Epworth UMC:
United Methodist Women

UMW Notes

Women! Women! Women!

Be a part of one of the largest organizations for women – The United Methodist Women. Epworth has a devoted group of women willing to help others and promote women’s and children’s causes around the world. Our purpose expresses our relationship to God, our church and fellow members.

U.M.W. Purpose

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.

Join us as we venture into learning about ourselves, our world and our God. We have several opportunities over the next couple months to have good fellowship, excellent discussion, and helping college students know that we care. Step out and be a part of the U.M.W.

Becoming a member of the United Methodist Women involves commitment to the field of mission. Your presence is the most important thing. Being a part of the whole increases the UMW's ability to make a difference in the lives of people locally, nationally and globally.

A second means of supporting the mission field is through pledge contributions. We are kicking off our pledge drive on Saturday, February 7th. Prayerfully think about how you can monetarily support the work of Epworth's UMW. Then act by signing a pledge card and giving a donation to further improve the lives of other human beings. Pledge cards can be picked up at the February meeting or in the Narthex. They are to be returned to Terry Utterback or Georgina Kun-Sherman.

The "Purpose of the United Methodist Women" states that the unit should help to "expand concepts of mission."

Women in Mission

Mission work by the Epworth United Methodist Women is visible in Epworth as well as on the national and international levels.

Some of the projects that are supported by Epworth's unit of UMW are Operation Cookie, Hearts and Hands and Shadow of the Steeple. Operation Cookie is a project designed to remind college students and military personnel that Epworth is thinking of them. In time for Valentine's Day, a box of goodies, cards and prayers are sent to each individual in those categories who attended Epworth. Hearts and Hands originated in our church as a mission to help others with repairs on their homes. The UMW strongly supports efforts to help the less fortunate to have a safe, livable shelter. Another project is the Shadow of the Steeple, which was started a few years ago to make money available for projects that come up unexpectedly and support individuals in the church or in the immediate neighborhood. Some past uses of this fund have been shoes for a family so the children could go to school, donations to UMYF projects and food certificates for a holiday dinner.

Epworth's United Methodist Women spend over $3,000 per year on local and selected missions. Come join us as we seek to help the least, the lost and the lonely by attending a meeting and becoming an active participant in mission.

By educating unit members on the needs and issues of others, the United Methodist Women hope to encourage women to act on the issues with prayer, monetary gifts and teaching others what can be done to improve our world. Mission should be in our thoughts daily, not just once in a while. By improving the lives of others, we show God's love. The United Methodist Women are multifaceted and every woman can find a niche that enhances her growth as a person. Won't you join us in seeking our place in God's world by joining the United Methodist Women and being a part of a group of women working to improve people's lives?

Join United Methodist Women

by Ada Beacht

From the wellspring of my memories I recall the first gathering of women in the little country church to which my family belonged. The “gathering” was called Ladies Aid Society and was formed at the request of the pastor. Its primary function was to look after the needs of the parsonage. Inasmuch as women had not yet been allowed to served on church boards and committees, it gave them a sense of belonging. They worked diligently, giving what they could from the sale of eggs and poultry, putting on ice cream and strawberry festivals, church dinners, etc. in an effort to “fund” the parsonage upkeep. There was a saying in days gone by that “money is hard to come by.”

Recruitment of members and officers was easy. All the ladies of the church belonged and considered it an honor when asked to take a leadership role. Meetings were held monthly at different homes, usually in the afternoon. Minutes of business meetings were clearly written in a secretary’s book, followed by a worship period and delicious refreshments. Somehow men and children knew exactly when to put in an appearance and partake of the goodies. It was a leisurely afternoon, and lasting friendships were made.

Even before the formation of the Ladies Aid Society, which supported local projects, women had provided missionaries to India and China in the 1800s.

Over the years many things have changed. The names Ladies Aid Society became the Woman’s Auxiliary (1934); then Women’s Society of Christian Service (1940). After 32 years, the last change was made in 1972, United Methodist Women.

Women’s organizations have become much more structured. In the early years spending was based upon money on hand. Now, a formal budget is adopted at the beginning of each year and every effort is made to accomplish all the projects and programs decided upon, following Conference and District guidelines. United Methodist Women has its own charter and by-laws.

Today, it is much more difficult to recruit officers and leaders. Many reasons are understandable. Young women and mothers in particular, are bombarded by pressures from involvement in activities outside the church. There is little time for any one thing. But, do you know that United Methodist Women is an inclusive organization that invites the participation of ALL women? Every woman from a variety of experiences and background, with diverse interests, skills, and expertise are welcome. This would include women

• who work inside and/or outside the home;
• with physically challenging conditions;
• from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds;
• from different age groups – teenager to the older adult;
• married, single, divorced, widows.

Diversity of membership helps each unit grow into one that truly lives out the purpose of United Methodist Women.

In a church the size of Epworth, there should be a sufficient number of women who would want to accept the challenge of serving in this Christian organization and, if not to take on the role of an officer, attend regularly to boost the spirit of those who do. The U.M.W. is presently seeking officers for new terms of two to four years. Call Terry Utterback and tell her what experience or talent you have to share. Someone will help you through.