April's Friday UMW Circle gathering

Orthodox cathedral in Kodiak, Alaska

Rev. Hansen shares with the gathering

With spring in the air, twenty-one were present today for the April meeting of the Friday UMW Circle. Hostesses for today were Fran Jackson, Linda Kauffman, & Bonita Ziegler.
  
Linda Kauffman shared the devotion, thoughts from the Song of Solomon and the need for renewal in our lives.

Marcia Prather presented the Past President's pin to Belinda Alkula and Special Recognition pins to Belinda and Sara Malo.
 
The program, shared by Rev. Lois Hansen who shared her experiences in the Russian Orthodox Church in Kodiak, Alaska.

 Reports:  
+Secretary - Carol Goffe told us that we are invited to the opening of the new chapel at Intermountain in Helena. Both the Poverello Center and the Backpack program at the Stevensville school sent thank you notes.
+Treasurer - Bonita reported that disbursements have been made to the designated organizations as recorded in the 2018 budget.
+Spiritual Growth - Bev Schneider shared from an Upper Room article about listening to the Spirit's voice and read from John 14:16-17 and Philippians 5:6-8.
+Outreach/Mission/Social Justice - Hazel Smith told us about the Health Kit items that will be collected (through May 27) and taken to Annual Conference by Pastor Charles & Belinda in  June. 100,000+ health kits were distributed in Puerto Rico alone last year. Each kits cost about $12 for the items listed.
+Receptions - No report.
+Reading program - Marcia Prather reminded us that the Reading Program had four participants receiving recognition for 2017: Carole Koval, Sue Pearson, Marcia Prather, & Bonita Ziegler. The first gathering for 2018 readers is Monday, April 16 @ 6 pm at the church. Linda Kauffman shared how reading "Massacre at Wounded Creek," a reading program book, was such a moving experience for her.
+Saturday UMW Circle - Belinda Alkula told about: the change in the recycling program; that the tissue drive was well-received at Lone Rock & Stevi schools; that both WIC and Pantry Partner efforts are going well. Next meeting will be April 21 @ 9 am.
+Prayer Shawls - Carole Koval shared that three shawls were presented in March which brings the total given to date to 244.
+Response - Marcia shared the themes of the UMW Assemblies over the years. Marcia and Linda Kauffman will be attending Assembly in Columbus, Ohio in May.

Business:
+If we don't have omeone step forward this may be the final year for the making and selling of the dumplings.
+Think about what sells and what doesn't when making items for this year's bazaar. There won't be a specified craft day this year.
+A list of past recipients of recognition pins was shared by Carole Koval. Carole is also looking for membership books from 1997, 1998, and 2003. 
+We're providing dinner for five at Wesley House on April 19. Thanks to Marcia Prather,  Bev Schneider, and Bonita Ziegler for stepping forward to help.

Announcements:
+VBS will be held June 11-15, 9 am - 12:30 pm
+Native American Ministries Sunday is April 15
+WOW (Worship on Wednesday) is taking place on the third Wednesday of each month (6 pm) at The Living Center.
+Bible studies each week are held Mondays, 9:30 am @ The Living Center, Wednesdays, 10 am at the church, and 10 am at Doris Taylor's home.
+The youth are holding "The 30-hour Famine" April 27-28 here at the church.
+Church potluck following worship on April 22.

Upcoming events:
April: 20-21 - Western Mountains District UMW spring meeting @ Kalispell UMC
May: 18-20 - Assembly 2018 @ Columbus, Ohio
July: 13 - Annual UMW picnic
August: 3-4 - Creamery Picnic
September: 28-29 - Yellowstone Conference UMW Annual Meeting, location to be determined.
November: 3 - Fall Bazaar