The Northern Maine United Methodist Women held their sub-district annual meeting at Grant Memorial United Methodist Church on April 12 with 24 members and two guests present. This year’s theme was “Sharing Missions.”
Registration and fellowship started at 9:30 a.m., with light refreshments available. President Lavone Walters called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. The opening prayer was given by Lavone, followed by the “UMW Purpose” read in unison.
The hymn “Lord I Want to Be a Christian” was then sung. The welcome was given by Charlene Buzza of Grant Memorial UMC. Devotions were given by Lois McDivitt, who read a selection from The New Testament and continued with various readings — the topic being “My Jesus is Everything.”
Elaine Bailey read the secretary’s report for April 10, 2013, which was accepted as read. She then gave the treasurer’s report for the period ending April 12, 2014. The report was accepted as presented. Elaine then had the roll call of units, with each reporting on new missions they had undertaken over the past year. It was wonderful to learn of all the projects the various United Methodist Women’s groups have undertaken during the past year.
The Program Resource Report was given by Northern District Representative Brenda Kennedy-Wade, who reported on various items available. Lisa Swett, president of the Northern Maine District UMW, gave the Northern District Report, which included various assemblies and meetings to be held this year. She noted that the Northern Maine District UMW annual meeting will be held at the Limestone UMC on Oct. 4.
A special recognition pin from the NMUM-Sub District was presented to Daniel Ladner by Charlene Buzza who praised Danny for all he has done for this area, which included his involvement in the Caribou Center for Performing Arts, working to present plays, being named Citizen of the Year, and many other things.
Lavone then called each unit to come forward to present the names of those who had passed away during the year and offered a prayer at the conclusion of the lighting of the memorial candle. Those lost included the following: from Caribou — Ernest “Bud” Smith, Robert Mockler, Sharon Gail Ramey and Donald Belyea; from Mapleton — Chuck Madson, Jean Porter, Earlene Black and Phoebe McPherson; from Mars Hill — Roland Dionne; from Presque Isle: — Janet Duncan, Mildred Good, Isabelle Nehring, Ray Giberson, Fernald Garland and Sterling Bagley; and from Washburn — Chuck Madson, Evelyn Flanagin and Herschel Currie.
The offering was taken followed by the Doxology, with Lavone Walters giving a prayer of dedication. Charlotte Wilson announced that items for the silent auction were on display in the dining room and could be viewed during the lunch hour.
The Nominating Committee Report of Officers for 2014-16 was given by Barbara VanKirk, with the following names placed in nomination: president, Charlotte Wilson; vice president, no name given at this time; secretary-treasurer, Elaine Bailey; devotions, Tammy Walton; and program resources, no name given at this time. The Nominating Committee included: Barbara VanKirk, Effie McPherson and Donna Brewer. Nominations were then called for from the floor. As none were received, the nominations were accepted as presented.
An invitation for the next sub-district meeting, to be held on April 11, 2015, was extended by Presque Isle.
The hymn “O Jesus I Have Promised” was then sung. The group broke for lunch following a prayer of blessing given by Lavone. The women then returned to the nave of the church following lunch for the balance of the meeting and sang “He Touched Me” as the gathering hymn.
Lisa Swett was then presented and called on the new slate of officers to come forward for the purpose of being officially installed. Each nominee was asked to take a Tootsie Pop from Lisa. She pointed out that although the exteriors of the lollipops were of different colors, they were all the same on the inside, as are people — showing diversity yet unity. Those officers who had been presented by the Nominating Committee were then sworn in for the 2014-16 term.
A UMW president pin was presented by Charlotte Wilson and Brenda Kennedy-Wade to Lavone in appreciation of her serving as sub-district president for the past two years.
President Lavone introduced the guest speaker, Dixie Shaw of Catholic Charities. Dixie told everyone that Catholic Charities’ food bank serves 26 pantries in Aroostook County, once a month. They get at least 30,000 pounds of food a month — a truckload. All equipment is purchased with grant money received for that purpose.
Dixie gave a colorful dissertation on how the idea of a thrift store evolved. The ability to get the storage building in Monticello was very important; and they were successful in developing a food bank for that area. They hope to open one in the St. John Valley also. Recycled clothing which is baled and sent to countries that need it had previously been trucked to the lower part of the state for baling at some expense. This entire operation is now being done in Monticello at a great saving to the organization.
Catholic Charities has been fortunate in obtaining land for the purpose of growing vegetables and have a logo for the vegetables they package, “Northern Girl.” As would be expected, Dixie gave a delightfully animated talk, which was enjoyed by all.
Lavone thanked Dixie for doing their program and presented Catholic Charities with the day’s offering of $140.50. She also told Dixie that the group had collected items for Catholic Charities, for which Dixie was very appreciative. President Lavone thanked those attending for their generosity in bringing the items for the Catholic Charities Food Cupboard. She also thanked the Presque Isle ladies for hosting this event.
The meeting ended with the hymn “Close to Thee,” followed by the benediction given by Lavone. Those assembled then returned to the dining room where the silent auction items were distributed.
The results of the auction amounted to $241 which will be added to the group’s treasury. The ladies acknowledged they fortunate to have two pianists for this spring’s gathering, Danny Ladner who played everything except the last hymn, which was played by Diane Ketchum. Danny also entertained the ladies with many familiar tunes during the lunch break.
