Timely topics at School of Mission

Annette Loos, left, and Rebecca Terrell prepare to collect an offering at the 2011 Oklahoma School of Mission. The altar was decorated by the children’s class, studying Haiti.

According to the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), Schools of Christian Mission began in the mid-1930s. More than 20,000 people participate annually.

"Schools of Christian Mission are historic to UMW and predecessor organizations," said Cheryl Trent of New York City.

She will be one of the instructors at the 2012 Oklahoma Conference Cooperative School of Christian Mission, in late July at Oklahoma City University. The Oklahoma event is called a cooperative school because it is co-sponsored by the Conference UMW and the Conference Mission & Service Ministry Team.

Trent is director of mission education and enrichment in the Women’s Division.

Study selection

School participants grow in understanding the mission of the Church in the current world context. The three studies offered each year always seem especially relevant. Topics this year are Haiti, "Immigration in the Bible," and poverty.

Proposals are reviewed

The final step is up to the Holy Spirit. Asked why the mission studies are so timely, Trent responded, "We attribute that to Divine intervention!"

Oklahoma events in July

• Weekend Session: Friday, July 27, through Sunday, July 29; and
• One Day Plus Session: Sunday, July 29, and Monday, July 30.

New this year, full participation in the weekend session will count as an advanced lay-speaker training course.

Find details, including registration forms and cost, on the Oklahoma Conference UMW website: www.ok-umw.webs.com

Donna Roberts of Tulsa is registrar. Scholarships are available for children, youths, and persons attending for the first time.