Edwin W. Teals wrote: “For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.” As we approach the autumn season and contemplate on all that is to come, how true this is. Gathering together is the only way we are going to accomplish our goals.
In the last few newsletters, I have explained various activities in which we as members of the United Methodist Women and all of us as members of this church find ourselves active participants. In past years, September has been a time that we have said “Thank You” to some of our church family for their dedication and contributions to our church. In the last two years, that special time has been delayed until October. This year, United Methodist Women’s Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, October 17th.
Women’s Sunday was a day established years ago to recognize the organization of women who serve God through missions to women, children and youth around the world. It is a day to remember the first women who went to foreign countries to serve, all who have followed and who continue to serve, in the global mission ministry. It is also a day to share the exciting things being accomplished locally and in our district.
This year our speaker will be Rose Simmons from the Methodist Community House in the Grand Rapids. This was our special missions this year. She was born in the Caribbean and serves as a social worker, focusing on child care and the Step House. She will enlighten us as to the functions and services of Community House and will answer your questions pertaining to the mission.
We will also honor two of our own who have shown outstanding service, for a job well-done, for faithfulness, participation and/or support. We will also designate a gift in memory of a friend who is no longer with us but who was a loyal member of our church family. Finally, we will announce our Dove recipient who has been nominated for all the efforts she has put forth as she has participated in the work of the church above and beyond expectations. We will make our pledge to the district and receive our World Thank Offering, which will be forwarded to the Women’s Division to be used for the total program of mission carried on throughout the United States and around the world. Thus, we will quality again for fulfilling the requirements of Five Channels.
On September 16, Church Women United will hold their district meeting at the Presbyterian Church. Their special focus this year will be honoring our members of the armed forces. Watch the bulletin board for details.
Other “irons in the fire” include the 38th District Annual Celebration Saturday, September 25 in Carson City. It will be an action-filled day of food and fellowship, displays, program resources, offering for Mission Giving and United Methodist Community House programming, installation of officers, a memorial service, singing and celebration of Holy Communion and much, much more. Details on the bulletin board.
“Women’s Night Out” is scheduled for October 12 in Big Rapids. The agenda includes dinner, an in-gathering of seat covers (underwear for women, youth and children), disposable diapers and gift cards. The program will feature Crossroads Harmony, a group of Sweet Adelines.
A little further down the road, but which we need to prepare for now, is the Annual All Church Bazaar, November 20, Festival of Tables, December 2nd and of course our annual Christmas Basket Project. In the meantime, all the little regulars go on such as soup kitchen and service center. Of course, we are reminded that if one wants to get something done, as a busy person to assist.
