Executive Board Minutes
Murray First United Methodist Women’s Executive Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
In attendance: Jackie Beauchamp, Monica Bogle, Nancy Doty, Carol Finn, Margaret Fritts, Kay Gupton, Karen Guthrie, Pat Harris, Courtney Newman, Jan Nutter, Linda Short, Judy Tucker, Debra Fannin
The meeting was called to order by Jan Nutter, President. She lead the group in reading the purpose statement and then opened with prayer.
Women’s Sunday
Courtney Newman provided an update concerning Women’s Ministry Sunday which will be February 15th. Individuals to lead the Offertory Prayer at the Early Light Service and to lead the Affirmation of Faith and the Ministry Announcements at the Traditional Service are still needed. The speaker for the program will be Missy Jenkins Smith. Courtney has spoken to Missy to confirm her program which will be 15 to 20 minutes in length. It was suggested that Courtney contact Missy again to remind her that the service is televised. UMW Circle chairs need to let Courtney know who will serve as ushers for the program. Nancy Doty has provided information on the program to the Murray Ledger & Times. Additional discussion was held concerning payment for Missy to speak at Women’s Ministry Sunday. In the past UMW has not paid a fee but has given a donation. A motion was made (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Margaret Fritts) to provide a $100 stipend for Missy Smith. Motion was approved.
Sunshine Report
Judy Tucker provided the Sunshine report. During December and January seven Get Well cards, seven Sympathy cards, six Birthday cards and five Appreciation cards where sent from the UMW.
Devotional
Linda Short read a poem by Helen Steiner Rice titled “Where Can I Find Him.” The topic for the devotional was the web of life emphasizing that God’s love is everywhere you look. Information from the Prayer calendar was presented describing Cornerstone Early Childhood Learning Center. Linda also requested prayer for her mother who is battling cancer.
Minutes from the December Board Meeting were approved.
Thank You cards from the Murray Independent School district and from Kendra Bryant were read.
Treasurer’s Report
Monica Bogle presented the Treasures report for December 2014/January 2015. The balance forward was $3512.62. Income received from Circle pledges and account interest was $935.06. Disbursements were made for the directory binding, Kendra’s gift card, Resource Centers, Habitat for Humanity, MSU Wesley Center, and Help House. Disbursements totaled $577.80. Remaining balance was $3869.88. Of that balance $1877 is designated for the Layette project. Motion was made to accept this report (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Jackie Beauchamp). Treasure’s report was approved.
Monica also reported that a check that had been written to the MSU Wesley Center for the speaker from last year’s Women’s Ministry Sunday had not cleared and may have been lost. Stop payment for the check was discussed, however due to the stop payment fee, no stop payment will be made. It was suggested that a new check could be sent or the amount provided for 2015 could be adjusted. The option of electronic transfer rather than sending a check was discussed.
Unfinished Business
UMW Reading Program and Book Club Updates
Jackie Beauchamp reported that the new books for the reading program have been received and are now in the the UMW library. She has also reordered “Response” magazine and will provide an invoice to Monica for payment. Activity from UMW Book Club was provided by Carol Finn. January’s book was “The End of Your Life Book Club. Although some thought that the title was off putting, the book was not depressing. Books for February to June have been selected. February’s selection is “Finding God in a Bag of Groceries.” The Book Club meets on the third Thursday each month in the Parlor.
Outstanding Methodist Woman
Jan reported that the Outstanding Methodist Woman and the Outstanding Methodist Youth have been selected. The Outstanding Methodist Woman will be announced on Women’s Ministry Sunday.
Carol Finn announced that at large members from the congregation, Kelly Doran and Sylvia James, were selected.
Program Directory
Jan thanked Nancy Doty for her work on the UMW Directory. This year’s theme for the directory is “Welcomed by God: Welcoming All.” Carol Finn reported the the directory was printed at the same price as last year and that 4th Street Printing Service printed the directories.
Nancy asked that everyone look at the Circle areas on the Church’s website. She stated that new pictures are needed for the website and can be sent to her. UMW area can be accessed from the Church’s website or by going to www.umwmurrayky.org.
