A FOND FAREWELL
To all United Methodist Women of the Kentucky Conference, thank you for the privilege of serving these last four years as your Conference President. It has been a true blessing in my life. Traveling across the Conference has enabled me to form new bonds of friendship and has enlarged my creative, supportive fellowship of UMW. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
If you missed our Annual Mission Celebration at Frankfort First UMC, you missed a real treat and blessing. We were honored to have celebrating with us Bishop Lindsey Davis, who came and spoke but was quite ill. His efforts to be in attendance were greatly appreciated. We also appreciated having ten of our twelve District Superintendents and several from the Conference Office in attendance.
Barbara Wheeler, Editor of Response magazine, was our featured Keynote Speaker. A dynamic speaker, Barbara challenged us to Keep the Connection Going, our theme for this Celebration. Connectionalism has been our theme these last four years. She stressed that through our work in missions and donating and pledging our money to Mission Giving, we are connecting to our local communities, our state, our country, and around the world. Never let this stop!
A BIG “Thank you!” to all who brought items or donated money for the Versailles Children’s Home. Another “Thank you!” to those who brought the baby quilts. All of these items and donations demonstrated our love and concern for children and youth!
We were blessed by the liturgical dancing talents of Lisset Reyes, the beautiful voice of Megan Crouse, and the violin talents of Cathy Mejia. Special thanks go to Saundra Epley, song leader, and Roy Nance, organist.
Recognizing the outgoing officers is a time of emotionalism. Several of us have served in our positions, and it was time to leave because of the tenure rules—Charlotte Smith, Communications Coordinator, Jo Ann McGuffin, Historian Appointee, Patsy Crady, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, Cathy Mejia, Language Coordinator Appointee, Michele Randolph and Sharon Evans, Nominating Committee, and myself as your Conference President. Pam Martinez was recognized for having served two years as our Spiritual Growth Coordinator and Mary Dunn who served on the Nominating Committee. Jeanette Westerfield was recognized for having served four years on Women’s Division and was re-elected this past April to serve four more years. Mary Bertram was recognized for having served four years on the UMW Core Planning Group of the SEJ. District Presidents were recognized for service. For four years-- Sharon Feeback, Becky Jones, Sarah Williams, Beth Stewart, and Jeanette Elder. And for two years, Barbara Canady. We thank God for all who served and their dedication.
The UMW of the Frankfort District did a fantastic job hosting our Celebration. A special “Thank you!” to District President Sarah Williams and Local Unit President Julia Hughes. Linda King, our Conference Vice President, is to be commended for organizing our special day. Thank you, Linda, for an excellent job! It was all so fitting and proper since we stressed Connectionalism these last four years that Rev. Julie Hager Love, our Conference Director of Connectional Ministries, install our new officers. She encouraged them to serve with much joy!
Due to the illness of Bishop Davis, we were blessed to have Rev. Becki Curry, the Bishop’s Assistant, and Rev. Julie Hager Love lead us in the closing Communion Service. Our Memorial Service under the direction of Debbie Mason preceded the Communion Service. She had us pause to remember those UMW sisters who are no longer with us physically but will remain in our hearts forever.
I am not saying, “Goodbye!” which seems so final. I am saying, “Farewell!” Lord willing, I plan on seeing many of you at our Conference Spiritual Growth Retreats, our Schools of Christian Mission, and our Annual Mission Celebrations. I plan on once again being able to teach in our School of Christian Mission, one of my many loves.
I have taken on a new role in our Conference—Conference Lay Leader. This will also keep me connected to you especially all who are laity. Remember that our pastors, male and female, are also UMW. Pray for me as I take on this new opportunity and responsibility.
I am leaving you in the very capable hands of Mary Bertram. Mary is a very knowledgeable and dedicated UMW. She will be a very effective and responsible leader. Support Mary with your prayers, your love, and your kind words of encouragement and affirmation.
Until we meet again, love and blessings to all of you!
In His service,
Carol Ackley, Your Retiring KY Conference UMW President
