United Presbyterian Women News

The Bible study for the United Presbyterian Women this year is titled ?Come to the Waters.? It tells the story of faith through water stories from Genesis to Revelation. Appropriately, John Hays of ?Pure Water for All? was the speaker at the annual dessert meeting on Oct. 7.

Betty Beenblossom introduced him to the 22 members in attendance. John gave an interesting account of his experiences providing water purification systems to over 5,000 villages. He spoke of his experience in Nepal during the earthquake there and how his courage came from God and not through his own strength. He related many scenarios of his ministry to provide clean water and God?s Word to people in need.

Circle III provided the dessert and Circle IV the program. Moderator Jane Fehr gave the welcome and June Asper lit the Christ candle. Betty Colby offered the opening prayer and conducted the business meeting after the program.

Esther Bordwell gave the devotions, a synopsis of the image of water in the scriptures. She also read from W. Philip Keller?s poem ?Sea Edge.?

The group congratulated Marie Dare who received the 2015 Woman of Honor Award at the Fall Gathering in New London. This was in recognition of her many contributions over the last 50 years.

Two circles held meetings during October. Circle II met on Oct. 13, at 9:30 in the church lounge with six members in attendance. The meeting opened with the lighting of the Christ candle. Leader Jane Fehr led the prayer after members mentioned joys and concerns.

Phyllis VanGerpen led the study of Lesson II. It focused on the exploration and discussion of the sacrament of baptism. The Serenity Prayer was read after the lesson.

Bernice Fehr led the devotions. They were about the Hudson River Presbyteries who have united to address the issue of gun control.

Phyllis reviewed the activities of the circle?s missionaries.

Old business included a report on the Brownlee Birthday Party, the Hymn/Sing, and plans for the fall dessert meeting. New business addressed the upcoming Thank Offering Sunday on Nov. 22 and the Christmas Tea on Dec. 2. The meeting closed with prayer.

Eleven members of Circle IV met at 9:15 a.m. on Oct. 14, in the Campbell Room at the United Presbyterian Home. Kay Hall was the hostess. Betty Beenblossom opened the meeting with prayer. The special offering was for ?Pure Water for All.?

The group made plans for the October Brownlee birthday party and the November Hymn/Sing. The circle will provide salads and workers for Ted Wood?s funeral dinner in the Campus Center of the UP Home.

Julia Gamon gave devotions for the meeting and Esther Bordwell led the lesson. In closing members read the unison prayer from the study book.