On Sunday, June 3rd, four women were presented a Special Mission Recognition Pin for exhibiting special service in the community and exemplify the United Methodist Women's purpose within the Unit and faith community. The pin represented a monetary gift given to United Methodist Women National Division. The money is used to support international missions of the United Methodist Women Organization. Celeste Hicks, President of the United Methodist Women at FUMC presented the pin to them during the 11 o'clock service. It was a great surprise the women, for they did not know they were receiving this recognition.
Rosemary Yoder is a devoted member of FUMC Clermont, the United Methodist Women's Unit and Daughter of Lydia Circle. She has supported UMW mission projects with beautiful handmade sewing items and cooking wonderful luncheon items for workers at the fall bazaar, and helped contribute and fill Opportunity Baskets for the Spring luncheon fund raiser. She has been the recording secretary for her Circle and is always ready to be involved with projects. She has attended numerous mission studies and retreats and this February walked 2 miles for Havenfest at Venetian Gardens in Leesburg to support The Haven and raise money for domestic abuse victims. She is not afraid to become involved in Social Action projects. One quiet way she put her love into action in the community was by working with a few neighbor ladies to make "memory boxes" for newborns who did not survive at South Lake Hospital. Rosemary handmade a beautiful gown for each baby. In summary, Rosemary's gifts of kindness and beautiful creativity, along with her servant's heart epitomize faith, hope, and love in action.
Audrey Morgan is a special woman who lives out the purpose of United Methodist Women even without being an official member. Audrey is an active member of FUMC Clermont and in the community. She has been a member of the church choir for many years and also the King Ridge Singers. She is on the Altar Guild for the church and spends many hours changing the altar cloths, banners, symbols and decorations in the sanctuary. These are behind the scenes things that happen before worship services to create meaningful experiences. She is also involved in the Clermont community. She has been president of the local Kiwanis for 2 years, a board member of the Boys and Girls Club, a worker at the polls during elections, a member of Friends of the Library and the Chairperson of the Veterans History Committee of Friends of the Library. At the last Florida Lakes Symphony Concert, Audrey was honored with a bouquet of flowers for selling so many tickets for the concerts. Whenever Kings Ridge Community has patriotic events, Audrey is always involved in the planning and helping to assure the event runs smoothly. Audrey Morgan is a dedicated Christian living those principles in the church and throughout the community,
Noelene McCall is an active member of FUMC and of United Methodist Women. She attends the Friends and Fellowship Bible Study on Sunday mornings in the Upper room. Noelene participates regularly with We Care Ministry being a member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and knitting beautiful shawls and baby blankets. She is now part of the team sewing red fleece stockings for the Christmas Project for babies born in December at South Lake Hospital and knitting some of the white stocking hats with red pompoms on top. Noelene is a member of the Lunch Bunch Circle and also Mission Coordinator of Social Action for the Unit. Noelene regularly reads from the UMW Prayer Calendar at Circle and Unit meetings to educate attendees of the global mission involvement and spiritual emphasis of United Methodist Women. Noelene has attended many District and Conference educational events and is always ready and willing to share what she has learned. She has helped plan and participate in several UMW Mission Studies at this church and organized members to participate in local and national projects to raise awareness of social issues. For several years she has been involved with the programs in the Clermont community for People of Faith an interdenominational organization that meets 3 times a year. Noelene lives out the purpose of United Methodist Women.
Congratulations were extended to these three women after the service. Thank you for sharing your lives with our Church, our community and with us.
Mini Sanderlin was the fourth recipient but because this was a surprise she was not in attendance at the 11 o'clock service to receive her pin. Mini Sanderlin has been active at First United Methodist Church for many years. Every summer she has been involved with Vacation Bible school and frequently with Jerusalem Marketplace assisting in Ministries to Children. She has organized numerous receptions for bereaved families after funeral or memorial services, bringing a sense of calm and comfort to those affected with loss. She has been more active in United Methodist Women since leaving her beloved profession as a clinical nurse and educator. Mimi has been involved as the leader and co-leader of Daughters of Lydia Circle which meets in the evening once a month. She has helped organize many luncheons for the UMW Unit for quarterly meetings, assisted with many tasks for the Unit Mission Studies and Mission Fund Raiser at this church. Mimi has served this Unit on the nominating committee, participated on the Special Mission Recognition Pin Selection Committee, been the Charity Liaison for the Spring Luncheon Mission Fund Raiser and for 2 years was the Secretary for the Unit. Mimi is involved with personal spiritual development having participated in numerous Bible studies; the Disciple Program and attending United Methodist Women's Spiritual Retreats and Mission U summer Education Program. Mimi's community involvement revolves around her family and 4 grandchildren which live in Clermont and her numerous friends. She has been very faithful to a friend and former workmate currently residing in Fruitland Park. When she needed a driver to take her to doctor's appointments and treatment, Mimi made herself available to drive to Orlando on a regular basis. Mimi knows how to have fun and also have a Servant's heart.
Mimi was presented her pin when she came to pick up her granddaughters at Vacation Bible School
