The UMW is underway in 2017!

It's cold outside but warm indoors!

Marcia Prather shares info on the Reading Program

The last of the apple dumplings!!!

The work of the Unit is on-going

The Unit's leadership team

The United Methodist Women @ Stevi UMC got the New Year underway this afternoon with 23 in attendance on a bitterly cold afternoon.

Today's hostesses were Sonia Henry, Carole Koval, and Carol Varian. Refreshments included a wonderful cheesecake (Pastor's favorite!) and the tables were decorated with beautiful snowmen.

The meeting began with the installation of officers, led by Pastor Charles. This year's officers are: Belinda Alkula, president; Carol Gragg, VP; Linda Kauffman, secretary; and Bonita Ziegler, treasurer. 

It is remarkable that twenty-three women (out of the sixty listed in the membership book) are listed as taking on responsibilities for various tasks for our Unit including the officers, program coordinators, callers, Creamery Picnic (apple dumplings), and the fall bazaar.

Belinda Alkula led the devotions which was based on the expression, "God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good."

Marcia Prather presented today's program, the UMW Reading Program. Everyone was encouraged to make reading a part of their spiritual growth. Books from the 2017 reading list are available in the church library.

Today's spiritual growth report was given by Bev Schneider who shared with us the joy that comes from sharing our faith through simple acts of kindness. A prayer litany ("Litany for the Brokenhearted") concluded Bev's report.

The Mission/Education/Social Action report was presented by Hazel Smith. Several opportunities were presented to the Unit that will engage us in the world through faith in action:
+UMW Scholarship Program is a way to get involved in changing the world, one person at a time.
+VIM (Volunteer in Mission) opportunities are available around the United States and around the world. Contact Debbie Irby with questions.
+MAC (Montana Association of Christians) Day at the legislature in Helen, Janauary 23. The cost is $15 for transportation which leaves from First UMC-Missoula.          Send email of interest to FUMCMissoula@gmail.com by Jan. 15th. 

A special thank you gift was presented to Carole Koval for her stepping into the vacated president's roll last year. Another thank you gift was given to Carol Goffe for her outstanding support of the UMW through her administrative gifts (including the membership handbook, hot off the presses!). 

A unexpected auction took place this afternoon during our gathering, the last of the apple dumplings and two gallons of ice cream were sent home, making for a delcious weekend for several of our Unit's members.

Upcoming Dates:
+Feb. 3-4   Mission u at Shiloh UMC - Billings
+Feb. 11    Stevi UMC Valentines Dinner
+Mar. 3-5   YAC UMW retreat at Fairmont Hot Springs
+Apr. 22    Spring District retreat at Flathead Lake UM Camp
+May 5-7   Flathead Lake UM Camp work weekend
+Oct. 7     YAC annual UMW gathering at Bozeman UMC