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Newsletter
Remembering the Women's Bible Study Group
In early 1970, a Women's Bible Study Group was established and led by Reverend Wendell Minnigh.
Meeting in member's homes was always a warm experience as we shared study time, prayers, and fellowship. About 1975 the group became know as Praise and Prayer, led by Connie Jackson, still meeting in homes. There came a time when we again became Women's Bible Study with leadership responsibilities rotated by members. Studies included books of the Bible, "From Eve to Esther," Upper Room Study guides", William Barclay volumes [given to the church through Memorial gifts] and numerous biblical resources.
So many memories . . . On September 11 we were at Ginny Peck's as we watched with horror and disbelief the destruction of the Twin Towers; at Marguerite Ruger's house we laughed as her dog "joined" our circle and Reverend Jeff McDowell led us with a closing prayer. From Mary Emerson's we enjoyed the view of Lake Salubria. We watched "wildlife," especially hummingbirds and "Bud," from Dot Cornell's screened in porch on Hutches Road.
When Phoebe Hughes, a longtime WBS member became a resident at Steuben County Health Facility [a.k.a. Infirmary] we were allowed to meet there. After Phoebe's death, we started meeting at our church.
Now due to numerous reasons [mostly health related] we sadly, but realistically find it necessary to discontinue our meetings. We are thankful for the fellowship and love we have found throughout the years. As we have experienced "ups and downs," we have felt God's love. Praise the Lord.
Current and longtime Members of the Women's Bible Study:
Co-leaders: Anna Beeman and Ann Wolcott
Dot Cornell, Mary Emerson,
Ida Ferree, Sue McKinney
Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
This year the United Methodist Women will be 150 years old. In 1869, wives of missionaries to India met with a group of eight women in Boston. They told about the prejudice and limitations of service for the women and children. After laying the groundwork and raising funds, in November of that same year, two women were sent to India: Isabella Thoburn, an educator, and Dr. Clara Swain, a doctor.
A school was opened by Isabella that led to Thoburn College, the first women's college in Asia. Dr. Swain began her medical work resulting in a hospital being established as the first women's hospital in Asia.
The UMW organization inherits the visions and work of women's missionary societies of eight denominations since 1869. Through reorganization and denominational merges [some being with the Evangelical United Brethren, Methodist Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal South, Methodist Protestant Church] the various women's groups were brought together.
In 1973, the UMW became the women's mission organization of the United Methodist Church. In 2013 the United Methodist Church General Conference voted to make UMW's national policymaking body autonomous. In 2013 chief executive Harriett Olson reported: "Our work is not just about service, it's about
worship, it's about standing up, stepping up making our voices heard. We try to help governments see the world the way we see the world because it will positively impact the lives of women, children and youth."
United Methodist Women is the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. The VISION of UMW is to turn faith, hope, and love into action on behalf of women, children, and youth, around the world. Our PURPOSE states it well:
The organized unit of the United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ: to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of Mission through participation in the global ministries of the Church.
Our UMW meeting's in 2019 will be on the 3rd Tuesday of each month [unless otherwise scheduled] at noon with a bag lunch. Generally, we have a program before a business meeting. We welcome all women to become part of our organization.
Donna McIntire,
UMW President