UNITED METHODIST WOMEN  | MOPS

Cookies and Books

This welcoming book club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, to review Pope Joan by Donna Cross, an historical fiction based on the legend of a female pope. We will meet at Debbie Cook's home, 4111 Fry. Wendy Girard is discussion leader. There will be cookies, of course. Come even if you didn’t get a chance to read the book. The discussion will be fascinating.

For information contact Mary Lynn Smith.

Cancer support

Cancer support group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10:30 in the Adult Lounge. This fun, upbeat, positive, caring “sisterhood” dedicated to the art of continued busy living will be led by Suzanne Daniel and Gwendolyn Brown. For more information contact Suzanne (903.312.4114) or Gwendolyn (903.525.9299).

The Gallery

The Gallery Sunday school class is for women of all ages and stages. Like a true art gallery, some are "old masters" and some are "modern."

United Methodist Women

The organized unit of United Methodist Women is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. You are invited to join United Methodist Women of Marvin. Read below to find a circle that appeals to you and call the leader for more information.

General meetings

General meetings feature delicious meals and entertaining programs. All general luncheon meetings are held at 10:45 a.m. on Mondays in Pirtle Fellowship Hall. The meal is $7. Door prizes are given away at each meeting. Lunch (reservations required) follows the meetings. Child care and transportation are available on request. Contact the Welcome Center to make arrangements and reservations.

The next UMW general meeting and luncheon program, “Fixing Food for Body and Soul” with Leigh Vickery, food editor from the Tyler Morning Telegraph, is set for 10:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, in Pirtle Hall. The program begins at 11 a.m. Lunch will feature foods prepared in demonstration. All church members are welcome. Make lunch reservations in the Welcome Center by Sept. 15.

Organize a new circle

Each of our existing circles began with one or two women who decided they wanted to form a group of supporting friends to meet regularly for fellowship, service and spiritual growth. In a large church such as Marvin, small group fellowships are vital to the spiritual welfare of the members.

Circles may be formed for prayer, for Bible study, for special service projects or for any other spiritual interests. They may meet at any time or place. Each circle may plan its own programs or may use the provided UMW study materials. Circle members may be from any age group and they do not have to be members of Marvin Church.

Contact Shirley Hughes for information (903.561.3556).

UMW continuous activities

Activities throughout the year include quarterly general meetings, monthly circle meetings from September through May (daytime and evening), sponsorship of Baby's First Christmas, serving meals at the Tyler Junior College Wesley Foundation, representation on the Tyler Council of Church Women, participation in church services on UMW Sunday, and inviting women joining Marvin to attend circle meetings and general meetings and luncheons free of charge.

Circle meetings

The following circles meet on the third Monday of each month.

Guild Circle
Leaders:  Caro Bartley (903.780.7241) and Betty Bower (903.593.9190)
Meets at 11:30 a.m. on the third Monday of each month in Marvin's Adult Lounge
Lunch, fellowship and study. This is a long-standing circle, originally formed by professional women. They have a "Pennies" mission project and through the years they have given many gifts to help those in need, especially children.

Amazing Grace Night Circle
Leader: Sally Coker (903.597.7605)
Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in members' homes
This mission-oriented circle seeks knowledge about world-wide mission needs as well as participates in the mission work of the church. This is a growing circle featuring outside speakers and studies led by members.

Susanna Wesley Circle
Leaders:  Mary Ann Eckert (903.561.7376), Nancy Ireland (903.561.2285)
Meets at 11:30 a.m. on the third Monday of each month at Marvin or in members' homes
Members place lunch orders or bring a sack lunch. They have Bible studies, mission studies and other topical programs as well as fellowship. They have contributed to the Russian Mission of the church as well as other mission projects. The meeting concludes in time to accommodate working women and those with busy schedules.

The following circles meet on the third Tuesday of each month.

Esther Priscilla Circle
Leaders:  Margie Holt and Faye Hand (903.593.1200)
Meets at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in Marvin's Adult Lounge
Members strive to meet each other’s needs in fellowship while growing together spiritually. Outside speakers relating to the UMW mission studies and spiritual growth are used. Many members give their time to visit those who are ill and in nursing homes.

LIFE Circle
Leader: Mary E. Davis (903.565.6331)
Young women's circle (Love, Inspired, Friendship and Encourage), meets at 10 a.m. on the third Monday of each month in the Adult Lounge.

Get involved in MOPS!

You are invited to a place designed specifically for you, a mother of a preschooler. You will experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope, all to help you be the best mom possible. Where is this place? It's called MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers.

Register by contacting Nicole Grant (903.849.3239). There is a $25 registration fee and additional child care dues are paid by semester. While we are meeting, our children are cared for in the church nursery in the MOPPETS program. They have fun with crafts, Bible stories, snacks and outdoor time. Space is limited in order to provide a safe environment, so it is important to register early if planning to utilize child care.

Meetings are typically the second and fourth Thursdays of each month, beginning in September and running through May. We hope to see you there.

Looking for a place to volunteer?
While we are meeting, our children are cared for in the church nursery in a program called MOPPETS. We need some volunteers to love our children and teach them about God’s love. We plan simple activities for the children, including a story, craft, snack and outdoor time. There is a paid nursery worker in each room to assist you with caring for the children.

The current age range is 4 months-4 years old, and they are separated by age into three groups. We need three to five volunteers on Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon beginning in September. We usually meet the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. It would be great if you could volunteer at least one time each month (September through May).