EXECUTIVE BOARD MINUTES
Murray First United Methodist Women’s Executive Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
In attendance: Jackie Beauchamp, Monica Bogle, Nancy Doty, Carol Finn, Margaret Fritts, Kay Gupton, Pat Harris, Jan Nutter, Mary Lou Rayburn, Linda Short, Carol Wimberley, Debra Fannin
The meeting was called to order by Jan Nutter, President. She lead the group in reading the UMW Purpose Statement and then welcomed the group and opened with prayer.
Sunshine Report
Judy Tucker was absent so no Sunshine Report was available.
Devotional
A devotional, “Let Us Give Thanks” taken from the book, Garden Blessing, was provided by Linda Short. The devotional focused on being thankful for friends and compared friends to different plants that are found in the garden. Two items were read from the United Methodist Women’s Prayer Calendar. The first described a global ministry in Palestine, the Shepherds Society, and the second was from Hope United Methodist Church in Massachusetts.
Secretary’s Report
Debra Fannin provided the Secretary’s report. In the meeting minutes for August in the “District Day “Apart” Program and Conference Mission U” section Carol Finn was listed as attending a seminar dealing with disabilities. This should be amended to report that she attended a seminar “Created for Happiness.” A motion was made (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Margaret Fritts) to approve the minutes from the August Board Meeting. Motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Monica Bogle provided the Treasurer’s report. Pledges received during August and September were $1126.14. Expenses during that same period were $600.71. Total equity as of September 30, 2015 was $2173.72. Monica also provided a proposed budget for 2016. The budget was reduced from $4400 in 2015 to $3550 for 2016. Conference Pledge was changed from $2000 to $1600. The line item for UMCOR under Conference Missions was removed. Local missions was reduced from $600 in 2015 to $200 for 2016, in part because individual circles are actively supporting Local Missions. Circles provide this information Monica in January each year. It was suggested that Local Missions be listed on the budget rather than break it out into individual areas. Under Local Expenses, $200 was added for Babysitting for 2016. A motion was made (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Carol Finn) to send the budget to the General UMW meeting for approval. Treasurer’s report was approved.
Program Secretary’s Report
Jackie Beauchamp reported on the UMW Reading Program. Seventeen book costing approximately $300 have been ordered for the UMW Reading Program. This included some large print copies which cost more than standard print. Books are typically purchased through New Life Christian Bookstore in Murray. This bookstore gives a discount for purchasing the books and this allow UMW to support a local business. It was noted that the Calloway County Public Library does not usually carry any of the books that are part of the Reading Program . In addition to the new books for 2016, Jackie is also purchasing some 2015 titles to add to the library.
Unfinished Business
CASA
Jan Nutter had previously sent the board members an email listing ways we could help Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Based on the feedback that was received, we will collect new or gently used children’s books for this program. The books will be provided to local children in the CASA program. The book drive will be church-wide, and Jan will ensure that information is placed in the bulletin and that boxes are available for the book collection. A motion was made (Carol Wimberley) and seconded (Linda Short) to have this book drive for CASA and for the drive to take place during November and December. Motion was approved.
UMW Reading Program and Book Club Updates
Carol Finn reported on the UMW Book Club. To accommodate a new participant the time for the monthly meeting is being changed to the second Thursday of the month at 11:30. The meeting will be in the Jeffery conference room, and participants can bring a sack lunch to enjoy while attending the meeting. Nine people attended the September meeting. The October book will be This Girl is Different and the November book will be What’s So Blessed About Being Poor. Carol stressed that it is not necessary to read the book prior to attending the meeting.
Nominations Committee
Margaret Fritts reported. The 2016 nominees as reported at the August Board Meeting is correct. Board members will be inaugurated at the December Nativ-A-Tea. Officer training will be held on Thursday, November 12 at Broadway United Methodist Church in Paducah. Anyone interested in attending should let Margaret or Jan know. A motion was made (Pat Harris) and seconded (Jackie Beauchamp) to accept the officers list for approval at the General UMW Board meeting. Motion was approved.
Sewing Kits and New/Gently Used Bras
Jackie Beauchamp reported bras would be delivered at the Paris District Annual Day on October 24 and that sewing kits will be taken to Lakeshore in November.
