Little Wabash River District
News
News from Little Wabash River District
Charge Conference was a party at Flora First:
Yes, we said a party! Pastor Renner frequently announced the upcoming Charge Conference and invited the whole church to attend our “party” for that purpose this year on Thursday, September 23. He decided to make it a “fun” time and had tables decorated, door prizes, and hymns throughout the evening along with a dessert table.
Awards were given to Ms. Bea Richards and Mr. Gary Bright for Soul Winning this year and to Mr. & Mrs. Steve Rudy for encouragement of the Pastor throughout the year.
We appreciate the co-operative spirit of Flora First, as we had 62 in attendance that evening. We thank our District Superintendent for coming and enjoying the evening with us! If your church would like to know more about that party – contact Flora First and make your Charge Conference a “party” this year!
Volunteers roof Mt. Carmel woman’s home:
Mt. Carmel resident, Betty Goad, and her pastor, Rev. Jon Sims of Mt. Carmel Trinity UMC, stood outside her home to give thanks after more than 20 volunteers replaced her tarnished roof right after the Thanksgiving Holiday. Six area churches were involved in this project and will take responsibility for the cost.
Betty Goad’s home was filled with buckets and containers to catch the water from numerous leaks that plagued her worn roof for more than a year. However, with the help of caring volunteers in the community, the 67-year old Mt. Carmel resident received an unexpected early Christmas present.
It all began when life-long friend, Jeanne Neely, began helping Goad after she broker her hip last November. While helping her friend around the house, Jeanne and her husband, Ben, noticed the multiplying number of containers and buckets set on the floors throughout the different rooms. Betty had even had to move her bed because of the rain water leaking into the bedroom. Even so, Betty, who is on a fixed income and works as a home health aid once a week, never harped on the growing inconvenience.
As time went on, Jeanne decided to ask for help from family and friends, as well as members of her church, Adams Corner United Methodist Church. She also called Betty’s pastor, Rev. Jon Sims of Trinity UMC, to see what could be done to remedy the problem. After an unsuccessful attempt to obtain program funds, Rev. Sims and friend, Mike Neikirk of Wabash Presbyterian Church also spread the word to try and get funding for labor for a new roof.
All of a sudden four churches got involved and set the day after Thanksgiving as the work day. Armed with tools, material, muscle and a lot of heart, more than 20 people from a total of six area churches spent that day and a few hours the next completely replacing the roof. Volunteers ranged in age from the teens to “older” age and included members of Trinity UMC, Wabash Presbyterian Church, Adams Corner UMC, House of Prayer, Allendale Christian Church, and Evangelical UMC. Some of those volunteers didn’t even know who Betty was! Along with the roof, repairs on the chimney were made and some volunteers provided needed refreshments.
With all the free labor, costs of the roof was estimated to be $1,500 and that will be distributed throughout the churches involved. Aside from the trim and guttering work that still needs to be done to complete the project, Betty does not have to worry about bundling up from the cold or placing any more buckets around the house. Betty said: “It doesn’t leak anymore. I want to thank them all and wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year”. Betty will be spending the New Year warmer and dryer thanks to God’s people.
Little Wabash River District UMW announce dates:
Important dates for the UMW members around the District have been announced.
February 25-26, 2005 Conference Spiritual Retreat, Collinsville, IL.
March 4, 2005 World Day of Prayer
March 8, 2005 District Retreat and Spiritual Growth meeting at West Salem Zion UMC
April 21, 2005 District Spring Meeting at Enfield UMC
July 22-24 Weekend School of Christian Mission in Springfield
July 25-28 Weekday School of Christian Mission in Springfield
September UMW Sunday
September 17 District Annual Meeting at Flora First UMC
October 1 Conference Annual Meeting in Springfield
November 10 District Officers Update at Mt. Carmel Trinity UMC
If you need any information about these meetings, please contact Marilyn Allison, District President, at 702 Third Street, Carmi, IL 62821 or call 618-384-5251 or e-mail revleroy@midwest.net
Epworth Camp announces accreditation:
“We at Epworth Camp are delighted to announce the recent notification that our camp has earned ACA-Accredited Camp Status!” reports Rev. Robert Thompson, site manager. This is verification from the American Camp Association that the camp, during a visit on June 28, 2004, complied with up to 300 industry-established health and safety standards, which are recognized by courts of law and government regulators.
Epworth Camp recognizes that ACA camps set the standard for the industry. For Epworth, it is a regular, independent health and safety audit of camp operations. For parents, the ACA-accredited camp sign symbolizes excellence and the camp’s accountability and ongoing commitment to those whom they serve.
Epworth Camp was founded in 1943 and is located in Louisville, Illinois. The camp is in operation year round and offers summer camping to those who are entering grade 1 through the oldest Grandparent who wants to come. “ In July, we host the Clay County Interdenominational Holiness Camp Meeting. Also renting our facilities for summer camps are the Louisville Baptist Association and The Cumberland Presbyterian camps. The Wabash Valley Walk to Emmaus rents our camp plus others (both United Methodist and other denominations) for weekend retreats. All our sleeping facilities are heated and air-conditioned and air purifiers are also being added to all sleeping facilities.” reports Rev. Thompson. For more information or to book a retreat, you can contact the camp at 618-665-3995. The camp’s website at www.epworthumcamp.com is currently being updated – be sure to check out information concerning this summer’s camping programs.