United Methodist Women (UMW)

United Methodist Women (UMW) is providing a means for women to meet new friends, become involved in various mission and service projects, and encourage one another in the Christian faith.  For more information on UMW, please contact Anita Beck at anitajbeck@comcast.net.     

The following Circles meet for study, prayer, fellowship, projects and fun.   New members of all ages are always welcome.

Grace - This is a group of young mothers who combine mission work with supportive fellowship.  Their focus in service includes donations to Prevail and College Care Boxes for college students during exams.  This circle meets at 9:00am. the second Monday of the month during the school year in Wesley Hall.

Joy - Is a Circle just for girls in Grades 4-8. 

Lydia – Lydia Circle is a diverse group of fun-loving, supportive, working women who meet the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm in the Parlor.  Our focus is to share in Christian fellowship and support all of the UMW mission projects.

Priscilla - This is a diverse group of women who share a common interest in Christian service and fellowship.  Many members work outside the home. Service projects include leadership for the Layette Project for babies of needy families and the UMCOR School Kits. This circle meets at 7:00pm. on the second Wednesday of the month during the school year in the Church Parlor or at the home of a circle member.

Rebekah - This group of women often have field trips in the Indy area. Service projects include coordinating the annual Christmas Tea and the Clothesline, which supports Prevail.   This circle often meets at 9:00am on the third Wednesday in the Church Parlor, but also may meet in a member's home or take a trip somewhere.  

Susannah - This group of women most of whom are retired.  They concentrate on coordinating the Lenten Breakfast and supporting other UMW mission projects. This circle meets at 9:30am on the fourth Tuesday in the Church Parlor for selected studies.  

UMW History and Emblem

Although organized women’s groups at NFUMC date back to the 1880's, the official chartering of our United Methodist Women unit was on March 17, 1973.  We are a community of diverse women who seek to offer creative and supportive fellowship to one another through monthly meetings, service projects, and special activities.  Our desire is to integrate our Christian faith with our daily lives, as we apply our gifts and talents in ministry to the needs of our congregation, community, and world.

The official emblem for the UMW is the cross and a flame symbolizing the Holy Spirit.  The cross and flame are ancient symbols of the church dating back to the days of Christ and Pentecost.  Each evokes images of sacrifice, witness and service.  They remind us of both the opportunities and obligations of discipleship.  Paul's ancient words to Timothy have fresh and contemporary meaning.  " I now remind you to stir into flame the gift of God which is within you."  II Timothy 1:6

As part of the emblem for UMW, these symbols remind us of our purpose:  helping women to grow in the understanding of, and willingness to participate in, the mission of the church.  These also remind us of our heritage, of women who pioneered in service for the church at home and abroad and in organizing women for mission service and support in many areas of need.

The shape of the emblem is likewise symbolic.  It is fluid and free flowing, suggesting change and mobility.  As organized groups of women, this has been our heritage.  Often at the forefront of the movements for change, at times supporting the projects initiated by others, we strive to be aware of the times and to move with events rather than be overwhelmed by them.

The cross, the flame, and the individual with her abilities and opportunities –   all are elements of the vibrant, contemporary 21st century movement for UMW.