United Presbyterian Women

The new year for United Presbyterian Women began with the meeting of the Coordinating Team on Aug. 26, at the church. Betty Colby opened the meeting with prayer and eight members read the UPW purpose as Jane Fehr lit the Christ candle. Kay Hall gave the treasurer's report. She shared a booklet giving the breakdown of the churchwide mission budget. Historian Esther Bordwell is asking for a group picture of each circle.

The sewing committee reported that five lap blankets were given, 15 flags were repaired, and a quilt was given to the Relay for Life. The service committee reported a new member, Donna Yoder.

Water is the theme for the year and John Hays will be the speaker at the Fall Dessert on Oct. 7, at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Kitchen clean-up will be Sept. 30, at 9 a.m. The Fall Gathering is Oct. 3 in New London. Kay is taking reservations.

UPW received a thank-you from the Starfish Haiti child supported last year. Members voted to buy several dozen water glasses for the church. The members closed the meeting by reading ?My Daily Prayer? and extinguishing the candle.

Circle III met at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 8, in the church lounge with eight members attending. They welcomed new members Betty Colby and Pat Johnson.

Leader Jane Fehr opened the meeting with a prayer for joys and concerns.

Jane led the lesson and introduced the new study book titled ?Come to the Water.? This year's study will tell the story of faith through water-based stories from Genesis through Revelations.

Members read the beautiful creation story together. Genesis 1:1-2:5 shows that the world began with God creating the earth and all in it out of chaotic waters. Members discussed chaos in their personal lives and how God helped bring order.

Phyllis VanGerpen gave the mission report on the Callisons and Tom Johnson. After devotions and the treasurer's report the group discussed business for the coming months. Circle III will be busy. They will provide the birthday party for Brownlee Health Center on Sept. 16, and the Hymn/Sing on Oct. 6. They will be hostesses for the Fall Dessert on Oct. 7. The next circle meeting will be Oct. 13, and everyone is invited to attend.

On Sept. 9, Jeanette Miksch was hostess to 12 members of Circle IV in the Campbell Room of the U. P. Home. Donna Yoder became a new member. Leader Betty Beenblossom opened the meeting by reviewing new yearbooks. Secretary Jane Cuddeback read the minutes of the June meeting which were approved as corrected. Kay Hall gave the treasurer's report. Vivian reported on the Sept. 1 Hymn/Sing that she and Julia Gamon led at the Brownlee Health Center. Betty read a letter from the circle's missionary to Niger, Tom Johnson. The letter included a medical update on issues in his family.

Upcoming special dates include Sewing Day on Sept. 21, kitchen cleaning on Sept. 30th, UPW Fall Gathering on Oct. 3, and UPW Fall Dessert Meeting on Oct. 7th. Jeanette led devotions prior to the lesson from Genesis on Birthday Waters presented by Julia. The meeting adjourned with unison prayer.