State UMW focuses on primary mission
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At their fall Annual Meeting in Shawnee, United Methodist Women of Oklahoma reaffirmed their mission to help women, children, and youth—a commitment dating back to the organization’s beginning. In 1869, six Methodist women in Boston, Mass., organized to establish a school and hospital in India. This year, domestic violence and human trafficking were among the subjects examined by the 301 women gathered Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at Shawnee-Wesley UMC. Resources for help and advocacy were shared. Karen Mitchell of Stillwater-Highland Park and Jo Ellen Reed of OKC-Sunny Lane UMC updated the group. In August, the two women attended a UMW National Seminar, spotlighting social justice issues, in Birmingham, Ala. In Shawnee, the women celebrated exceeding their 2010 Pledge to Mission and and pledged $310,000 in 2012. They welcomed new officers: Nancy Whittaker of Madill, communications; Donna Brashear of Sapulpa, spiritual growth; Cindy Hull of Waynoka and Helen Reid of Oklahoma City, Nominating Committee members. Kathy Caldron of Ponca City continues as president. And they looked ahead to a special event in 2012: the South Central Jurisdiction UMW Gathering, on June 22-24 in Abilene, Texas. Scholarship applications are available. Also upcoming: Feb. 13—Day at the Legislature, Oklahoma state Capitol April 27-29—Spiritual Growth Retreat, for all women, Camp Egan July 27-30—Cooperative Schools of Christian Mission, OCU Oct. 5-6—Annual Meeting, Elk City |