Sew-a-Thon Margaret Fritts provided information concerning the 2015 Sew-a-Thon. Approximately 24 volunteers were present each day. She expressed a special thank you to Nancy Doty for the publicity for the event. WPSD and the Murray Ledger & Times both reported on the event. Flyers were also distributed and posted in some of the businesses in Murray. At least one volunteer came to the event because she had noticed one of the flyers. Volunteers and Church staff enjoyed the lunches that were provided by the Circles for Monday - Thursday. Boxes containing cut fabric to be sewn are located in the UMW room. Instructions are also available.
New Business
Leadership Development Day
Jan and Jackie provided a report on the Leadership Development Day which they had attended. Conference schedules and contact information were provided at this meeting. Folders for officers and directory books were not provided. Monica asked for information to electronically submit the treasure’s report. Per Jackie, Deloris Smith can provide instruction for the electronic reporting. Although Conference information was provided, District information has not been provided. Jan has received a copy of the Paris District Newsletter. Paris District should have a list of officers,and Nancy will send an updated list. Donna Whifield is serving as President for the Paris District UMW.
Back Pack Program
Supplies for this program are purchased from Sam’s Club. Approximately 250 bags per week for four weeks will be assembled and provided to Calloway and Murray Elementary Schools and to Murray Middle School. (Need Line is responsible for Calloway Middle School.) Volunteers are need to pack the bags on Sunday, March 1st and Sunday, March 15th starting at 2:00 in the afternoon in the CLC. Families are encouraged to participate.
District Mission Study
The District Mission Study will be hosted by Murray First United Methodist Church on March 28th. The speaker will be Virginia Monhundro and the program will be Joy and Christian Living.” Registration will be at 8:30 that morning. Murray First will provide breakfast (breads, juice, coffee). Since the study is the same day as the Church’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, lunch will be served in the Social Hall. UMW Circles will provide lunch. The question was raised as to whether we needed to pay the speaker, but it is believed that this is covered by the District. It was suggested that we ask area churches to provide desserts for the event. The Mission Study will be held upstairs in the Contemporary Sunday School classroom. Breakfast will be provided upstairs in Room 201. A motion was made to approve this study (Nancy Doty) and seconded (Carol Finn). Motion was approved. Jan will provide additional information when is becomes available. Circles should plan for approximately 40 people. Breakfast will be provided by Wesleyan and Tucker-Frost Circles. Lunch will be provided by Friendship-Hannah (sandwiches) and by the Ruth Wilson and Hope Circles (soup.)
Area churches will be asked to provide dessert. Volunteers are needed for set up on Friday, March 27 at 2:00 pm. Loretta Kroehler will be contacted concerning center pieces. Jan has placemats. Margaret will provide tablecloths for the breakfast area. Jan will verify that District personnel handle registration.
April General Meeting
April General Meeting, “Call to Prayer & Self Denial” will be April 7th. Effie Kemp was not available to report on the program. Lunch will be provided by the Tucker-Frost and Wesleyan Circles. Board meeting will be held at 9:00 followed by the program at 11:00.
Lenten Lunches
Lenten lunches will be provided by the circles.
Monday - March 30th Tucker -Frost - Baked Spaghetti
Tuesday - March 31st - Ruth Wilson and Hope Circles - Hot ham and cheese sandwiches
Wednesday - April 1st - Wesleyan Circle - BBQ
Thursday - April 2nd - Friendship-Hannah - Salads
Dates to Remember
April 26th will be Youth Sunday and the outstanding youth will be announced that day. Outstanding youth is sponsored each year by the UMW. Katie Heierman will assist by selecting the gift.
May 24th will be the Candle Burning Service. Forms will be available at the next Board meeting.
March 22nd will be Children’s Sabbath.
Women’s Celebration will be held on June 2nd. Members were asked to be thinking of ideas for the theme for this event.
Applications for Lakeshore retreat were available. Date listed in directory is incorrect. The retreat will be April 17-18.
District Mission Study - “The Church & People with Disabilities” will be at held at Trinity UMC in Paris from 9:00 -2:00 on April 25th.
Memphis Annual Conference date - May 31-June 3 at Jackson, TN
Conference Mission U - July 17 & 18 at Brownsville/Milan First United Methodist Church
Mission Coordinator Reports Membership & Nurturing
In Rhea Coleman’s absence, Nancy Dody reported that Welcoming Brochures are now available in the Church’s Welcoming Center.
