United Methodist Women

The United Methodist Women (UMW) participate in a variety of activities, supporting mission projects in the community, the nation, and the world. The participants have a great deal of fun and fellowship. The group is open to any woman in the church or community - there is no need to be a member of Friendship United Methodist Church.

The UMW at Friendship is made up of two groups-the Dorcas-Lydia Circle and the Tabitha Circle. Each circle holds its own meetings and plans its own activities, but projects often involve the members of both circles. There is a UMW Executive Committee for Friendship, which handles general UMW business for the church and serves as the interface with the Annapolis District UMW and Baltimore-Washington Conference UMW.

The primary activity of the UMW is mission work, with a special emphasis on the needs of women and children. The UMW holds fundraisers and uses the money collected to support mission projects. Some are supported directly, while others are funded through the Friendship UMW's yearly pledges and financial commitments to the district and conference UMW. Each year, the group also recognizes individuals within the church family - men or women who have made significant contributions to Friendship United Methodist Church and presents them with a UMW Recognition Pin.

The UMW also provides an opportunity for personal growth and fellowship. The circle meetings often include a program by either a member or guest speaker. Some are based on scripture passages, while other address issues of interest to women. Both the conference and district also offer a variety of programs, publications, and other resources. Each circle holds a monthly meeting and also plans a variety of activities and outings-some for specific mission projects and some just for fun. From church dinners, dinner at an area restaurant, a picnic at a member's home, to a scavenger hunt, shopping trip, or even a slumber party, the opportunities to have fun and get to know other women at Friendship United Methodist Church abound.

If you would like additional information about the UMW program at Friendship United Methodist Church, please contact the church office at (410) 257-7133.

Friendship UMW Meeting Schedule

Tabitha Circle
When: Third Monday, 7 p.m. (except May, June, & July)
Where: At the church, but sometimes at a member's home or a local restaurant

The Tabitha Circle Invites All Women of Friendship for Ladies' Night Out!
Monday, May 20, 2013 - 6:45 pm
Pirates Cove Restaurant 4817 Riverside Drive, Galesville, MD
RSVP to Shari Thorne-Sulima at 301-261-9376 or sthorne-sulima@wc.com by Fri., May 17
Prizes awarded for best Tropical Attire!


What does the Tabitha Circle do? Why should I join? Here's a brief answer: We deliver cards and gift baskets to church members recovering from illness or experiencing a death in their family; we donate personal comfort items and baby necessities to the Prince Frederick women's shelter; we share scripture and pray for each other; we host the annual Shrimp & Roast Beef Dinner to fund our projects; and we share in an annual Cookie Exchange where we assemble treat baskets to deliver to shut-in and ill congregation members. We have fun as we share faith and fellowship. All women of FUMC are invited to join the Tabitha Circle. Questions: Call Shari Thorne-Sulima at 301-261-9376. Come and be the next link in the Tabitha Circle's growing "Circle of Friendship"!

SAFE HARBOR, INC. WOMEN'S SHELTER WELCOMES YOUR DONATIONS!
For many years the Tabitha Circle has supported the Safe Harbor, Inc. Women's Shelter located in Prince Frederick through donations and prayers. You can be an extension of the Tabitha Circle's "Circle of Friendship" through your donation of disposable personal-size necessities (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, lotion), non-perishable food items (canned soup, tuna, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce) and infants/childrens items (diapers, baby wipes, bikes, gently-used clean clothing for children of all sizes). Your donations help to meet the immediate needs of these innocent victims of domestic violence. Please place your donations in the marked box located in the hall between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. If you have questions, please contact Tabitha Circle President Shari Thorne-Sulima at 301-261-9376. Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."



Dorcas-Lydia Circle
When: First Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.
Where: At the church, but sometimes at a member's home or a local restaurant

The next meeting of the Dorcas-Lydia Circle will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 12 noon at Skippers Pier Restaurant in Deale

UMW Executive Committee
When: Quarterly
Where: At the church