Rev. Dr. Kim Cape, Alberta Shelton & Sue Sidney at reception
Sandy Wilder, Roger Temme (Outreach Coordinator of The Care Communities) & Virginia Marek at reception
2008 Hope Award Celebration
Austin Area Interreligious Ministries (AAIM) honored two recipients for their Hope Award April 10, 2008 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin. United Methodist Women of the Austin District were recognized for years of distinguished social service and Rabbi Steven Folberg and Congregation Beth Israel were recognized for opening their doors to AAIM’s 2007 Thanksgiving Celebration.
Rev. Sara Currie spoke on behalf of the United Methodist Women as she presented this award to a representative group of women. She affirmed that United Methodist Women of the Austin District have been trail blazers in the Austin community for many years. An example of their commitment to social justice and equality in Austin can be found in the Montopolis Friendship Community Center, which they founded over 50 years ago. The Center provides a rich array of services to the people of the Montopolis community, including early childhood programs, a ‘seniors’ activities project, and a scholarship program for local students.
The UMW has a long history of supporting racial and economic justice, public education, and environmental causes within the Austin community and has been a strong supporter of AAIM and interfaith work. Rev. Currie also talked about the three mission studies that United Methodist Women undertake annually and the role of UMW in pushing forward toward the ordination of women. It is humbling for the almost 1900 members of the United Methodist Women in Austin District to be so honored by AAIM. We share a rich legacy indeed of extending hope to others, but as Tom Spencer, CEO of AAIM, so eloquently stated, hope alone is essential but not enough, it requires vigilance, time and labor to blossom. United Methodist Women give those gifts to make a difference and offer hope.
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Rev. Dr. Kim Cape, Alberta Shelton & Sue Sidney at reception |
Sandy Wilder, Roger Temme (Outreach Coordinator of The Care Communities) & Virginia Marek at reception |
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Rev. Sara Currie spoke on behalf of the |
Laughter from the Group. |
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Representative group receiving the Hope Award |
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| Margaret Glueck accepting Hope Award upon behalf of United Methodist Women of Austin District | Group Photo |
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| Pat Stewart, Margaret Glueck, Billie Tallie (Chair of
Montopolis Friendship Community Center Board) Previous photos by Jane G. Parsons. |
Christine Dixon, Tom Spencer
(CEO of AAIM) and Pat Stewart Photo by Margaret Glueck. |