Education
Pat Harris reported on articles from Response Magazine. This included a discussion on Black History month (February), on Lent (overcoming temptations, greed, indifference, or other harmful practices), disability rights in the south, and the Freedom School in Nashville, TN.
Communication
Per Nancy, nothing additional to report.
Historian
Amber Meadows was absent so there was no report. Amber will serve as Historian but cannot attend the Tuesday Board Meetings
Spiritual Growth
Nothing to report since Linda Short had to leave early
Circle Reports
Tucker-Frost Circle - Margaret Fritts reported. Circle provided lunch on the first day of the Sew-a-Thon and will provide food for Wesley Center in February. Cookies were provided to the National Guard and to homebound members. She stressed that the visits are just as important as the cookies to those who are homebound.
Hope Circle - Monica Bogle reported. Anna Wright attended the January meeting to discuss the Sew-a-Thon. The group cut new patterns to be used for the Sew-a-Thon. The Circle sponsored the first Family Fun Night. Turnout was lower than hoped but bad weather may have been the cause. The Circle plans to have a soup ministry in February for the homebound.
Friendship-Hannah Circle - Kay Gupton reported. Judy Stahler provided the January program concerning the Nicaragua mission trip. The Circle agreed to provide yarn for two kits to support the Shawl Ministry. The Circle provided food for the Sew-a-Thon on Thursday. February’s meeting will be a Sweet Heart Dinner at the Fresh Market in Paris.
Ruth Wilson Circle - Jackie Beauchamp reported. Group met in January and are remembering their prayer partners. The Circle, along with the Hope Circle, provided lunch for the Sew-a-Thon on Tuesday.
Wesleyan Circle - Karen Guthrie reported. Shower that was hosted for Wesley Housing was a success. China settings were provided and $99 was donated to be used for their Christmas decorations. Circle hosted a Christmas Party for Wesley Housing. Louise Pool changed out books for the loan library for Wesley and the Veterans. The Circle was able to donate $1400 last year to local missions and pickle sales helped fund their missions. The Circle also provided lunch on Wednesday for the Sew-a Thon.
Meeting was closed with a reading from Psalm 139: 23-24.
Minutes submitted by Debra Fannin, Secretary
Murray First United Methodist Women’s Executive Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
In attendance: Jackie Beauchamp, Monica Bogle, Nancy Doty, Carol Finn, Margaret Fritts, Kay Gupton, Karen Guthrie, Pat Harris, Courtney Newman, Jan Nutter, Linda Short, Judy Tucker, Debra Fannin
The meeting was called to order by Jan Nutter, President. She lead the group in reading the purpose statement and then opened with prayer.
Women’s Sunday
Courtney Newman provided an update concerning Women’s Ministry Sunday which will be February 15th. Individuals to lead the Offertory Prayer at the Early Light Service and to lead the Affirmation of Faith and the Ministry Announcements at the Traditional Service are still needed. The speaker for the program will be Missy Jenkins Smith. Courtney has spoken to Missy to confirm her program which will be 15 to 20 minutes in length. It was suggested that Courtney contact Missy again to remind her that the service is televised. UMW Circle chairs need to let Courtney know who will serve as ushers for the program. Nancy Doty has provided information on the program to the Murray Ledger & Times. Additional discussion was held concerning payment for Missy to speak at Women’s Ministry Sunday. In the past UMW has not paid a fee but has given a donation. A motion was made (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Margaret Fritts) to provide a $100 stipend for Missy Smith. Motion was approved.
Sunshine Report
Judy Tucker provided the Sunshine report. During December and January seven Get Well cards, seven Sympathy cards, six Birthday cards and five Appreciation cards where sent from the UMW.
Devotional
Linda Short read a poem by Helen Steiner Rice titled “Where Can I Find Him.” The topic for the devotional was the web of life emphasizing that God’s love is everywhere you look. Information from the Prayer calendar was presented describing Cornerstone Early Childhood Learning Center. Linda also requested prayer for her mother who is battling cancer.
Minutes from the December Board Meeting were approved.
Thank You cards from the Murray Independent School district and from Kendra Bryant were read.
