Oxford United Methodist Church
Saturday, May 18, 2013

United Methodist Women

 

 
On this page
 
Cleaning kitchen April 10
Family Resource Center
Musical Program May 8
     Morning circle
     Norris-Wiant Circle
     Pecans
     Luncheons
     Rummage Sales
 
 
    

Our Purpose

 

The organized unit of 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.
 
For more information about United Methodist Women visit www.gbgm-umc.org/umw
or join the UMW online community at www.umwonline.org
which provides an interactive platform for engagement in mission.
 

Cleaning church kitchen April 10


The annual Spring cleaning of the church kitchen will be Wednesday, April 10, beginning at 9 a.m. until about noon.  Doing such easy jobs as cleaning and re-organizing can make a big difference.  Come for all or part of the morning as your time permits.
 

Family Resource Center program rescheduled for May 1


The program canceled on March 6 due to snow has been rescheduled for Wednesday,  May 1, in Room 202 beginning at 11:30 with a brown bag lunch.
 
At noon Missy Thompson, Client Services Supervisor at the Family Resource Center, and Ellen deFrance, Financial Counselor, will talk about the financial literacy programs at the Resource Center.

Following the program there will be a very brief Call to Prayer and Self Denial service planned by Sue Holmes.  The offering taken will benefit the socially and economically disadvantaged.
 

Musical program for all on Wednesday, May 8

 
Spring Fest returns this year on Wednesday, May 8, with an all church potluck for members, friends and guests and an exciting program of Songs of 1913 performed by Sandra Cotter and Marjorie Bowers.

The event will be held in Fellowship Hall beginning with the 6:00 p.m. potluck dinner followed by the program at 6:45.

Don't miss this evening of great food and entertainment.  Mark your calendar for May 8.
 

Small groups

All women are invited to join in the fellowship and programs of either small group, or circle, which meets on the third Wednesday of the month during the school year. 

Wednesday, April 17

 
Morning Circle meets at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Linda Augspurger, 4845 Stillwell Road (756-0285).  Charlotte Krauss is the assistant hostess.  Linda will also lead the discussion of Chapters 6 and 8 in the study book Poverty.


Sara Norris-Hallie Wiant Circle meets at 2 p.m. at the home of Peggy Lewis, 702 Melissa (523-8964). The program will provide information about School Kits and Health Kits.  Please contact Diane Perry at 523-3044 for more information.
 
 

Living the Heart of God

 
Each year United Methodist Women's programs are centered around a theme.  This year the theme is Living the Heart of God.
 
We are on a Christian journey, the challenge and joy of which are to see and feel the heart of God.  We may find God within ourselves, with the people whom we encounter, and even in the face of our enemy.
 
God is at work.  God's heart beats in each of us.  Just as God worked through Jesus in Biblical times, God works alongside women [and men] of today.
 
We are challenged to grow in our spiritual life and in our awareness of social justice so that we can live the heart of God and walk the path of Jesus, sharing the struggles and abundance of life's journey.
 
 
 

Two women honored


At the December luncheon United Methodist Women continued a long tradition of honoring someone with a Special Mission Recognition for their service to improve the lives of others.  When a person is so honored, a monetary gift is sent to the Women's Division for mission work in the honoree's name and the honoree receives a small gold lapel pin and a certificate.

One of this year's honorees is Debbie Hurley, who five years ago stepped forward when the call went out for someone to be responsible once a month for a Community Dinner in our church.  Debbie said, "I would like to do that."  And so we recognize Debbie for her commitment to and care for others in our community every first Wednesday of the month in Fellowship Hall.  Thank you, Debbie.
 
The second honoree is Donna Sargent, who has a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in pastoral care and counseling.  She has voluntarily preached in our church, done funeral and memorial services, helped out in crisis situations, and helped with our children's programs when needed.  Currently Donna is leading a Bible study and visiting those who are in the hospital or nursing homes.  Dorothy Avery described Donna as our church's volunteer of the year.  Thank you, Donna.
 
