The New Paltz UMW have chosen a book to read and then be discussed, probably in May. We have chosen “Whose Raising Your Child: Battling the Marketers For your Child’s Heart and Soul” from the United Methodist Women’s Reading Program. This book explores today’s hyper-commercialized society and the damage it is doing to children as they grow from toddlers to teens in a culture of consumption. The book is $12.95 and can be ordered from Brenda Beane at 691-6251. We hope some of the young families (father’s included) might be interested in joining this study group.

      Our next meeting of the UMW will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 10 a.m. The meeting will be led by Pastor Dorothy with one of the NOOMA videos being the theme.

      The Second Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on March 22nd in the Fellowship Hall. This hunt will be open to the community and include games, crafts, light snack and the Hunt. We are asking for donations of candy and plastic eggs. Ally and Mike Shannon will coordinate. If you can help, please contact Ally and Mike at mikeandally@optonline.net. Young adults would be most welcome.

      On Saturday, April 12th, all ladies and gentlemen from the church are invited to join the “The Ladies in Black” in their vigil of Peace from 12:00 Noon to l p.m. in front of the Library. Please wear black in solidarity of this effort.

      The Catskill Hudson District UMW held a retreat the end of January at the St. Joseph’s Villa in Saugerties, The theme “Spiritual Disciples” with Holly Moore and the leader. It was a week-end of great silence which gave the attendees a chance to listen and speak with God. They also experiences walking the Labyrinth on the retreat grounds and the importance of “staying on the path” in regard to faith. Other disciplines were also discussed. The retreat was a fine experience and is scheduled again the end of January, 2008 with a new and different theme.

      All women are invited to attend the meetings, both local and district. Our next district meeting will be on May 3rd at the Kerhonkson Federated Church. There is always car-pooling and baby sitting if needed.

            Pat Wager, President