United Methodist Women (UMW)

Purpose of United Methodist Women
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.

UMW Goals:

• To help each woman personally know and live out the purpose of UMW.
• To promote interest and knowledge about MISSION within our UMW membership.
• To make sure that each woman in our church family who is not currently an active member receives a personal invitation and encouragement to become a member.
• To continue our tradition of warm and loving fellowship with our sisters in MISSION at the local, district and conference levels.
• To carry on the tradition of our honorary members through our commitment and service to all MISSION areas.
• To increase our membership by five.
• To promote and to have at least five members participate in the Reading Program.
• To encourage increased participation in Church Women United.
• To continue UM Little Women Circle for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders as it grows to include high school women as well.
• To continue to be a Five-Channel Giving unit.
• To be a Mission Today unit and implement the Charter for Racial Justice.
• To continue our new e-mail circle, Waves of Grace.

UMW Circles

There are currently 4 circles within our United Methodist Women Fellowship, 1 for youth and 3 for adult members. Each group meets monthly and has projects of its own, and also supports the general UMW and church programs. New members are always welcome and anyone may attend both adult circles, if desired.

Susanna Wesley Circle
Began as a "young mother's" group, with morning meetings to accommodate afternoon naps. The membership has grown to include women of all ages and interests. The group meets in the Taylor Room, at 9:30am on the 3rd Thursday of each month (except June-August) for coffee and a short program. Childcare is provided. Among the projects this circle is responsible for is the Mother/Daughter Event. This circle also "adopts" a family for Christmas, does Operation Christmas Child (shoe box) and Angel Tree (prison ministry). The 2009 chairperson is Tamara Young.

Priscilla Circle
Originally designed for women who worked outside the home during the day and wanted a Circle which met in the evening. The current membership also includes a few "retired" women and young mothers. Among the projects this circle is responsible for is the All Sons event. The group assembles new baby layettes for South County Community Services and "adopts" a family for Christmas. They meet on the 4th Thursday of the month at 7pm (except January and February) in the homes of members. The 2009 chairperson is Jean Philport.

United Methodist Little Women
Established in 1997, under the guidance of Lori Hardy. Involves young ladies in 5th-8th grade meeting together to recite the purpose of UMW and enjoy the fellowship of service for mission. In the fall of 2006, this group expanded to include high school women as well. Activates that this group of young ladies performed for 2008 included: Helping at the Kitty Kat Bed & Breakfast, making Christmas Cards & bookmarks for our shut-ins.

Waves of Grace
Established in 2004, with Lisa Coe as chairperson. This is an email circle and any woman may join. Direct any questions to Lisa.

Merry Martha's
These ladies are a group of women who are totally Mission Minded. We meet twice a month; the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings from 7pm to whenever we decide to go home in the Fish Room of the church. Each meeting a different project will be worked on. Some will be for local organizations and some will be for the global world. If you are interested in joining us, drop in or see Linda Olenczuk, Diana Pomeroy, Holly Fryling or Sandy Hanson for more details. We have a great time and get to make a difference in the world.