JOIN OUR UNITED METHODIST WOMEN!

Our unit of the United Methodist Women (UMW) is one of UUMC's greatest assets, and their efforts on behalf of worldwide and nearby missions inspire UUMC to greater heights every year. Annual mission studies led by the UMW continue to educate the congregation about mission fields and needs, as well as social concerns, in the US and abroad.

Monthly circle meetings feature insightful programs in addition to enjoyable fellowship. UMW members are encouraged to observe special seasons of prayer and self-denial and to participate in an annual reading program on current topics.

The UMW sponsors retreats for women, prepares meals and gives support to church families in times of illness or bereavement, sponsors a prayer chain for needs within the church, and honors church members with mission pins signifying a donation toward missions in the honoree's name.

Every spring, the UMW recognizes high school and university graduates; in the fall, they sponsor an ice cream social to honor our church staff and kick off the fall activities. The UMW's fundraising activities, as well as their special programs through the year, are always lively and entertaining. Throughout UUMC's history, almost every church activity has benefited from UMW members' behind-the-scenes efforts.

To learn more about our UMW, send an e-mail to umw@uumclascruces.org.

Circles meet the third Tuesday of each month:

• Susie Cox Circle (meets in the church parlor at 9:00 a.m.). Established in 1959.
  
• Mary Martha Circle (meets for potluck luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in members' homes). Established in 1968.
  
• Susanna Wesley Circle (meets at 7:00 p.m. in members' homes). Established 1966-70; 1974-present.
  
• Priscilla Circle (meets at 7:00 p.m. in members' homes). Established 1983.

The purpose of the United Methodist Women 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."

Within a year of UUMC 's founding in 1956, the women organized a Women's Society of Christian Service, now known as the United Methodist Women. At that time, the group committed to contribute sixty percent of their pledge money to missions work and forty percent to a building fund. They soon embarked on an effort to provide for needs of the church and parsonage: a commitment they still honor. Their first purchases were a washer for the parsonage and a mimeograph machine for the office.

UMW's major project local project in 2006 was the purchase of a commercial dishwasher for use in the church kitchen--after fifty years of washing dishes by hand!