UMW meeting, activities planned, Ideal Chapter 369 O.E.S. also meets

Beth Ludlum and Jessica Schwahn were again welcomed at worship Jan. 4.

Beth returned to her home in Washington, D. C., and Jessica returned to college in Liberty, Mo., that afternoon. Byron Fry and Pastor Mary gave birthday offerings. Pastor Mary was surprised with a card shower.

Pastor Mary's sermon was titled "Wise Ones Keep Seeking." Scripture was read from Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-2. Worship assistants for the month of January are Liturgist -- John Slater, ushers -- Martha Ann and Lloyd Callow, and Greeters -- Ronnette and Katelyn Vincent.

The U. M. W. Unit met Jan. 4. A lunch of sandwiches, veggies, grapes and dip, gelatin salad with whipped topping, and cake was provided for the nine members and one visitor by Mabel Miller, Lorna Slater, and Clara Brewer.

Before the president Beverly Davis called the meeting to order, the Purpose was repeated. Roll call was answered by telling "What you do to keep healthy during the winter months."

The minutes of the December meeting were approved as read. Mabel Miller gave the treasurer's report. The December collection was $135. All commitments are up-to-date.

Dora Page gave a short report from the Response Magazine on the "Pig Project" that helps people help themselves.

Before the group started the planning session the president read an article about exercising our Faith and Trusting God. Instead of a lesson, the unit had a planning session for the year.

Using the U.M.W. Program Book, each member chose the lesson and month that they would be in charge. They also chose the topic for roll call. This year the unit will be again make their pledge to mission be to support Beacon and Delia C. Lamb.

The following activities were planned for the year: Easter breakfast. Mother Daughter Banquet, Father's Day Cookies, Guest Day, Adopt a Family, and Round-up for Hunger. U.M.W. Sunday will be in February. Loma Slater volunteered to help the president plan this event. The spring district meeting will be April 4 at Lawrence First UMC on the West Campus.

The unit voted to purchase parenting magazines for the three young families that have new babies or very young children in their homes.

Lorna Slater and Diann Brillhart have assisted Pastor Mary in making a calendar for the church and community.

Lorna is up-dating the church's prayer chain, and she will have the February lesson. Roll call will be "Your Favorite Love Song." Lunch will be provided by Beverly Davis and Patty Gauthier. Several were listed for prayer concerns.

The meeting closed with a circle prayer led by the president.

Ideal Chapter 369 O.E.S. met Jan. 8 with Beverly Davis and Charles Gift presiding in the East as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron.

The Worthy Matron welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming. She gave some interesting informative remarks about how to tell if a person is having a stroke.

A discussion was held cpncerning a date to present the 50-year pins to Viola Harts and Dean and Effie Mitchell as they were not able to be at the Dec. 11 meeting. No date has been set.

Agnes Armstrong volunteered to bring refreshments for the Jan. 24 meeting.

Margaret McDermed gave the treasurer's report. Thank you notes were read from Karen J. Adams, Worthy Grand Matron and David L. Rake, Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Kansas. An invitation was received from Sunflower Chapter for their Friendship meeting, Feb. 10.

A summary of the annual report was made by the secretary. Ideal Chapter as 133 members as of Dec. 31, 2008. The sunshine report was given by Margaret McDermed.

The members were glad to welcome Dean and Effie Mitchell back after Dean's stay in the hospital and also Charles Gift who has not been feeling well.

Others reported ill were Dorothy Ketner, Ruth Lewis, Bill Saker, and Karen Coyan. Dean Mitchell thanked everyone for the cards, call, and prayers while he was ill.

The Worthy Matron thanked Effie Mitchell and Agnes Armstrong for filling the stations of Chaplain and Conductress during the meeting. Doris Ericson gave an anniversary offering and Gayla Croan gave a birthday offering.

The Worthy Matron announced the degrees would be exemplified at the pext meeting. Gayla Croan served refreshments of cookies, dried fruit, and punch.