West Chester United Methodist Women

Five members traveled to Des Moines on Sept. 10 to visit two Methodist-sponsored facilities.

The first stop was Trinity United Methodist Church, which is in a primarily Latino neighborhood. The Rev. Barb Dinnen spoke of the church's ministry. They have Bible studies, a breakfast club serving free breakfast to about 50 people a day, an after-school haven for about 50 participants a day, and a free evening meal Monday through Saturday to the elderly, homeless and under-served children and families in the neighborhood, to about 120 each day, and they teach English and hold citizenship classes. Many more classes are offered to about 300 people daily. The church offers services in English and Spanish on Sunday. During the course of the year, about 5,000 volunteers serve.

The second stop was Hawthorn Hill, a women's safe haven for the abused, people down on their luck and lost jobs and homes.

It was a very interesting day!

Pastor Marlene Janssen made the arrangements for the day.

The next meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8, at the church.