Health Kits
Jan provided a supply list for assembling Health Kits. Circle presidents were asked to take the list and hand out at their October meetings. The kits will be used to assist refugees through UMCOR, United Methodist Committee on Relief. Jan will also invite other church members to participate. Kits that are submitted by November 8 will be taken to Lakeshore. It was stressed that the kits must be assembled exactly as listed and no additional items can be added. Jan will sit a box by the UMW bulletin board to collect the kits.
World Thank Offering Program
World Thank Offering Program will be held today following the the General Board Meeting.
Shawl Ministry
Debra Fannin reported. The Hope Circle sponsored a Knitting Cafe’ on September 27 with nine attending. The group enjoyed refreshments and fellowship. Instruction in knitting and crocheting was available. Additional meetings will be held to help support the shawl ministry.
December Nativ-A-Tea
Jan reported on the December Nativ-A-tea. The Nativ-A-Tea program will be held from two to four on December 13. At this meeting the 2016 officers will be installed. Jan spoke with Katie Heierman and Kristin Schwartz to help get children and youth more involved in this event. Ladies are asked to wear hats and gloves to the tea. Hats will be available for the children to decorate during the business portion of this meeting. It was suggested that rather than list the time as from two to four only the start time be listed for the event since it is not a “come and go” event. Jan will look at last year’s minutes to see what food is needed. More may attend the meeting this year since all local UMW presidents are invited to attend. Jan will contact Loretta Kroehler for decorations. Nativity sets will be needed for decorations. Margaret reported that Dee Keezer has made favor bags and Margaret will fill the bags for the event. Amelia and Vicky Pharis will be asked to play violins for the special music and CD music will play in the background for the remainder of the time.
When Jan spoke with Katie and Kristen, the board was asked to host an activity at this year’s Harvest Hootenanny which will be held October 28. Some suggestions were a scavenger hunt or music activity.
Speaker for UMW Sunday
Suggestions for speakers for the 2016 Women’s Sunday were discussed at the August Board meeting. Carol Wimberley reported that it would be better if Diane Harris was asked to speak at a General Meeting, possibly in April during the Prayer and Self-Denial program. Carol will speak with Effie Kemp and see if Diane can speak at the April meeting. Jan agreed to contact Elise Bell or Sue Engle to see if one of them could speak that Sunday.
New Business
Since UMW reports are due in August, the question has been raised as to whether our UMW calendar year be changed to help with reporting. Jan spoke with Donna Whitfield, Paris District UMW president. No change to the calendar year will be made. Jan passed out a copy of the 2016 Calendar of Events for the Memphis Conference United Methodist Women. Jackie reported that she will only get three copies rather than four of the Program Book next time she orders.
2016 UMW Directory
Nancy Doty asked that all circles submit their directory changes to her. Next year’s directory will have a light blue cover and will have the title “Growing in Blessedness.”
UMW Library
Donna Toler has resigned as UMW Librarian and has been thanked in the bulletin and in the E-news. Jackie agreed to fill in until someone new volunteers to take this position. It was suggested that a “Thank You” card be sent from the Board, and that Donna be recognized at the December Nativ-A-Tea along with Board members whose service terms are up. Carol Finn clarified that there is a UMW Executive Board meeting in December which will be held on December 1. Nancy offered to write “Thank You” cards to those leaving the Board and to Circle Presidents who will not be serving next year.
Outstanding Methodist Woman/Outstanding Methodist Youth
It is time for nominations for Outstanding Methodist Woman and Outstanding Methodist Youth for 2016. Copies of the nomination forms were handed out. The only changes made to the nomination forms was the date. Jan will do a “Call to Action” so that the congregation can submit nominations.
Backpack Ministry
Stuffing the backpacks will be held on January 3, 2016. Donya Hall is checking to see if some generic items may be cheaper than the items previously purchased from Sam’s Club.In the past, money for this mission came from Help House but that budget is down. This year the congregation was asked to help support this ministry.
Dates to Remember
Next UMW Board Meeting - Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 9:00am
Paris District Annual Day - October 24, 2015 from 10:00am to noon at Puryear UMC, Puryear, TN
Sister Day, Meet and Great for Purchase Area UMW - November 1, 2015 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Area Office, 2285 Jack Treas Road, Kirksey, Ky (former Methodist Church at Brewers) Registration is at 1:30
MOR Lakeshore Assembly and Retreat Center - November 7 and 8, 2015. Registration deadline is October 23, 2015
UMW Officer Training for 2016 local unit officers - November 12, 2015. Registration is at 6:00 pm Soup and sandwiches will be served. Training begins at 6:45 pm
Mission Coordinator Reports
Membership & Nurturing
Rhea Coleman was absent so there was no report.
