FRIDAY WORKSHOPS: 1. A Call to Mission: The Personality of Your Spiritual Gifts Learn your personality type and how knowing it can enhance your communication with peers and co-workers. Then further your personal introspection to discern your spiritual gifts. We will leave the workshop equipped to communicate more effectively and have an action plan to use our special gifts wherever we are called to share the love of God with others.

2. A Good Start: Impacting Maternal and Child Health Among 13 high-income countries, the U.S. has the highest infant mortality rate. American mothers have a higher risk of dying than in any other developed country. Action here in the U.S. to support mothers and children is desperately needed. Local congregations have unique opportunities to help mothers and children get A Good Start. Through ministries of education, support for healthy lifestyles, mentoring, health ministry, and more, YOU can make a positive difference in your community!

3. A Greater Good for Women: Partnerships That Sustain Lives Would you like to develop global relationships that empower women for social change and income-generation? Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau (DRC) and Rev. N. Neelley Hicks (U.S.) co-lead this session, sharing how their relationship has empowered each in diverse ways. You will learn how to develop deeper global relationships that produce social good and income-generation.

4. A Town Hall Conversation with Leading Voices Addressing Economic Inequality As one of the priority justice issues for United Methodist Women, this town hall will be an opportunity to hear from some of the leading voices on the issue of economic inequality. Following a moderated discussion with the speakers, participants will be able to engage in a period of questions and answers.

5. A Town Hall Conversation with Leading Voices Working for Climate Justice As one of the priority justice issues for United Methodist Women, this town hall will be an opportunity to hear from some of the leading voices on the issue of climate justice. Following a moderated discussion with the speakers, participants will be able to engage in a period of questions and answers.

6. Achieving Climate Justice: Taking a Pass on Gas Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is critical for keeping the earth below a 2 degree rise in global temperature warming before we reach a catastrophic tipping point. UMW climate justice focus is to decrease emissions from the leading emitters of GHG emissions. Energy, that includes oil, coal and natural gas - has been the greatest emitter and polluter of GHG emissions. Many are familiar with the hazards of oil and coal, and natural gas has been marketed as the low-carbon and clean energy alternative that is the bridge between heavy emitters like oil and coal and the renewable energy. With United States housing huge vats of shale, many investors and companies are investing heavily in natural gas. But is natural gas in fact clean? Is increasing our dependence on natural gas the best alternative when methane – the main ingredient of natural gas – is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide, when natural gas has a high risk of poisoning people all along its supply chain, and when there are significant strides being made in the renewable sector? Are there ways to quicken our world to a green renewable energy economy? Even if all this were true, why should we care as Christians and United Methodist Women?

7. Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences

This hands-on workshop will help individuals identify their role in contributing to strong communities and a healthy economy through promoting healthy child development. Four concepts of development identified by the Harvard Center for the Developing Child will be explored: brain architecture, "serve and return" interaction, toxic stress, and resilience. Addressing these core concepts is the focus of the workshop and the key to shared prosperity in our nation.

8. Advocacy for People with Disabilities: Economic Justice Having a disability too often means struggling financially. This situation threatens to become even worse as current federal programs face cuts and even elimination. What can the church do to advocate for keeping and expanding needed programs? This workshop will present the need for advocacy and how to stand up for ourselves and as accomplices with people with disabilities to work for economic justice.

9. Advocacy: Faith and Facts Take ACTION for Justice. SUPPORT United Methodist projects around the world working on maternal health and family planning. Help UMC advocate for better policies and funding for family planning and reproductive health work in your communities. PARTNER with local health initiatives that expand access to information and services for women's health. PROMOTE healthy masculinity and engage men to participate in comprehensive family planning. It's not just women's problem; men should be involved.

10. An Expansive God for an Inclusive Church This is a highly interactive workshop that will allow participants to explore their understanding of God while considering more expansive images. Challenging more traditional male understandings of God offers an alternative understanding of the feminine dimensions of the divine. By liberating God from an exclusively male image, the participant is free to explore what equity between men and women might truly be like in the world and in the Church.

11. Anti-Islamophobia & Aiding Muslims Through Up-Stander Training that is Culturally Sensitive

The workshop will offer Up-Stander Training. It starts with a community building activity, then a call to action activity on why we must stand up for one another, followed by understanding Muslim religious practices to equip the ally to be culturally sensitive with any Muslim being targeted. This will be done throughout Up-Stander techniques with cultural sensitivity tips followed by a Q&A.

12. Are You Thirsty For Justice? - The Politics of Water Water issues in the U.S. and around the world will be explored to determine where the most critical water crises are occurring. We will examine the connection between climate change and water shortage; and our dependence on fossil fuels as a contributing factor in water inequality. This workshop will identify those who have access to an abundance of safe, usable water and why, and what can be done to ensure the availability of clean water for all.

13. Asset Based Community Development in a Divine Economy of Abundance Every gift that God gives us is an asset that we can use to transform our communities and make disciples of Christ. Using real-life examples and interactive activities, this session will help participants identify the assets in their churches and neighborhoods and learn to leverage those assets into successful ministries that bring opportunity to their community. This session can help reinvigorate existing ministries or spark new ideas for what's next for your church.

14. Be Just Be Green United Methodist Women’s national office has made climate justice one of its four social justice priorities. During this workshop we will provide practical, theologically sound tools to guide and inspire your work as environmental justice advocates. The tools were developed to delve through deep intersectional injustices among gender, racial, economic, and climate injustice. The time together will include four parts: 1) Theological basis for engaging in climate justice. 2) Science of climate change. 3) UMW's work around climate justice--pressing for the reduction of greenhouse gas emission from key emitters like the energy sector. 4) How you can respond to advance climate justice.

15. Bold Worship: Tested Principles and Practical Ideas for Transforming Worship An exploration of best practices that provide hospitality for Transforming Worship in local communities, with special attention to the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing, multicultural world.

16. Breaking Cycles of Poverty: Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Management Did you know that many prisons in the United States do not provide free female hygiene products? Or that girls around the world miss up to two months of school because they lack sanitary hygiene materials? Days for Girls is an award-winning nonprofit organization that sews washable sanitary pads and educates communities about women’s health. Participants will learn the story and philosophy of Days for Girls, and their audacious goal to reach every woman and girl with access to quality sustainable hygiene and health education by 2022.

17. Building Thriving Communities What makes communities—whether a church, a UMW unit, or a neighborhood—thrive? In this interactive workshop, we will be exploring and sharing with each other the elements that thriving communities have in common. As we continuously seek to build and strengthen a thriving UMW community, it is important that we share experiences and wisdom gained.

18. Child Marriage & Teen Pregnancy There will be an introductory session looking at a global picture of child marriage and teenage pregnancy. A presentation of the situation in Sierra Leone will be followed by a dramatic skit. Participants will deduce from the drama the causes, consequences, and preventive measures of child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Conclusions will focus on the role of the church/UMW.

19. Climate Justice Simulation Experience This is a highly interactive workshop that places each participant into a community facing a serious issue of environmental degradation. Participants will take on roles of community members to discuss the economic, environmental, and social impact. Questions near the end will focus on: Who has the power? Who benefits? Who suffers? and How can we advocate to change the system and help those who are suffering?

20. Connecting Leadership Development & Economic Justice: A Zambian Woman's Story Zambia is a developing country so development is the talk of the day. However, to achieve sustainable development we need a situation where the economy can be shared equally and reach all parts of the country. In our tradition, women and youth do over 75% work in the home because of lack of access to education and jobs. Join this workshop to learn how my organization trains women in life survival skills to earn and be part of controlling the economy in their respective communities and villages.

21. Courageous Conversation for Local Church Learning

Courageous Conversations aims to encourage and equip local churches to hold meaningful conversations regarding complex interpersonal and social issues. This project is underpinned by the beliefs that: adults grow best through reflection, questioning assumptions, and challenge (transformative learning); the church can be a healing presence and witness to the world by modeling courageous conversations of social issues; sincere Christians can hold differing opinions while still being united in Christ. Participants will learn strategies to develop their own Courageous Conversations to fit their local needs. They will also learn strategies to be intentional about creating the proper environment for dialogue and the need for facilitators and how to train them.

22. Creating Bold Partnerships with Missionaries in Our Midst: United Methodist Missionary Conferences

This workshop will increase the understanding of three unique missionary conferences by sharing knowledge of the people and cultural communities served by United Methodist Women. Three Missionary Conferences: Alaska, Redbird, and Oklahoma Indian Missionary will be explored and how their history affects outreach and mutuality today. Examination of these ministries will enlighten participants about how United Methodist Women are collaborating with them and how this structure advocates the future.

