NEW MEMBERSHIP TEA

Barb Reed wanted to reach out to women who did not attend any of the UMW circles and to form a  new afternoon circle.

Barb got a committee together and a new membership tea and luncheon was scheduled to be held on January 12th.

 Friday they decorated the tables.

 On Saturday several women worked to get plates of sandwiches and pastries ready for the tables.

 The tables looked lovely.

 About 40 women (and two men) attended the luncheon, with  over 1/4 being new members interested in joining a circle.

 Barb welcomed everyone.

 Pastor Dawn shared about the growth of UMW and gave the grace.

 Celeste Hicks, President of UMW talked about the history of UMW and importance of the mission work.

 Several members waited on the tables making sure there was plenty of food and tea.

 Linda Hmieleski did an inspirational dance to "I Can Only Imagine".

 Cathy D'heron, chairman of the Missions Selection Committee, explained about the local charities our UMW funds and introduced the guest speaker.

 Shannon Herrera, board president, and Brian Broadway from  Find, Feed and Restore showed us a very interesting film about this program. Helping one family at a time they are getting homeless families with children from living in cars to living in a trailer until they can get a place of their own.

Circle leaders shared about their circle.  Diane Wells talked about Daughter of Lydia. They meet the 1st Tuesday of the Month at 7:00 P.M. in the Social Hall.

 Pam Anders shared about Morning Joy.  They meet the third Wednesday of the month at 9:30 A.M. in the Agape House.

 Carol Ferguson shared about Lunch Bunch. they meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 A.M. in the Upper Room. You bring a bag lunch and drink.

 Katrina Scott shared about the newly started Young Women of God circle. The meet the third Sunday of the month at 5:00 in the Wesley Center Cafe. Childcare is available.

Sharon Ebbert shared about grace and the new Circle of Grace. The first meeting will be January 15th at 1:30 in the Upper Room.
The new members should have learned of a circle they may want to attend and be a active part of UMW. Together we will make a difference.

FORWARD PATH FOUNDATION

Cathy D'heron and Barb Reed presented a check for $2000,00 to Denise Burry, Executive Director of Forward Paths Foundation. Forward Path provides services to homeless  unaccompanied youth and young adults who age out of foster care in Lake County. Services they provide include temporary housing, job skills training, education, transportation and counseling.

ANOINTED COMMUNITY PANCAKE CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST

 On December 21 Anointed Community Services had its 6th annual pancake breakfast and gift explosion. Cathy D'heron, Sue Friend, Roweena Bennett and Carol Blankenship helped Linda Cowels-Murray (in the Santa hat) with the event. Linda is the CEO/president of Anointed Community.

Anointed Community's mission is to empower disadvantaged citizens with services geared mainly to women and youth in South Lake County.

 UMW donated $800.00 towards Angel tree gifts to be presented to the children.

Everybody got to sit with Santa and have their picture taken. Merry Christmas

UMW INSTALLATION

 Jan Becherer opened the meeting with UMW purpose and  a prayer.

 Evelyn Rose had the program and showed two video from the UMW Assembly on Mary and being BOLD.

 Go to unitedmethodistwomen.org  and watch some of videos, very inspirational and talented.

 Pat Harrell explained the reading program encouraging all of us to read the Response magazine and the books in the  UMW library. Remember leaders are readers.

 She gave certificates to members who had completed the different reading plans.

 Diane Wells shared our recognition as a Five Star Unit.

 Diane Wells, Pam Anders and Karen Beagle are Rainbow Givers. Karen explained it was not hard to do.  Her gift in Memory was for her mother.

 Pastor Dawn Carter had the installation service of the leadership team. Dawn said she has a new appreciation of all UMW does to inspire woman having become a member of  the new circle, Young Women of God.

Our leadership team: Diane Wells standing in for Celeste Hicks as President, Lorna Broersma is Chairperson, committee of Nominations, Carolyn Blankenship is Vice President, Andrea Beaver is Secretary, and Ann Vogt is Treasurer.

 After the installation service Ann Vogt and Diane Wells went to PNC Bank in Clermont and presented them a certificate of  appreciation for the outstanding service they have given us.

LUNCH BUNCH CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Having out grown having the Lunch Bunch Christmas meeting at a home it was held in the Social Hall. Six members volunteered to decorate a table. Each was so unique and beautiful, a new tradition has started.

Linda Hmieleski entertained us with a Christmas interpretive dance.

There was lots of delicious food and good fellowship. Merry Christmas to all.

CHRISTMAS DELIVERY

 Two tubs of 90 red stockings and baby hats were delivered to South Lake Women's Hospital on Tuesday. The Daughters of Lydia circle coordinated this as their mission project, with women from all the circles helping to knit the hats and sew stockings.

 The Christmas elves.

 A poem is attached to the stocking that says:

A bundle of love came your way
One to give you happiness every day.
It will wiggle and giggle and give you love.
Love that comes from God above.
United Methodist women love your bundle too,
We made this stocking especially for you.

 Mom and Dad welcomed Olivia to the world this morning, she is Clermont's new resident.

She is precious in her stocking and hat.

YOUNG WOMEN OF GOD

 Dorann Fryman had it in her heart to start a new circle geared towards younger women in the church. She had a meeting  in September on a Sunday evening inviting anyone interested. Sunday evening was chosen as the time for the circle to meet for babysitting is available at the church and many of the women have jobs.  The name Young Women of God was chosen and at the first meeting there were 12 women present. Dorann is acting as their mentor but Katrina Scott is the leader. This picture was taken at their November meeting. There were two new members and some members were not able to attend because of other commitments. 

 Even with just getting started they are off and running. Kayleigh Higginbotham designed a shirt which they have chosen to use. 

 They followed all of the UMW agenda opening with prayer and UMW Purpose. A mission witness from the prayer calendar was shared.   Kayleigh had a beautiful devotion she had written.

Jan Becherer, UMW Vice President was invited to talk to them about UMW local mission projects and giving. This is a very excited group of young women wanting to be active in missions and UMW. They are on facebook so you can friend them at FUMC Young Women of God.