Education
Pat Harris reported on racial justice and nonviolence from the September issue of Response magazine and on women and abuse from the October issue of Response magazine. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Pat will look into a mini-mission that our church could do concerning domestic violence awareness. Pat also recommended the article “Having a Heart” in that same magazine issue.
Social Action
Effie Kemp was absent so there was no report.
Communications
Nancy Doty reported. She submitted an article for the Paris District Newsletter describing our UMW efforts for donating, recycling and collecting items for missions and for knitting and crocheting activities for the Shawl Ministry and for rugs for Nicaragua.
Historian
Amber Meadows was absent so there was no report.
Spiritual Growth
Linda Short was not available to report. (World Thank Offering Program)
Circle Reports
Hope Circle - Monica Bogle was not available to report. (World Thank Offering Program)
Friendship-Hannah Circle - Kay Gupton was not available to report. (World Thank Offering Program)
Ruth Wilson Circle - Jackie Beauchamp reported. Directory updates for the circle have been turned in. The circle is helping with the meal for World Thank Offering Program.
Tucker-Frost Circle - Margaret Fritts reported. The Circle sold items at the Murray Farmer’s Market. Items included craft projects, scrap aprons, casserole covers and clothes pin bags note cards, gift tags and bridge tallies. She also reported that a Mini-Bazaar would be set up in the gym on October 25.
The circle has lost two special friends, Betty Lowry and Carolyn Craig. She suggested that a website or blog for special friends could be established. and this could be discussed at the December Board Meeting.
Wesleyan Circle - Carol Wimberley reported. In September the group had a cookout with spouses. They also sold jewelry at a yard sale in the park to support the “No More Malaria” mission. Discounted cross stitch kits are being sold to support local missions. The circle plans to have items for sale at the Mini-Bazaar. They are also taking pickle orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Meeting was closed with a reading from Psalm 139: 23-24.
At the General Board Meeting which followed the Executive Board Meeting the slate of UMW officers for 2016 was presented by Margaret Fritts and approved. The UMW Budget for 2016 was presented by Monica Bogle and was also approved as presented.
Minutes submitted by Debra Fannin, Secretary
Murray First United Methodist Women’s Executive Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
In attendance: Jackie Beauchamp, Monica Bogle, Nancy Doty, Carol Finn, Margaret Fritts, Kay Gupton, Pat Harris, Jan Nutter, Mary Lou Rayburn, Linda Short, Carol Wimberley, Debra Fannin
The meeting was called to order by Jan Nutter, President. She lead the group in reading the UMW Purpose Statement and then welcomed the group and opened with prayer.
Sunshine Report
Judy Tucker was absent so no Sunshine Report was available.
Devotional
A devotional, “Let Us Give Thanks” taken from the book, Garden Blessing, was provided by Linda Short. The devotional focused on being thankful for friends and compared friends to different plants that are found in the garden. Two items were read from the United Methodist Women’s Prayer Calendar. The first described a global ministry in Palestine, the Shepherds Society, and the second was from Hope United Methodist Church in Massachusetts.
Secretary’s Report
Debra Fannin provided the Secretary’s report. In the meeting minutes for August in the “District Day “Apart” Program and Conference Mission U” section Carol Finn was listed as attending a seminar dealing with disabilities. This should be amended to report that she attended a seminar “Created for Happiness.” A motion was made (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Margaret Fritts) to approve the minutes from the August Board Meeting. Motion was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Monica Bogle provided the Treasurer’s report. Pledges received during August and September were $1126.14. Expenses during that same period were $600.71. Total equity as of September 30, 2015 was $2173.72. Monica also provided a proposed budget for 2016. The budget was reduced from $4400 in 2015 to $3550 for 2016. Conference Pledge was changed from $2000 to $1600. The line item for UMCOR under Conference Missions was removed. Local missions was reduced from $600 in 2015 to $200 for 2016, in part because individual circles are actively supporting Local Missions. Circles provide this information Monica in January each year. It was suggested that Local Missions be listed on the budget rather than break it out into individual areas. Under Local Expenses, $200 was added for Babysitting for 2016. A motion was made (Kay Gupton) and seconded (Carol Finn) to send the budget to the General UMW meeting for approval. Treasurer’s report was approved.
