Painting the UMW Red!

We love fellowship!

Belinda Alkula leads the meeting

Carole Koval speaks about the prayer shawls

Carol Gragg shares the program

The fellowship hall was ablaze with shades of red today as the UMW Friday Circle gathered for its monthly meeting.

Refreshments were provided by Belinda and Pastor Charles.

Devotions were offered by Bev Schneider and was reflective of the UMW's racial justice advocacy work. Bev concluded with a prayer from Reflections magazine.

Today's program was provided by Carol Gragg. We learned about the her participation in a Bible Study Fellowship in Missoula and the importance of learning from the women in the Bible.

Reports:
+Spiritual Growth: Bev asked each of us to remember a time or event that had special spiritual meaning. We were reminded, "God is always by your side."

+Mission Education & Action: Hazel Smith spoke about the vvalued work being done by the Bitterroot Weekend Backpack Program (helps to provide food for children to take home) The group approved sending $500. The meeting also approved a scholarship for Marcia Prather to gain certification as an ESL teacher to work with refugees.

+Spiritual Nurture & Membership: Mary Costello mentioned several ladies who might be good candidates for UMW membership. She also encouraged us to take cake to those who were unable to make it today.

+Receptions: None
+Reading Program: Marcia Prather presented Sonia Henry and Lisa Menery with their 2016 Reading Program  awards (both received Level One  awards). 2017 books and information are available for this exciting faith formation activity.
+Saturday Morning Circle: The plastic recycling effort is going well and the first three large bags will be taken in next Tuesday. The Saturday Circle has contributed more than $150 to WIC for diapers. The group is also taking the lead on encouraging special donations to the Food Pantry on the third Sunday of each month. The next meeting will be March 18th.

+Prayer Shawl Ministry: Carole Koval reported that one shawl was given last month for a total of 215 since this ministry began in 2006. Mary Costello commented that she was the recipient of prayer shawl #1! Sharon Brown brought a new shawl she had completed to be added to the inventory.

Future Events:
+March 3-5, YAC UMW retreat @ Fairmont Hot Springs
+March 18, Saturday UMW Circle (9 am)with Becky Boykin as the speaker.
+April 22, Western Mountains District UMW meeting @ Flathead Lake UM Camp
+June 9, UMW dinner @Annual Conference (Billings)
+June 17, Rummage Sale
+August 4-5, Creamery Picnic
+Sep. 9, Virtual Western Mountains District UMW meeting
+Oct. 6-7, YAC UMW annual meeting (Bozeman)
+Oct. 21, Fall Bazaar