UMW
First United Methodist Women (UMW) News
By Dawn Nester
On March 8, 2017, women of First United Method Church (FUMC) gathered in Hurd Hall to share fellowship, desserts, and to learn more about FUMC’s Strategic Plan. UMW welcomed Amy Cook, the Administrative Council secretary, who is serving as facilitator for the FUMC’s efforts to create a viable, living document known as a Strategic Plan for 2017-2019. Amy provided background about how the strategic plan efforts have evolved from a concept to being actively embraced by all committees within the church. She asked everyone to think about current UWM activities. As activities were called out, she wrote them on easel paper. She then asked everyone to think about where the activities might fit under the three primary focus areas of the Strategic Plan (build/create disciples; foster a reputation as a home for the arts, and strengthen the church family). It quickly became evident that UMW activities support all three areas and the easel pages were quickly filled. The next step was to brainstorm ideas, either around how to improve an existing activity or share a new idea. The easel paper quickly filled again. The discussion was lively, robust, and created new energy for going forward. If you have not participated in a UMW activity because you thought it was “just for women members”, please reconsider. UWM is not a member organization – it is mission-based. The Executive Board welcomes all women of the church (and their friends) to attend our activities and events. In the coming days, women of FUMC will receive a letter in the mail that has a list of the charitable contributions that UMW has provided, along with a list of upcoming activities. There is also a donation card that would greatly help provide continued support for our missions’ contributions. We will be holding a Family Potluck on Wednesday, April 12th, at 6:00 pm. Kristen Sturtevant will talk about her family’s personal experience with the Ronald McDonald House after her son, Matthew, was born. We would love to have you join us. Please mark your calendar and plan to come! If you have any questions, please talk with Debbie Boynton, Marianne Gustafson, or Janice Wolforth.