23. Creating New Spaces UMW leaders need to know how to develop creative ways to engage and attract new members. This workshop helps us explore the realities of today, i.e., the fact that UMW meetings may not be the entry or connecting point for engaging new women, and that churches are not the only space/place to gather. Learn and share creative ideas on how to identify new places for United Methodist Women to be engaged in spiritual growth, fellowship, education, service, advocacy, and mission.

24. Crocheting with Plastic Bags: Keeping Them Out of the Landfills & Creating Something Useful!

This workshop is NOT to teach crocheting, but for those who already know how to chain and single crochet. Bring a crochet hook (F - J) and learn how to cut shopping bags into strips and crochet them into book bags, water bottle carriers and sleeping mats for homeless shelters.

25. Crossing the Road: A Workshop on Intersectional Organizing In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how experiences of marginalization and injustice are interconnected. Practical intersectional organizing always focuses on collaboration and relationship building. Whether it’s climate justice or economic inequality, the struggle for justice is tied to building a collective understanding of power and privilege that functions on multiple and simultaneous levels—interpersonal, institutional, and cultural. This workshop will explore the imperatives of intersectional organizing to: develop the most effective strategies to create spaces for understanding privilege; organize in an intersectional framework led by marginalized communities; and build effective systems of resistance and cooperation to take action for justice.

26. Dancing with the Holy: Spiritual Renewal Through Breath, Movement, and Prayer This collaborative workshop combines breath, dance, stretching, spiritual writing, and prayer with scripture reading and conversation in order to bring about spiritual renewal. Those who engage in this workshop will gain Biblical perspectives of movement in worship; gain awareness of the body; apply breath and movement practices to daily life; and gain new perspectives of the ways God moves with us throughout the world to bring about peace, justice, and love.

27. Developing Brains Grow Spiritually In the United States, “more than one in five infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were poor, at the time of greatest brain development.” This workshop will explore ways a congregation can help families create spaces that nurture brain development in children up to age three, while nurturing spiritual growth in children. This workshop will offer participants the why and how (practical application) to help families create spaces that nurture healthy brain development in young children.

28. Disability and the Church: Next Steps People with disabilities are often missing from our UMW units and leadership. This interactive session offers tools to understand intersectionality and marginalization of people with disabilities; barriers, including attitudes and customary ways of doing things; and means of eliminating barriers to create inclusive communities where members together address issues of injustice. We will practice and talk about ways to provide accommodations so that people with diverse needs can participate.

29. Doctrine of Discovery, the Acts of Repentance Working Group (AORWG) and the Four Priority Issues of the United Methodist Women

The objective of this Assembly 2018 workshop is to forward the understanding of the members on the Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on everyone. The focus will be on the background of the Doctrine of Discovery and focusing on the four priority issues. The workshop will facilitate discussions focusing on how each attendee can take this information to their own unit and develop interest items relevant to their communities with the goal of developing action items.

30. Draw the Circle Wide(r) The expanding diversity in the U.S. calls us to change the makeup of our church and organizations by drawing our circles wider to include persons from whom we are different. This expansion offers the potential for improvement, growth, and deeper relationships with our neighbors and God. Progress happens when we are intentional in our planning for change and for exploring perspectives from varied cultures and traditions.

31. Everyone Has the Right to a Living Wage! Imagine supporting a family of four on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour! That is only $13,650 per year before taxes while it takes at least $29,000 to pay for the basic needs of housing, food, transportation, healthcare, childcare, taxes, and other necessities. That’s called the Living Wage. Find out why this is a women’s issue, an economic justice issue, a racial justice issue, and an immigrant rights issue. Learn what’s happening in your own community and how UMW units can mobilize in your state to win living wages!

32. Exploring Our Ecological Stories This engaging workshop will offer participants space to understand how their spirituality and interactions with the creation have impacted their relationship with the environment. Scientists are calling on people of faith to change hearts and minds around issues of climate change, ecological destruction, and biodiversity loss. That change starts with ourselves and our own spirituality, and this workshop aims to do just that by focusing on spirituality as a means to heal the planet.

33. Faith in Democracy: Advocacy Basics What does our faith tell us about public policy? Where do we interact with public policy in daily life? What activities are involved in public policy and how can we be effective participants in the

public policy process? These are some of the questions we will engage in this workshop where we explore what it means to live out our faith in a democracy.

34. First Birthdays: Every Baby Deserves One! Infant mortality is an indicator of the well-being of a community, and many U.S. cities experience high rates of IM. This workshop will explore causes of IM, disparities between black and other races, and ways we can make a difference. Using the example of UM Church 4 All People's First Birthdays, we will explore a successful model for local churches to accompany families to help babies celebrate a first birthday and thrive in the years beyond. We'll also discuss ways to advocate for just social policies.

35. Freedom Schools: Fostering Justice for Children in Your Community This experiential training will reveal for participants how racism, poverty, and inadequate public education conspire to trap some children and youth in cycles of indifferent and inadequate education, juvenile detention and, finally, mass incarceration. Further, this workshop will help participants experience how initiatives such as CDF Freedom Schools help break these cycles and help children and youth engage through positive education, citizenship, and family empowerment.

36. Harnessing the Power of Money: Personal Finance and Social Justice In John Wesley’s sermon “The Use of Money,” he affirmed that all financial decisions have ethical considerations. Today, women in the U.S. control 80% of household spending decisions, but how can they make informed choices? Wespath staff will help participants map their financial influence, and provide practical examples that illustrate how money can be used to support environmental solutions, affordable housing, and respect for human rights. Come learn how you can make a difference!

37. Hearing Our Words Defines Our Vision Hearing our stories is a way to understand who we are and how we have gotten here. The stories of our faith and action help us to know we are not alone, that others have been before us, and others are with us now. This session will share ways to record, preserve, and share our stories as well as key topics which have been used by others. Key to the learning will be the interactive portion of the session, in which we practice sharing our stories and then reflect on the experience.

38. HerStory: Owning Your Story to Transform the World Stories make us human. Stories have power. Stories also have the power to inspire transformation in our families, churches, communities, and society at large. What is possible if we use the power of storytelling in our service, advocacy, and work for justice in the world? What does it take to harness the power of your story? 39. Income Inequalities, Social Injustice and Violence in Africa This highly interactive workshop will start with participants' experiences of VAW in their contexts. It will then focus on trends within the SS Africa context, emphasizing that VAW is not only a consequence of gender inequality, but reinforces women's low status in society and the multiple disparities, particularly financial ones, between men and women. It will examine the relevant cultural norms and attitudes condoning violence as a traditional practice inherent to the SS Africa context.

40. Interrupting the School to Prison Pipeline

Each year more than three million students are suspended from school, often for vague and subjective infractions. "Zero-tolerance" policies that criminalize minor infractions of school rules, coupled with the discriminatory application of discipline, disproportionately impact students of color, making them especially vulnerable to push-out trends that boost their dropout rates. In this interactive workshop, we will explore these dynamics and discuss the ways UMW can actively work to dismantle current policies that depict children of color, particularly girls of color, as criminals and end policies that respond with mass profiling, arrest, and incarceration of youth.

41. Leaving Our Legacy by Planning Our Giving In clear, simple steps, this workshop will take the fear out of talking about money It will equip participants to understand how they, no matter the size of their estate, can use their resources to benefit their loved ones and to support ongoing mission with women, children, and youth.

42. Living Our Principles: Connecting the Social Principles to Economic Justice The Social Principles are a powerful tool for dialogue, self-awareness, and community mobilization. They are an asset for people of faith in the United Methodist traditions to initiate a change in attitude and behavior on the issue of economic justice, empowerment, and self-determination.

43. Love, Justice & Service: Deaconess / Home Missioner We will share with our audience what a Deaconess / Home Missioner is, what they are committed to, personal stories, how to become a D/HM, etc.

44. Lovers of Justice Dwelling Together in a Multi-Faith World God’s creation continues to suffer tremendous injustices that are common to all. There are threats of land and cultural extinction, environmental contaminants, and pollution of water and natural resources, all forms of violence against humanity and the earth, abject poverty, discrimination, racism, child exploitation, sex trafficking, and...sadly the list continues. This workshop will explore the ways that we as faithful followers of Christ Jesus must live out an essential part of our divine mandate to “do justice…”, by learning how to live, work, pray, and serve with people of multiple faith traditions.

