Poteau hosts 266 United Methodist Women

The 2014 Leadership Team for Oklahoma’s United Methodist Women surrounds President Cindy Hull, center front, at the Annual Meeting, held Oct. 5 in Poteau. They are listed from left. Front row: Marsha Lyons, Glenda Gilpin, Ramona Paine, Shirley Franklin, Hull, Jacci Freno, Donna Roberts, Coe Ann Patton, Kelly McKinley, Joyce Alfred, and Phyllis Hallett. Back row: Becky Brown, Betty Prentice, and Carol Ann Bolser. Not shown: Sue Helms, Eursey Lenoir, Judy Horne, Helen Reid, Janice Bryan, Moylene Davis, Carla Garrison, Jerrie Lindsey, and Jo Ellen Reed.

On Oct. 4-5, Sharon Migliorato attended her third Annual Meeting of Oklahoma Conference’s United Methodist Women. She was joined by 265 UMW sisters from across the state, gathering at Poteau UMC.

Together, they heard Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. proclaim "Everyone Matters."

In his keynote speech, Bishop Hayes said Jesus made each person he met "feel like they counted," said Migliorato. Among his illustrations were Zacchaeus, the woman at the well, and a boy with a few fish and some bread.

Hayes emphasized:

• God gave everyone a gift.

• Once you put your gift into God’s capable hands, remarkable things happen.

"People feel their gift isn’t spectacular enough," Migliorato said. "Little is much with the Lord."

The 2014 Oklahoma Conference UMW Pledge totaled $289,223.

Seven districts were recognized for starting or sustaining Racial Justice Charter Clubs. They were: Lawton District, 11 new; Muskogee District, four new, seven sustained; Stillwater District, one new, nine sustained, two restarted; North OKC, one new, six sustained; South OKC sustained eight; Tulsa and Woodward Districts sustained one each.

Also, Elaine Parrent spoke about the 125th anniversary of the Church’s deaconess program, pianist Kim Bulman performed, Sandy Wilder spoke about UMW legacy giving, and district officers were trained.

Migliorato is North Oklahoma City District secretary/social action coordinator.