The Iola United Methodist Women covered several topics at their Feb. 27 meeting.
Thank you notes were read for funeral dinners prepared by UMW.
Pastor Jocelyn Tupper shared several items from the Prayer Calendar such as a much-needed scholarship from Perkins School of Theology. Many opportunities are available to serve within the church such as deaconesses who can, at the same time, have a job in their interest area. Suicides of college age students is extremely high in Japan. The United Methodist Church, UMW and Wesley United Methodist Church are working to take on the issue, here and abroad.
The UMW is reviving a former EUB school in Sierra Leone.
Donna Grigsby reported an East Belfast mission in Ireland is working to resolve conflicts there. She reminded the group that an index of the 2019 articles is in the January/February issue.
Pastor Tupper encouraged the group to read books from the Reading Program, suggesting two: “Eleanor Roosevelt” and “Finding Peace in an Anxious World,” which is one of the Mission U studies.
On April 25, Iola will host the Spring District Meeting, at Calvary. Lori Holman from Hope Unlimited will speak. Gwen Teft volunteered to organize food preparation for light refreshments and lunch for the 14 officers.
Regina Woodworth asked members to read an informative letter encouraging women to join UMW. A letter was approved to send to prospective members, although the group agreed to hold off on sending out them in case they want to prepare a dinner as well. They discussed hosting a dinner in June.
Members are asked to bring hats and gloves for children and youth and work with CHC to distribute as needed.
A Church Lenten calendar is available which will benefit the Food Pantry. Also the Lenten Quarter envelopes are available again.
The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. April 23 at Calvary.
