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Southern Hills District UMW

Newsletter - April 2008

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President’s Message

Well, it’s April and we are certainly getting the spring showers! I’m confident that the flowers are there somewhere ready to pop up and once again grace our world with beauty. God is good!

We have a lot of information to give you in this newsletter. Please read it all carefully and be sure to mark important dates on your calendar. AND please be sure to bring the letter to your next unit meeting to share with every member of your unit. I have updated the mailing list from the officer forms we have received. However, there are still 11 units not heard from.

Please be sure to read the pages in this letter concerning the resolutions being proposed for General Conference in May having to do with our UMW organization. If your unit has not sent letters yet to the delegates telling them how you feel, you only have about three weeks before they will be leaving for the conference. It is very important that we express our concerns to the delegates who will be making these critical decisions.

I certainly hope that you are planning to attend this Spring Gathering at Hills UMC on April 27. By that time, the woods should be coming alive with flowers and new leaves and the drive past the historic Hills covered bridge is beautiful. Gather a whole car full of ladies to share the cost of gas and head down after church for a great lunch and inspiring meeting. See you there.

Patty Ullman

A Message from the Vice-President – Deloris Ullmann

I would like to invite you to visit the new web home of Southern Hills United Methodist Women. The address is www.shdumw.org . Just remember to use the initials for southern hills district united methodist women and that we are an organization, thus…shdumw.org. We hope this will be easier for you to find all of the information that is available there.

Also, The Women of Hills United Methodist Church are excited that we are traveling to the southern end of the district for them to host our meeting. At this time when gas prices are high, it will take some special effort to get out for this meeting. We know you can do it. Perhaps think about car pooling, if necessary. You won’t want to miss this meeting that is being planned by your district team.

The following article appeared in the Caldwell United Methodist Church newsletter, The Chimes, in honor of former long-time District UMW Officer Marylois Colley

Memories of Marylois Colley

Twenty-four years have passed since membership and fellowship with the Lord’s Family at Caldwell United Methodist Church began for me. One memory that is vivid in my mind is the presence of Shorty and Marylois Colley sitting on the west side of the sanctuary, a few rows back from the front of the church. Like so many of us become accustomed to certain seats in the sanctuary, when I became a part of the church, that is where you would find them.

Earlier in my life I had known and remembered Marylois from Colley Insurance, the business that she and Shorty ran. It is no wonder, then, that friendship with Marylois in church circles was eminent. Marylois was involved in many activities for the church. She was ultra faithful to any job that she assumed, sometimes meticulous. She loved her work and knew how it should be done.

My first real work experience with her was when I assumed the editorship of Caldwell United Methodist Church Chimes for a few years. That job required working with Marylois as she was then serving as church secretary. Marylois helped decide the appropriateness of material for the Chimes. She gathered the articles and everything else that goes with publishing a newsletter. Marylois always knew what we needed to a tee. Working with her, getting the newsletter out was a real experience. One point of fact was that the copier was not open fare to everyone. At first Marylois ran the machine herself being careful to save copying “the other side of the sheet until the first side had time to dry.” Otherwise, the machine would clog. She was right. After a few sessions, this writer was allowed to use the copier…one just had to prove oneself. Copiers could have too many users. I would tend to agree with that assertion.

After the pages were printed, there was the collating to be done on the big table in the Sunday school room beside of the office. After collating newsletters had to be folded “just so” and only Marylois could use the stapler. She knew just where to hit it! Again, after several sessions, Marylois relinquished the use of the stapler to me. Mailing was next. So many copies had to be mailed so that we would qualify for bulk rate. Marylois always handled that.

During our times of working together, we had much time to chat and become even closer friends. I found out that Marylois was a truly wonderful Christian and loved her family. Like so many of us as we get a little older, change can be a challenge, but after sometimes uttering a few fretful words, Marylois would come around. I remember her having great respect for those for whom she worked and sometimes calling the pastor of the time, “That poor boy!” when she observed what she thought might be an approaching problem. She knew who she was and wasn’t afraid to state her case.

As Marylois began to realize that she would have to give up some of her duties, I had several sessions with her at her home learning to be treasurer of Caldwell United Methodist Women. The books were spread out on the table so that Marylois could handle every transaction with the greatest care. She made sure that I could distinguish between the Missionary Fund, the Local Fund and the Memorial Fund. At that time there was a fourth fund that we no longer carry called the World Thank Offering. All of this meant so much to Marylois who served many years as a respected District Officer for UMW. Marylois kept immaculate books so following in her shoes was a great challenge. In respect to Marylois, the treasurer book is kept the same today, but with a second computerized record in keeping with the times.

So many times as I stood in the choir, I would look at our friend and read from her presence that things were changing in her life. It wasn’t long until visits to see her in her home were no longer possible. When I did visit her in her latter days, I always felt that she knew who I was.

Caldwell United Methodist Church was blessed by Marylois Colley. The church and its operations were so important to her. I’m sure there are many here who could add even more to this story. To me, Marylois was a picture of dedication to the Cause of Christ, painting it in the only way she knew. Her portrait is one that will remain in the minds of those who knew her forever. We thank God for these happy memories of this servant.

