November 2004 - Tower - Page 6

United Methodist Women

Gerry Beale Turner, President

Wow! What a month! And still at the time of this writing we have not had the craft show. I don't know about you, but I'm a little dizzy.

Well, Proverbs 16:18 says "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (RSV) I know that and I pray God will understand my attitude and spirit as I take a few moments and brag on the United Methodist Women at First Church. We know that what we do as an organization is all for the glory and honor of God and not for ourselves, but as your president I cannot help but feel a certain amount of pride for you.

On October 2, at the District Annual Meeting our local unit received a six-star award for undesignated giving, we were one of three units that received a gold Mission Today award, and we received first place for the most new members in 2004. You just can't do much better.

Then on Sunday, October 24, we had our United Methodist Women's Sunday. What a wonderful day! I am going to dare do something dangerous and thank women by name for all their hard work. I pray I don't miss anyone.

Mary Lou Carter made all the beautiful name tags. Circle 7 did the festive decorations (which were used by the men the next evening). The ushers- Martha Dodson, Anne Elder, Sandra Forbes, Lona Howser, June Loving, Annette Pomeroy, Angie Banks, Shelby Knoble, Cindy Loving, June Loving, Rita Verlander, Sally Walker and Valorie Williamson - were awesome. Our readers, Cindy Bush, Judy Talbert, and Erleen Wheeling did a beautiful job. And don't forget the acolytes, Sarah Elder and Kasey Kingston are also members of the UMW. Jane Waters prayed the most beautiful heartfelt prayer. (I was sure she was the right person to do it.)

June Loving made and displayed beautiful informative posters about our work. Billie Way also made a poster about the reading program and presented 15 reading certificates during the service. The day would not have happened without Cathy Williamson. She made the reservations for Louise Miller, played a big part in the service, and was in constant prayer for the day. Her quiet and calm spirit is always a blessing.

Annemarie Parker provided the bread. And I have to admit I'm not real sure of who worked in the kitchen. I did see Cathy and Dave Williamson, Angie Banks, Annette Pomeroy, my husband, Rod Turner, and cleaning up afterwards Marie Wager and Ed Wager running the dish washer. The two young women helping to serve lunch were my daughter, Rella Farris, and her sister-in-law, Chrissy Girvin. They did this as a labor of love for me and I am so grateful.

We could not have had a better representative for the United Methodist Women than Louise Miller. She told our story with pride and dignity. I can't help but think that our foremothers were watching with approving eyes.

I have probably left someone out, but I wanted all of you to be recognized. I want people to know and understand that the United Methodist Women's Organization is not a one-man (or woman) - show. It takes all of us working together, with a common goal to make things happen for the Kingdom of God. I hope we have stirred up some interest in our organization. (I have had one women speak to me about joining.) And I hope more of our congregation are aware of what we are about. Well done, my sisters in Christ.

Gerry

November Circle Meetings

Circle 1	Monday	November 8	11:15 a.m.	Church Parlor
Circle 2	Tuesday	November 9	10:00 a.m.	Ruth Klingenberg
Circle 3	Tuesday	November 9	10:00 a.m.	Church Parlor
Circle 4	Tuesday	November 9	1:00 p.m.	Church Parlor
Circle 5	Tuesday	November 9	7:30 p.m.	Gerry Turner
Circle 6	Wednesday	November 10	10:00 a.m.	Church Parlor
Circle 7	Tuesday	November 9	7:30 p.m.	Yvonne Edwards
Circle 8	Tuesday	November 9	10:00 a.m.	Mary Lou Carter
Girl's Circle	Sunday	November 14	5:00 p.m.	Library

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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.

Last update: November 7, 2004