Our
seven circles have a mission of helping women and children, locally
and throughout the world. Each circle and our unit, as a whole, has
the opportunity to raise funds to serve locally. Through some of our
larger fundraisers substantial dollar donations are sent to local
agencies. Over the past few years, we have supported the following
local agencies through our time, talents and monies: Illinois Youth
Home, Lazarus House, Lifespring Ministries, Rosecrance, UMCOR, Marcy
Newberry Association, Crisis Pregnancy Center, ASP, Tri-City Health
Services.
In
addition to our fundraisers, we also pledge dollars to our UMW
District on a yearly basis. This money, along with dollars from
other UMW units, is combined and then distributed by the Women’s
Division of the General Board of Global Ministries of the Methodist
Church to organizations in the U.S. as well as throughout the world.
As a unit, we contribute to the missions of Baker Memorial as well,
donating to the Refugee Resettlement Fund and needed remodeling
projects around our church.
Our
Prayer Quilt ministry has received much appreciation from recipients
and families. Many women participate in the Reading program of
selected books from conference. Spiritual retreats are either hosted
internally or organized trips are planned to attend UMW District or
other larger retreats. We sometimes host Wednesday night suppers at
church, help with the North High School Madrigal Dinner, provide
refreshments for the St. Charles Singers Concert, host a Santa
Breakfast and a Princess Party, serve hot beverages and popcorn at
the St. Charles Christmas Parade, plan and implement an annual
spring event and participate in other events of the church.
We
are a busy group of women who will, with God’s help, continue our
missions by pledging our money, time and talents.
A heartfelt
invitation is extended to all women in our congregation!
Baker
Memorial's United Methodist Women's organization provide a variety
of exciting opportunities for fellowship, Bible studies, missions
outreach, and fundraising. The mission team, the governing board,
meets the first Wednesday of every month. Our seven active circles,
each comprised of 10-20 women, are listed below. We welcome all
women with open arms!
Which Circle
is best for YOU?
2010 CIRCLES
Sarah Circle
– This circle of retired women is chaired by Joan Arteberry Zavitz.
Meetings take place on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 12:30 pm
(3rd Wednesday in November and December) in the church parlor.
Ruth Circle
– Mary Linebarger chairs this lively circle for working and retired
women. On the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm, this circle
meets in members’ homes for a program and dessert.
Lydia Circle
– Chaired by Jan McPeak, this is a circle of working women. Meetings
take place on the last Tuesday of the month in the evenings at the
discretion of the member hosting the event. In addition to their
meetings, this Circle hosts a “Group Birthday Party” at the Illinois
Youth Center on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. (This is an optional
mission for members who have fulfilled IYC volunteer requirements.)
Esther Circle
– Mandy Hale & Danielle Wukitsch co-chair this circle of busy, young
women. They gather the 4th Monday of the month at various locations
in the area. This circle provides fellowship and friendship as well
as service to the congregation and community.
Phoebe Circle
– Chaired by Kristin Fischer & Sharon Wadelin, this circle of young
adults is geared for mothers of tweens and teens. Meetings take
place at the church on the second Tuesday of the month from 9:30 to
11:00 am.
Miriam Circle
- is a GIRLS CIRCLE made up of girls from grades 4-8. They are
sponsored by Jennifer Swenson and Sarah Harwick. Meetings will be
the 3rd Sunday of the month beginning at 12:30 (with an optional
sack lunch prior at noon). The girls focus is service projects,
programs and fellowship.
Rebecca
Circle
– is our newest
circle just formed in August! This hig school circle of young women
will meet the 2nd Sunday of the month at 10:30. The adult
sponsors for the circle are Paula Hall and Ginny Swiatek. The focus
will be study and mission projects.
UMW 2009-2010 Board Members
Co-Presidents ………………...Mary Linebarger & Chris
Stumpf
Co-Secretaries………………..Sarah Hardwick and
Jennifer Swenson
Treasurer……………………Judy Schlarb
Hospitality…………………... Michele Claney, Carol
Harris, Sharon Krusinski,
Membership/Nurturing………...Kim Starr
Social
Justice………………….Position Open…Please join us!
Reading
Program...........................Elaine Johnson
Sunshine……………………...Ginny Temple
Spiritual
Growth…………….....Ellyn Walker
2009 Retreat Photos
2007 Retreat Photos
2006 Retreat Photos
UNITED METHODIST
WOMEN
THE WOMEN’S RETREAT
2009
