myMISSION for Younger Women

Why we do missions- The Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

WMU’s myMISSION is for Young Women The missions organization for young women is myMISSION. Through myMISSION, young women engage in Bible study, the building of community, and various missions projects. College Students Young Professionals Young Moms The Girl Next Door-You!

myMISSION is Where Faith and Practice Meet myMISSION is the organization where we can learn about God, His world, the people He has created, and His work through believers. Through myMISSION , we take what we learn and put it into practice by reaching into the lives of those who are hurting and outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Faith – a time of prayer and Bible study Community – an opportunity to connect with your myMISSION group members through a group activity Missions – a missions learning experience coupled with a similar missions project to move you out to share Christ with others

Our Purpose Woman’s Missionary Union challenges Christian believers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God.

Missions Discipleship- Our Objectives myMISSION members will be challenged to: Develop Spiritually toward a Missions Lifestyle Engage in Mission Action (helping those who are not Christians) and Witnessing Pray for Missions (and missions representatives) Support Missions (taking part in projects where others go and witness) Learn about Missions (work here and around the world) Participate in the Work of the Church (helping those who need ministry inside the church) and Denomination

How You Can Be Involved: Small Groups (Common interests, lifestyles or needs) Missions Events Mission Action Projects (hands- on participation) Individual Involvement

How to Start a myMISSION Group: Pray for guidance and direction Get information from ‘Start a Missions Group’ at www.wmu.com Meet with your pastor or other church staff Order materials Enlist leaders Study the myMISSION Guide for Leaders Notify your association and state WMU offices Announce, plan your meeting & enjoy!

Reasons Adults Join Groups Adults join groups with a clear purpose Adults join groups where their input is valued Adults join groups to meet personal needs for acceptance, belonging, and fellowship Adults join groups to help make a difference Adults join groups because they believe in the cause

Groups Need Leaders Group Leader (convenes group, maintains a contact list, and leads planning), may also have: Leader of Promotion and Communication (keeps members informed and promotes activities) Leader of Bible Study (decides on resources and approach) Leader of Community Events (gathers materials and plans events) Leader of Missions Projects (contacts sites, plans projects and gathers materials)

Specific Group Leader Responsibilities: Leading group to set goals and action plans Enlisting new members and participants Nurturing myMISSION group members Providing resources for the group Guiding in planning and conducting missions experiences Encouraging members to stay in touch with each other Guiding members in developing leadership potential Maintaining records and reporting accomplishments Serving on the WMU leadership team or myMISSION planning team

Download at www.wmustore.com Primary Resources Download at www.wmustore.com $3.99 (quarterly) www.wmustore.com $20.99 (year)

When there is more than one group, the leaders serve with the Coordinator on the myMISSION Planning Team. The Coordinator represents myMISSION on the WMU Leadership Team.

Who Leads WMU? WMU Leadership Team WMU Director Women on Mission Facilitator myMISSION Leader Acteens Leader GA Coordinator Mission Friends Leader Assistant WMU Director WMU Leadership Team

myMISSION Planning Team- when you have more than one group, you need a Coordinator Leader

Examples of myMISSION Planning Team & Types of Groups Coordinator myMISSION Leader (mom’s morning group) myMISSION Leader for Professional Women’s Group (lunch meeting) myMISSION Leader for Collegiate (meet on campus) Leader (Bible Study/ book study) (mission action group, meets for projects)

myMISSION Coordinator’s duties: Leading myMISSION planning team to set goals and action plans Coordinating development, training and nurturing myMISSION leaders and members Preparing and maintaining a budget for myMISSION Providing resources for groups Encouraging groups to enlist new members and participants and to stay in touch with each other Guiding groups in developing their leadership potential Maintaining records and reporting accomplishments Serving on the WMU leadership team

Tips for Leaders Attend Leader Training Recycle Great Ideas Add Pizzazz (Add a spark to the familiar!) Focus on the Positive Celebrate Steps Taken

Steps to Yearly Planning Pray Gather information and resources Set a date and time for planning Plan for the year Devotional & prayer Review WMU vision statement & objectives Set goals for the year: SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) Decide on action plans Plan calendar Keep written records & give out copies of the information

When and Where? One individual or one group can start myMISSION Group members determine meetings at times and locations convenient to the members, prospects and leaders When and Where? Lunch at a restaurant in town Wednesday night at church Saturday at a multi-housing unit 10:00 pm on-line Whenever and wherever you can get together….

Monthly Meeting Plans from myMISSION Leader include: Faith – a time of prayer and Bible study followed by an introduction to missions representatives and their ministry Community – an opportunity to connect with your myMISSION group members through a group activity which can be replicated with one's family, roommates, or small group Missions – a missions learning experience coupled with a similar missions project to move you out to share Christ with others

Other resources for a myMISSION meeting? Lots of options… Bible study – myGod (download) or New Hope Bible study book Cooking group – myConnections (download) – plan international meals and share about missions in those areas Connecting Events (download) – The WOW Factor Connecting Issues (download) - Sustainable Living: Taking Your Life Back will help you make simple changes for a healthier family, a cleaner planet, etc. See the SC myMISSION page to download more ideas…

More Options… Project Help: PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) Website items, such as; community, fair trade, media, missions representatives, prayer, relationships, social justice and time & money articles to read and share Mission action and support projects offer many options to be involved in missions (for additional ideas see www.scwmu.org)

Additional Resources www.wmustore.com www.wmu.com www.newhopedigital.com www.worldcraftsvillage.com 1.800.968.7301 (WMU)

Questions about myMISSION in SC? Contact: Donna Britt www.scwmu.org donnabritt@scbaptist.org 803.227.6210 800.723.7242, ext. 8525