The Vine - News Blog

UMW General Meeting February 3; Rev. Ben Disney Speaking

 
The Arborlawn United Methodist Women group will meet on Tuesday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center for a program and business meeting. The speaker for this meeting is Rev. Ben Disney who will be discussing "Arborlawn: A Missional Church."
 

The mission emphasis for February is UMCOR with financial gifts to UMCOR appreciated. Lunch ($5 each) of taco salads and desserts follows in the Gathering Area, hosted by members of Jeanne Ntambo Circle.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women Circles: Fellowship, Study, Mission

 
Arborlawn’s United Methodist Women group meets monthly (except during the summer months) for its general meeting (see notice for the February meeting in this issue). The UMW also has several small groups called Circles which also meet during the school year.
 
The UMW organization is organized for the purpose of reaching out to those of God’s children who are hurting in some way, and the Circles help focus this effort through Fellowship, Study, and Mission.
 
Fellowship: It is easier to get to know people in smaller groups, and the circles are organized to do this. Individual needs are better known and addressed in a small group. For example, the Circles often provide meals for members when they have health issues or other needs.
 
Study: As important as it is to care for Circle members, the small groups also try to gain a wider vision of needs through studies. The national UMW organization provides study material in three categories: Spiritual Growth, Social Issues, and Geographical. Last year's Geographical study was on the Roma of Europe. Next year it will be on Latin America. Understanding of different cultures equips UMW members to help in a meaningful way. This year's Spiritual Growth study is called “How Is It With Your Soul?” and is aimed at deepening the spiritual base of the participants. The Social Issues study this year is “The Church and Those With Disabilities.”
 
Mission: Members of various UMW Circles participate in a variety of hands-on missions activities with existing missions at Arborlawn (such as packing Snack Sacks) and providing funds for specific missionaries.
 
[Editor’s Note: This article is adapted from a talk presented during the recent Cynthia Ceballos Circle meeting.]
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW General Meeting Tuesday, January 6: Haiti Mission

 
The Arborlawn United Methodist Women group kicks off the new year with a General Meeting on Tuesday, January 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center.
 

The speaker for January is Rev. Dave Brower who will be discussing Arborlawn's Haiti Mission. The next mission trip in this series is scheduled for March 2015.
 
The mission gifts emphasis is Haiti Mission, and members can contribute by purchasing a Sawyer Water Filter for a Haitian family for $60 each or by giving a contribution of any amount to the general fund for Haiti Mission. This month’s Mission Updates will be from the Community Service Involvement (CSI) group with reports about what’s going on at JPS Hospital, Cook Children’s Hospital, and Harris Southwest Hospital.
 
A luncheon of carry-in salads will follow in the Gathering Area. The luncheon is hosted by the Hospitality Committee.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW General Meeting November 4

 
The Arborlawn United Methodist women will meet on Tuesday, November 4 at 9:45 a.m. in the Worship Center for a program and business meeting. The speaker for this meeting is the missionary Cynthia Ceballos (namesake of Arborlawn's Cynthia Ceballos Circle).
 
The mission emphasis for November is WestAid. Lunch ($5 each) of chili, cornbread, and dessert follows in the Gathering Area, hosted by members of Martha Circle.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW General Meeting October 7

 
The Arborlawn United Methodist women will meet on Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center for a program and business meeting. The speaker for this meeting is Rev. DeAndrea Dare who will discuss the topic “Mission: It’s Not What We Do, It’s Who We Are.”
 

The mission emphasis for October is the upcoming trip to Haiti, and a love offering will be taken for that. Lunch ($5 each) follows in the Gathering Area, hosted by members of Sarah Circle.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Arborlawn Celebrates UMW Chapter; General Meeting October 7

 
[Editor’s Note: Arborlawn is recognizing its UMW chapter on Sunday, September 28, 2014. We appreciate the work they do and the friendships they foster.]
 
Arborlawn United Methodist Church is so proud to honor its United Methodist Women chapter. Ladies, please join us for the next General Meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center. Rev. DeAndrea Dare will be our speaker on the topic “Mission: It’s Not What We Do, It’s Who We Are.” Then stay for our luncheon afterward in the Gathering Area.
 

The United Methodist Women group at Arborlawn is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
 

Arborlawn UMW meets collectively at the church the first Tuesday of each month from September through May. These general meetings, held at 10:00 a.m., include a program and business meeting followed by a meal. Programs have included authors, missionaries, local mission coordinators, musicians, and other personalities.
 