NEWS FROM OUR UNITS

Woodsfield UMW Unit by Pat Philips

Members of the Woodsfield UMW Unit were happy to host the April 4 executive meeting for the UMW Southern Hills District officers. The Woodsfield ladies served an evening meal with dessert. The officers made plans for the upcoming spring district meeting, and good fellowship was enjoyed by all.

The Woodsfield UMW Unit has a membership of 23 ladies. They meet each month on the 4th Thursday at 6:00 p.m., at which time a covered-dish dinner is served. (The ladies always bring a great variety of vegetables, salads, and desserts, while the hostesses are responsible for the meat, bread, and beverage.) Each month, devotional leaders bring words of Scripture and prayerful thought. The membership encourages one another through times of sickness and hardship. Using the Program Book each meeting, the program leaders choose various spiritual lessons to inform, inspire and guide the membership. Attention is placed upon the Response Magazine by highlighting specific areas in the world helped by this unit's Pledge offerings. Also, various articles are mentioned along with discussions of selections from the UMW Reading Program.

The Woodsfield Unit supports national and international UMW projects through their Pledges, Thank Offerings and special offerings. They also support efforts to improve the lives of women, children and youth by giving to the local "Warm the Children Fund," the Red Bird Mission and extra donations to "The World Thank Offering." Activities of the Woodsfield UMW include sponsoring a birthday party for residents at the Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and visitation to the residents at the Monroe County Care Center. In addition, a prison ministry has been ongoing with the unit donating funds for our church to host and prepare meals for prisoners working on area projects. Fund-raising activities include preparing and hosting two Monroe County Retired Teachers' Dinners each year and supporting the Election Day Luncheon. Affiliated with the Woodsfield UMW are the "Quilters" and "Thrift Shop" volunteers who help with many church and community needs.

The Woodsfield UMW Unit is active in its church and its community. The ladies are also mindful of the world's women, children and youth who need our prayers and support, as well as our cheerful giving to help improve their way of life. The membership enjoys working and meeting together each month.

Hills UMW by Evalena Barth

The Hills UMW unit was founded in December, 1941 by Amanda Miller, minister. The first meeting was held at Irene Miller’s house on 8 Mile Run Rd. Irene recently celebrated her 90^th birthday and still attends the meetings. Florence Mackey was President, Irene Miller was Secretary, Ruth Hill was treasurer. Carrie Carver, aunt of Elsie Handschumaker, did devotions and Elsie does devotions today!

Hazel Hasley’s mother, Sarah Tempest (Temp) used to walk approximately 6 miles to attend the meetings. Dues were 10 cents a month, and remain the same today!

We currently have 23 members. Yearly activities include: crazy hat sale, white elephant sale, 2 yard sales a year, numerous mission projects, and Women’s Sunday.

Southern Hills UMW Newsletter JANUARY 2008
Please share this newsletter with your unit.

President’s Message

UMW Sisters in Christ,
Happy New Year! I pray that 2008 will be a year of happy, healthy days and many blessings will come your way. And I doubly pray that the United Methodist Women’s organization will be part of those blessings in your life. To help make that happen, your District Mission Team is preparing a new visitation program. We believe that the best way to get the most from our organization is to fully understand what is expected of each unit and each member, and more importantly, what each member can expect to get from UMW. It is important that you know who your District leaders are and we want to get to know you, too. There is so much to share with each other. We know some of the good things going on in your units but we’re sure there is so much more and what works for your unit may be just the thing that another unit is needing.
With this new program we want to accomplish these goals:

Someone from the Mission Team will be contacting your unit in the next few months to set up a visitation with some of the District officers. Perhaps a joint meeting with a nearby unit would work best. In the meantime, always feel free to contact me or any officer with any question or concern.
I am looking forward to seeing many of you at the Day Apart service at Bethesda on March 13. Last year’s Day Apart was really good and this year your Mission Team has planned a morning of prayer and meditation as well as some interesting and. You really don’t want to miss this event. See you there.
Patty Ullman, President

As a Unit of the United Methodist Women, how are you reaching out to others through missions and ministry? Opportunities for missions abound in the United Methodist Church. John Wesley gave guidance by setting the example of working and living each day serving those in need. Each unit can set their calendar for 2008 by scheduling missions now. There are global opportunities, there are national opportunities, and there are East Ohio Conference and Southern Hills District opportunities. Recommendations include:

If you would like assistance in scheduling your calendar throughout the year, please contact Mary Woodward at 740-838-5005 or mwoodward_1@msn.com. Celebrate 2008! Mary Woodward

A Message from the Vice-President

As Vice-President of Southern Hills District UMW, I sometimes resort to my list of responsibilities for this job. The first one I read is “creates an atmosphere in which exciting programs develop.” Additionally, the VP works cooperatively with the president and assists the district in fulfilling the PURPOSE in a spirit of teamwork. Your district team of officers certainly employs this spirit of unity. Meetings of this group are a treat! President Patty is the backbone of our group. She is full of ideas and has God-given talent to work for missions and UMW.