45. Making Women Economically Secure This workshop will inform participants about gender inequity and share policy and program model solutions based on real-life tangible experiences of low-income women in nontraditional job training while receiving affordable child care from a local UMW mission agency. While these are challenging times for women, our Women in Construction program combines policy and practice to offer hope by making impactful change in the lives of women seeking a pathway out of poverty for themselves and their children.

46. Meeting in the Middle: How to Connect With Young Women Through Communication Many UMW members struggle to bring young women into their groups. Communication can be an issue because young women prefer to communicate electronically. We will have a groundwork discussion about how not to try to draw in young women and why Generation X and Millennials prefer to communicate via social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat. Together we will determine how best to bridge the gap to draw in young women.

47. Mindful Compassion: Using Guided Spiritual Practice to Grow a Compassionate Heart As good church folks, we talk a lot about compassion. We view Jesus as a model of great compassion. But how do we live compassionately toward self and others? In his book

"Practicing Compassion," Frank Rogers guides his readers in several specific, accessible, everyday habits of mindfulness intentionally designed to grow compassion. Join us for a highly interactive session in which we will learn about and practice compassion.

48. Nonviolent Action for Justice, Freedom & Equality in Palestine/Israel May 2018 will mark 70 years since the founding of the state of Israel and what Palestinians call the Nakba, or catastrophe in Arabic. In 1948-49 more than 70% of Palestinians were uprooted from their homes and forced to flee as refugees. They are still waiting and working for justice to become a reality. Despite decades of discrimination, displacement, and destruction, Palestinians offer a faithful and hope-filled witness to the power of love in action as the path to lasting justice and peace for all. The Kairos Palestine document, launched by Palestinian Christians in 2009, draws on the framework of faith, hope, and love in I Corinthians 13 to guide our action as churches.

49. Overworked and Undervalued: Women, Race and the Economy United Methodist Women members, as women of faith, are leaders seeking to forge a path towards justice. We are working to promote economic justice in the context of growing income and wealth inequality. In order to do this, we need a space for reflection on our own experiences of the economy as well as the experience of those most affected by growing inequities. Together we want to develop an analysis of the forces that cause the growing divide, marginalizing women, especially low-income women and women of color, and motivate ourselves and others toward action.

50. Panel Presentation: Connecting with the Next Generation of Young Women This panel of diverse UMC leaders from around the country will share real-world stories, strategies, and challenges of connecting with younger women in ministry. They will learn about the drive for social good that many young women have, and how that drive can translate into a deeper understanding of discipleship and leadership. The panel will touch on each of the four justice priorities, and leave attendees with stories, ideas, and inspiration to connect with the next generation of leadership.

51. Reading the Bible for Transformative Spirituality The participants will be "hearing" and "reading" the story of the bent-over woman and persistent widow in small groups, through the "lectio divina" method. In small groups, they will engage in "contextual" readings with the help of a handout on self-inventory. A “nesting doll” will be placed at their tables, and the leader will enable participants to interpret several narrative layers while examining the core of the story, to arrive at ways of being the church in the world through actions. 52. Resisting Racism This workshop will create awareness, educate, and equip women to effectively identify types of racism and where it comes from, how it works, why it persists, and how to resist/dismantle it so that we move towards a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. The workshop will also enable participants to apply learned skills, tools, and resources in their communities and their work for racial justice and to resist/dismantle racism. 53. Screening and Conversation "Are We Crazy About Our Kids?" This workshop will screen the episode “Are We Crazy About Our Kids” from the series “The Raising of America.” This series explores how investing in a strong start for all our kids can lead to a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable America with this episode examining how investing in high-quality early care and education pays for itself. The screening will be

accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality and maternal and child health. 54. Screening and Conversation "DNA Is Not Destiny" This workshop will screen the episode “DNA Is Not Destiny” from the series “The Raising of America.” This series explores how investing in a strong start for all our kids can lead to a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable America with this episode examining how early experiences get under the skin, altering which genes get switched on and which stay off – with possible lifetime consequences. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality and maternal and child health. 55. Screening and Conversation "Healing Justice" This workshop will screen the film “Healing Justice” which addresses the youth-to-prison pipeline, the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform, and highlights various healing methodologies. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on how to support a national dialogue that investigates and considers alternatives to our current punitive model of justice. As one of our priority justice issues, we will also discuss how we can screen films to help move our communities to action on issues like the school-to-prison pipeline. 56. Screening and Conversation "Sacred Water: Standing Rock Part 1" This workshop will screen the film “Sacred Water: Standing Rock Part 1” which tells the story of the women and youth of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation of North and South Dakota who are fighting to stop a pipeline from being built on their ancestral homeland and protect their water and sacred sites. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issues. 57. Screening and Conversation "Sister: An Intimate Portrait of a Global Crisis" This workshop will screen portions of the film “Sister” which follow maternal health workers in Ethiopia, Cambodia and Haiti through beautiful and brutal circumstances. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on how UMW is making maternal and child health a justice priority and how we can screen films to help move our communities to action. 58. Screening and Conversation "The Divide" This workshop will screen the film “The Divide” which tells the story of 7 individuals striving for a better life in the modern day US and UK - where the top 0.1% owns as much wealth as the bottom 90% - while also exploring some of the reasons for this divide. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality. 59. Screening and Conversation "Time to Choose: Coal & Electricity; Oil & Cars" This workshop will screen portions of the film “Time to Choose” that explore the impact of fossil fuels such as coal and oil as well as how people are working for change. The screening will be followed by a conversation on how UMW can take action to transition our communities and economies to more sustainable practices. We will also discuss how we can use film screenings to help move our communities to action on issues like climate change.

60. Screening and Conversation "Time to Choose: Land & Food" This workshop will screen portions of the film “Time to Choose” that explore the impact of agricultural practices on climate change and how people are working for change. The screening will be accompanied by conversation on how UMW can take action and how we can use film screenings to help move our communities to action on issues like climate change. 61. Screening and Conversation "Wounded Places" This workshop will screen the episode “Wounded Places” from the series “The Raising of America.” This series explores how investing in a strong start for all our kids can lead to a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable America with this episode examining how so many of our children can show signs of PTSD and asks why we label them “bad” rather than “injured.” The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality and maternal and child health. 62. Singing for Justice This workshop will introduce participants to songs in various languages as well as to experiences in worship that come from particular cultures and worship styles. The goal is to help them learn and embrace songs that nurture our spirit in justice work. Once they have heard and sung these songs, they will be encouraged to integrate this music into various worship arenas. There is no requirement to be able to "sing" well--just to learn music so that everyone can sing songs of justice and joy. 63. Social Holiness: "Seek First God's Kingdom and God's Righteousness…" When we hear the word “righteousness” what comes to mind? We often associate righteousness with doing what is right in the sight of God. Biblical righteousness is that and so much more. This workshop will explore the ways in which Jesus’ use of “righteousness” in Matthew 6 is a continuation of the priestly and prophetic traditions of his Jewish community. And we will ask as United Methodist Women, "How do we continue Jesus’ work of integrating personal and social holiness in the 21st century?" 64. Spiritual Integration: Social Action as Spiritual Practice The process of spiritual growth can be a process that moves slowly and gradually; we sometimes cannot tell if our daily prayers, frequent visits to places of worship, or charitable acts are helping us grow spiritually. The greatest evidence we have that spiritual growth is happening in us and through us is when we are faced with a difficult moral decision or must choose to lean into opportunities for grace under fire. In this workshop, we will learn how our spirituality is grounded in social resistance, explore how social justice creates opportunity for spiritual development, and take a creative look at spiritual practices as integrative work in the church and world. 65. Storytelling: Using the Midrash Format to Tell Biblical Women's Stories Hear some examples of Midrashes. Look at scripture passages that focus on women (or passages that must have contained women, but their story is missing) What do you know about this woman from her story in this passage? What else would you like to know? What are her strengths? What else would you like to know about her? Develop an outline of how you would tell this woman's story. 66. Strengthening the World Through Women Entrepreneurs The Session will begin with a presentation on UN data concerning women entrepreneurs in the world touching on policy, access to finance and skills development. Questions to the floor will be

