UNITED METHODIST WOMEN  | MOPS

Cookies and Books

Cookies and Books is a is a multi-generational book club open to all ladies at Marvin The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18. New members are always welcome. The theme of our book choices for 2010 year is “searching” as beautifully stated by the Psalmist: “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” To purchase a book, contact the Welcome Center.

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).

Bible Study

Even though this study has begun, it's not too late for you to get involved. This evening women’s study of the book Beauty by the Book: Seeing Yourself as God Sees You by Nancy Stafford, the speaker at the women’s retreat in April, meets at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in the Adult Lounge. Julie Love Brown and Patricia Heaton are leading this six-week study about finding identity, value and true beauty. Register at the Welcome Center or on the web site.

Retreat

A retreat for women of all ages is planned for April 23–24 at With Class Spa. Registration includes two
sessions with Christian author, actress, model and speaker Nancy Stafford, two breakout sessions on topics relating to every woman, time to relax and time to reflect. The first 90 registrations include a free spa treatment. Register in the Welcome Center or on the web site. Cost is $100.  PAY ONLINE NOW ($3 processing fee) CLICK HERE

Check in at 5:30 p.m. Friday to receive packets and spa bags. We'll have a gourmet dinner provided by Le Potager Restaurant followed by a time of worship and our first session with popular Christian speaker Nancy Stafford. We’ll return to the spa at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for another session with Nancy Stafford, breakout sessions and lunch. There will be opportunities to relax and visit with friends, take a nature walk and spend some quiet time alone with God. The retreat ends at 5:30 p.m.

Nancy Stafford is a former Ford Agency model who appeared in commercials before becoming a TV and movie actress, author and speaker. She motivates, inspires and challenges others to live lives of significance and pursue their dreams with excellence as they trust and follow God.

Click here to visit the spa's web site. Click here to visit Nancy Stafford's web site. Register for the event in the Welcome Center or click here for on-line registration. Cost is $100.

The Gallery

This is a Sunday School class for all women. We meet at 9:45 a.m. in room 224. Are you looking for a hybrid mix of Bible study and spiritual issues all women face? Here is an opportunity to engage in spiritual study and in faith-forming relationships with other Christian women.

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.

March 1 program

UMW lunch program is 11 a.m. March 1 in Pirtle Hall. Guest speaker is Dallas arts critic Terry Mathews, who will showcase Greg Mortenson’s books Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools.

The books describe Morentson’s efforts to bring peace through the education of young girls by building schools in remote mountain villages in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mortenson was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, and his books have been on the New York Times Best Seller’s List for the past three years. Books will be available for purchase at the luncheon.

Greg Mortenson will appear at Marvin April 12 for a book signing. He will speak later that day at UT Tyler.

Make lunch reservations ($7) in the Welcome Center or with a UMW circle leader by Feb. 22.

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.

Night Circle
Leader: Sally Coker (903.597.7605)
Meets at 7 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 Circle
Leaders:  Ina Davidson (903.561.7154) 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.

Priscilla Circle
Leaders:  Marjorie Jones (903.592.5106) and Dawn Cooper (903.509.4409)
Meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in members' homes
Programs are designed to inspire spiritual growth through Bible study with emphasis on the teachings of Jesus. Members are encouraged to be in active service to each other and to the needs of the community.

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, and it is time to register!

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 2009 through May 2010). Our first MOPS meeting is Sept. 10.

Please consider this a vital ministry for Marvin. Contact Amanda Black to volunteer or to receive more information (903.316.7331 or totoandmanda@suddenlink.net).