“The past gave us experience and made us wiser so that we can create a beautiful and brighter future.”
― Debasish Mridha
United Methodist Women (UMW) held their closing meeting the garden this week — the first in-person meeting they have had since February 2020. As is custom for the last meeting of the year, UMW pays tribute to the members they lost. As I listened to Rev. Phyllis Barren talk about Kay Acola, Sue Anderson, Beverlee Herd, Jean Neyland, Marion Pratt, and Helen Rightmire, I was amazed by stories of their service to others in their community and camaraderie with one another. Explains Rev. Barren, “As UMW plans for 2021-2022, these incredible women who passed this year leave an inspiring legacy. They broke the glass ceiling and overcame barriers which serve as a reminder of the ways UMW can continue to serve this world to make it a better place.”
“Getting together for the first time in over a year felt unreal, said UMW President Sarah Harris. “We laughed, we cried and enjoyed ourselves so much! The ladies we honored were amazing. Hearing all they accomplished over their lives made me want to get busy and do more!” That can do, take charge spirit from not only Sarah, but the entire group, is what helped them not only survive, but thrive this past year. The ladies held meetings via Zoom and also raised over $20,000 with a virtual auction! All the money raised went directly to benefit women and children:
- FUMC First Street Mission received $3,000 for the Food 4 Kids program
- The Justice Ministry received $12,285 to fund counseling for clients
- The FUMC Youth Department was granted $1,500 for mission trip scholarships & $1,000 for mission class supplies,
- Kids Hope was given $1,500 for program needs
- FUMC Endowment fund was given $500
- Methodist Children’s Home received $1,000
- UCC was given $1725 for Meals for the Educational Enrichment Program
The meeting was the perfect backdrop for Karen-Kaigler Walker, UMW Vice President/Programs, to introduce the theme for next year: UMW Alive Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. She described the theme this way, “Standing on the shoulders of the women who have gone before us, working together to make 2021-22 the best year yet, and paving the way for the generations of women who will follow us, UMW has adopted the theme ‘UMW Alive! Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.’ Using the components of Healthy Plate, we are planning programs, service projects and events that will bless our members, our Church family and the Fort Worth Community.”
President Sarah Harris added, “The Healthy Plate method helped me have a closer relationship with God and the church and that’s why it is important for me to encourage others to try it.”
I can’t wait to see UMW continue to live into their legacy as an organization where the women of First Church form friendships, serve their church and serve their community, as well as partake in opportunities to grow in their faith. If you are interested in learning more about UMW, please let me know. I would love to visit with you about how to be part of this amazing group of women. You can email me at lhelm@myfumc.org or call the main church office at 817/336-7277.
Hats off to UMW for another successful year and the promise of all the wonderful things that await them in the future!
See you Sunday,
Lisa Helm
Director of Welcoming Ministries