presented. Team leaders will volunteer to lead group discussions. Findings from the groups will be discussed with all attendees following each session of individual group discussion. Closing: recommendations and plan of action from the bigger group to be submitted which will later be submitted to UN Women. 67. Taking Care of the Creator's Gift of Indigenous Languages This interactive session will develop an awareness of the threat against the survival of Indigenous languages as the greatest crisis facing Native Nations today. This session will explore how the survival of Indigenous languages is integral to maintaining and strengthening a deeper understanding of the nature of our work on issues such as climate justice. The special role and unique beauty of original languages for the full vitality of Native cultures will be shared. A conception of Native languages as gifts from the Creator will be formulated as a stark contrast to the church's historical role in justifying and implementing the Doctrine of Discovery. A brief history of language suppression through church and government boarding schools will be presented, including the plight of Native children in a brutal system of suppression. 68. Taking Forward Mutuality in Mission The workshop opens with sharing case studies in small groups: Exploring challenges through the eyes of race, class, gender, religion, etc.; Examining what makes mutuality in mission transformative; Learning how to engage in interfaith undertakings to address public policies, while simultaneously facilitating the meeting between our local churches and the Christians among the immigrant and refugee communities, in particular; Sharing stories of mission from the margins, leading to action. 69. Teen Track: Climate Justice Simulation Some of us are privileged to live in areas where the water is clean and the environment is protected. Many others around the world do not have such a privilege. In this interactive workshop, participants will be asked to leave their own experiences and opinions at the door, and to step into the lives of people affected by climate injustice, to understand their perspective, and to address climate justice at the grassroots level. This workshop is a part of our Teen Track program for ages 13 to 18 only, where youth come to socialize, learn, and grow together. There will be games, workshops, and activities along with full participation in Assembly. 70. The Impact of Mining in Sierra Leone: A Witness to Environmental Injustice Mining in Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone is endowed with vast amounts of minerals. Before and after the civil war, the country has witnessed rapid and significant development in the mining sector, which is considered critical to socioeconomic growth. Paradoxically, however, many areas rich in oil, diamonds, or other minerals are also extremely poor. This workshop will explore the environmental and social impact of mining activities, particularly on women, and how participants can support the work of one of UMW's regional missionaries. 71. The Joy of Leadership in United Methodist Women This workshop will engage participants in exploring: 1) Why say YES to a leadership role; 2) Telling our stories as leaders; 3) The roles members of the Program Advisory Group and Directors play in the organization; 4) The purpose of Jurisdiction meetings; 5) How it all ties to UMW's 13 Steps to Sustainability. 72. The Role of Women in Global Health Thirty minutes showcasing women transforming health in their communities; 30 minutes discussing how women see themselves participating in this effort; 30 minutes deciding how stories of women impacting global health can be shared to inspire other women.

73. The Spiritual Discipline of Standing WITH Farm Workers Who Feed Us This time together will help us gain a common understanding of the issues facing farm workers in the U.S. today. It will remind us of our scriptural roots in standing WITH the oppressed and help us seek contemporary opportunities to do that for farm worker efforts currently in need of ally support. Being a part of this workshop will help participants to connect with other faith groups and with farm worker organizing groups who need us to leverage our economic and social power for justice. 74. The Spiritual Grounding for Our Work in Maternal & Child Health This participatory workshop will explore the mostly untold sacred stories of maternal and child health in the Bible and how they form the spiritual foundation for our work to improve the lives of women and families today. Participants will engage in creative re-telling of biblical stories through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and personal reflection. The workshop will also explore how we can talk about and advocate for issues of maternal and child health through a faith lens. 75. The World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women This workshop provides a unique and timely opportunity to meet with the current and former World Presidents of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and help shape the future relationship between this vibrant global movement and United Methodist Women. We shall explore how the interaction has been mutually beneficial in our representation at the United Nations, scholarships for study through the Bossey Institute, and in empowering women in different parts of the world. 76. UMW 101 This workshop is geared to women who are fairly new to UMW. It will cover the Pledge, the Five Channels of Giving, where the money goes, the PURPOSE, National and International Ministries, the structure of UMW, and the transformative education of UMW--Mission U, Reading Program, and Response. 77. UMW Leadership for the Next 150 Years United Methodist Women have provided inspired leadership for 150 years. In this interactive workshop, participants will have the opportunity to creatively engage with two current UMW regional missionaries to explore inspirational stories of the last 150 years and share their own stories in order to vision and plan for inspired leadership for the next 150 years. 78. UMW Leadership in the Church: Making Our Presence Known Sometimes the work of United Methodist Women is the best-kept secret. We are called on locally to provide food and care, but not perceived as movers and shakers in the global mission of the United Methodist Church. This workshop will help participants map UMC partners within their conference and more broadly in relation to core UMW goals of spiritual growth, service and advocacy, and transformative education and leadership. It will ask participants to consider strategically their visibility and presence within the conference--on committees, teams, and at annual conference, with an eye toward greater presence and impact. 79. Understanding Climate Justice Through Theater Theater is an under-utilized tool in climate change discussion. In this workshop, participants will be asked to perform one of a number of short skits, which originally were part of readings and performances presented in support of the UN Paris Climate Conference in 2015. Since the effort was global, each skit contains a different voice than the others on issues of climate justice. After

each skit, the group will discuss what was seen and heard, to enhance their understanding of the issues surrounding climate change. 80. Welcome: Radical Hospitality Takes Planning This interactive workshop will: 1) Explore community demographic data; 2) Offer strategies for assessing community interests and connecting with UMW interests/values (e.g., spiritual growth, leadership development, social justice); 3) Offer hands-on experience with the Welcome Event Toolkit to create a welcome event. 81. Welcoming the Stranger: Receiving Immigrants and Refugees with Radical Hospitality This workshop examines how dominant narratives surrounding immigrants and refugees conflict with Christian values of welcoming the stranger. Participants will engage with stories, data, and interactive simulations to increase awareness of obstacles to migration and the potential for immigrants and refugees to enrich our shared prosperity and community. Attendees will learn strategies for welcome, with the intent of encouraging participants to imagine ways to extend radical hospitality in their context.

82. Wellness Strategies for Sowers of Justice In this interactive workshop, participants will discuss the hard work of doing justice. They will discover that as a sower of justice one can experience compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, or burnout. The participants will be introduced to strategies that strengthen self-care and will, in addition, practice and review several techniques and interventions to decrease stress.

83. What Do Race and Class Have to Do With Climate Change? Climate Change is a threat multiplier for communities already suffering from myriad environmental and other assaults. Not only are communities of color and low income communities disproportionately impacted by the drivers of climate change, including landfills, incinerators, vehicle pollution, various plants (coal, cement, oil refineries, biomass) and high occupancy livestock farms, but we are also more vulnerable to and impacted by the results of climate change, including disasters, sea level rise and reduction in agricultural/food production. All of this is in the context of communities besieged with multiple socioeconomic issues, including double-digit unemployment, utility cut-offs, hunger and obesity and other health issues. These issues are overlaid with political disenfranchisement, driven by corporate control of the system, which makes advocating for community needs challenging. Complex and interconnected problems require comprehensive and holistic solutions that simultaneously combine medium and long-term macro-level policy change as well as more immediate, place-based innovation to advance local self-reliance in addressing community needs.

84. What Makes a Healthy UMW Partner? What makes a healthy partner/partnership? How can you determine which partnerships will work and which will not? Building on trust, respect, and a clear focus on need, partnerships can help move organizations forward in powerful ways. But before determining what a healthy partnership looks like, one needs to determine what tools are needed, the benefit of the partnership, and what each partner has to offer. This workshop will review and determine healthy relationships and ways to select healthy partners and healthy ways of working.

85. Who's on Whose Margins? A Fearless Dialogue What is the church's role in forming faithful women who declare their truth in the face of injustice? Does this sacred task require the dismantling of existing structures and boundaries of power? How are we equipping women to wield power justly in unjust systems? The model explores the following: SEE: Aids leaders in identifying gifts in people; HEAR: Creates an

environment where leaders develop the skill to listen deeply and value stories; CHANGE: Fuels change grounded in an interrupting hope.

86. Writing for Resistance In troubling times, religious leaders must rise up to protest, resist and advocate. This workshop offers participants a glance at existing historic and contemporary words for worship, education and public proclamation, and invites participants to raise their own voices in developing original works of words for social action and justice-making.

87. Young Adults in Mission: Generation Transformation Young Adults have a unique opportunity in how they are transformed to be part of transformation in mission. From the legacy started by UMW, missionaries and volunteers respond to the signs of the times and injustice in solidarity with the community they serve. Young adults from around the world are engaged in issues of social justice ranging from climate justice, criminalization of communities of color and mass incarceration, gender and racial justice, migration, economic inequality, global health, maternal and child health.

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS:

1. A Call to Mission: The Personality of Your Spiritual Gifts Learn your personality type and how knowing it can enhance your communication with peers and co-workers. Then further your personal introspection to discern your spiritual gifts. We will leave the workshop equipped to communicate more effectively and have an action plan to use our special gifts wherever we are called to share the love of God with others.

