Shawl Ministry
This ministry began with a small group of women who participated in the first Women's Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary. One of the members began knitting "healing shawls" for women who were undergoing treatment for breast cancer and other illnesses. Other members soon began to knit shawls for new mothers. More recently, women have knitted shawls for men who are ill – and received very heartfelt thanks for this gift of healing, These wonderful gifts of love can be found all over the country now!

A letter to UMW members and friends,

Alys Hoover, our president, Janet Mergener, secretary and myself attended the annual district UMW meeting on Sept. 19th at Lake Odessa United Methodist Church. Alys is remaining a district officer in the capacity of historian through 2005. I won a cute decorative bird house at the luncheon that the ladies provided!

Recently our UMW organization had it's semi-annual fall rummage sale, under the leadership of Corrine Schad, dau. Wendy Hector and family, with profits of $1,925.00! Many thanks to all workers making it the best rummage sale so far!

The 21st annual Christmas by Candlelight event is coming up on Monday night, December 6th, chaired by Nora Wellman. Last year a delightful program was given on the "Twelve Days of Christmas". Our president will be giving out some awards to the membership again this year.

Our shawl ministry is an on-going project. So far about 20 shawls have been given out. Most of the recipients are very grateful for the time and effort put into each shawl. We like to tell each person that each time they put on the shawl it's like a "hug from God"! A prayer of healing and warmth is given with each shawl.

If any of you like to knit or crochet and find that you have some time on your hands while relaxing this winter or watching TV it is easy to fill that time by crocheting or knitting a shawl. You can develop your own pattern for finishing off one! If any one needs help in attaining yarn or knitting needles just call me or the office and leave a message with your name and phone number.

Many thanks to all of you members responding to our pledge drive and the World Thank offerings. Our organization is celebrating it's 135th anniversary year and we have sent in

$1.35 for each member to our district organization. We have 75 active members and 6 honorary members including Rev. Tom Evans.

Sincerely from your treasurer,
Barbara J. Pell