MISSION STATEMENT: The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Our unit purpose is to raise money for Missions LOCALLY, STATE AND WORLD WIDE.
United Methodist Women Sunday- Please check out this web address! https://youtu.be/5ArdvqDCHuk
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT:
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2Corinthians 4:8 – 10
This past winter was a trying time for us. Doesn’t it seem troubles and afflictions tend to pile up rather than be stretched over a period of time? I had two surgeries for kidney stones, Bob’s mother passed away, my sister suffered a stroke, and we had to miss a trip we planned with dear friends. I know many of you have experienced the same trials – all bunched up together.
I wish I could tell you that I just put a big bow around my troubles and counted them as a gift from God – you know, to build up my character and faith. But I didn’t. It was more of a tie it up in a bow and tear it off multiple times kind of thing. In turns, I let the disappointment and pain overwhelm me then resolve to keep my eyes on Jesus and remember “this too shall pass.”
Finally, having recovered my good health, I confessed to Jesus that I had once again fallen prey to self-pity and disappointment. I could almost hear him saying, “I forgive you. Now get back out there and get busy for me.” He doesn’t waste time going over my past mistakes; he just moves on – and so should we.
So, get back out there and get busy for Jesus!
In Christ , Cathy
CIRCLE MEETINGS
ABIGAIL-
Abigail will meet at the church at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24.
Hannah-
Hannah will meet in the Gathering Area at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 4
Joanna-
Joanna will meet in the Youth Room at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2.
Ruth-
The Ruth Circle will meet Wednesday, May 17, at 11:30 a.m. at Seasons restaurant, downtown Morton.
Sarah-
Sarah Circle meets 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Lynn Goers. Annual Spring Social.
Other Notes —
Our Post-It notepads with the national HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER will be available in the Welcome Area. We’re encouraging all our members to carry these little Post-Its—particularly when travelling—and leave one on a door, a mirror in a restroom, ANY place where some frightened victim might see these words and receive help!
SPONSOR LIBYAN NURSE MIDWIVES!
UMW is joining with the Snippets Sunday School Class and the Daily Grind Bible study to sponsor two Libyan women for the 3-year nurse midwife program. After the Ebola outbreak, the Ghanta District was left with no medical personnel. We are grateful to help get this done!
We are Christ-Centered & Missions Focused Women of Faith!
UMW BOARD
(Board Members include our officers and circle chairpersons.)
Retiring President: Cathy Bowen | Retiring Vice President: Becky Motta
Secretary: Carrie Hoefling | Treasurer: Nicole Potts
Education & Interpretation: Traci Sullivan
Social Action/Program Resources: Linda Clauser
Membership, Outreach & Nurture: Mary Barrick | Spiritual Growth: Cheri Patterson
Communications: Kathy Dallinger
Nominations: Erin Jones | UMW Products: Kathy Churchill
Funeral Dinners: Barb Howard | Kitchen Coordinator: Sarah Losey
Craft Market: Cheri Patterson, Jan Sampson, Jan Pontius, Erin Jones
Circle Leaders
Abigail – Erin Jones & Carrie Hoefling | Hannah – Pat Strube & Julie Fields
Ruth – Louise Wanner & Pat Zimmerman | Sarah – Kathy Dallinger & Melissa Smallenberger
Joanna – Mary Barrick & Lauren Middleton
Abigail Circle: 9:15 a.m. 4th Wednesdays ( No meeting in June, July, & Aug)
Hannah Circle: 9:30 a.m. Gathering Area 1st Thursday ( No Meetings in Jan, June, July, & Aug)
Ruth Circle: 9:00 a.m. Youth Room 3rd Wednesdays ( No meeting in June, July, & Aug)
Joanna Circle: 7:30 p.m. Youth Room 1st Thursdays (No meetings in June, July, & August)
Sarah Circle: 7:00 p.m. Gathering Area 3rd Mondays (No meetings in June, July, & Aug)
UMW BOARD MEETS —
Wednesday, August 30, 9:00 a.m. in the Youth Room.
This will be the first board meeting of the new UMW year. Please mark your calendars!!
CIRCLE MEETINGS
ABIGAIL No meetings until September.
Hannah No meetings until September.
Joanna No meetings until September.
Ruth No meetings until September.
Sarah Sarah Circle meets 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 19. in the Church Library. More details to follow via email.
Other Notes —
Our Post-It notepads with the national HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER will be available in the Welcome Area. We’re encouraging all our members to carry these little Post-Its—particularly when travelling—and leave one on a door, a mirror in a restroom, ANY place where some frightened victim might see these words and receive help!
UMW Book Nook: Miss Brenda and the Loveladies by Brenda Spahn.
Brenda Spahn tells of her journey from a wealthy entrepreneur to the founder and executive director of the Lovelady Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Brenda traces her steps from almost going to prison and then making a promise to God and acting on it, as she volunteers at the Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women in Wetumpka, AL. She tells the story of the first seven women who she opens up her house to after they are released from prison. This book will make you laugh, cry, and really think about others. Can you imagine if you had never been in a Walmart, never been to a party or a restaurant, never received a birthday present or had a birthday cake? What if no one wanted or loved you when you were born, and as you grew up, your life became a series of stealing, abusing alcohol and/or drugs, even killing someone? The book reads like a novel, but is really a true story. It shows readers that everyone deserves a second chance, and Miss Brenda did not give up on any of these ex-convicts even though she was forced into difficult situations. God’s mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, and redemption is so clear in this story. I hope you will take the time to read it and be blessed.
Linda Clauser, Program Resource Chairperson
Continue collecting
THOSE cell phones!
Please continue to leave your
unwanted cell phones (chargers, too) in the basket in the Gathering Area.
Cell Phone Donations:
In 2016, we donated approximately 25 cell phones to the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria..
Thank you!
The Center programs these phones for 911 use and gives them to victims of abuse.