Smaller groups (called Circles) meet the third Tuesday of the month in the morning or evening for further study and fellowship. These meetings take place in the church, in members’ homes, or in other locations. Through nurturing and fellowship, the Circles help members of Arborlawn UMW grow in their faith.
 
Through personal volunteering and giving of time and resources, the Arborlawn United Methodist Women reach out in Christian love and service both locally and around the world.
 
UMW members at Arborlawn are a vibrant, energetic, and active group of ladies who enjoy interesting studies, are passionate about mission, and who enjoy warm fellowship.
 
United Methodist Women Enjoy Interesting Studies
 
A Spiritual Growth study entitled “How Is It With Your Soul?” is coming soon. The study is based on the book by Priscilla Pope-Levinson, Jack Levinson, and Faye Wilson.
 

An upcoming social issues study is called “The Church and People With Disabilities” based on the book by Peggy A. Johnson and through the national United Methodist Women organization.
 
The next geographic study will be on Latin America.
 
United Methodist Women Are Passionate About Mission  
 
We sort donations and size and hang them in the “store” at the Poly Center of United Community Centers. We help clients “shop” for items for their families. (They select, try on, and take items, but they do not have to pay for them.)
 
We enjoyed helping with Camp Epic last summer. (The camp for children who are involved with our Kids Hope program during the regular school year at J.T. Stevens Elementary School.)
 
We provide mentoring and fun for the Poly Girls program at the Poly Center.
 
Arborlawn UMW’s Community Service Involvement (CSI) group is a committee that provides blankets and other knit items for babies. In 2013 these women provided: 222 layettes to babies at John Peter Smith Hospital; 326 pillow cases to Cook Children’s Hospital; 217 purple baby caps (as part of a program about awareness of Shaken Baby Syndrome) to Harris Methodist Southwest Hospital; and 12 quilts, 67 flannel blankets, and 31 knitted baby afghans to the New Lives School (a center for young mothers with kids).
 

We provide financial support through our Mission gifts to ministries and missions including: Snack Sacks, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), Arborlawn’s Food Pantry, Camp Epic, Arborlawn’s Helping Hands Ministry, WestAid, and United Community Centers.
 

Proceeds from the Styles & Smiles Fashion Show provide funds for our largest gift to the United Community Centers. This year that gift was $15,827.
 

Our total mission giving for 2013 was $34,662.
 
United Methodist Women Enjoy Warm Fellowship
 
Our monthly luncheons are sometimes prepared by members of Circles, sometimes the luncheons are catered, and sometimes the women carry in salads. Every December we enjoy a festive Christmas luncheon. The past several years we have gathered for this event at Mira Vista Country Club.
 

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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women General Meeting September 9; Circles September 16

 
The Arborlawn United Methodist women will meet on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center for a program and business meeting. This is the first General Meeting of the fall 2014 season.
 

Mr. Norbert White, President & Chief Executive Officer at Samaritan House will be our speaker. His topic is “Samaritan House: Challenges for the Future.”
 
The mission emphasis for September is Samaritan House. The following items are needed for clients of Samaritan House: soap, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, toothbrushes, dental floss, lotion, Band-Aids, nonprescription medication (decongestants, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, etc.), new socks and underwear for men and women, particularly large sizes. For those who choose, a love offering will also be taken.
 
Lunch carry-in salads and desserts will be served in the Gathering Area outside the Family Life Center after the business meeting concludes. The UMW Hospitality Committee is hosting the September lunch.
 
Circle meetings are Tuesday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. (except as noted below), with hostesses listed in parentheses. After their regular meetings, the morning Circles are convening in the Worship Center at 10:30 a.m. to hear a presentation by Terry Buckner of Meals on Wheels. Cynthia Ceballos Circle, Room 222 (Hanna Huff). Jeanne Ntambo Circle, Room 220 (Eloise Ellis). Martha Circle, Room 224 (June Mirike). Muriel Henderson Circle, Room 231 (Virginia Lipscomb and Carol Ann Johnson). Ruth Circle, Room 225 (Nancy Jacobs). Sarah Circle (Melissa Austin-Weeks), meet at University UMC (2416 W. Berry Street) at 10:00 a.m. for tour of Berry Sweet Babies, followed by Dutch treat lunch at Los Vaqueros (Cockrell and Berry). Lydia Circle (Karen Jones), 5:30 p.m., meeting in SAM Building to pack Snack Sacks.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women General Meeting September 9

 
The Arborlawn United Methodist women will meet on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center for a program and business meeting. This is the first General Meeting of the fall 2014 season.
 

Mr. Norbert White, President & Chief Executive Officer at Samaritan House will be our speaker. His topic is "Samaritan House: Challenges for the Future."
 