Treasurer’s Report
Monica Bogle presented the Treasures report for December 2014/January 2015. The balance forward was $3512.62. Income received from Circle pledges and account interest was $935.06. Disbursements were made for the directory binding, Kendra’s gift card, Resource Centers, Habitat for Humanity, MSU Wesley Center, and Help House. Disbursements totaled $577.80. Remaining balance was $3869.88. Of that balance $1877 is designated for the Layette project. Motion was made to accept this report (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Jackie Beauchamp). Treasure’s report was approved.
Monica also reported that a check that had been written to the MSU Wesley Center for the speaker from last year’s Women’s Ministry Sunday had not cleared and may have been lost. Stop payment for the check was discussed, however due to the stop payment fee, no stop payment will be made. It was suggested that a new check could be sent or the amount provided for 2015 could be adjusted. The option of electronic transfer rather than sending a check was discussed.
Unfinished Business
UMW Reading Program and Book Club Updates
Jackie Beauchamp reported that the new books for the reading program have been received and are now in the the UMW library. She has also reordered “Response” magazine and will provide an invoice to Monica for payment. Activity from UMW Book Club was provided by Carol Finn. January’s book was “The End of Your Life Book Club. Although some thought that the title was off putting, the book was not depressing. Books for February to June have been selected. February’s selection is “Finding God in a Bag of Groceries.” The Book Club meets on the third Thursday each month in the Parlor.
Outstanding Methodist Woman
Jan reported that the Outstanding Methodist Woman and the Outstanding Methodist Youth have been selected. The Outstanding Methodist Woman will be announced on Women’s Ministry Sunday.
Carol Finn announced that at large members from the congregation, Kelly Doran and Sylvia James, were selected.
Program Directory
Jan thanked Nancy Doty for her work on the UMW Directory. This year’s theme for the directory is “Welcomed by God: Welcoming All.” Carol Finn reported the the directory was printed at the same price as last year and that 4th Street Printing Service printed the directories.
Nancy asked that everyone look at the Circle areas on the Church’s website. She stated that new pictures are needed for the website and can be sent to her. UMW area can be accessed from the Church’s website or by going to www.umwmurrayky.org.
Sew-a-Thon Margaret Fritts provided information concerning the 2015 Sew-a-Thon. Approximately 24 volunteers were present each day. She expressed a special thank you to Nancy Doty for the publicity for the event. WPSD and the Murray Ledger & Times both reported on the event. Flyers were also distributed and posted in some of the businesses in Murray. At least one volunteer came to the event because she had noticed one of the flyers. Volunteers and Church staff enjoyed the lunches that were provided by the Circles for Monday - Thursday. Boxes containing cut fabric to be sewn are located in the UMW room. Instructions are also available.
New Business
Leadership Development Day
Jan and Jackie provided a report on the Leadership Development Day which they had attended. Conference schedules and contact information were provided at this meeting. Folders for officers and directory books were not provided. Monica asked for information to electronically submit the treasure’s report. Per Jackie, Deloris Smith can provide instruction for the electronic reporting. Although Conference information was provided, District information has not been provided. Jan has received a copy of the Paris District Newsletter. Paris District should have a list of officers,and Nancy will send an updated list. Donna Whifield is serving as President for the Paris District UMW.
Back Pack Program
Supplies for this program are purchased from Sam’s Club. Approximately 250 bags per week for four weeks will be assembled and provided to Calloway and Murray Elementary Schools and to Murray Middle School. (Need Line is responsible for Calloway Middle School.) Volunteers are need to pack the bags on Sunday, March 1st and Sunday, March 15th starting at 2:00 in the afternoon in the CLC. Families are encouraged to participate.
District Mission Study
The District Mission Study will be hosted by Murray First United Methodist Church on March 28th. The speaker will be Virginia Monhundro and the program will be Joy and Christian Living.” Registration will be at 8:30 that morning. Murray First will provide breakfast (breads, juice, coffee). Since the study is the same day as the Church’s Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, lunch will be served in the Social Hall. UMW Circles will provide lunch. The question was raised as to whether we needed to pay the speaker, but it is believed that this is covered by the District. It was suggested that we ask area churches to provide desserts for the event. The Mission Study will be held upstairs in the Contemporary Sunday School classroom. Breakfast will be provided upstairs in Room 201. A motion was made to approve this study (Nancy Doty) and seconded (Carol Finn). Motion was approved. Jan will provide additional information when is becomes available. Circles should plan for approximately 40 people. Breakfast will be provided by Wesleyan and Tucker-Frost Circles. Lunch will be provided by Friendship-Hannah (sandwiches) and by the Ruth Wilson and Hope Circles (soup.)
