United States Women of Today

Chaplain

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What are USWT Chaplain duties?

On the US level, the chaplain is in charge of MidYear and Annual Convention spiritual breakfasts which occur on Sunday mornings. The program manager is responsible for coordinating a theme for the breakfast with the USWT President and the Convention committee. The chaplain is also responsible for coordinating the invocations and benedictions for all Convention meetings.

Additionally, the chaplain administers the chaplain certification.

Other duties throughout the year include sending cards to those in need at the request of the USWT President. The chaplain also stays in contact with State chaplains, promoting any programs that may be part of her USWT year, encouraging fast starts, and providing help when able.

Some sample Invocations and Benedictions:

Invocation:

Live your life each day, as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly steadily; enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.

Benediction:

Admire your accomplishments. Large or small, tremendous or tiny, they contribute to the well being of this world. A little light somewhere makes a brighter light everywhere. A speck of sand can turn into a peal.

Invocation:

The phrase "Under God" was added to the pledge by a Congressional Act of June 14, 1954. At that time, President Eisenhower said that "in this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." So when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, do not put a coma after one nation, under God, rather it is one phrase ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

Benediction:

If you want to be happy, set yourself a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes. Happiness is within you. It comes from doing some certain thing into which you can put all your thought and energy. If you want to be happy, get enthusiastic about something.

Invocation:

Happiness keeps you sweet

Trials keep you strong

Sorrows keep you human

Failures keep you humble

Success keeps you glowing

But only God keeps you going.

Benediction:

A woman and her daughter were walking in the forest. Suddenly, she trips and feeling a sharp pain she screams, "AHHHHHH!" Surprised, she hears a voice coming from the mountain, "AHHHHH!" Filled with curiosity, she screams, "Who are you?" but the only answer she receives is, "Who are you?" This makes her angry, so she screams, "You are a coward!" and the voice answers, "You are a coward!" She looks at her Mother, asking, "Mom, what is going on?" "Child," the woman replies, "pay attention!" Then she screams, "I admire you!" The voice answers, "I admire you!" The Mother shouts, "You are wonderful!" and the voice answers, " You are wonderful!" The girls surprised, but still can't understand what is going on.

The Mother explains, "People call this an 'echo' but truly it is 'life!" Life always gives you back what you give out.

Life is a mirror of your actions. If you want more love, give more love. If you want more kindness, give more kindness. If you want understanding and respect, give understanding and respect. If you want people to be patient and respectful to you, give patience and respect. This rule of nature applies to every aspect of our lives."

Life always gives you back what you give out. Your life is not a coincidence, but a mirror of your own doings.

Embrace the Spirit of Life

Invocation:

A wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote when asked to share her "beauty tips." It was read at her funeral years later.

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping
yourself, and the other for helping others.

Benediction:

We can bring so many blessings into our lives just by realizing that it is NEVER TOO LATE. Before you turn the page on this day, make a pact with yourself to untie the ribbons and open the gifts we are given in this life. DO ordinary things in extraordinary ways. Have health and hope and happiness! Live a full life on this earth, understand your real worth, and wish on ALL your stars. And don't ever forget, for even one day, how very special you are.

Readings used for USWT Year End Convention June 2006

BOD Meeting Friday

Invocation:

The best advice I've ever received?

How about the strangest?

When I was thirteen, my father took me aside an told me that all a girl needed to get by in life was written on the top of a mayonnaise jar. I puzzled for days about the meaning of the phrase, "Refrigerate after opening" ---until my father remarked that in his day mayo jars always said, "Keep Cool, Don't freeze." CE Crimmins

Benediction:

There are many people that we meet in our lives, but only

a few will make a lasting impression on our minds and hearts.

It is these people that we will think of often and who will

always remain important to us as true friends.

This being our final walk together, as you take that last step,

think back and ask yourself...

“Where would we be without each other?”

Business Saturday

Invocation (my personal crusade)

The phrase "Under God" was added to the pledge by a Congressional Act of June 14, 1954 . At that time, President Eisenhower said that "in this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America 's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." So when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, do not put a coma after one nation, under God, rather it is one phrase…ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

Benediction:

The theme of most of my readings for the rest of the weekend are on the Spirit of women, here is a speech delivered to the Women's Convention in Akron Ohio, in 1851. Listen to the spirit of Sojourner Truth.

Ain't I A Woman? by Sojourner Truth

Women's Convention, Akron , Ohio
Delivered 1851

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man—when I could get it—and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [Member of audience whispers, “intellect”] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or Negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.

Lunch Saturday:

Innvocation

I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.
But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow
And as I go along life's way,
I'm reaping better than I sowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Haven't got a lot of riches,
and sometimes the going's tough
But I've got loving ones all around me,
and that makes me rich enough.
I thank God for his blessings,
and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin.
But all at once the dark clouds broke,
and the sun peeped through again.

So Lord, help me not to gripe,
about the tough rows I have hoed.
I'm drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,
to help others bear their loads.
Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Benediction-Luncheon:

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

"Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tealeaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them. And remember that "Sisters" also means your girlfriends, your daughters, and other women relatives too. You'll need other women. Women always do."

'What a funny piece of advice!' the young woman thought. 'Haven't I just gotten married? haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grown up. Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!

But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her Sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life. After almost 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

Times passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Love waxes and wanes. Hearts break. Careers end. Jobs come and go. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Men don't call when they say they will.

But Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are! between you. A Sister is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley, and you have to walk it for yourself, your Sisters will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you. Or come in and carry you out. My mother, sister, sister-in-laws, and "girlfriends" bless my life! The world wouldn't be the same without them, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still.

Banquet Saturday

Invocation:

One Flaw In Women... Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Benediction:

Oprah said the following in a commencement address to the graduates of

all-female Spelman College in 1993...

Be a queen. Dare to be different. Be a pioneer.

Be a leader. Be the kind of woman who in the face

of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk

fearlessly toward the challenge. Take it on!

Be a truth seeker and rule your domain, whatever it is-

your home, your office, your family-with loving in your heart.

Be a queen. Be tender. Continue to give birth to new

ideas and rejoice in your womanhood... My prayer is