The mission emphasis for September is Samaritan House. The following items are needed for clients of Samaritan House: soap, shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, toothbrushes, dental floss, lotion, Band-Aids, nonprescription medication (decongestants, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, etc.), new socks and underwear for men and women, particularly large sizes. For those who choose, a love offering will also be taken.
 
Lunch carry-in salads and desserts will be served in the Gathering Area outside the Family Life Center after the business meeting concludes. The UMW Hospitality Committee is hosting the September lunch.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Blessings in Stitches and UMW CSI Kids’ Night a Huge Success Despite a Stormy June Night

 
By Martha Darwin
 
[Editor's Note: Blessings in Stitches and UMW CSI hosted an event called Kids' Night on Tuesday, June 24. The event was an opportunity for children to learn how to knit special purple caps for infants as part of an awareness campaign about Shaken Baby Syndrome. The night was a great success, so we asked Martha Darwin (one of the organizers of the event) to give us some background on the worthwhile efforts put forth that night (as well as on on ongoing basis).]
 
For weeks Arborlawn’s Blessings in Stitches group planned a “Kids' Night” event, with three goals in mind: 1) Teaching a needle art to a child, so that they might have that in their repertoire for life; 2) Having the opportunity to connect in a meaningful way with a different generation in the congregation; and 3) Giving children the chance to be a part of an ongoing mission project within the church.
 
With so much anticipated, members ordered materials, researched instructional videos, advertised, and held meetings to provide all instructor participants with practice, practice, practice. The selected skill was making a loom-knitted baby hat – a purple hat for the local hospital, Harris Southwest - as part of a national awareness campaign intended for the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
 

Every November, as part of the national Shaken Baby Syndrome awareness campaign, Harris Southwest gives a handmade purple hat to every newborn baby, as well as a DVD about the hazardous effects of shaking a baby to the newborn’s parents. The hope is to educate parents about the need to walk away for a minute or two if they become exasperated with what has traditionally been referred to as “colic”. Impatient parents who do not know better have been known to try to stop the crying by shaking the baby, not knowing that the baby can be permanently brain damaged by such shaking.
 

After all of our planning and preparation, the much anticipated evening of Kids' Night arrived, and suddenly there were flash floods (as well as power outages) in parts of Fort Worth very near the church. The City of Fort Worth sent out tweets and other messages that told people to “Stay home” and to “Turn around, don’t drown.” Numerous instructors had to consider staying home as they found leaks, feared encountering water along their driving routes, or experienced power outages.
 
The first three ladies who arrived at the church turned on lights and started arranging tables and supplies, all the while speculating that they might end up having a nice little visit amongst themselves and then end up going home early.
 

Before they could even finish setting up, people started coming in – 15 minutes before the scheduled starting time! Within 20 minutes, there were 11 children sitting at tables, learning this new craft. Four of their mothers had been told they were welcome to observe, but each one ended up asking if she could also have a loom to learn how to do make the caps. Mother and child, side-by-side, learned the techniques together. Two other women in the church asked if they could attend to learn the craft also. That brought the students to a grand total of 17 for the evening, even while on some streets outside, water was up to car door handles!
 
One mother reported that when her stepdaughter and friend got home, instead of their usual game-playing, they couldn’t wait to finish what they had learned to do at Kids' Night!
 

The time passed quickly, the conversation was lively the entire time, people stayed for 90 minutes. Not one child quit or showed frustration with the task. Each child was given a piece of paper in his or her “kit” that indicated the URL for an instructional video, in case they needed to watch another person’s hands, and the name and phone number of their instructor (in case they got really stuck and wanted to arrange to meet with the instructor to help get unstuck).
 
New friendships were forged between people whose paths might never cross in the same church. The ages ranged from 5 to 90-something. The event far exceeded expectations and opened up a lot of room for discussion about future ways to facilitate the original goals – which were achieved abundantly!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW Summer Activities: Christmas in July; CSI Layettes Project; Summer Reading Program

 
Christmas in July: Monday, July 14 in Joshua;
Benefits United Community Centers
 
From Anya Valdez: This year the Joshua First United Methodist Women invite us to the celebration "Home for The Holidays" on Monday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the church located at 114 Paula Drive, Joshua, 76058. A nursery will be provided for people with children.
 
All United Methodist Women, their families and friends, fellow church members and others who have a passion for mission are invited to enjoy a joyous, peaceful, and simple Christmas celebration.
 