 

Fund raising

Pecans -- Sold out for 2012

 
The sale of pecans and cashews begins with the Fall Soup and Salad Luncheon and lasts until they are all sold  Thanks to our loyal customers for supporting this fund raiser.

These attractively packaged pecans make a great hostess gift, or stir up a quick batch of Sugar and Spice Pecans and give them as a gift in an attractive container.  Recipes are available.
 
Pecans stored in the refrigerator will keep for about nine months.  In the freezer they will remain in good condition for two years.  Pecans can be frozen again and again without affecting quality or texture.  Open the bag when thawing.
 
Research shows that pecans have the most antioxidants of any nut.  They are also rich in cholesterol-lowering plant steroids and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.  So enjoy pecans!

Luncheons Spring and Fall

 
Oxford United Methodist Women hold two fund raising luncheons in Fellowship Hall each year -
 
the Spring Food Fair will be held on
          Wednesday, April 24, 2013, and the
 
Fall Soup and Salad Luncheon will be held on
          Wednesday, October 23, 2013.
 
The Spring Food Fair features turkey and spinach salads and a help-yourself buffet of many other salads as well as beverage and choice of dessert.  Served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., the cost is $7.00 for adults.  Preschoolers are free.  A bake sale and a Treasures sale are also held from 10:45 until 1:15.
 
The Fall luncheon features minestrone and vegetarian soups along with the help-yourself salad buffet, beverage and dessert.  The cost is $7.00 for adults.  Preschoolers are free.   Again, a bake sale and a Treasures sale are held from 10:45 until 1:15, along with a Holiday Shop.
 
Thanks to the many women and men who work to make the luncheons a success. Monetary donations (checks payable to Oxford UMW) can be put in the offering plate or left in the church office.

Rummage Sales twice a year in May and September

 
The Rummage Sale dates for 2013 have not yet been determined.
 
Leftover items in the past have been donated to the Family Resource Center Thrift Store in Oxford, New 2 You and the Lighthouse Thrift Store,  both in Hamilton, Meander Thrift in Middletown, Goodwill, and Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky.
 
Among the projects that Oxford UMW supports are missionaries Kevin and Carol Seckel in Germany, and projects of the Women's Division both in the United States and abroad that benefit women, children and youth.  See the budget figures below.
 
 

2013 Budget – $10,000

 
Estimated Income
 
Pledges and gifts
Spring Luncheon
Fall Luncheon
Rummage Sales
Pecans
 
 
 
$2,000
2,000
1,500
4,300
200
 
 
Budgeted Expenditures
 
Missionary support - Seckels
 
Ohio River Valley District
     Pledge to Mission
     In Remembrance gifts
     Special Mission Recognition
     Baby Welcome cards
 
McCurdy School
Otterbein Lebanon Auxiliary
Wesley Education Center
Lincoln Crawford Nursing Care
Ministerial/Missions Scholarship
Oxford Church Women United
Program expenses and
     membership development
 
 
 
$   900
 
 
6,000
70
80
50
 
500
500
500
500
300
200
 
400

Additional 2012 Gifts

 
In addition to the 2012 budget commitments, there were $3,400 in funds beyond the budget which were donated to the following:
 
$300     CD Light Ministry, Belize
$500     Living Water Ministry, Hamilton
$500     Oxford Choice Food Pantry
$300     Oxford Community Adult Day Service
$500     Oxford Family Resource Center
$200     Oxford Women's Care Center
$500     PUSH, Oxford
$200     SELF, Butler County
$200     Shared Harvest BackPack, Oxford
$200     West Ohio Conference mission project
 
 

Funeral luncheons/receptions

 
Provides a luncheon or reception at the church for the family and friends of the bereaved. A Guide for Families Planning Funeral Meals is available in the church office.  Contact one of the pastors, the church office, or Barbara Clawson at 523-6044 to make arrangements.