Program Secretary’s Report
Jackie Beauchamp reported on the UMW Reading Program. Seventeen book costing approximately $300 have been ordered for the UMW Reading Program. This included some large print copies which cost more than standard print. Books are typically purchased through New Life Christian Bookstore in Murray. This bookstore gives a discount for purchasing the books and this allow UMW to support a local business. It was noted that the Calloway County Public Library does not usually carry any of the books that are part of the Reading Program . In addition to the new books for 2016, Jackie is also purchasing some 2015 titles to add to the library.
Unfinished Business
CASA
Jan Nutter had previously sent the board members an email listing ways we could help Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Based on the feedback that was received, we will collect new or gently used children’s books for this program. The books will be provided to local children in the CASA program. The book drive will be church-wide, and Jan will ensure that information is placed in the bulletin and that boxes are available for the book collection. A motion was made (Carol Wimberley) and seconded (Linda Short) to have this book drive for CASA and for the drive to take place during November and December. Motion was approved.
UMW Reading Program and Book Club Updates
Carol Finn reported on the UMW Book Club. To accommodate a new participant the time for the monthly meeting is being changed to the second Thursday of the month at 11:30. The meeting will be in the Jeffery conference room, and participants can bring a sack lunch to enjoy while attending the meeting. Nine people attended the September meeting. The October book will be This Girl is Different and the November book will be What’s So Blessed About Being Poor. Carol stressed that it is not necessary to read the book prior to attending the meeting.
Nominations Committee
Margaret Fritts reported. The 2016 nominees as reported at the August Board Meeting is correct. Board members will be inaugurated at the December Nativ-A-Tea. Officer training will be held on Thursday, November 12 at Broadway United Methodist Church in Paducah. Anyone interested in attending should let Margaret or Jan know. A motion was made (Pat Harris) and seconded (Jackie Beauchamp) to accept the officers list for approval at the General UMW Board meeting. Motion was approved.
Sewing Kits and New/Gently Used Bras
Jackie Beauchamp reported bras would be delivered at the Paris District Annual Day on October 24 and that sewing kits will be taken to Lakeshore in November.
Health Kits
Jan provided a supply list for assembling Health Kits. Circle presidents were asked to take the list and hand out at their October meetings. The kits will be used to assist refugees through UMCOR, United Methodist Committee on Relief. Jan will also invite other church members to participate. Kits that are submitted by November 8 will be taken to Lakeshore. It was stressed that the kits must be assembled exactly as listed and no additional items can be added. Jan will sit a box by the UMW bulletin board to collect the kits.
World Thank Offering Program
World Thank Offering Program will be held today following the the General Board Meeting.
Shawl Ministry
Debra Fannin reported. The Hope Circle sponsored a Knitting Cafe’ on September 27 with nine attending. The group enjoyed refreshments and fellowship. Instruction in knitting and crocheting was available. Additional meetings will be held to help support the shawl ministry.
December Nativ-A-Tea
Jan reported on the December Nativ-A-tea. The Nativ-A-Tea program will be held from two to four on December 13. At this meeting the 2016 officers will be installed. Jan spoke with Katie Heierman and Kristin Schwartz to help get children and youth more involved in this event. Ladies are asked to wear hats and gloves to the tea. Hats will be available for the children to decorate during the business portion of this meeting. It was suggested that rather than list the time as from two to four only the start time be listed for the event since it is not a “come and go” event. Jan will look at last year’s minutes to see what food is needed. More may attend the meeting this year since all local UMW presidents are invited to attend. Jan will contact Loretta Kroehler for decorations. Nativity sets will be needed for decorations. Margaret reported that Dee Keezer has made favor bags and Margaret will fill the bags for the event. Amelia and Vicky Pharis will be asked to play violins for the special music and CD music will play in the background for the remainder of the time.
When Jan spoke with Katie and Kristen, the board was asked to host an activity at this year’s Harvest Hootenanny which will be held October 28. Some suggestions were a scavenger hunt or music activity.
Speaker for UMW Sunday
Suggestions for speakers for the 2016 Women’s Sunday were discussed at the August Board meeting. Carol Wimberley reported that it would be better if Diane Harris was asked to speak at a General Meeting, possibly in April during the Prayer and Self-Denial program. Carol will speak with Effie Kemp and see if Diane can speak at the April meeting. Jan agreed to contact Elise Bell or Sue Engle to see if one of them could speak that Sunday.