We ask that everyone bring Christmas gifts which can be: school supplies; paper goods such as plates, paper towels, cups and plastic ware; pantry staples such as canned goods or other non-perishable foods; personal hygiene items, hand sanitizers, Kleenex boxes, or laundry supplies; school uniform tops and bottoms which can be new or gently used; disposable diapers in all sizes; baby food and baby toiletries; or socks and underwear for children and youth for boys and girls. Please bring items to the collection box in Room 230 (small room adjacent to the Arborlawn kitchen) through Sunday, July 6. Cash donations are also acceptable, and an offertory will be taken in Joshua the night of the event.
 
All proceeds from Christmas in July go to the United Community Centers to benefit their ministries.
 
UMW CSI: Layettes for Babies at JPS Hospital
 
From Jean Revercomb: Several ladies have asked for something to do indoors during the hot days of summer. There are baby layettes in the church office for John Peter Smith Hospital that are easy to sew, and you will feel you have done a service for the needy. The sacques and blankets just need to be hemmed and a little ribbon placed at the neck for a tie. All materials are in a baggie in the CSI box in the office. When the layette is completed just return it to the CSI box. Your help is appreciated.
 
Summer 2014 Reading Program
 
For this year's United Methodist Women Summer Reading program, Jo McCormack will be in the Gathering Area outside of the Family Life Center on Tuesdays, July 1 and July 15. She will be there from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on those days. Participants must read five books on the official list (in a variety of topics) to get credit for United Methodist Women Missions work. Please contact Jo if you have any questions.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women: Summer 2014 Activities

 
Christmas in July: Monday, July 14 in Joshua;
Benefits United Community Centers
 
This year the Joshua First United Methodist Women invite us to the celebration "Home for The Holidays" on Monday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the church located at 114 Paula Drive, Joshua, 76058. A nursery will be provided for people with children.
 
All United Methodist Women, their families and friends, fellow church members and others who have a passion for mission are invited to enjoy a joyous, peaceful, and simple Christmas celebration.
 
We ask that everyone bring Christmas gifts which can be: school supplies; paper goods such as plates, paper towels, cups and plastic ware; pantry staples such as canned goods or other non-perishable foods; personal hygiene items, hand sanitizers, Kleenex boxes, or laundry supplies; school uniform tops and bottoms which can be new or gently used; disposable diapers in all sizes; baby food and baby toiletries; or socks and underwear for children and youth for boys and girls. Please bring items to the collection box in Room 230 (small room adjacent to the Arborlawn kitchen) through Sunday, July 6. Cash donations are also acceptable, and an offertory will be taken in Joshua the night of the event.
 
All proceeds from Christmas in July go to the United Community Centers to benefit their ministries.
 
Summer 2014 Reading Program
 
For this year's United Methodist Women Summer Reading program, Jo McCormack will be in the Gathering Area outside of the Family Life Center on Tuesdays, June 17, July 1, and July 15. She will be there from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on those days. Participants must read five books on the official list (in a variety of topics) to get credit for United Methodist Women Missions work. Please contact Jo if you have any questions.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women: Summer 2014 Reading Program

 
For this year’s United Methodist Women Summer Reading program, Jo McCormack will be in the Gathering Area outside of the Family Life Center on Tuesdays, June 3, June 17, July 1, and July 15. She will be there from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on those days.
 

Participants must read five books on the official list (in a variety of topics) to get credit for United Methodist Women Missions work. Please call Jo if you have any questions.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW Circles: Tuesday, May 20

 
Arborlawn’s United Methodist Women Circle Meetings for May are Tuesday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. (except as noted below). Hostesses are indicated in parentheses.
 

Cynthia Ceballos Circle, Diane Grave's home (Diane Graves); Jeanne Ntambo Circle, Room 220, (Susan Stevenson); Martha Circle, Room 224 (Linda Reed); Muriel Henderson Circle, Room 231 (Pat Turner); Ruth Circle, Pat Holley's home (Pat Holley), Sarah Circle, Skip Schmidt’s home (Skip Schmidt and Deb Sewell); Lydia Circle, 5:45 p.m., Shelly Russell's home (Shelly Russell).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW May 6: “Singing What We Believe”

 
The May General Meeting of Arborlawn United Methodist Women is Tuesday, May 6 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center. Karen Gossett will be speaking about “Singing What We Believe.”
 

The mission emphasis for May is Camp Epic, and a love offering will be taken.
 
After the speaker and business meeting, a Salad Sampler meal ($5 each) will be served in the Gathering Area outside the Family Life Center. The meal for May is hosted by members of Muriel Henderson Circle.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW Circles: Tuesday, April 15

 
Arborlawn’s United Methodist Women Circle Meetings for April are Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. (except as noted below). Hostesses are indicated in parentheses.
 
