United Presbyterian Women hold annual coffee gathering

The United Presbyterian Women held their annual coffee gathering at the church on Wednesday June 3. Coordinating Team members Kay Hall, Betty Beenblossom, Joyce Letts and Janice Flory served as hostesses. They served a variety of delicious coffeecakes from beautifully decorated tables. Co-moderators Jane Fehr and Betty Colby led the meeting.

Historian Esther Bordwell gave an interesting report on the history of Presbyterian women . There was a time when women were not even allowed to speak in the church. Then women were allowed to form missionary societies. Esther's mother was one of the first women to serve as an elder.

Kay Hall gave the treasurer's report and Jane Fehr installed her as treasurer for another term. Betty Beenblossom reported on the monthly mission projects. Janice Flory told of the many sewing projects, including repairing a number of the flags displayed at Elm Grove cemetery.

There will not be a February birthday luncheon next year. Circle V will be dissolving. Hopefully members will join one of the other two circles.

Circles III, IV and V met during May. Circle III met Tuesday, May 12 at 9:30 at the church. Eight members attended. Leader Jane Fehr opened the meeting with prayer followed by prayers of joys and concerns.

Using Lesson 9 of the study book and additional references, June Asper presented a very informative lesson. Biblical reference was from Second Corinthians 12:1-3 and Chapter 13. The lesson considered the relevance of apostleship in a contemporary situation.

Jane presented devotions and told of the African county of Guinea. Christians there are ignored by the government and appreciate partnerships with Presbyterians.

Phyllis VanGerpen told of the Callisons, missionaries who correspond with Circle III. They are in Northern Iraq and their movements are being tracked by non-Christian armies. Mr. CaIlison has said, ?If the gospel is worth anything, it is worth giving your life for.?

Thelma Wagner, who recently celebrated her 95th birthday, submitted her resignation from the group. She has been ative in Presbyterian Women since her high school days. Her resignation was reluctantly approved.

The next meeting of Circle III will be June 9 at 10:30 at Jane's home followed by a salad lunch.

On May 13, hostess Esther Bordwell welcomed nine members of Circle IV to the Campbell Room at the United Presbyterian Home at 9:15 a.m. To open the monthly meeting Esther shared a reading, ?Irish Blessings.?

New study books were given out and a signup sheet for next year was passed. The special offering this month goes to Hillcrest Family Service. Julia Gamon and Jane Cuddeback will be in charge of the monthly hymn/sing in Brownlee Health Center.

Davida Nicholson read a recent letter from Tom Johnson in Niger. He reported that there is an outbreak of meningitis in the area and at the same time a shortage of vaccine. However his family is protected. He continues to ask for prayers for his father.

During devotions Addy Sents read some history of the Middle East through the time of President Wilson to today. She reminded the group that ?all are one in Christ Jesus."

Julia Gamon led members through the lesson on power, authority and honor. They are not always what people expect. The lesson used the Scripture 2nd Corinthians 11:1-32. The meeting closed with unison reading of the hymn ?All Glory, Laud and Honor.?

Maxine Martin was hostess in her home on Tuesday evening May 19 at 7 p.m., to four members of Circle 5. Leader Jean Wells opened the meeting by reading ?Excellent Examples?. She also read Scripture concerning Paul from Hebrews, Corinthians and Thessalonians.

Roll call was memories and feelings concerning dissolving Circle V. The group voted to dissolve as enrollment has diminished. They decided to give their contingency collection to the United Presbyterian Women. Circles III and IV have extended invitations to join them.

Jean Wells led the study. Members read various parts of the lesson alternatively and closed the study by praying the Lord's Prayer together.

Hostess Maxine served delicious refreshments as the group enjoyed visiting around her dining table.