United Methodist Women’s Limitless weekend at Duke University in Durham, NC.
United Methodist Women photo by Sara Davis.
Limitless: Redefine Tomorrow equips young UMWs for the future | By Joan Hackett
Click here to see the Flikr Album.
On August 2 to 5, 2012, Duke Divinity School at Durham, N.C. welcomed almost 200 teen and young adult women from across the U.S. for Limitless: Redefine Tomorrow. This event was to equip young women to transcend barriers and do justice by putting faith, hope and love into action. In attendance were mentors and UMW staff, including deputy general secretary Harriett Olson and president Inelda González.
Based on Esther 4:14, various worship styles (taize, jazz and soul), core sessions, workshops, the Ubuntu day of service, morning meditation and movement, and a visioning journey filled the days to the brim. Attendees from the Pacific Northwest included Athena Ziegler, a youth from Stevenson; Mary Simpson Stanton and Lyda Barr, young adults from the Seattle area; and Joan Hackett serving as mentor.
“Limitless” is a response to the call heard throughout UMW for more involvement by young women. This event offered us time for reflection, opportunities to nurture and outreach, as well as a chance to rethink programming that offers a path to regeneration and refreshment of our UMW. Its goals are to create a network of young leaders, a vision statement, train mentors and begin an action plan with an evaluation tool. Young women from the PNW are now equipped and ready to Redefine Tomorrow!
Here are some comments from attendees from Limitless: Redefine Tomorrow:
-“It was really muddy and sweaty in Durham afternoon heat, (while) digging out weeds at the Ubuntu day of service!”
-“A highlight for me was building the rabbit proof fence at the farm on the Ubuntu day.”
-“I really like the Gothic architecture of the chapel especially the stained glass windows and large arches.”
-“The opening was very good and I liked the Vashti play.”
-“Our challenge is to help inspire and advocate for a cultural shift in UMW that makes it relevant and accessible to our demographic.”
Joan Hackett serves as the Conference secretary on Global Ministries