New Business
Since UMW reports are due in August, the question has been raised as to whether our UMW calendar year be changed to help with reporting. Jan spoke with Donna Whitfield, Paris District UMW president. No change to the calendar year will be made. Jan passed out a copy of the 2016 Calendar of Events for the Memphis Conference United Methodist Women. Jackie reported that she will only get three copies rather than four of the Program Book next time she orders.
2016 UMW Directory
Nancy Doty asked that all circles submit their directory changes to her. Next year’s directory will have a light blue cover and will have the title “Growing in Blessedness.”
UMW Library
Donna Toler has resigned as UMW Librarian and has been thanked in the bulletin and in the E-news. Jackie agreed to fill in until someone new volunteers to take this position. It was suggested that a “Thank You” card be sent from the Board, and that Donna be recognized at the December Nativ-A-Tea along with Board members whose service terms are up. Carol Finn clarified that there is a UMW Executive Board meeting in December which will be held on December 1. Nancy offered to write “Thank You” cards to those leaving the Board and to Circle Presidents who will not be serving next year.
Outstanding Methodist Woman/Outstanding Methodist Youth
It is time for nominations for Outstanding Methodist Woman and Outstanding Methodist Youth for 2016. Copies of the nomination forms were handed out. The only changes made to the nomination forms was the date. Jan will do a “Call to Action” so that the congregation can submit nominations.
Backpack Ministry
Stuffing the backpacks will be held on January 3, 2016. Donya Hall is checking to see if some generic items may be cheaper than the items previously purchased from Sam’s Club.In the past, money for this mission came from Help House but that budget is down. This year the congregation was asked to help support this ministry.
Dates to Remember
Next UMW Board Meeting - Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 9:00am
Paris District Annual Day - October 24, 2015 from 10:00am to noon at Puryear UMC, Puryear, TN
Sister Day, Meet and Great for Purchase Area UMW - November 1, 2015 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Area Office, 2285 Jack Treas Road, Kirksey, Ky (former Methodist Church at Brewers) Registration is at 1:30
MOR Lakeshore Assembly and Retreat Center - November 7 and 8, 2015. Registration deadline is October 23, 2015
UMW Officer Training for 2016 local unit officers - November 12, 2015. Registration is at 6:00 pm Soup and sandwiches will be served. Training begins at 6:45 pm
Mission Coordinator Reports
Membership & Nurturing
Rhea Coleman was absent so there was no report.
Education
Pat Harris reported on racial justice and nonviolence from the September issue of Response magazine and on women and abuse from the October issue of Response magazine. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Pat will look into a mini-mission that our church could do concerning domestic violence awareness. Pat also recommended the article “Having a Heart” in that same magazine issue.
Social Action
Effie Kemp was absent so there was no report.
Communications
Nancy Doty reported. She submitted an article for the Paris District Newsletter describing our UMW efforts for donating, recycling and collecting items for missions and for knitting and crocheting activities for the Shawl Ministry and for rugs for Nicaragua.
Historian
Amber Meadows was absent so there was no report.
Spiritual Growth
Linda Short was not available to report. (World Thank Offering Program)
Circle Reports
Hope Circle - Monica Bogle was not available to report. (World Thank Offering Program)
Friendship-Hannah Circle - Kay Gupton was not available to report. (World Thank Offering Program)
Ruth Wilson Circle - Jackie Beauchamp reported. Directory updates for the circle have been turned in. The circle is helping with the meal for World Thank Offering Program.
Tucker-Frost Circle - Margaret Fritts reported. The Circle sold items at the Murray Farmer’s Market. Items included craft projects, scrap aprons, casserole covers and clothes pin bags note cards, gift tags and bridge tallies. She also reported that a Mini-Bazaar would be set up in the gym on October 25.
The circle has lost two special friends, Betty Lowry and Carolyn Craig. She suggested that a website or blog for special friends could be established. and this could be discussed at the December Board Meeting.
Wesleyan Circle - Carol Wimberley reported. In September the group had a cookout with spouses. They also sold jewelry at a yard sale in the park to support the “No More Malaria” mission. Discounted cross stitch kits are being sold to support local missions. The circle plans to have items for sale at the Mini-Bazaar. They are also taking pickle orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Meeting was closed with a reading from Psalm 139: 23-24.
At the General Board Meeting which followed the Executive Board Meeting the slate of UMW officers for 2016 was presented by Margaret Fritts and approved. The UMW Budget for 2016 was presented by Monica Bogle and was also approved as presented.
Minutes submitted by Debra Fannin, Secretary
