United Methodist Women

United Methodist Women

… reaching out in love …

January 2017

Purpose of UMW – 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.

Important Dates and Events

UMW General Meeting Mary Martha Fellowship Group

January 5th, 10:00 am, South Lounge January 3rd, 7:00 pm, South Lounge

Program – Carroll Martin, East District Theme – “New Year's Resolutions

UMW Nominations Chairperson or Good Intentions”

Installation of Officers led by Caroline Sue Currie - Hostess

Peterson

February 7th, 7:00 pm, South Lounge

Wesley Ann Circle Theme - “A Romantic Experience”

January 19th, 1:00 pm, South Lounge Ellie Bohall - Hostess

Planning Program Meeting – Bring Ideas

Eileen Jackson - Refreshments Ruth Badziong - Devotions

UMW General Meeting

The guest speaker for our meeting Thursday, January 5th, is Carroll Martin, East District UMW Nominating Chairperson. Her topic is Economic Justice. This subject is one of four priority issues for United Methodist Women. We will learn ways we can educate ourselves about the issue and promote justice for low-wage workers and those with student debts. The program will be based, in part, on the book, Behind the Kitchen Door, by Saru Jayaramun, and is on the UMW reading list. It may be checked out from the Fullerton Public Library.

Also, at the meeting the UMW officers for 2017 will be installed by Caroline Peterson.

As always, guests are welcome – men or women!

East District United Methodist Women

Local D'LTE Training - Empowering Leaders for the Community

The theme of the meeting is Love. Grow. Serve. It will be held on January 21st, 8:15 - noon, at Whittier First UMC. Julie Asuncion, Methodist Hospital UMW Auxiliary President will be the guest speaker. Registration ($12.00 which includes a continental breakfast) is due by January 6th. See Eileen Jackson for more details.

Methodist Hospital Women's Auxiliary General Meeting

Monday, January 23rd, 10:30 am

This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the recent developments at the hospital. Speakers for the meeting include Rev. Brenda Simonds and the Chaplain Interns. Brenda was our Thank Offering speaker a few years ago and was outstanding. The meeting includes lunch and an optional tour of the Rehab unit for which UMW has been raising funds the past few years. The cost is $8.00 (check made out to M.H. Women's Auxiliary). Eileen needs your reservation and money by January 9th.

Calexico Neighborhood House

UMW received a thank you from Calexico NH for the money we sent for their “Christmas Gift for a Child” program. They were able to provide 600 low-income children with gifts. Thank you to all of you who supported this project.

UMW Reading Program

The December Response magazine had a very interesting article about retired Bishop John Wesley Hardt, who turned 95 in 2016. In speaking about United Methodist Women, he said, “You are part of the largest denominational faith organization for women in the world. What amazes me most about United Methodist Women is how it embraces all kinds of people in all kinds of places in all kinds of ways and enables them to experience God's love and abundant life in Jesus Christ.” In another talk he said, “Even though (UMW) is a woman's organization, it does not benefit only women. United Methodist Women fights for causes that help people and fights against causes that hurt people – regardless of their sex, race, nationality or other distinguishing factors.” In an interview with the author of this article Rev. Hardt remembered how United Methodist Women helped in all of the churches his father served . Later when he himself was a student pastor and then a pastor, UMW groups nurtured him in many ways. He goes on to discuss the history of UMW and its influence throughout the world. He concludes the interview by saying, “(UMW) members study together, share together, pray together, and serve together. Bonds of mutual support embrace them and enrich them socially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. ...They grow in their understanding of God, of themselves, of life and how to live. They become leaders, and their leadership often extends beyond their United Methodist Women circles. … I have seen (UMW) members become mighty forces for good in the lives of their families, friends and associates. I have seen their leadership reach far beyond their local church and communities and even impact future generations.”

What a nice “pat on the back” he gives United Methodist Women! Of course, FFUMC members have heard our own Pastor Phil speak highly of UMW. If you haven't come to any of our meetings, 2017 is a good time to start. If you are a former member from another church and attended UMW we invite you to come also and share your experiences and wisdom with us.

See you on Thursday at 10:00 am. in the

South Lounge!