Area churches will be asked to provide dessert. Volunteers are needed for set up on Friday, March 27 at 2:00 pm. Loretta Kroehler will be contacted concerning center pieces. Jan has placemats. Margaret will provide tablecloths for the breakfast area. Jan will verify that District personnel handle registration.
April General Meeting
April General Meeting, “Call to Prayer & Self Denial” will be April 7th. Effie Kemp was not available to report on the program. Lunch will be provided by the Tucker-Frost and Wesleyan Circles. Board meeting will be held at 9:00 followed by the program at 11:00.
Lenten Lunches
Lenten lunches will be provided by the circles.
Monday - March 30th Tucker -Frost - Baked Spaghetti
Tuesday - March 31st - Ruth Wilson and Hope Circles - Hot ham and cheese sandwiches
Wednesday - April 1st - Wesleyan Circle - BBQ
Thursday - April 2nd - Friendship-Hannah - Salads
Dates to Remember
April 26th will be Youth Sunday and the outstanding youth will be announced that day. Outstanding youth is sponsored each year by the UMW. Katie Heierman will assist by selecting the gift.
May 24th will be the Candle Burning Service. Forms will be available at the next Board meeting.
March 22nd will be Children’s Sabbath.
Women’s Celebration will be held on June 2nd. Members were asked to be thinking of ideas for the theme for this event.
Applications for Lakeshore retreat were available. Date listed in directory is incorrect. The retreat will be April 17-18.
District Mission Study - “The Church & People with Disabilities” will be at held at Trinity UMC in Paris from 9:00 -2:00 on April 25th.
Memphis Annual Conference date - May 31-June 3 at Jackson, TN
Conference Mission U - July 17 & 18 at Brownsville/Milan First United Methodist Church
Mission Coordinator Reports Membership & Nurturing
In Rhea Coleman’s absence, Nancy Dody reported that Welcoming Brochures are now available in the Church’s Welcoming Center.
Education
Pat Harris reported on articles from Response Magazine. This included a discussion on Black History month (February), on Lent (overcoming temptations, greed, indifference, or other harmful practices), disability rights in the south, and the Freedom School in Nashville, TN.
Communication
Per Nancy, nothing additional to report.
Historian
Amber Meadows was absent so there was no report. Amber will serve as Historian but cannot attend the Tuesday Board Meetings
Spiritual Growth
Nothing to report since Linda Short had to leave early
Circle Reports
Tucker-Frost Circle - Margaret Fritts reported. Circle provided lunch on the first day of the Sew-a-Thon and will provide food for Wesley Center in February. Cookies were provided to the National Guard and to homebound members. She stressed that the visits are just as important as the cookies to those who are homebound.
Hope Circle - Monica Bogle reported. Anna Wright attended the January meeting to discuss the Sew-a-Thon. The group cut new patterns to be used for the Sew-a-Thon. The Circle sponsored the first Family Fun Night. Turnout was lower than hoped but bad weather may have been the cause. The Circle plans to have a soup ministry in February for the homebound.
Friendship-Hannah Circle - Kay Gupton reported. Judy Stahler provided the January program concerning the Nicaragua mission trip. The Circle agreed to provide yarn for two kits to support the Shawl Ministry. The Circle provided food for the Sew-a-Thon on Thursday. February’s meeting will be a Sweet Heart Dinner at the Fresh Market in Paris.
Ruth Wilson Circle - Jackie Beauchamp reported. Group met in January and are remembering their prayer partners. The Circle, along with the Hope Circle, provided lunch for the Sew-a-Thon on Tuesday.
Wesleyan Circle - Karen Guthrie reported. Shower that was hosted for Wesley Housing was a success. China settings were provided and $99 was donated to be used for their Christmas decorations. Circle hosted a Christmas Party for Wesley Housing. Louise Pool changed out books for the loan library for Wesley and the Veterans. The Circle was able to donate $1400 last year to local missions and pickle sales helped fund their missions. The Circle also provided lunch on Wednesday for the Sew-a Thon.
Meeting was closed with a reading from Psalm 139: 23-24.
Minutes submitted by Debra Fannin, Secretary