The vice-president also guides the Executive Committee in its responsibility for planning, implementing and promoting the program of the district including the district annual meeting; serves as contact person for local and district unit vice presidents and provides resources and training for them at least annually, as determined by the Executive Committee; attends training opportunities provided by the conference; carries coordinating responsibilities for ecumenical relations in the district uniting women and encouraging attendance at events; performs the duties of the president in her absence and much more. I am thankful for President Patty who does her best to keep your vice-president on track. In that train of thought, Patty has suggested that I give you the District UMW Calendar of events as it has been planned thus far for 2008. Here goes:

It is truly an honor to serve as a District Officer for St. Clairsville District UMW. We look forward to a year of growing, learning and renewal as we strive to accomplish, with God’s help, the purpose of United Methodist Women.

Lower Salem UMW News

The Lower Salem Unit of UMW is a small group, but a mighty working force for the Lord. We are always making, doing, serving our community and beyond. This past fall a favorite project was to invite some forty local ladies to our October meeting for a special missions night. The ladies each filled a jar with ingredients for soup mix, cookies or brownies with recipes attached. They were then sold for five dollars a jar with the proceeds going to three different missions: our local food pantry, or Pastor’s discretionary fund and our own UMW missions fund. Everyone had a great time and some went home with Christmas gifts in hand and missions served! Wow!

The Senecaville UMW had been working on shoe boxes for the Samaritan’s Purse when active member, Gertrude Gaydosik, passed away a few weeks ago. Donations had been received from the church for the project and the Senecaville group had taken it upon itself to organize the movement. The project was completed.

Gertrude Gaydosik had been a steadfast member of UMW and had expressed her desire for Senecaville UMW to continue its work of helping others and missions. An impromptu meeting was held after church one Sunday and twelve women were in attendance. A meeting date was selected and the attendees pledged to work toward the UMW goals. Their first meeting will be on the first Thursday of February. We rejoice that this group has resolved to move forward.
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A Message from Membership Chairperson, Beth Saling

The membership count is in process for Southern Hills District UMW. If you have not mailed your membership report for 2007 to me, Membership Chairman, Beth Saling, please do so as soon as possible. My address is: Beth Saling, 48726 Sarahsville Rd., Caldwell OH 43724. As membership chairman for our district, I would like to see the start of the New Year bring new ideas for involving young people and at the same time, remembering those who are shut-in or in nursing homes. Inviting others in your congregation to visit your UMW meetings is encouraged.
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From Social Actions Committee Chair, Bonnie Burris

As members of Congress return to Washington the mood stands in stark contrast to Christmas’s message of peace and goodwill. House and Senate negotiators are offering the American people: $42 billion in budget cuts and a $453 billion defense spending package; drilling in the Arctic, reductions in student loans and more cuts in welfare benefits. In addition, there are roving wiretaps, and maybe enough strong-armed persuasion to extend the Patriot Act. Where is the “gift” to those displaced by Katrina and to those waiting for both houses of Congress to act, so they can rebuild their lives and move toward wholeness?

The New York Times has uncovered the National Security Agency’s practice authorizing the federal government’s Orwellian practice of “spying on its own citizens.” Some ask, “must we sacrifice our rights to privacy for the ‘gift’ of freedom?” Moreover, on behalf of Khaled El-Masri, an innocent victim: affected by the CIA’s policy of “extraordinary rendition,” a lawsuit has been filed by the ACLU charging former CIA director George Tenant with authorizing “kidnapping a foreign national for the purpose of detaining and interrogating him outside the law. It finds the CIA “snatched Mr. El-Masri off the street…hiding him away in a secret prison, and keeping him imprisoned after his innocence was established.” The lawsuit challenges us to ask if some wish to take away the “gift” of “the rule of law as central to our identity as a nation?”

The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams recently observed, “Christmas reminds us of one thing we know for sure…God doesn’t wave a magic wand, or descend briefly from the sky to clean things up. He arrives on earth as a human being who will change things simply by the completeness of his love. New things become possible for us, new levels of loving response and involvement…Faith is restored and strengthened not by talking but by witness in action.

In this New Year, be God’s watchman on the city wall. Let Congress and the White House hear from you. Act to preserve Freedom, act to guard Truth. Act out of love for those who suffer injustice in this New Year. Call the White House at (202) 456-1414 and the U. S. Congress at (202) 224-3121. Tell the President and Your Representative that: “The Gift of Liberty Endures”. URGENT: At the end of December 2005 Congress extended the USA PATRIOT Act until February 03, 2008. The Senate and House Judiciary Committees will convene at the end of January to decide on the fate of the USA PATRIOT Act. Call the Senate (202) 224-5225 and House Judiciary Committees (202) 225-3951 and tell them to protect our civil liberties! Ask them to OPPOSE the USA PATRIOT Act! This information was provided to Bonnie from the United Methodist Women’s Action Network.

Hills UMW by Evalena Barth

President’s Message

A Message from the Vice-President

Lower Salem UMW News

A Message from Membership Chairperson, Beth Saling

From Social Actions Committee Chair, Bonnie Burris

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