2. A Good Start: Impacting Maternal and Child Health Among 13 high-income countries, the U.S. has the highest infant mortality rate. American mothers have a higher risk of dying than in any other developed country. Action here in the U.S. to support mothers and children is desperately needed. Local congregations have unique opportunities to help mothers and children get A Good Start. Through ministries of education, support for healthy lifestyles, mentoring, health ministry, and more, YOU can make a positive difference in your community!

3. A Greater Good for Women: Partnerships That Sustain Lives Would you like to develop global relationships that empower women for social change and income-generation? Rev. Dr. Betty Kazadi Musau (DRC) and Rev. N. Neelley Hicks (U.S.) co-lead this session, sharing how their relationship has empowered each in diverse ways. You will learn how to develop deeper global relationships that produce social good and income-generation.

4. A Town Hall Conversation with Leading Voices in the Work of Maternal and Child Health As one of the priority justice issues for United Methodist Women, this town hall will be an opportunity to hear from some of the leading voices on the issue of maternal and child health. Following a moderated discussion with the speakers, participants will be able to engage in a period of questions and answers.

5. A Town Hall Conversation with Leading Voices Working to End the Criminalization of Communities of Color

As one of the priority justice issues for United Methodist Women, this town hall will be an opportunity to hear from some of the leading voices on the issue of mass incarceration and the

criminalization of communities of color. Following a moderated discussion with the speakers, participants will be able to engage in a period of questions and answers.

6. Achieving Climate Justice: Taking a Pass on Gas Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is critical for keeping the earth below a 2 degree rise in global temperature warming before we reach a catastrophic tipping point. UMW climate justice focus is to decrease emissions from the leading emitters of GHG emissions. Energy, that includes oil, coal and natural gas - has been the greatest emitter and polluter of GHG emissions. Many are familiar with the hazards of oil and coal, and natural gas has been marketed as the low-carbon and clean energy alternative that is the bridge between heavy emitters like oil and coal and the renewable energy. With United States housing huge vats of shale, many investors and companies are investing heavily in natural gas. But is natural gas in fact clean? Is increasing our dependence on natural gas the best alternative when methane – the main ingredient of natural gas – is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide, when natural gas has a high risk of poisoning people all along its supply chain, and when there are significant strides being made in the renewable sector? Are there ways to quicken our world to a green renewable energy economy? Even if all this were true, why should we care as Christians and United Methodist Women?

7. Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences This hands-on workshop will help individuals identify their role in contributing to strong communities and a healthy economy through promoting healthy child development. Four concepts of development identified by the Harvard Center for the Developing Child will be explored: brain architecture, "serve and return" interaction, toxic stress, and resilience. Addressing these core concepts is the focus of the workshop and the key to shared prosperity in our nation.

8. Advocacy for People with Disabilities: Economic Justice Having a disability too often means struggling financially. This situation threatens to become even worse as current federal programs face cuts and even elimination. What can the church do to advocate for keeping and expanding needed programs? This workshop will present the need for advocacy and how to stand up for ourselves and as accomplices with people with disabilities to work for economic justice.

9. Advocacy: Faith and Facts Take ACTION for Justice. SUPPORT United Methodist projects around the world working on maternal health and family planning. Help UMC advocate for better policies and funding for family planning and reproductive health work in your communities. PARTNER with local health initiatives that expand access to information and services for women's health. PROMOTE healthy masculinity and engage men to participate in comprehensive family planning. It's not just women's problem; men should be involved.

10. An Expansive God for an Inclusive Church This is a highly interactive workshop that will allow participants to explore their understanding of God while considering more expansive images. Challenging more traditional male understandings of God offers an alternative understanding of the feminine dimensions of the divine. By liberating God from an exclusively male image, the participant is free to explore what equity between men and women might truly be like in the world and in the Church.

11. Anti-Islamophobia & Aiding Muslims Through Up-Stander Training that is Culturally Sensitive

The workshop will offer Up-Stander Training. It starts with a community building activity, then a call to action activity on why we must stand up for one another, followed by understanding Muslim religious practices to equip the ally to be culturally sensitive with any Muslim being targeted. This will be done throughout Up-Stander techniques with cultural sensitivity tips followed by a Q&A.

12. Are You Thirsty For Justice? - The Politics of Water Water issues in the U.S. and around the world will be explored to determine where the most critical water crises are occurring. We will examine the connection between climate change and water shortage; and our dependence on fossil fuels as a contributing factor in water inequality. This workshop will identify those who have access to an abundance of safe, usable water and why, and what can be done to ensure the availability of clean water for all.

13. Asset Based Community Development in a Divine Economy of Abundance Every gift that God gives us is an asset that we can use to transform our communities and make disciples of Christ. Using real-life examples and interactive activities, this session will help participants identify the assets in their churches and neighborhoods and learn to leverage those assets into successful ministries that bring opportunity to their community. This session can help reinvigorate existing ministries or spark new ideas for what's next for your church.

14. Be Just Be Green United Methodist Women’s national office has made climate justice one of its four social justice priorities. During this workshop we will provide practical, theologically sound tools to guide and inspire your work as environmental justice advocates. The tools were developed to delve through deep intersectional injustices among gender, racial, economic, and climate injustice. The time together will include four parts: 1) Theological basis for engaging in climate justice. 2) Science of climate change. 3) UMW's work around climate justice--pressing for the reduction of greenhouse gas emission from key emitters like the energy sector. 4) How you can respond to advance climate justice.

15. Bold Worship: Tested Principles and Practical Ideas for Transforming Worship An exploration of best practices that provide hospitality for Transforming Worship in local communities, with special attention to the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing, multicultural world.

16. Breaking Cycles of Poverty: Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Management Did you know that many prisons in the United States do not provide free female hygiene products? Or that girls around the world miss up to two months of school because they lack sanitary hygiene materials? Days for Girls is an award-winning nonprofit organization that sews washable sanitary pads and educates communities about women’s health. Participants will learn the story and philosophy of Days for Girls, and their audacious goal to reach every woman and girl with access to quality sustainable hygiene and health education by 2022.

17. Building Thriving Communities What makes communities--whether a church, a UMW unit, or a neighborhood--thrive? In this interactive workshop, we will be exploring and sharing with each other the elements that thriving communities have in common. As we continuously seek to build and strengthen a thriving UMW community, it is important that we share experiences and wisdom gained.

18. Child Marriage & Teen Pregnancy

There will be an introductory session looking at a global picture of child marriage and teenage pregnancy. A presentation of the situation Sierra Leone will be followed by a dramatic skit. Participants will deduce from the drama the causes, consequences, and preventive measures of child marriage and teenage pregnancy. Conclusions will focus on the role of the church/UMW.

19. Climate Justice Simulation Some of us are privileged to live in areas where the water is clean and the environment is protected. Many others around the world do not have such privilege. In this interactive workshop, participants are asked to leave their own experiences and opinions at the door, and to step into the lives of people affected by climate injustice, to try to understand their perspective, and to address the issue of climate justice at the grassroots level. 20. Climate Justice Simulation Experience This is a highly interactive workshop that places each participant into a community facing a serious issue of environmental degradation. Participants will take on roles of community members to discuss the economic, environmental, and social impact. Questions near the end will focus on: Who has the power? Who benefits? Who suffers? and How can we advocate to change the system and help those who are suffering?

21. Connecting Leadership Development & Economic Justice: A Zambian Woman's Story Zambia is a developing country so development is the talk of the day. However, to achieve sustainable development we need a situation where the economy can be shared equally and reach all parts of the country. In our tradition, women and youth do over 75% work in the home because of lack of access to education and jobs. Join this workshop to learn how my organization trains women in life survival skills to earn and be part of controlling the economy in their respective communities and villages.

22. Courageous Conversation for Local Church Learning Courageous Conversations aims to encourage and equip local churches to hold meaningful conversations regarding complex interpersonal and social issues. This project is underpinned by the beliefs that: adults grow best through reflection, questioning assumptions, and challenge (transformative learning); the church can be a healing presence and witness to the world by modeling courageous conversations of social issues; sincere Christians can hold differing opinions while still being united in Christ. Participants will learn strategies to develop their own Courageous Conversations to fit their local needs. They will also learn strategies to be intentional about creating the proper environment for dialogue and the need for facilitators and how to train them.

