Bethlehem United Methodist Church
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Reach, Teach and Love

United Methodist Women

Women who are members or friends of Bethlehem United Methodist Church are welcome to attend the United Methodist Women's (UMW) monthly gatherings and special events throughout the year.
 
The monthly gatherings are held on the third Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. (If mission projects require assembling, we meet at 12:30 p.m.) Regular gatherings are not held during July, August, and December. Each session is centered on Bible study, mission projects, a time of fellowship and refreshment, and sharing of information. From time to time special guests from missions supported by UMW speak. In closing, all are invited to share in a Circle of Prayer, specifying requests and needs for family and friends. A monthly UMW newsletter is available at the meetings. Those who wish to participate may randomly draw the name of another UMW member and become her Prayer Angel for the month.
 
Throughout the year, the women host special luncheons, including an Epiphany celebration, a Lenten Prayer and Self Denial soup luncheon with Communion, and a program and luncheon honoring all women near Mother's Day.  Below are pictures from our 2010 Epiphany celebration.  The theme of this years celebration was Saint Francis and his love of animals.


  
The UMW is mission oriented, with the main emphasis being on women and children. Annual gifts to Mission are used to support the global missions of the UMW. Fundraisers to benefit many local and world mission programs of the UMW include a Silent Auction for Missions held each spring, hosting a Ruritan Dinner in the summer, and holding a potato bake in November for the Society of St. Andrew hunger program.
 
The Annual Silent Auction always draws a large crowd. Many wonderful items, including handmade items, are donated. One of the popular items sold at the Silent Auction is the Mystery Dinner Theatre that is served at the home of one of our congregation members. There are also Gift Certificates from many local businesses and restaurants.
Linda Imirie was our Auctioneer
Marion Weicher was our MC
  
A group of eleven went to UMW day at Ferrum College on June 6. They attended a worship session, were served a lovely lunch in the dining hall and then were fortunate enough to see the play "Wedding Belles." A great time was had by all.
The women also work on hands-on projects that provide teddy bears for children in local emergency rooms and health and layette kits for overseas missions, nursing home gifts, and toys for Henry Fork Service Center, to name a few.
 
Community mission activities include volunteering at Lake Christian Ministries, visiting nursing homes, working with children in the schools, and assisting with the "A Child's Christmas" and school kits projects for the children at Lake Christian Ministries. The women also sponsor special appreciation programs for BUMC Sunday school teachers, those in the Music Ministry and the Pastor.
 
   
All women are invited to be a part of the United Methodist Women's organization at Bethlehem and to help carry out the following United Methodist Women Purpose Statement:
 
The organized unit of the United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to:
  • know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ
  • develop a creative, supportive fellowship
  • expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church