Sharing: Elgin District UMW
On Saturday, January 31st, Elgin District United Methodist Women gathered at the First UMC in Crystal Lake to celebrate and share ideas with one another. The day began with opening worship, Elgin District UMW and church leadership from across two Districts gathered together in song, prayer and praise, blessing prayer shawls for NIU.
After worship the UMW gathered in Wesley Hall as a DVD of short UMW stories from the last Assembly (Anaheim CA) greeted them. We were asked to divide into local church clusters as they were explained to us, this was followed by a review of our UMW Purpose. Then we played a game of "Are you smarter than a district officer?"
During the second session of the morning we watched another portion of the DVD which focused on a Native American story, we were told about the School of Christian Mission and this summer's studies. Leadership stories from UMW were shared and we heard reflections from the Nominations Chair on serving and the openings that we still have in our Mission Team. We gathered again in small groups, of our choice, this time, according to our interest in the topic ideas. To end our special day we gathered in a large circle for a closing prayer.
Mark your calendar for the April 25th Elgin District UMW Day of Spiritual Renewal, "I Believe in Jesus", at the Libertyville UMC. This will be a wonderful time of 'renewal' for all women. School of Christian Mission studies are: "Food and Faith", "Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival" and "The Beauty and Courage of Sudan"; gather with us at the table on July 23-26 (open to all: children, youth, men, women, laity and pastors) at Judson University.
Additional Pictures of the event
 |
 |
 |
Breakout topics were as follows:
- Fundraising and Where the Money goes
- Membership and Nominations
- Reading Program, Program materials and Program planning
- Secretarial and Connectional information
- Supporting the Spiritual Growth of Women
- Education and Interpretation
- Communicating in UMW - the why's and how's of communication
- Social Action - What can you do?
- Information for Presidents
