Fourteen women met on Monday, July 31 at 7:00 pm at the Yorktown Methodist Church in Fellowship Hall. Gayle Gernand, Barb Baker and Brenda Olson welcomed everyone, and everyone shared their names and favorite memories of a time in a women’s group. Gayle then led the group in devotions centered around Ephesians 3:16-17, and the wish for enough sunshine and rain in our lives to keep us close to God. The devotions were followed by a prayer and refreshments.
Information was shared about the new Sewing Circle that will meet the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 6:00-8:00 pm. The group plans on making pillow cases, tote bags, and rice bags for area ministries. Brenda Olson and Tracey Leffler are the contact people.
Barb Baker shared a little about the Lydia Circle and what they have done in the past. They are planning to kickoff the new year with a meeting on Tuesday, September 12 at Pizza King, and then on to the church at 7:00. In the past, their meetings have included devotions and work on a service project tying blankets. They also have done the Christmas Tea the past few years.
The group then brainstormed ideas that might be a good fit for the women at YMC. Ideas included:
- Homemade card ministry for shut-ins, illnesses, and people in nursing homes
- Wesley’s closet - collecting clothing, miscellaneous items, & selling them once a month and donating the proceeds
- Knitting & crocheting group
- Book study
- Bazaar items
- Service projects
- Mission trips
- Look for additional needs for Reach, Covenant Partners, Hands of Hope
- Exercise groups - like zumba, yoga, pickleball
- Helping the church to do more community dinners like Harvest Dinner, Spring Chicken Noodle Supper, and Seder Supper during Lent
- Assist Lucille Raines Residence Hall
There is a need for those interested in assuming a leadership role to step forward. The purpose of a leadership group would be to help set additional goals and help determine the direction of YMC Women. Ella shared that the original purpose of the women’s circles were to know God, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship, and to participate in the global ministries of the church. Individuals were asked to give the leadership positions some thought and prayer. Interested potential leaders were encouraged to talk with Barb, Brenda, or Gayle.
Goals were set for the coming year:
- Continuation of the monthly breakfast at Osborn’s on second Tuesday at 8:30
- Sewing Circle on first & third Tuesdays of the month
- Lydia Circle - Meeting date to be determined after group meets
- All church carry-in in October - Judy St. John organizer, lots of help needed
- Christmas Tea - Lydia Circle organizing, others welcome to help
The meeting was closed with prayer.
Attendance: Sharon Wills, Judy St. John, Carol Ward, Joy Sours, Carol Brooks, Linda Martin, Vickie Seymour, Bonnie Willy, Michelle Miller, Linda McBride, Ella Reff, Brenda Olson, Barb Baker, and Gayle Gernand
