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.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)
Who are we? “We are a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop creative supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.” UMW Handbook
What is our purpose? We participate in God’s mission in all areas of life. Our four emphases are: Spiritual Growth, Social Action, Education and Interpretation, and Membership Nurture and Outreach.
Who may join? We welcome any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the global mission of the church through UMW. Pledge: $1/month or more.
How many of us are there? The four Circles in our church had a total of 83 members in 2009. There are 800,000 UMW members globally. Please note contact information on the reverse of this page. We would love for you to join us!
How does participation in UMW help with our personal and spiritual growth? We find that our retreats, monthly programs, missions and devotionals are inspiring and heart-warming. Members keep in touch regularly through phone calls or emails. Prayer requests are shared and cards, phone calls, and emails help us feel connected to each other and to God during tough times. During the demands we face these days, at all stages of our lives, we are supportive to each other in sisterly prayer and care.
CIRCLES — CONTACT INFORMATION
Estelle Dameron Circle: Meets at 10:00 a.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at our church. Specific activities: Tape Ministry, Card Ministry, Christmas gifts for needy families, Valentine Baskets for shut-ins, support for Grace Camp (children of prisoners), contributions for children’s and youth projects and mission trips.
Betty Cummings Circle: Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of most months in homes of members or in our church parlor. Specific activities: support for UMW Retreat, made cookies for Kairos Ministry, donated funds to repair church air conditioner, support for Turning Point Ministry, Missions Trips, Food Bank Adopt a Senior Program and Manna House, Operation Christmas Child, Valentine Bags for Shut-Ins, Health Kits for Haiti earthquake victims, prepared and served the meal for District Clergy Meeting.
Dianne Bolton Circle: Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of most months in homes of members. Specific activities: Regular events provided for clients of Central Hospital and St. Christina’s, assistance for local La. Organ Procurement Association Run Fund-raiser, donations and supplies for Turning Point Shelter and Hope House, support for Susan B. Komen Foundation, volunteer work for Manna House, and our church Mission of the Month collections.
Circle of Friends: Meets in the evenings at restaurants for fun, fellowship and planning for mission projects. Specific activities: Provide fellowship and support to each other and to new church members, provide assistance to specific families or individuals in need as identified by our members, such as assistance in paying medical bills, helping with utility bills, or purchasing new baby supplies.
