Circle Meetings take a summer sabbatical, even longer since it started several months early. But our Book Club and Circles and their Leaders are still available to give you updates and information. We hope to begin meeting again in September!!
JESUS LOVES ME (for old people)
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
…plus a few other significant verses, helped set the tone for our first Unit Meeting in over a year!
About 45 attendees (even a few gentlemen!) enjoyed a light lunch of sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookies. We learned that although we did not have our rummage sale, our finances are in good shape, discussed the future of our unit, and closed with a fun WACKY FASHION SHOW featuring “slip” dresses, “plunging” necklines, “tea” shirt and “tea”-length pants, a red hot bikini (bee-key-knee) and a delightful two-piece outfit made of newspaper!
The fashion show included a very special guest straight from “Paris,” Jeffretta Nel-sohn, who sported a purple gown with “plunging” (plunger) neckline. Thank you, CAROL OWENS, for modeling AND emceeing the event! Thank you, PASTOR ROSS, for taking pictures!
UNIT FUTURE – For now it looks like we will combine our two existing circles (Mary Martha and DELL) into one and will meet monthly with co-leaders. One person has volunteered to lead, so we still need a second person to step up. If you are willing, let us know-we can train you and give you many resources! Although the fellowship time usually draws us together, at a minimum, a circle should begin and end with prayer, include a short meditation and have a segment dedicated to mission focus.
The mission focus can vary widely: a special program or guest speaker, reading about a mission or project, discussing a book you have chosen to read together or sharing an article from the RESPONSE magazine.
The UMW Handbook (p. 27) says this about circles: Forming subgroups or circles allows members an opportunity to focus on special mission interests in smaller groups . . . and provides flexibility . . . for participation, nurture and leadership development. Some women find that their circle is their primary connection for prayer, study and spiritual growth.
Crafty Crafters Circle continues to meet with Susan Briner as leader. The Lakeview Book Club will meet, and while not a circle, it is sponsored by the Unit and ANYONE is welcome to attend. Lynn Thornton and Lynda Johnson will co-lead (date, time TBA!). Unit meetings will continue quarterly.
SUMMER MISSION PROJECT –
Collecting new or gently used children’s books (ages 0-16) for Friends of the Youngtown Public Library. Look for our collection box in Smoot Hall!
FUTURE EVENTS –
Rummage Sale is being planned for late October. So get your garages and closets cleaned out. We have LITTLE TO NO storage at the church right now as we’ve collected items all summer, so get ‘em together, but hang onto them for now! Leadership discussed the possibility of having a Christmas tea-so stay tuned! All dates, times, will be announced SOON!
Marty Merryman, Secretary Lakeview United Methodist Women