23. Creating Bold Partnerships with Missionaries in Our Midst: United Methodist Missionary Conferences

This workshop will increase the understanding of three unique missionary conferences by sharing knowledge of the people and cultural communities served by United Methodist Women. Three Missionary Conferences: Alaska, Redbird, and Oklahoma Indian Missionary will be explored and how their history affects outreach and mutuality today. Examination of these ministries will enlighten participants about how United Methodist Women are collaborating with them and how this structure advocates the future.

24. Creating New Spaces UMW leaders need to know how to develop creative ways to engage and attract new members. This workshop helps us explore the realities of today, i.e., the fact that UMW meetings may not be the entry or connecting point for engaging new women, and that churches are not the only

space/place to gather. Learn and share creative ideas on how to identify new places for United Methodist Women to be engaged in spiritual growth, fellowship, education, service, advocacy, and mission.

25. Crocheting with Plastic Bags: Keeping Them Out of the Landfills & Creating Something Useful!

This workshop is NOT to teach crocheting, but for those who already know how to chain and single crochet. Bring a crochet hook (F - J) and learn how to cut shopping bags into strips and crochet them into book bags, water bottle carriers and sleeping mats for homeless shelters.

26. Crossing the Road: A Workshop on Intersectional Organizing In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how experiences of marginalization and injustice are interconnected. Practical intersectional organizing always focuses on collaboration and relationship building. Whether it’s climate justice or economic inequality, the struggle for justice is tied to building a collective understanding of power and privilege that functions on multiple and simultaneous levels--interpersonal, institutional, and cultural. This workshop will explore the imperatives of intersectional organizing to: develop the most effective strategies to create spaces for understanding privilege; organize in an intersectional framework led by marginalized communities; and build effective systems of resistance and cooperation to take action for justice.

27. Dancing with the Holy: Spiritual Renewal Through Breath, Movement, and Prayer This collaborative workshop combines breath, dance, stretching, spiritual writing, and prayer with scripture reading and conversation in order to bring about spiritual renewal. Those who engage in this workshop will gain Biblical perspectives of movement in worship; gain awareness of the body; apply breath and movement practices to daily life; and gain new perspectives of the ways God moves with us throughout the world to bring about peace, justice, and love.

28. Developing Brains Grow Spiritually In the United States, “more than one in five infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were poor, at the time of greatest brain development.” This workshop will explore ways a congregation can help families create spaces that nurture brain development in children up to age three, while nurturing spiritual growth in children. This workshop will offer participants the why and how (practical application) to help families create spaces that nurture healthy brain development in young children.

29. Disability and the Church: Next Steps People with disabilities are often missing from our UMW units and leadership. This interactive session offers tools to understand intersectionality and marginalization of people with disabilities; barriers, including attitudes and customary ways of doing things; and means of eliminating barriers to create inclusive communities where members together address issues of injustice. We will practice and talk about ways to provide accommodations so that people with diverse needs can participate.

30. Doctrine of Discovery, the Acts of Repentance Working Group (AORWG) and the Four Priority Issues of the United Methodist Women

The objective of this Assembly 2018 workshop is to forward the understanding of the members on the Doctrine of Discovery and its impact on everyone. The focus will be on the background of the Doctrine of Discovery and focusing on the four priority issues. The workshop will facilitate discussions focusing on how each attendee can take this information to their own unit and develop interest items relevant to their communities with the goal of developing action items.

31. Draw the Circle Wide(r) The expanding diversity in the U.S. calls us to change the makeup of our church and organizations by drawing our circles wider to include persons from whom we are different. This expansion offers the potential for improvement, growth, and deeper relationships with our neighbors and God. Progress happens when we are intentional in our planning for change and for exploring perspectives from varied cultures and traditions.

32. Everyone Has the Right to a Living Wage! Imagine supporting a family of four on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour! That is only $13,650 per year before taxes while it takes at least $29,000 to pay for the basic needs of housing, food, transportation, healthcare, childcare, taxes, and other necessities. That’s called the Living Wage. Find out why this is a women’s issue, an economic justice issue, a racial justice issue, and an immigrant rights issue. Learn what’s happening in your own community and how UMW units can mobilize in your state to win living wages!

33. Exploring Our Ecological Stories This engaging workshop will offer participants space to understand how their spirituality and interactions with the creation have impacted their relationship with the environment. Scientists are calling on people of faith to change hearts and minds around issues of climate change, ecological destruction, and biodiversity loss. That change starts with ourselves and our own spirituality, and this workshop aims to do just that by focusing on spirituality as a means to heal the planet.

34. Faith in Democracy: Advocacy Basics What does our faith tell us about public policy? Where do we interact with public policy in daily life? What activities are involved in public policy and how can we be effective participants in the public policy process? These are some of the questions we will engage in this workshop where we explore what it means to live out our faith in a democracy.

35. First Birthdays: Every Baby Deserves One! Infant mortality is an indicator of the well-being of a community, and many U.S. cities experience high rates of IM. This workshop will explore causes of IM, disparities between black and other races, and ways we can make a difference. Using the example of UM Church 4 All People's First Birthdays, we will explore a successful model for local churches to accompany families to help babies celebrate a first birthday and thrive in the years beyond. We'll also discuss ways to advocate for just social policies.

36. Freedom Schools: Fostering Justice for Children in Your Community This experiential training will reveal for participants how racism, poverty, and inadequate public education conspire to trap some children and youth in cycles of indifferent and inadequate education, juvenile detention and, finally, mass incarceration. Further, this workshop will help participants experience how initiatives such as CDF Freedom Schools help break these cycles and help children and youth engage through positive education, citizenship, and family empowerment.

37. Harnessing the Power of Money: Personal Finance and Social Justice In John Wesley’s sermon “The Use of Money,” he affirmed that all financial decisions have ethical considerations. Today, women in the U.S. control 80% of household spending decisions, but how can they make informed choices? Wespath staff will help participants map their financial influence, and provide practical examples that illustrate how money can be used to

support environmental solutions, affordable housing, and respect for human rights. Come learn how you can make a difference!

38. Hearing Our Words Defines Our Vision Hearing our stories is a way to understand who we are and how we have gotten here. The stories of our faith and action help us to know we are not alone, that others have been before us, and others are with us now. This session will share ways to record, preserve, and share our stories as well as key topics which have been used by others. Key to the learning will be the interactive portion of the session, in which we practice sharing our stories and then reflect on the experience.

39. HerStory: Owning Your Story to Transform the World Stories make us human. Stories have power. Stories also have the power to inspire transformation in our families, churches, communities, and society at large. What is possible if we use the power of storytelling in our service, advocacy, and work for justice in the world? What does it take to harness the power of your story? 40. Income Inequalities, Social Injustice and Violence in Africa This highly interactive workshop will start with participants' experiences of VAW in their contexts. It will then focus on trends within the SS Africa context, emphasizing that VAW is not only a consequence of gender inequality, but reinforces women's low status in society and the multiple disparities, particularly financial ones, between men and women. It will examine the relevant cultural norms and attitudes condoning violence as a traditional practice inherent to the SS Africa context.

41. Interrupting the School to Prison Pipeline Each year more than three million students are suspended from school, often for vague and subjective infractions. "Zero-tolerance" policies that criminalize minor infractions of school rules, coupled with the discriminatory application of discipline, disproportionately impact students of color, making them especially vulnerable to push-out trends that boost their dropout rates. In this interactive workshop, we will explore these dynamics and discuss the ways UMW can actively work to dismantle current policies that depict children of color, particularly girls of color, as criminals and end policies that respond with mass profiling, arrest, and incarceration of youth.

42. Leaving Our Legacy by Planning Our Giving In clear, simple steps, this workshop will take the fear out of talking about money. It will equip participants to understand how they, no matter the size of their estate, can use their resources to benefit their loved ones and to support ongoing mission with women, children, and youth.

43. Living Our Principles: Connecting the Social Principles to Economic Justice The Social Principles are a powerful tool for dialogue, self-awareness, and community mobilization. They are an asset for people of faith in the United Methodist traditions to initiate a change in attitude and behavior on the issue of economic justice, empowerment, and self-determination.

44. Love, Justice & Service: Deaconess / Home Missioner We will share with our audience what a Deaconess / Home Missioner is, what they are committed to, personal stories, how to become a D/HM, etc.

45. Lovers of Justice Dwelling Together in a Multi-Faith World

God’s creation continues to suffer tremendous injustices that are common to all. There are threats of land and cultural extinction, environmental contaminants, and pollution of water and natural resources, all forms of violence against humanity and the earth, abject poverty, discrimination, racism, child exploitation, sex trafficking, and...sadly the list continues. This workshop will explore the ways that we as faithful followers of Christ Jesus must live out an essential part of our divine mandate to “do justice…”, by learning how to live, work, pray, and serve with people of multiple faith traditions.

