Crawfordsville News

The United Church Women met at the United Church of Crawfordsville on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, with 11 members and Pastor Jason Collier present.

Frieda Finke presented the meditation, "Light from Many Candles," taken from the book written by D. Jennings. Thankfulness was the theme, based on Romans 8:28. It stressed everyone has much to be thankful for: friends, country, privileges and the freedom to worship.

President Debbie Lowe called the meeting to order. Members read together the UCW opening creed.

The Harvest Sale Committee reported 268 plates were served, along with 22 carryouts.

Dorcas leader Wilma McAllister displayed two finished quilts with different patterns that will be added to the collection of finished quilts to be taken to the Fellowship Cup to be distributed with the Christmas food sacks. A prayer quilt has been completed and delivered.

Members arranged to meet at the United Church of Crawfordsville on Thursday, Nov. 20, to fill holiday goodie boxes to be taken to area shut-ins, along with a visit from a UCW member.

Dorcas work days were scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24 and Dec. 8. The Dec. 22 meeting date will be decided at a later time.

The Least Coin Offering prayer was recited and a collection was taken.

The Mission Outreach Committee reported 181 completed kits were taken to the Bishop's Ingathering in Mt. Pleasant on Nov. 1. The kits included school, health, sewing, layette and a dorm kit. Helen Lease was recognized and thanked for her work and time spent assembling the kits.

Members were reminded to bring their "Blessing Box" to the December UCW meeting. The next regular meeting will be a Christmas potluck dinner at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the United Church of Crawfordsville.

Members recited the closing creed in unison.

President Lowe closed the meeting with Scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. She encouraged members to lift one another up as they carry on their work and missions in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Following the meeting, refreshments were served by Frieda Finke.

The Wednesday Study Club met at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the United Church of Crawfordsville. Nine members were present.

Following the usual business meeting, President Cathy Williams introduced the speaker of the day ? WACO school nurse Jenny Kaufman. Her topic was the backpack program that distributes food for the weekend to families in need of assistance. The program provides two full meals each weekend for each member of the families who receive the service. Food is obtained from both food and monetary donations (a list of all needed food items was distributed) and items donated from grocery stores. The group toured the room in the church where the canned and dry items are kept, and it was obvious that the response to this need in the WACO community has been great. Jenny commented that eating is expensive and that sometimes families need assistance in providing for their families.

Hostess Pauline Richardson and co-hostess Janice Twinam provided fall decorations and delicious refreshments.

The next meeting will be Dec. 6 at the Ainsworth Opera House to enjoy the displays of the nativity scenes. Time of the meeting and further instructions will be included in the call that goes to each member prior to the meetings.

Everyone is reminded of the upcoming Crawfordsville Lions Blood Drive to be held Monday, Dec. 1, at the United Church of Crawfordsville from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. If an exact time can't be given, an approximate time would be appreciated. Donors can call to make an appointment with Larry Fletcher at 319-461-1568, Billie Jo Rose at 319-330-9955, Mindy Rochwick at 319-461-8177 or Loree Stogdill at319-461-3701.