At 10:40 a.m., members of the Circles are congregating in the Worship Center for a continued discussion of “The Roma of Europe.”
 

Cynthia Ceballos Circle, Room 222 (Kay Dickson); Jeanne Ntambo Circle, Room 220, (Peggy Decker); Martha Circle, Room 224 (Mildred Williams); Muriel Henderson Circle, Room 231 (Marie Erskine); Ruth Circle, Room 225 (Eva Jean Fuqua), Sarah Circle, Pam Young’s Home (Margaret Neill); Lydia Circle, 5:30 p.m., Christian Arts Museum, 3221 Hamilton Ave. (Michelle Egle).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW April 1: “The Roma of Europe”

 
The next monthly General Meeting of Arborlawn United Methodist Women is Tuesday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center. Shirley Erne will be speaking about “The Roma of Europe.”
 

The mission emphasis for April is the Arborlawn Food Pantry, and food or financial donations are welcome.
 
After the speaker and business meeting, a meal ($5 each) from the Lunch Box will be served in the Gathering Area outside the Family Life Center. The meal for April is hosted by members of Ruth Circle.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW 2014 Schedules (PDF Files)

 
UMW 2014 Calendar
 
UMW 2014 Cynthia Ceballos Circle
 
UMW 2014 Jeanne Ntambo Circle
 
UMW 2014 Lydia Circle
 
UMW 2014 Martha Circle
 
UMW 2014 Muriel Henderson Circle
 
UMW 2014 Ruth Circle
 
UMW 2014 Sarah Circle
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW Circles: March 18 Meeting Featuring Bishop Mike Lowry

 
Arborlawn's United Methodist Women Circles are holding a special meeting on Tuesday, March 18. Instead of the regular Circle meetings, all Circles are joining together at 9:45 a.m. in the Worship Center to hear Bishop Mike Lowry of the Central Texas Conference. (Please note the earlier than usual start time.)
 
After the Bishop speaks, everyone's invited to stay for refreshments in the Upper Commons. Then, individual Circles may meet in their usual rooms. Check with your Circle leader.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

UMW General Meeting March 4; Topic: Continuation of “Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly”

 
The next monthly General Meeting of Arborlawn United Methodist Women is Tuesday, March 4 at 10:00 a.m. in the Worship Center. The speaker is our own Rev. Bryan Bellamy. He'll be continuing on the theme “Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly.” For more details, contact Hanna Huff.
 

The mission emphasis for March is UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), and a love offering benefiting UMCOR will be taken during the meeting. UMCOR is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe. UMCOR’s work reaches people in more than 80 countries, including the United States. UMCOR provides humanitarian relief when war, conflict, or natural disaster disrupt life to such an extent that communities are unable to recover on their own. The organization reaches out to vulnerable persons affected by crisis or chronic need without regard to their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Their belief is that all people have God-given worth and dignity. While UMCOR cooperates with other aid organizations to extend their reach, their most important partners are the people they serve. They are confident that successful solutions to emergency or chronic conditions begin with the affected population. UMCOR provides these survivors not only temporary relief but long-term education, training, and support. UMCOR spends 100 percent of designated donations on the projects their donors specify. When UMCOR donors give their time, money, and supplies, they join UMCOR as the hands and feet of Christ. 
 
After the speaker and business meeting, a lunch ($5 each) of baked potatoes and trimmings, salad, and dessert will be served in the Gathering Area outside the Family Life Center. The meal for March is hosted by members of Cynthia Ceballos Circle.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

United Methodist Women CSI Has Productive and Mission-Oriented 2013

 
From Jean Revercomb: At the January 2014 meeting of United Methodist Women Community Service Involvement (CSI), one of the members asked why we didn't let the church members know what we had done this past year, 2013. We all agreed to let everyone know.
 
We made 222 layettes (sacque and blanket) for John Peter Smith Hospital and 217 knitted purple caps for Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital (Harris Southwest) to remind parents not to shake their babies when they cry. For the New Life School for pregnant or young mothers still in high school we made 31 knitted baby blankets, 12 baby quilts, and 67 flannel blankets. Finally, for Cook Children's Hospital we made 326 colorful pillow cases designed for children who could take them home when they leave the hospital.
 
UMW CSI is a wonderful group of ladies who love to work at our meetings and take home items to finish and bring back next month. As many of our members say, “This is the most fun group in UMW.” Come and be a part. The group meets the 2nd Tuesdays each month. Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the church.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org