46. Making Women Economically Secure This workshop will inform participants about gender inequity and share policy and program model solutions based on real-life tangible experiences of low-income women in nontraditional job training while receiving affordable child care from a local UMW mission agency. While these are challenging times for women, our Women in Construction program combines policy and practice to offer hope by making impactful change in the lives of women seeking a pathway out of poverty for themselves and their children.

47. Meeting in the Middle: How to Connect With Young Women Through Communication Many UMW members struggle to bring young women into their groups. Communication can be an issue because young women prefer to communicate electronically. We will have a groundwork discussion about how not to try to draw in young women and why Generation X and Millennials prefer to communicate via social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat. Together we will determine how best to bridge the gap to draw in young women.

48. Mindful Compassion: Using Guided Spiritual Practice to Grow a Compassionate Heart As good church folks, we talk a lot about compassion. We view Jesus as a model of great compassion. But how do we live compassionately toward self and others? In his book "Practicing Compassion," Frank Rogers guides his readers in several specific, accessible, everyday habits of mindfulness intentionally designed to grow compassion. Join us for a highly interactive session in which we will learn about and practice compassion.

49. Nonviolent Action for Justice, Freedom & Equality in Palestine/Israel May 2018 will mark 70 years since the founding of the state of Israel and what Palestinians call the Nakba, or catastrophe in Arabic. In 1948-49 more than 70% of Palestinians were uprooted from their homes and forced to flee as refugees. They are still waiting and working for justice to become a reality. Despite decades of discrimination, displacement, and destruction, Palestinians offer a faithful and hope-filled witness to the power of love in action as the path to lasting justice and peace for all. The Kairos Palestine document, launched by Palestinian Christians in 2009, draws on the framework of faith, hope, and love in I Corinthians 13 to guide our action as churches.

50. Overworked and Undervalued: Women, Race and the Economy United Methodist Women members, as women of faith, are leaders seeking to forge a path towards justice. We are working to promote economic justice in the context of growing income and wealth inequality. In order to do this, we need a space for reflection on our own experiences of the economy as well as the experience of those most affected by growing inequities. Together we want to develop an analysis of the forces that cause the growing divide, marginalizing women, especially low-income women and women of color, and motivate ourselves and others toward action.

51. Panel Presentation: Connecting with the Next Generation of Young Women

This panel of diverse UMC leaders from around the country will share real-world stories, strategies, and challenges of connecting with younger women in ministry. They will learn about the drive for social good that many young women have, and how that drive can translate into a deeper understanding of discipleship and leadership. The panel will touch on each of the four justice priorities, and leave attendees with stories, ideas, and inspiration to connect with the next generation of leadership.

52. Reading the Bible for Transformative Spirituality The participants will be "hearing" and "reading" the story of the bent-over woman and persistent widow in small groups, through the "lectio divina" method. In small groups, they will engage in "contextual" readings with the help of a handout on self-inventory. A “nesting doll” will be placed at their tables, and the leader will enable participants to interpret several narrative layers while examining the core of the story, to arrive at ways of being the church in the world through actions. 53. Resisting Racism This workshop will create awareness, educate, and equip women to effectively identify types of racism and where it comes from, how it works, why it persists, and how to resist/dismantle it so that we move towards a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. The workshop will also enable participants to apply learned skills, tools, and resources in their communities and their work for racial justice and to resist/dismantle racism. 54. Screening and Conversation "Are We Crazy About Our Kids?" This workshop will screen the episode “Are We Crazy About Our Kids” from the series “The Raising of America.” This series explores how investing in a strong start for all our kids can lead to a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable America with this episode examining how investing in high-quality early care and education pays for itself. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality and maternal and child health. 55. Screening and Conversation "DNA Is Not Destiny" This workshop will screen the episode “DNA Is Not Destiny” from the series “The Raising of America.” This series explores how investing in a strong start for all our kids can lead to a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable America with this episode examining how early experiences get under the skin, altering which genes get switched on and which stay off – with possible lifetime consequences. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality and maternal and child health. 56. Screening and Conversation "Healing Justice" This workshop will screen the film “Healing Justice” which addresses the youth-to-prison pipeline, the need for comprehensive criminal justice reform, and highlights various healing methodologies. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on how to support a national dialogue that investigates and considers alternatives to our current punitive model of justice. As one of our priority justice issues, we will also discuss how we can screen films to help move our communities to action on issues like the school-to-prison pipeline. 57. Screening and Conversation "Sacred Water: Standing Rock Part 1"

This workshop will screen the film “Sacred Water: Standing Rock Part 1” which tells the story of the women and youth of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation of North and South Dakota who are fighting to stop a pipeline from being built on their ancestral homeland and protect their water and sacred sites. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issues. 58. Screening and Conversation "Sister: An Intimate Portrait of a Global Crisis" This workshop will screen portions of the film “Sister” which follow maternal health workers in Ethiopia, Cambodia and Haiti through beautiful and brutal circumstances. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on how UMW is making maternal and child health a justice priority and how we can screen films to help move our communities to action. 59. Screening and Conversation "The Divide" This workshop will screen the film “The Divide” which tells the story of 7 individuals striving for a better life in the modern day US and UK - where the top 0.1% owns as much wealth as the bottom 90% - while also exploring some of the reasons for this divide. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality. 60. Screening and Conversation "Time to Choose: Coal & Electricity; Oil & Cars" This workshop will screen portions of the film “Time to Choose” that explore the impact of fossil fuels such as coal and oil as well as how people are working for change. The screening will be followed by a conversation on how UMW can take action to transition our communities and economies to more sustainable practices. We will also discuss how we can use film screenings to help move our communities to action on issues like climate change. 61. Screening and Conversation "Time to Choose: Land & Food" This workshop will screen portions of the film “Time to Choose” that explore the impact of agricultural practices on climate change and how people are working for change. The screening will be accompanied by conversation on how UMW can take action and how we can use film screenings to help move our communities to action on issues like climate change. 62. Screening and Conversation "Wounded Places" This workshop will screen the episode “Wounded Places” from the series “The Raising of America.” This series explores how investing in a strong start for all our kids can lead to a healthier, more prosperous and more equitable America with this episode examining how so many of our children can show signs of PTSD and asks why we label them “bad” rather than “injured.”. The screening will be accompanied by a conversation on issues raised by the film as well as how to use film screenings like this to help move our communities to action on the UMW priority justice issue of economic inequality and maternal and child health. 63. Singing for Justice This workshop will introduce participants to songs in various languages as well as to experiences in worship that come from particular cultures and worship styles. The goal is to help them learn and embrace songs that nurture our spirit in justice work. Once they have heard and sung these songs, they will be encouraged to integrate this music into various worship arenas. There is no requirement to be able to "sing" well--just to learn music so that everyone can sing songs of justice and joy.

64. Social Holiness: "Seek First God's Kingdom and God's Righteousness…" When we hear the word “righteousness” what comes to mind? We often associate righteousness with doing what is right in the sight of God. Biblical righteousness is that and so much more. This workshop will explore the ways in which Jesus’ use of “righteousness” in Matthew 6 is a continuation of the priestly and prophetic traditions of his Jewish community. And we will ask as United Methodist Women, "How do we continue Jesus’ work of integrating personal and social holiness in the 21st century?" 65. Spiritual Integration: Social Action as Spiritual Practice The process of spiritual growth can be a process that moves slowly and gradually; we sometimes cannot tell if our daily prayers, frequent visits to places of worship, or charitable acts are helping us grow spiritually. The greatest evidence we have that spiritual growth is happening in us and through us is when we are faced with a difficult moral decision or must choose to lean into opportunities for grace under fire. In this workshop, we will learn how our spirituality is grounded in social resistance, explore how social justice creates opportunity for spiritual development, and take a creative look at spiritual practices as integrative work in the church and world. 66. Storytelling: Using the Midrash Format to Tell Biblical Women's Stories Hear some examples of Midrashes. Look at scripture passages that focus on women (or passages that must have contained women, but their story is missing). What do you know about this woman from her story in this passage? What else would you like to know? What are her strengths? What else would you like to know about her? Develop an outline of how you would tell this woman's story. 67. Strengthening the World Through Women Entrepreneurs The Session will begin with a presentation on UN data concerning women entrepreneurs in the world touching on policy, access to finance and skills development. Questions to the floor will be presented. Team leaders will volunteer to lead group discussions. Findings from the groups will be discussed with all attendees following each session of individual group discussion. Closing: recommendations and plan of action from the bigger group to be submitted which will later be submitted to UN Women. 68. Taking Care of the Creator's Gift of Indigenous Languages This interactive session will develop an awareness of the threat against the survival of Indigenous languages as the greatest crisis facing Native Nations today. This session will explore how the survival of Indigenous languages is integral to maintaining and strengthening a deeper understanding of the nature of our work on issues such as climate justice. The special role and unique beauty of original languages for the full vitality of Native cultures will be shared. A conception of Native languages as gifts from the Creator will be formulated as a stark contrast to the church's historical role in justifying and implementing the Doctrine of Discovery. A brief history of language suppression through church and government boarding schools will be presented, including the plight of Native children in a brutal system of suppression. 69. Taking Forward Mutuality in Mission The workshop opens with sharing case studies in small groups: Exploring challenges through the eyes of race, class, gender, religion, etc.; Examining what makes mutuality in mission transformative;. Learning how to engage in interfaith undertakings to address public policies, while simultaneously facilitating the meeting between our local churches and the Christians among the immigrant and refugee communities, in particular; Sharing stories of mission from the margins, leading to action.

