sponsored campaign of violence and forced starvation.

Despite the best efforts of the under-funded and under-manned African Union peacekeeping force, attacks have increased in recent months, leading to tens of thousands of new arrivals at refugee camps in Darfur and across the border in Chad.

Contact your Representative and SenatorsCurge support for the ADarfur Accountability and Divestment Act of 2007@.

Under this legislation companies, states or persons with direct investments in Sudan would be required to disclose these investment activities to the federal government. This Act was introduced by Congresswoman B. Lee (CA) and B. Frank (MA) and others in the House (H.R. 180). A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator R. Durbin (IL) (S.831).

Divestment is a proven tool in struggles against inhumane governments: American=s divestment was a major contributor to the downfall of the racist apartheid regime in South Africa!

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Patricia Burkhardt, Church Women United, Legislative Office

100 Maryland Ave NE RM 100, Washington DC 20002, 202 544 8747, fax 202 544 9133

CWU Short Subjects

Thank You

Mary Ann Henry & Audrey Davidson

for assembling the Summer 2007 Sundial

A Garage Sale was held at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church during the Corn Hill Festival and netted $749.50.

Upcoming

Meetings

CWU Board of Directors

Friday, September 21 at 9:30 @ Third

Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs Street

Task Force on Courts

Thursday, September 13, 12 noon

Third Presbyterian-4 Meigs Street

CWU Office Hours Fall 2007

Rev. Patrina D. Freeman, Executive Director M-W-F 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Joan M. Clark, Office Manager M-Th 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Deadline for Sundial Articles: 3^rdFriday of the previous month; same as CWU Board of Directors= meeting.

The Sundial -5- September 2007

FALL PROGRAMS YOU WON=T WANT TO MISS

World Community Day Friday, November 2, 2007 at Baber AME Church, 550 Meigs Street

AEmbracing Justice Under God=s Tent@

Advent Celebration Friday, December 7, 2007 at Mt. Rise UCC, 2 Mt. Rise, Fairport, NY

"Hope" in the Coming of the Lord! Bible Study Presenter Sheryl Zabel, Pastoral Associate, The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, Fairport. If you are interested in helping with this program, please call Jean Murphy, 377-4595.

85^th Anniversary Luncheon

Country Club of Rochester

2935 East Avenue

Elmwood Avenue entrance

Saturday, September 22, 2007 11 am-2 pm

$25.00 per person Chicken or Vegetarian

Tables of 8 available

Speakers

Janet Lomax, TV Personality

WHEC-TV Channel 10

Dr. Marilynn Patterson Grant, Chief of Academics & Small School Development, Rochester City Schools

Paid Reservations Only.

Call the CWU office 342-2790 by September 17, 2007 to RSVP.

WOMEN=S HEALTH KITS

Items for kits for women leaving the Monroe County facility (As of September 2007)

Shampoo Tooth Brush* Sturdy Comb** Wash Cloth

Deodorant Tooth Paste Tissues Socks

Pack in a 1-gallon plastic bag. Please remove soap, toothpaste, toothbrush etc. from any cardboard boxes or hard plastic wrapping. Please bring donations to the celebrations or to the CWU office. Items can be any size, though full size preferred. Please Note Change: *Tooth brushes must have plain squared-off handles to meet jail requirements. *Combs without handles. Thanks.

The Sundial -6- September 2007

New Coordinator of Task Force on Courts

Linda Norak to Take Over as Sue Soper Retires

Church Women United is pleased to announce that the Task Force on Courts will have a new Coordinator, Linda Norak. Linda has been a court observer for two years, following her retirement from the East Irondequoit School District, where she was both a teacher and school psychologist. She has a PhD in Psychology, and during her thirty years with the District, she served as chairperson of the subcommittee on special education, case manager, field supervisor, mentor and consultant in her field.

She has taken the training of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers, but has decided that helping the Task Force is what she prefers. Her vast experience with the lives and problems of young people will enable her to be particularly knowledgeable in evaluating Family Court proceedings and other courts where young people are too often involved. She is well organized and has plans to expand the presently small core of court observers.

The Sundial -7- September 2007

Community Food Cupboard

Our Special Needs

Peanut butter Tea bags

Unsweetened cereal Macaroni & cheese

Jam or jelly Soup-low sodium & regular

Canned peas or carrots Toilet paper

Bar soap

COMMUNITY NEWS

GRCC

Greater Rochester Community of Churches presents An Evening With Ms. Rosa Wims, A Woman of Wisdom, September 19, 5:30 pm at The Baptist Temple, 1101 Clover Street at Highland Avenue.

A light supper will be served (suggested cost $10) and free-will offering accepted for GRCC. RSVP by September 14 to the GRCC office at 254-2570 or email: grcc1@frontiernet.net <mailto:grcc1@frontiernet.net

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is looking for volunteers to serve as advocates for the best interests of abused and/or neglected children. Mature, responsible adults who are interested in making a difference in the life of a child are encouraged to join CASA=s team of volunteers.

CASA will hold a training course for prospective volunteers in October. Prior to attending the course, prospective volunteers must submit a completed application packet and be interviewed. To learn more about CASA, please call (585) 428-5297 or visit our website at www.casarochester.org.

Reflections on Prayer and Personality

Saturday, September 29, 8:15 am to 3:30 pm at Otto Schults Center, Nazareth College. Registration: $25 by September 20. Details: 271-3657

CWU Office Hours Fall 2007

Rev. Patrina D. Freeman, Executive Director M-W-F 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Joan M. Clark, Office Manager M-Th 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

Church Women United=s

Day of Reflection

Friday, October 5, 2007 9:30 am

AWise Womaning: Claiming the Sage in You"

Dr. Stephanie Sauvé

Professor and Dean of the Women and Gender Studies Program, CRCDS

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School

Remington Lounge (just off the refectory)

1100 South Goodman Street

Enjoy a morning of spiritual renewal, discussion and fellowship,

followed by the beauty of the vista on the

school=s terrace (weather permitting)

over lunch and continued talk.

Please bring a brown bag lunch; beverages will be provided.