United Methodist Women

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.

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

UMW History and Emblem

Although organized womens groups at FUMC 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.

UMW Purpose

United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the Church.

During 2006, the major sources of income for our UMW unit will be pledges and donations from members plus the profits from the annual Fish & Chicken Fry and the Rummage Sale. Money sent through our UMW district treasurer to Women's Division aids in many mission projects both in the USA and world-wide. Each year money is also contributed to Metro Ministries, the Red Cross Food Pantry, Third Phase, our Boy Scout Troop, our missionary Jaymie, and the UMW Mission Projects.

UMW Mission Projects

Brightwood Community Center

FUMC Student Ministry youth groups

Fletcher Place Community Center

Habitat for Humanity

Iglesia Metodista Unida Vida Nueva

The Lucille Raines Home

Riverview Health Clinic

UMW Circles

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 9:00 a.m. the second Monday of the month during the school year in Wesley Hall.

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 7:00 p.m. 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 9:00 a.m. 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 9:30 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday in the Church Parlor for selected studies.

2006 General Events

UMW Sunday - Sunday, February 26

Lenten Breakfast - Wednesday, March 1@ 9:30 a.m., Wesley Hall

Mother / Child Banquet - Friday, May 12 @ 6:30 p.m., Celebration Hall

Rummage Sale - July 10 to July 14, Celebration Hall

Autumn Luncheon - Friday, September 29 @ 11:30 a.m., Wesley Hall

Fish Fry - Friday, October 13, Celebration Hall

Christmas Tea - Wednesday, December 6 @ 9:30 a.m., Church Parlor