70. Teen Track: Writing For Resistance In troubling times, religious leaders must rise up to protest, resist, and advocate. This workshop offers participants a glance at existing historic and contemporary words for worship, education, and public proclamation, and invites participants to raise their own voices in developing original works of words for social action and justice-making. This workshop is a part of our Teen Track program for ages 13 to 18 only, where youth come to socialize, learn, and grow together. There will be games, workshops, and activities along with full participation in Assembly. 71. The Impact of Mining in Sierra Leone: A Witness to Environmental Injustice Mining in Sierra Leone: Sierra Leone is endowed with vast amounts of minerals. Before and after the civil war, the country has witnessed rapid and significant development in the mining sector, which is considered critical to socioeconomic growth. Paradoxically, however, many areas rich in oil, diamonds, or other minerals are also extremely poor. This workshop will explore the environmental and social impact of mining activities, particularly on women, and how participants can support the work of one of UMW's regional missionaries. 72. The Joy of Leadership in United Methodist Women This workshop will engage participants in exploring: 1) Why say YES to a leadership role; 2) Telling our stories as leaders; 3) The roles members of the Program Advisory Group and Directors play in the organization; 4) The purpose of Jurisdiction meetings; 5) How it all ties to UMW's 13 Steps to Sustainability. 73. The Role of Women in Global Health Thirty minutes showcasing women transforming health in their communities; 30 minutes discussing how women see themselves participating in this effort; 30 minutes deciding how stories of women impacting global health can be shared to inspire other women. 74. The Spiritual Discipline of Standing WITH Farm Workers Who Feed Us This time together will help us gain a common understanding of the issues facing farm workers in the U.S. today. It will remind us of our scriptural roots in standing WITH the oppressed and help us seek contemporary opportunities to do that for farm worker efforts currently in need of ally support. Being a part of this workshop will help participants to connect with other faith groups and with farm worker organizing groups who need us to leverage our economic and social power for justice. 75. The Spiritual Grounding for Our Work in Maternal & Child Health This participatory workshop will explore the mostly untold sacred stories of maternal and child health in the Bible and how they form the spiritual foundation for our work to improve the lives of women and families today. Participants will engage in creative re-telling of biblical stories through group discussions, one-on-one conversations, and personal reflection. The workshop will also explore how we can talk about and advocate for issues of maternal and child health through a faith lens. 76. The World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women This workshop provides a unique and timely opportunity to meet with the current and former World Presidents of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and help shape the future relationship between this vibrant global movement and United Methodist Women. We shall explore how the interaction has been mutually beneficial in our representation at the United Nations, scholarships for study through the Bossey Institute, and in empowering women in different parts of the world.

77. UMW 101 This workshop is geared to women who are fairly new to UMW. It will cover the Pledge, the Five Channels of Giving, where the money goes, the PURPOSE, National and International Ministries, the structure of UMW, and the transformative education of UMW--Mission U, Reading Program, and Response. 78. UMW Leadership for the Next 150 Years United Methodist Women have provided inspired leadership for 150 years. In this interactive workshop, participants will have the opportunity to creatively engage with two current UMW regional missionaries to explore inspirational stories of the last 150 years and share their own stories in order to vision and plan for inspired leadership for the next 150 years. 79. UMW Leadership in the Church: Making Our Presence Known Sometimes the work of United Methodist Women is the best-kept secret. We are called on locally to provide food and care, but not perceived as movers and shakers in the global mission of the United Methodist Church. This workshop will help participants map UMC partners within their conference and more broadly in relation to core UMW goals of spiritual growth, service and advocacy, and transformative education and leadership. It will ask participants to consider strategically their visibility and presence within the conference--on committees, teams, and at annual conference, with an eye toward greater presence and impact. 80. Understanding Climate Justice Through Theater Theater is an under-utilized tool in climate change discussion. In this workshop, participants will be asked to perform one of a number of short skits, which originally were part of readings and performances presented in support of the UN Paris Climate Conference in 2015. Since the effort was global, each skit contains a different voice than the others on issues of climate justice. After each skit, the group will discuss what was seen and heard, to enhance their understanding of the issues surrounding climate change. 81. Welcome: Radical Hospitality Takes Planning This interactive workshop will: 1) Explore community demographic data; 2) Offer strategies for assessing community interests and connecting with UMW interests/values (e.g., spiritual growth, leadership development, social justice); 3) Offer hands-on experience with the Welcome Event Toolkit to create a welcome event. 82. Welcoming the Stranger: Receiving Immigrants and Refugees with Radical Hospitality This workshop examines how dominant narratives surrounding immigrants and refugees conflict with Christian values of welcoming the stranger. Participants will engage with stories, data, and interactive simulations to increase awareness of obstacles to migration and the potential for immigrants and refugees to enrich our shared prosperity and community. Attendees will learn strategies for welcome, with the intent of encouraging participants to imagine ways to extend radical hospitality in their context.

83. Wellness Strategies for Sowers of Justice In this interactive workshop, participants will discuss the hard work of doing justice. They will discover that as a sower of justice one can experience compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, or burnout. The participants will be introduced to strategies that strengthen self-care and will, in addition, practice and review several techniques and interventions to decrease stress.

84. What Do Race and Class Have to Do With Climate Change?

Climate Change is a threat multiplier for communities already suffering from myriad environmental and other assaults. Not only are communities of color and low income communities disproportionately impacted by the drivers of climate change, including landfills, incinerators, vehicle pollution, various plants (coal, cement, oil refineries, biomass) and high occupancy livestock farms, but we are also more vulnerable to and impacted by the results of climate change, including disasters, sea level rise and reduction in agricultural/food production. All of this is in the context of communities besieged with multiple socioeconomic issues, including double-digit unemployment, utility cut-offs, hunger and obesity and other health issues. These issues are overlaid with political disenfranchisement, driven by corporate control of the system, which makes advocating for community needs challenging. Complex and interconnected problems require comprehensive and holistic solutions that simultaneously combine medium and long-term macro-level policy change as well as more immediate, place-based innovation to advance local self-reliance in addressing community needs.

85. What Makes a Healthy UMW Partner? What makes a healthy partner/partnership? How can you determine which partnerships will work and which will not? Building on trust, respect, and a clear focus on need, partnerships can help move organizations forward in powerful ways. But before determining what a healthy partnership looks like, one needs to determine what tools are needed, the benefit of the partnership, and what each partner has to offer. This workshop will review and determine healthy relationships and ways to select healthy partners and healthy ways of working.

86. Who's on Whose Margins? A Fearless Dialogue What is the church's role in forming faithful women who declare their truth in the face of injustice? Does this sacred task require the dismantling of existing structures and boundaries of power? How are we equipping women to wield power justly in unjust systems? The model explores the following: SEE: Aids leaders in identifying gifts in people; HEAR: Creates an environment where leaders develop the skill to listen deeply and value stories; CHANGE: Fuels change grounded in an interrupting hope.

87. Young Adults in Mission: Generation Transformation Young Adults have a unique opportunity in how they are transformed to be part of transformation in mission. From the legacy started by UMW, missionaries and volunteers respond to the signs of the times and injustice in solidarity with the community they serve. Young adults from around the world are engaged in issues of social justice ranging from climate justice, criminalization of communities of color and mass incarceration, gender and racial justice, migration, economic inequality, global health, maternal and child health.