Club news 6-1-14

Grace UMW

The May meeting of Grace United Methodist Women met with 18 members present. Barb Miller, president, called the meeting to order, which began with Mary Ann Pensel giving devotion and prayer. The Costa Rica Calendar Prayer Collection is a Sunday school outreach program for 155 children. Laos Health Education Ministry is growing produce to sell in healthy environment which is supported by UMW. She referred to May issue of Response on Church and Disabilities.

Crystal Laiben presented a program on the trip to assembly April 27 to 30 in Louisville, Kentucky. She began with prayer and taught the communal amen. There were 8,000 in attendance. Worship experiences were offered through song with many different languages; differant types of dance; scripture-based on Feeding the Five Thousand. A dance group from Cincinnati, Ohio, portrayed in dance that scripture in five ways. Keynote speaker was Hilary Clinton, whose talk was non-political and faith-based, as she has a long time heritage of Methodism.

Numerous workshops and exhibits were offered. Most inspiring was the Saturday morning Walk for Economic Justice through West Louisville, ending with a rally in a park. She concluded that this was an inspiring, motivating and awesome experience. The next assembly is in 2018 in Columbus, Ohio.

Miller conducted the business with reading of minutes, which were approved with motion by Jean Wetzel and seconded by Pensel. The treasurer's report was approved by motion from Margaret Zieba and seconded by Carolyn Goodin. Miller announced that the Sept. 2 program will be on the Backpack Program.

Laiben announced Devout Daisies would like to have relief kits and health kits filled and shipped to UMCOUR by June. Pensel made motion to accept this project and was seconded by Adelaide Parsons.

Parsons thanked Pensel for the inspiration posters delivered to 20 in care centers and were much appreciated by residents.

Daisies were thanked for Spring Tea with 50 stuffed animals collected and delivered to SEMO NASV. Parsons announced that Study-The Power of a Whisper/Hearing God is being organized with leaders for groups. Money is needed to purchase two curriculum kits. Motion made by Mary Jane Statler to give up to $100 for this purchase and seconded by Goodin. Study is to begin in July.

Miller asked club members to think about possible new fundraiser for 2015.

It is being discussed to change spring event from Saturday morning to an evening.

Miller presented two opportunities. Fix boxes for Southeast Food Bank. Interest was shown to participate so she will obtain one morning shift and one afternoon shift. Ninety-six cents of each dollar goes for food. About 62,000 in Southeast Missouri go to bed hungry with 21,000 of those being children. Assemble backpacks first weekend in September at Osage Center. A number of members are interested in participating. Miller will obtain times.

Amen Center trip will be Sept. 3.

Meeting was adjourned and Statler closed with prayer.

-- From staff reports