Friday UMW Circle news

Pastor Charles shares the devotion

Belinda leads the meeting

Our craft project

Stefan and Alex share their journey

A crafty group!

The Friday UMW Circle met this afternoon with sixteen in attendance. Today's hostess, Bonita Ziegler, provided a delightful cherry dump cake for refreshments and bird figurines (provided by Bonita) decorated each table.

The devotional was shared by Pastor Charles who shared a hymn from his 1818 edition of The Methodist Pocket Hymn-book. He also shared readings from Ecclesiastes 12:12-13, Matthew 19:13-15a,John 13:14, and Titus 2:7 that spoke about learning and growing in the faith.

Today's program was provided by Belinda Alkula. She led the gathering in a craft project that had been a part of this year's VBS program. We also learned about the link between church school, VBS, the Children/Youth Ministry (and the arrival Sunday of Sherry Paddie), and the work being done at Wesley House in Missoula.

Coordinator reports:  
+Mission Education/Social Action: Hazel Smith introduced Alex Costello (Mary Costello's granddaughter) and her husband, Stefan Matwijiw, who shared about the efforts they are going through to gain Stefan a Green Card and permanent residency in this country. 
+Nurture & Membership: Hazel asked the group to grant $500 from the special mission line item (approved) for the School Weekend Food Backpack program (sponsored by the Hamilton Rotary Club). Hazel reported that thirty-four children (K-5) at Stevensville Elementary are recipients of this effort each Friday during the school year.  
+Prayer shawls: It was suggested that our new children/youth pastor be presented with a shawl during worship on the 20th.
+Reading Program Circle: Marcia Prather encouraged everyone to continue with their reading program efforts. The next gathering will be on September 25.  
+Receptions: Bonita Ziegler reported that there had been no receptions during the last month.  
+Saturday Circle: Belinda Alkula reported that the Saturday Circle is supporting the back-to-school supply effort at the Clothes Closet. Donations are needed by the 18th. Extra items are also being asked for a school mid-year giveaway to be hosted at our church in January. The recycling effort is going well. The parsonage drop-off point is accepting plastic, cardboard, and tin.

Other reports:
Treasurer: Bonita Ziegler reported that with a number of apple dumplings still remaining to be sold, we have already passed last year's net proceeds. To date we have earned $3,640 while 2016 saw us with $3,299.

Cards: Carol Gragg noted that thank you notes had been received from Mitch Edgar, Emma & Tyler Hutton, Dave Rakiecki, and Tristan Pearson.

Birthdays: Becky Boykin, Loraine Broadhurst, Theresa Campbell, Phyllis Clevidence, Kathy Clark, Carol Gragg, Doris Hubler, Sara Malo, Ginny Mellgren, Marilyn Murphy, & Sue Pearson

Dates to Remember:
Sep. 9 - Western Mountains District fall meeting in Helena
October 21 - Fall Bazaar