United Methodist Women is an integral part of the United Methodist Church. "In every local church there shall be an organized unit of United Methodist Women."

Women actively choose to become involved in this inclusive mission organization.

"Membership shall be open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong and to participate in the global mission of the church through United Methodist Women. The pastor(s) shall be an cx-officio member of the local unit and of its executive committee." Members are involved through prayer, giving, attending meetings, study, action or service. The Book of Discipline 1992.

AUTHORIZATION

The organization of United Methodist Women is authorized to "secure funds for the fulfillment of its purpose" and to send its funds through the channels of the organization directly to Women's Division. "All undesignated funds channeled to the Women's Division shall be appropriated by the division." (The Book of Discipline, Par. 264.6, Article 6e.)

We like David know the Lord has blessed us with a goodly heritage and with faithful Mothers and Grandmothers who willingly served the Lord with their labors of love.

The following pages of this book tell of the history of 50 units of United Methodist Women in the United Methodist Churches of the Terre Haute District.

These stories tell the many works and acts of our faithful sisters who have ministered on behalf of the church to the needs and hurts of people the world over.

We commend this history to you. As you read it may it inspire your devotion to the Mission arm of the church and challenge you to continue to participate in vital ministry thru the United Methodist Women.

Our Thanks and gratitude for the many hours of preparation and compiling this history to the following persons: Vera Wright, Mary Baxter, Lois Nickel, Rosalie Metheny, and Edith Smith. God Bless You!

Our present church resulted from a merger of Otterbein United Brethren Church and Montrose Methodist Church in Terre Haute. The Ladies' groups also merged, eventually becoming the United Methodist Women. It was a smooth transition with everyone working together, and we all enjoyed moving into our new church building in 1968. In 1976, the Guidepost Church of the Year Award was presented to Memorial.

Our United Methodist Women's General Meetings are held at different times to meet the needs of the women. Some meetings are luncheon meetings, some are breakfast meetings, and some General Meetings are held in the evening. One of our most impressive and inspirational meetings each year is the Day of Prayer and Self-Denial Service, which is held during Lent and is strictly devotional, with silence observed during the sacrificial meal, except for appropriate music and quotations from the Bible.

We have six active Circles, which meet at different times. One circle for young mothers has a baby sitter who takes care of the children. One is a book discussion Circle. There are two daytime Circles, one evening Circle and one Saturday morning Circle. Each Circle has several Love Members who are visited and remembered with cards.

Four times a year some of our members put out a newsletter which is sent to all of our United Methodist Women, and is newsy, clever, and informative.

Some of the activities that our members have been involved in during the years are: bandages were rolled for the mission field; used stamps were collected; also aluminum, special coupons, used eye glasses, etc., each for its own need. At one time mincemeat was made and canned for sale. Spices were sold, also pecans, and cans of candy. The profits from these went to help meet our pledge. Money was also made by cooking and serving meals to groups. A sewing group met and made beautiful quilts and other items.

Most of our budget is now met by pledging; but there are also money-making activities, such as chili suppers, ice cream socials, and garage sales, which give our members opportunities for cooperation and fellowship with other church members and the general public. A Wedding-Anniversary Committee serves receptions as requested, and profits go to the treasury.

We also support the World Hunger Table, where members who have extra produce bring it on Sunday morning and leave it on the World Hunger Table. Those who wish to take whatever produce they can use and leave a monetary donation for World Hunger Relief.

The District Meetings, School of Missions, etc. are well attended by our members, who gain much help and inspiration from them.

Under the leadership of our officers and guidance of our ministers, we hope to continue to grow in faith and enthusiasm, filling the need of our women for a good support group to enrich their Christian lives.

The official emblem for The United Methodist Church combines the cross and a flame symbolizing the Holy Spirit. The emblem for United Methodist Women likewise includes the cross and flame.

The cross and flame are ancient symbols of the church dating back to the days of Christ and Pentecost. Each evokes images of sacrifice, witness and service. They remind us of both the opportunities and obligations of discipleship. Paul's ancient words to Timothy have fresh and contemporary meaning: "...I now remind you to stir into flame the gift of God which is within you." (II Timothy 1:6a--NEB)

As part of the emblem for United Methodist women these symbols remind us of our PURPOSE of helping women to grow in their understanding of, and willingness to participate in, the mission of the church. These also remind us of our heritage, of women who

pioneered in service for the church at home and abroad and in organizing women for mission service and support in many areas of need.

The shape of the emblem is likewise symbolic. It is fluid and free-flowing, suggesting change and mobility. As organized groups of women, this has been our heritage. Often at the forefront of movements for change, at times supporting the projects initiated by others, we strive to be aware of the times and to move vnth events rather than be overwhelmed by them.

The cross, the flame, and the individual with her abilities and opportunities-all are elements of a vibrant contemporary movement for United Methodist Women.